Stihl HT 102 Instruction Manual page 13

The saw chain continues to move for a
short period after the throttle trigger is
released (inertia effect).
Accelerating the engine while the chain
is blocked increases the load and will
cause the clutch to slip continuously.
This may result in overheating and
damage to important components (e. g.
clutch, polymer housing components) –
which can then increase the risk of injury
from the chain moving while the engine
is idling.
WARNING
If the chain becomes clogged, always
turn off the engine and make sure the
chain has stopped before cleaning.
Make sure that the saw chain does not
touch any foreign materials such as
rocks, fences, nails and the like. Such
objects may be flung off and injure the
operator or bystanders, or damage the
saw chain.
WARNING
Prior to limbing, clear the working area
from interfering limbs and brush. Then,
establish an escape area away from
where the cut limbs can fall, and remove
all obstacles.
Keep work area clear – move away
fallen limbs. Place all tools and
equipment at a safe distance from the
branches being limbed, but not in the
escape area.
WARNING
Always observe the general condition of
the tree. Look for decay and rot in the
trunk and branches. If it is rotted inside,
HT 102, HT 103, HT 132, HT 133
it could snap and fall toward the operator
while being cut. Also look for broken or
dead branches which could vibrate
loose and fall on the operator. If branch
is thick or heavy, make a shallow relief
cut on the bottom of the branch before
cutting down from the top to help prevent
splitting of the branch. See chapter on
"Using the Unit".
WARNING
To reduce the risk of severe or even fatal
injury from falling objects do not cut
vertically above your body. Hold the pole
pruner at an angle of not more than 60°
from the horizontal level (see picture).
Objects may fall in unexpected
directions. Do not stand directly
underneath the limb being cut!
Watch for falling wood! As soon as the
limbed branch starts to fall, step aside
and keep a sufficient distance away from
the falling wood.
WARNING
Always pull the unit out of the cut with
the chain running to reduce the
possibility of pinching the cutting
attachment. Don't put pressure on the
pole pruner when reaching the end of a
cut. The pressure may cause the bar
and rotating chain to pop out of the cut or
kerf, go out of control and strike some
other object.
If the bar becomes pinched and caught
in the branch so that the chain can no
longer move, shut off the pole pruner
and carefully move the branch to open
the pinch and release the bar.
WARNING
If a rotating saw chain strikes a rock or
other hard object, sparks may be
created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances.
Flammable materials can include dry
vegetation and brush, particularly when
weather conditions are hot and dry.
When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do
not use a power tool around flammable
materials or around dry vegetation or
brush. Contact your local fire authorities
or the U.S. Forest Service if you have
any question about whether vegetation
and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a pole pruner.
WARNING
Never modify your muffler. Any
modification could cause an increase in
heat radiation, sparks or sound level,
thereby increasing the risk of fire, burn
injury or hearing loss. You may also
permanently damage the engine. STIHL
English
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