Maintenance; Fig.21 - Makita DUC204 Instruction Manual

NOTICE:
When filling the chain oil for the first
time, or refilling the tank after it has been com-
pletely emptied, add oil up to the bottom edge of
the filler neck. The oil delivery may otherwise be
impaired.
NOTICE:
Use the saw chain oil exclusively for
Makita chain saws or equivalent oil available in
the market.
NOTICE:
Never use oil including dust and parti-
cles or volatile oil.
NOTICE:
When pruning trees, use botanical oil.
Mineral oil may harm trees.
NOTICE:
Before the cutting operation, make sure
that the provided oil tank cap is screwed in place.
WORKING WITH THE CHAIN SAW
CAUTION:
The first time user should, as a
minimum practice, do cutting logs on a saw-horse
or cradle.
CAUTION:
When sawing precut timber, use a
safe support (saw horse or cradle). Do not steady
the workpiece with your foot, and do not allow
anyone else to hold or steady it.
CAUTION:
Secure round pieces against
rotation.
CAUTION:
Keep all parts of the body away
from the saw chain when the motor is operating.
CAUTION:
Hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands when the motor is running.
CAUTION:
Do not overreach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.
NOTICE:
Never toss or drop the tool.
NOTICE:
Do not cover the vents of the tool.
Pruning trees
Bring the chain saw body into contact with the branch to
be cut before switching on. Otherwise it may cause the
guide bar to wobble, resulting in injury to operator. Saw
the wood to be cut by just moving it down by using the
weight of the chain saw.
► Fig.19
If you cannot cut the timber right through with a single
stroke:
Apply light pressure to the handle and continue sawing
and draw the chain saw back a little.
► Fig.20
When cutting thick branches, first make a shallow
undercut and then make the finish cut from the top.

► Fig.21

If you try to cut off thick branches from the bottom, the
branch may close in and pinch the saw chain in the cut.
If you try to cut off thick branches from the top without a
shallow undercut, the branch may splinter.
► Fig.22
Bucking
1. Rest the chain saw body on the wood to be cut.
► Fig.23
2. With the saw chain running, saw into the wood
while using the top handle to raise the saw and the front
one to guide it.
3. Continue the cut by applying slight pressure to the
top handle, easing the saw back slightly.
NOTICE:
When making several cuts, switch the
chain saw off between cuts.
CAUTION:
If the upper edge of the bar is used
for cutting, the chain saw may be deflected in
your direction if the chain becomes trapped. For
this reason, cut with the lower edge, so that the
saw will be deflected away from your body.
► Fig.24
When you cut a wood under tension, cut the pressured
side (A) first. Then make the final cut from the tensioned
side (B). This prevents the bar from becoming trapped.
► Fig.25
Limbing
CAUTION:
Limbing may only be performed by
trained persons. A hazard is presented by the risk
of kickback.
When limbing, support the chain saw on the trunk if
possible. Do not cut with the tip of the bar, as this pres-
ents a risk of kickback.
Pay particular attention to branches under tension. Do
not cut unsupported branches from below.
Do not stand on the felled trunk when limbing.
Carrying tool
Before carrying the tool, always apply the chain brake
and remove the battery cartridges from the tool. Then
attach the guide bar cover. Also cover the battery car-
tridge with the battery cover.
► Fig.26: 1. Guide bar cover 2. Battery cover

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION:
Always be sure that the tool is
switched off and the battery cartridge is removed
before attempting to perform inspection or
maintenance.
CAUTION:
Always wear gloves when perform-
ing any inspection or maintenance.
NOTICE:
Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner,
alcohol or the like. Discoloration, deformation or
cracks may result.
To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY,
repairs, any other maintenance or adjustment should
be performed by Makita Authorized or Factory Service
Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.
16 ENGLISH