Craftsman S145 Operator's Manual page 14

PREPARING THE WORK AREA
• Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them
outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they
are still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to
wear eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit
immediately. When felling, the safe distance is at least twice the
height of the tallest tree in the work area. When bucking, keep
workers at least 15 feet (4.6 m) apart.
• Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries. Do not
start cutting until the work area is clear and free from
obstructions. Make sure there is secure footing and a planned
retreat path from falling trees or branches.
• Do not cut near electrical cables or power lines. Keep at least 50
feet (15 m) away from all power lines.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
HOLDING THE UNIT
WARNING:
Always use the hand placements specified
below whether the operator is left-handed or right-handed.
This will help keep the operator slightly to the left of the
unit and out of the direct line of the saw chain if kickback
occurs (Fig. 8 and Fig. 9). Always keep all body parts to
the left of the chain line.
• Firmly encircle the handles with the thumbs and fingers (Fig. 6).
This will help reduce the chance of losing control of the unit if
kickback occurs. Any grip with thumbs and fingers on the same
side of the handles is dangerous (Fig. 7).
• Always grip the unit firmly with both hands when the unit is
running.
• Hold the front handle with the left hand. Keep the left arm
straight to help withstand potential kickback.
• Hold the rear handle with the right hand. Keep the right arm
slightly bent.
• Stand in a stable position with feet apart and firmly planted.
• Do not cut above shoulder height. Do not overreach.
CUTTING PROCEDURE BASICS
1. Start the unit. Refer to Starting Instructions in the Starting and
Stopping section.
2. Keep your fingers off the throttle control until you are ready to
make a cut.
3. Accelerate the unit to full speed before cutting.
4. Make sure that oil is flowing onto the guide bar and saw chain. A
small spray should be visible. When using the unit for the first
time, allow 30-60 seconds for the oil to begin flowing.
5. Press the unit against the wood and maintain a firm, steady
pressure through most of the cut. Do not put pressure on the
unit at the end of the cut.
6. Maintain a steady speed throughout the cut. Keep the unit
running through the entire cut.
7. Do not try to force the saw through the wood. Allow the saw
chain to do the cutting. Exert only light pressure. Forcing the cut
could result in damage to the unit or personal injury.
8. Release the throttle control as soon as the cut is completed.
Allow the saw chain to come to a complete stop. The saw chain,
guide bar and engine may experience unnecessary wear if the
unit is run without a cutting load.
Correct Grip
Thumbs Below the Handles
Incorrect Grip
Chain Line
Correct Stance
14
Fig. 6
Thumb
Above the
Handle
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Chain Line
Incorrect Stance
Fig. 9