Working Techniques; Before Use; General Working Instructions - Husqvarna 418 EL Operator's Manual

Before use:

(42)
1 Check that the chain brake works correctly and is not
damaged.
2 Check that the rear right hand guard is not damaged.
3 Check that the power trigger lockout works correctly
and is not damaged.
4 Check that all handles are free from oil.
5 Check that all parts of the chain saw are tightened
correctly and that they are not damaged or missing.
6 Check that the chain catcher is in place and not
damaged.
7 Check the chain tension.
8 Check that the saw chain stops moving when the
power trigger is released.

General working instructions

IMPORTANT!
This section describes basic safety rules for using a
chain saw. This information is never a substitute for
professional skills and experience. If you get into a
situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert
advice. Contact your chain saw dealer, service agent or
an experienced chain saw user. Do not attempt any task
that you feel unsure of!
Before using a chain saw you must understand the
effects of kickback and how to avoid them. See
instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.
Before using a chain saw you must understand the
difference between cutting with the top and bottom
edges of the bar. See instructions under the headings
How to avoid kickback and Machine's safety equipment.
Wear personal protective equipment. See instructions
under the "Personal protective equipment" heading.
Basic safety rules
1 Look around you:
• To ensure that people, animals or other things cannot
affect your control of the machine.
• To make sure that none of the above might come
within reach of your saw or be injured by falling trees.
• If wearing hearing protection, beware of persons
approaching during use of saw.
CAUTION! Follow the instructions above, but do not use a
chain saw in a situation where you cannot call for help in
case of an accident.
2 Do not use the machine in bad weather, such as
dense fog, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc.
Working in bad weather is tiring and often brings
added risks, such as icy ground, lightning,
unpredictable felling direction, etc.
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WORKING TECHNIQUES

3 If working in hot condition be aware of dehydration
and drink fluids.
4 Take great care when removing small branches and
avoid cutting bushes (i.e. cutting many small branches
at the same time). Small branches can be grabbed by
the chain and thrown back at you, causing serious
injury.
5 Make sure you can move and stand safely. Check the
area around you for possible obstacles (roots, rocks,
branches, ditches, etc.) in case you have to move
suddenly. Take great care when working on sloping
ground.
6 Take great care when cutting a tree that is in tension.
A tree that is in tension may spring back to its normal
position before or after being cut. If you position
yourself incorrectly or make the cut in the wrong place
the tree may hit you or the machine and cause you to
lose control. Both situations can cause serious
personal injury. (43)
7 Before moving your chain saw deactivate it and lock
the saw chain using the chain brake. Carry the chain
saw with the bar and chain pointing backwards. Fit a
guard to the bar before transporting the chain saw or
carrying it for any distance.
8 When you put the chain saw on the ground, lock the
saw chain using the chain brake and ensure you have
a constant view of the machine. Switch the engine off
before leaving your chain saw for any length of time.
WARNING! Sometimes chips get stuck in
!
the drive system causing the saw chain
to jam. Always deactivate the machine
and unplug from the power supply before
any cleaning.
General rules
1 If you understand what kickback is and how it happens
then you can reduce or eliminate the element of
surprise. By being prepared you reduce the risk.
Kickback is usually quite mild, but it can sometimes be
very sudden and violent.
2 Always hold the chain saw firmly with your right hand
on the rear handle and your left hand on the front
handle. Wrap your fingers and thumbs around the
handles. You should use this grip whether you are
right-handed or left-handed. This grip minimises the
effect of kickback and lets you keep the chain saw
under control. Do not let go of the handles! (44)
3 Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make
sure you are standing firmly and that there is nothing
in the way that might make you trip or lose your
balance.
Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the
kickback zone of the bar accidentally touches a
branch, nearby tree or some other object.
Have control over the workpiece. If the pieces you
intend to cut are small and light, they can jam in the