Parker PGMT-5200 Owner's Manual page 33

OPERATION
•
With the saw chain running at full speed, begin
cutting the underside of the branch using the
chain on the top of the guide bar. Cut
approximately one third of the way through.
Beware of hidden branches as contact with the
tip can cause the saw to kickback.
• Finish cutting down through the remaining two
thirds. Let the chain do the cutting: Do not force
it!
•
Safely and quickly get out of the way from the
falling debris.
• Small branches can be removed in one cut.
• Do not cut too close to the trunk as it creates a
larger diameter 'wound' and takes longer to
'heal'. It can also speed up the spread of decay. A
'wound' will 'heal' fine without the need for any
treatment.
• The guide bar and chain are consumable items.
HAZARDS
There are several dangers specific to cutting
timber with a chainsaw.
Kickback is the term used to describe the reaction
when the tip of the guide bar is thrown upwards in
an arc. On a chainsaw this is very dangerous as it is
generally thrown up toward the users face;
however, on this type of machine it can still be
hazardous and result in a loss of control or injury.
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The chain is driven out, away from the head, along
the top of the guide bar. If the chain stops suddenly
(pinched by the limb being cut) within the kickback
zone it will drive the guide bar back and upward in
the opposite direction.
Pull-In is the result of the chain becoming pinched
along the underside of the guide bar, the reaction
doing as the name suggests, whipping the machine
away from you. To avoid this, make sure the chain is
running at full speed before starting the cut.
Generally, the best way to avoid these hazards are:
• Maintain a sharp and correctly tensioned chain.
• Cut one branch at a time.
• Avoid all other branches while performing the
cut.
• Butt the housing up to the branch.
•
Begin the cut only with the chain at full speed.
•
Concentrate at all times and firmly grip the
machine with both hands.
If the machine remains trapped in a partial cut stop
the engine. Support the weight of the machine
while trying to lift (or pull down, depending on the
side of the chain trapped) the branch to release the
chain.
HEDGE TRIMMER WORKING TECHNIQUES
Some local authorities impose seasonal bans on
hedge cutting. Check with your local authority to
make sure this does not affect you. Beware of
hidden objects. Check there are no wire fences,
power cables or other objects hidden within the
hedge that will damage this machine or cause injury
if cut by the blades. Remove the blade guard before
starting the engine. The metal blade is intended for
cutting branches up to 24mm and can be used to
clear scrub or off shoots around the base of shrubs,
brushes and hedges. The metal blade is a
consumable item, avoiding contact with larger
branches, roots, stones, walls, fences and other hard
surfaces will help prolong the life of it. Before using
the hedge trimmer, remove any large branches with
a pair of loppers.
Ground Clearance
Before all the hedge trimmings fall and obscure the
base of the hedge, clear out any unwanted new
shoots or woody weeds.
• Adjust the cutting head.
• Manoeuvre the cutting head in and around the
root, avoiding large diameter limbs, roots and
stones.
OPERATION
WARNING! Use of this product can pose a danger
to wildlife. Before attempting to use this machine,
check the area, particularly long grass and under
bushes for signs of life: if necessary relocate.
NOTE: Not all animals will be deterred by the noise
of the product alone
Vertical Cutting
The best practice is to cut the front and side of a
hedge first before finishing with the top
• Set the cutting head straight.
• Make large sweeping arcs with the cutting head,
using both sides of the blade to trim material
from the hedge.
Stand back at regular intervals. What 'looks' to be a
straight and level cut from close up will look quite
different from a distance.
Vertical Cutting (at a distance)
If an obstacle prevents you from standing directly
next to the hedge [for example a flower bed] follow
the steps as per vertical cutting but with the cutting
head at a more suitable angle.
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