Stihl HTA 66 Instruction Manual page 20

English
– Always keep bystanders at least
– Do not allow other persons in the general work area.
￭ Check the chain and guide bar at regular short intervals
during operation, or immediately if there is a change in
cutting behavior:
– Switch off the motor and remove the battery.
– Check the condition and tension of the chain. Look
for damage to the chain or guide bar.
– If the chain cannot be properly tensioned, or if other
components of the pole pruner are worn or
damaged, stop work immediately and take your pole
pruner to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer for
inspection, repair or maintenance.
￭ If a tree is rotted, it could snap and fall toward the operator
while being cut. To reduce the risk of injury from falling
debris, take the following steps before starting work:
– Observe the general condition of the tree. Inspect for
decay or rot in the trunk and branches. Look for dead
branches that could vibrate loose and fall on the
operator.
– To prevent a larger branch from splitting, make a
shallow relief cut at the bottom of the branch before
making a finishing cut from the top. This procedure
will help reduce damage to the tree and also help
make the fall of the limb more predictable.
18
50 ft. (15 m) away when the
power tool is in use.
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭
￭ To reduce the risk of severe or even fatal injury from
falling objects:
– Never cut directly overhead. Hold the pole pruner no
more than 60° from the horizontal plane (see
illustration).
– Never stand underneath the limb being cut.
– Watch for falling limbs. Objects may fall in
unexpected directions.
– Establish an escape route away from where the
limbs may fall.
– As soon as the limbed branch starts to fall, step
away and keep a sufficient distance away.
– Keep the work area clear and free of obstacles and
fallen limbs. Place all tools and equipment out of
your immediate work area and escape route.
￭ There is an increased danger of pinching the pole pruner
when cutting branches under tension. The tension in wood
can also release suddenly and with great force, propelling
the limb or pole pruner into the operator, causing injury or
loss of control.
max 60°
0458-191-8221-A