Checking The Chain Brake; Working Techniques - Poulan Pro PL3816 Quick Start Manual

CHECKING THE CHAIN BRAKE

The chain brake must be checked before each
use. The engine must be running when performing
this procedure.
This is the only instance when the saw should be
placed on the ground with the engine running.
1. Place the saw on firm ground.
2. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and
the front handle with your left hand.
3. Apply full throttle by fully depressing the throttle
trigger.
4. Activate the chain brake by turning your left
wrist toward the hand guard without releasing
your grip around the front handle. The chain
should stop immediately.
PRACTICING YOUR CUTS
Practice cutting a few small logs using the
following techniques to get the "feel" of using your
saw before you begin a major sawing operation.
• Squeeze the throttle trigger and allow the
engine to reach full speed before cutting.
• Begin cutting with the saw frame against the
log.
• Keep the engine at full speed the entire time
you are cutting.
• Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only light
downward pressure. If you force the cut,
damage to the guide bar, chain, or engine can
result.
• Release the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is
completed, allowing the engine to idle. If you
run the saw at full throttle without a cutting load,
unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, guide
bar, and engine. It is recommended that the
engine not be operated for longer than 30
seconds at full throttle.
• To avoid losing control when cut is complete,
do not put pressure on saw at end of cut.
• Stop the engine before setting the saw down
after cutting.
FELLING A TREE
PLANNING
WARNING! Check for broken or dead
branches which can fall while cutting
causing serious injury. Do not cut near
buildings or electrical wires if you do not
know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at night
since you will not be able to see well, nor
during bad weather such as rain, snow, or
strong winds, etc. If the tree makes contact
with any utility line, the utility company
should be notified immediately.
Carefully plan your sawing operation in advance.
Clear the work area. You need a clear area all
around the tree so you can have secure footing.

WORKING TECHNIQUES

10
CHECKING THE INERTIA ACTIVATING
FUNCTION CONTROL
WARNING! When performing the following
procedure, the engine must be turned off.
1. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and
the front handle with your left hand.
2. Hold the chainsaw approximately 16-18 inches
(40-45 centimeters) above a stump or other
wooden surface.
3. Release your grip on the front handle and use
the weight of the saw to let the tip of the guide
bar fall forward and contact the stump. When
the tip of the bar hits the stump, the brake
should activate.
The chainsaw operator should keep on the uphill
side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide
downhill after it is felled.
Study the natural conditions that can cause the
tree to fall in a particular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a
particular direction include:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might
not be apparent due to uneven or sloping
terrain. Use a plumb or level to determine the
direction of tree lean.
• Weight and branches on one side.
• Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can
snap and fall toward the operator. Check for
broken or dead branches which can fall on you
while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall.
Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths from the
nearest person or other objects. Engine noise can
drown out a warning call.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples,
and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diagonal
to the line of fall. Note the danger zone (1), retreat
path (2), and felling direction (3) in the following
diagram.