Poulan Pro 1420 Instruction Manual page 8

BEFORE STARTING SAW
_WARNING: Be sure to read the
electrical safety information in the SAFE-
TY RULES section of this manual before
you begin. If you do not understand the
electrical safety information do not at-
tempt to use your unit. Seek help from
someone that does understand the in-
formation or call the customer assis-
tance help line at 1-800-554-6723.
GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL
The bar and chain require lubrication. The
manually-operated chain oiler provides
lubrication to the chain and guide bar. Be
sure to fill the bar oil tank before each cut-
ting session. The oiler activator/bar oil cap
must be used regularly and often enough
to maintain a thin film of oil on the bar and
chain while saw is cutting. It is recom-
mended that the oiler actuator/bar oil cap
be operated every ten (10) seconds and
held for a seconds
each time it is pressed. For maximum
guide bar and chain life, we recommend
you use Poulan chain saw bar oil. If Pou-
lan bar oil is not available, you may use a
good grade SAE 30 oil until you are able
to obtain Poulan brand. The oil output is
manually metered during operation. Use
a funnel to fill the tank. Replace oil cap se-
curely. Check oil level after every 15 min-
utes of operation.
STOPPING YOUR SAW
• Release the trigger switch.
• If motor does not stop, disconnect the
extension cord. Discontinue use of
the unit until repaired by an authorized
service dealer.
STARTING YOUR SAW
1. Connect the saw to a power source
using the proper size extension cord
(see SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD).
2. Push in switch lock out button.
3. Squeeze gger switch.
OPERATING TIPS
• Check chain tension before first use
and after 1 minute of operation. See
CHECK CHAIN TENSION in the MAINTE-
NANCE section.
• Cut wood only. Do not cut metal, plas-
tics, masonry, non-wood building ma-
terials, etc.
• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a for-
eign object. Inspect the saw and repair
parts as necessary.
• Keep the chain out of dirt and sand.
Even a small amount of dirt will quickly
dull a chain and increase the possibil-
ity of kickback.
• Practice cutting a few small logs using
the following steps. This will help you
get the "feel" of using your saw before
you begin a major sawing operation.
• Squeeze the trigger switch and allow
unit to reach full speed before cutting.
• Begin cutting with the saw frame
against the log.
• Keep the motor at full speed the en-
tire time you are cutting.
• Release trigger switch as soon as cut
is completed, allowing motor to stop.
• Keep the cord away from the cutting
area. Position cord so it will not be
caught on branches and the like
during cutting.
• To avoid losing control when cut is
complete, do not put pressure on
saw at end of cut.
• Stop motor before setting saw down.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
_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, strong winds, etc. If the tree makes
contact with any utility line, the utility com-
plany 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.
• The chain saw operator should keep
on the uphill side of the terrain as the
tree is likely to roll or slide downhill af-
ter it is felled.
• Study the natural conditions that can
cause the tree to fall in a particular direc-
tion, such as:
• 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 lev-
el 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.