Stihl HT 56 C Instruction Manual page 7

2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
Position the housing against the branch and then
perform the cross-cut. This will prevent the
power tool from making jolting movements when
you start the separating cut.
Start the cut with the saw chain at full throttle.
Always cut with a correctly sharpened, properly
tensioned saw chain – the depth gauge setting
must not be too large.
Do not operate your power tool in the starting
throttle position – engine speed cannot be con‐
trolled in this position.
Perform cross-cut from the top downward to
avoid the chain pinching in the cut.
If branches are thick or heavy, make a relief cut –
see "Using the Pole Pruner".
Exercise extreme caution when sawing branches
under tension – Risk of injury! Always make a
relieving cut on the compression side first and
then perform the bucking cut at the tension side.
Be careful when cutting splintered wood – Risk of
injury from ejected pieces of wood!
If working on a slope, always stand uphill or to
the side of the branch which is to be sawn.
Watch out for rolling branches.
Note when reaching the end of a cut that the
power tool is no longer supported by the guide
bar in the cut. The user must bear the weight of
the machine – risk of loss of control!
Always pull the power tool out of the cut with the
saw chain running.
Use the power tool for limbing and pruning only,
not for felling – Risk of accidents!
Keep the saw chain away from any foreign
objects: Stones, nails, etc. may be ejected and
damage the saw chain.
If a rotating saw chain hits a stone or another
hard object, sparks may be generated which may
ignite easily flammable materials under certain
0458-555-8321-C
conditions. Dried-out plants and undergrowth are
combustible, especially in hot and dry weather. If
there is a risk of fire, do not use your pole pruner
near easily flammable materials, dry plants or
scrub. It is mandatory that you ask the responsi‐
ble forestry office about current fire hazards.
Before you leave the machine: Shut the engine
off.
2.8 Vibrations
Prolonged use of the power tool may result in
vibration-induced circulation problems in the
hands (whitefinger disease).
No general recommendation can be given for the
length of usage because it depends on several
factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
– Hand protection (wearing warm gloves)
– Work breaks
The period of usage is shortened by:
– Any personal tendency to suffer from poor cir‐
culation (symptoms: frequently cold fingers,
tingling sensations).
– Low outside temperatures.
– The force with which the handles are held (a
tight grip restricts circulation).
Continual and regular users should monitor
closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical advice.
2.9 Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the instruction manual. Have all other work per‐
formed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL
replacement parts. They are specifically
designed to match your model and meet your
performance requirements.
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