Black & Decker GK1940T Original Instructions Manual page 10

ENGLISH
How the anti-kickback chain brake works
In the event of kickback, your left hand comes in contact with
the front guard, pushing it forwards, toward the workpiece,
and stops the tool within a few fractions of a second.
How to test the anti-kickback chain brake (fig. E - F)
Always check that the kickback brake operates correctly
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before use.
Grip the tool firmly in both hands on a firm surface make
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sure the saw chain (6) is clear of the ground and switch on
(see" How to switch the chainsaw on").
Rotate your left hand forward around the front handle so
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that the back of your hand comes in contact with the front
guard/chain brake assembly (4) and push it forwards,
toward the workpiece (fig. E). The saw chain (6) should
stop within a few fractions of a second.
To reset after the operation of the front guard/chain brake
assembly (4) follow the instructions for "How to set the chain
brake".
Note: Avoid re-starting the tool until you hear the motor
come to a complete rest.
Note: If chain brake is malfunctioning take the product to an
approved Black & Decker service centre.
If the saw chain (6) or guide bar (7) becomes jammed
Switch the tool off.
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Disconnect the tool from the mains supply.
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Open the cut with wedges to relieve the strain on the
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guide bar (7). Do not try to wrench the chainsaw free.
Start a fresh cut.
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Felling (fig. J - L)
Inexperienced users should not attempt to fell trees. The
user may suffer injury or cause damage to property as a
result of failure to control the direction of fall, the tree may
splinter or damaged/dead branches may fall during cutting.
The safe distance between a tree to be felled and
bystanders, buildings and other objects is at least 2 1/2 times
the height of the tree. Any bystander, building or object
within this distance is at risk from being struck by the tree
when felled.
Before attempting to fell a tree:
Make sure that there are no local by-laws or regulations
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that would prohibit or control the felling of the tree.
Consider all conditions that may affect the direction of fall,
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including:
The intended direction of fall.
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The natural lean of the tree.
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Any unusual heavy limb structure or decay.
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Surrounding trees and obstacles including overhead
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lines and underground drains.
The wind speed and direction.
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10
(Original instructions)
Pre-plan a safe exit from falling trees or branches. Make sure
that the exit route is clear of obstacles that would prevent or
hinder movement. Remember that wet grass and freshly cut
bark is slippery.
Do not attempt to fell trees where the tree diameter is
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greater than the cutting length of the chainsaw.
Cut a direction notch to determine the direction of fall.
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Make a horizontal cut to a depth of between 1/5th and
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1/3rd of the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the line
of fall at the base of the tree (fig. J).
Make a second cut from above to intersect with the first
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and make a notch of about 45°.
Make a single horizontal felling cut from the other side 25
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mm to 50 mm above the centre of the direction notch.
(fig.K). Do not cut through to the direction notch, you could
lose control of the direction of fall.
Drive a wedge or wedges into the felling cut to open it and
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drop the tree (fig. L).
Pruning trees
Make sure that there are no local by-laws or regulations that
would prohibit or control the pruning of the tree limbs.
Pruning should only be undertaken by experienced users
there is an increased risk of the saw chain pinching and kick
back.
Before pruning consideration should be given to
conditions affecting the direction of fall including:
The length and weight of the branch to be cut.
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Any unusual heavy limb structure or decay.
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Surrounding trees and obstacles including overhead.
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The wind speed and direction.
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The branch being intertwined with other branches.
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The operator should consider access to the tree limb and
the direction of fall. The tree branch is liable to swing towards
the tree trunk. In addition to the user bystanders, objects and
property below the branch will be at risk.
To avoid splintering, make the first cut in an upward
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direction to a maximum depth of one third the diameter of
the branch.
Make the second cut downwards to meet the first.
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Logging (fig. M - O)
How you should cut depends on how the log is supported.
Use a saw horse whenever possible. Always start a cut with
the saw chain running and the spiked bumper (17) in contact
with the wood (fig. M). To complete the cut use a pivoting
action of the spiked bumper against the wood.
When supported along its whole length:
Make a downward cut, but avoid cutting the earth as this
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will blunt your saw chain quickly.