Operation - Craftsman 172.34120 Operator's Manual

OPERATION cont.
CUTTING
Check oil level gauge prior to starting and regularly during operation. Refill oil when oil
level is low. The oil tank filling will last approx. 16 minutes, depending on sawing intensity
and stops. (See Fig. 6 on page 18)
Confirm the chain tension is in working order and the chain sharp.
Check new replaced chain tension during operation.
Upon initial operation, new chains can lengthen considerably. The condition of the chain
influences the cutting performance. Only a sharp chain protects from overload.
Make sure you are wearing the necessary protective equipment.
Wear safety glasses/goggles/visor – safety helmet and hearing protection.
Further protective equipment for head, hands, legs and feet is highly recommended.
Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal injury by flying debris or accidental
contact with saw chain.
Proper functioning of the automatic oiler can be checked by running the chain saw and
pointing the tip of the chain bar towards a piece of cardboard or paper on the ground.
CAUTION:
Do not touch the ground with the chain. Ensure safety clearance
!
of 20 cm. (7-7/8 inch.) If an increasing oil pattern develops, the automatic oiler is
operating fine. If there is no oil pattern, despite a full oil reservoir,
see "Troubleshooting".
KICKBACK (
Fig. 10a, 10b)
Fig. 10a
Clear The
Work Area
Kickback Path
KICKBACK is the backward, upward or sudden forward motion of the guide bar occurring
when the saw chain near the upper tip of the guide bar contacts any object such as a log or
branch, or when the wood closes in and pinches chain in the cut. Contacting a foreign object
in the wood can also result in loss of chain saw control.
When kickback occurs the chainsaw reacts unpredictably and can cause severe injuries
to the operator or bystanders. Particular attention must be given when sawing sideward,
slanted or during length cuts, as the spiked bumper usually can not be applied.
To avoid kickback:
• Saw with guide bar at a flat angle.
• Never work with a loose, widely stretched or the heavily worn out chain.
• Ensure chain is sharpened correctly.
• Never saw above shoulder height.
• Never work with the tip of the guide bar.
• Always hold the chain saw firmly with both hands.
• Always use a low kickback chain.
• Apply the metal gripping teeth for leverage.
• Ensure correct chain tension.
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OPERATION cont.
GENERAL CUTTING
Always hold the chain saw firmly with both hands. Front grip with the left hand and rear grip
with the right hand. Fully grip both handles at all times during operation. (See Figs. 11 and 12)
Never operate chain saw using only one hand. Ensure power cord is located to the rear,
away from the chain and wood and so positioned that it will not be caught on branches or the
(see THE CHAIN BREAK, page 21)
like during cutting.
Fig. 11
Fig. 10b
Use the chain saw only with secure footing.
Hold the chain saw at the right-hand side of your body. (See Figs. 11 and 12)
Avoid
Obstructions
The chain must be running at full
speed before it makes contact
with the wood.
Use the metal gripping teeth to
secure the saw onto the wood
before starting to cut.
Use the spiked bumper (9) as a
leverage point while cutting.
(See Fig. 13)
Fig. 12
STAND TO THE
LEFT OF SAW
Thumb on
underside
of handlebar
Fig. 13
Spiked Bumper
9
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