Working Techniques; Felling A Tree - Poulan Pro PR5020 Instruction Manual

STOPPING
Stop the engine by pushing the start/stop switch down.
a WARNING! To avoid involuntary start up,
the spark plug cap must always be removed
from the spark plug when the machine is
unsupervised.
CHAIN BRAKE
a WARNING: If the brake band is worn too
thin it may break when the chain brake is
triggered. With a broken brake band, the
chain brake will not stop the chain. The
chain brake should be replaced by an
authorized service dealer if any part is worn
to less than 0.5 mm (0.020 in) thick. Repairs
on a chain brake should be made by an
authorized service dealer.
Take your unit to the place of purchase if
purchased from a servicing dealer, or to the
nearest authorized master service dealer.
This saw is equipped with a chain brake. The brake is
PRACTICING YOUR CUTS
Practice cutting a few small logs using the following
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.
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
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
a 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
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.
10

WORKING TECHNIQUES

designed to stop the chain if kickback occurs.
The inertia-activated chain brake is locked if the front
hand guard is pushed forward, either manually (by
If the brake is already locked, it is unlocked by pulling
the front handguard back toward the front handle as
far as possible.
When cutting with the saw, the chain brake must be
unlocked.
BRAKING FUNCTION CONTROL
NOTE: The chain brake must be checked several
times daily. 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.
with your right hand and the front handle with your left
hand. Apply full throttle by fully depressing the throttle
trigger. Activate the chain brake by turning your left
wrist against the hand guard without releasing your
grip around the front handle. The chain should stop
immediately.
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.
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