Putting Into Operation; Kickback; Working Behavior/Method Of Working - Makita DCS230T Instruction Manual

Putting into operation

- Do not work on your own. There must be someone
around in case of an emergency.
- Ensure that there are no children or other people within
the working area. Pay attention to any animals in the
working area, as well (Fig. 7).
- Before starting work the chain saw must be
checked for perfect function and operating safety
according to the prescriptions.
Check especially the function of the chain brake, the
correct mounting of the guide bar, the correct
sharpening and tightening of the chain, the firm
mounting of the sprocket guard, the easy motion of the
throttle lever and the function of the throttle lever lock,
the cleanliness and dryness of the handles, and the
function of the ON/OFF switch.
- Put the chain saw only into operation if it is completely
assembled. Never use the chain saw when it is not
completely assembled.
- Before starting the chain saw ensure that you have a
safe footing.
- Put the chain saw into operation only as described in
this instruction manual (Fig. 8). Other starting methods
are not allowed.
- When starting the chain saw it must be well supported
and securely held. The guide bar and chain must not
be in contact with any object.
- When working with the chain saw always hold it
with both hands. Take the rear handle with the right
hand and the tubular handle with the left hand. Hold the
handles tightly with your thumbs facing your fingers. It
is extremely dangerous to work with one hand, as the
saw can fall through the completed cut uncontrolled
(high risk of injury). Furthermore, it is impossible to
control kickback with one hand.
- CAUTION: When releasing the throttle lever the
chain will keep on running for a short period of
time (free-wheeling).
- Continuously ensure that you have a safe footing.
- Hold the chain saw such that you will not breathe in the
exhaust gas. Do not work in closed rooms (danger of
poisoning).
- Switch off the chain saw immediately if you
observe any changes in its operating behavior.
- The engine must be switched off before checking
the chain tension, tightening the chain, replacing it
or clearing malfunctions (Fig. 9).
- When the sawing device is hit by stones, nails or other
hard objects, switch off the engine immediately and
check the sawing device.
- When stopping work or leaving the working place
switch off the chain saw (Fig. 9) and put it down such
that nobody is endangered.
- Do not put the overheated power chain saw in dry
grass or on any inflammable objects. The muffler is
very hot (danger of fire).
- CAUTION: Oil dropping from the chain or guide bar
after having stopped the saw chain will pollute the soil.
Always use an appropriate base.

Kickback

- When working with the chain saw dangerous kickbacks
may occur.
- Kickback occurs when the upper part of the end of the
guide bar inadvertently touches wood or other hard
objects (Fig. 10).
- Before the saw chain enters the cut, it can slip to the
side or jump (caution: high risk of kickback).
- This causes the saw to be thrown back toward the user
with great force and out of control. Risk of injury!
In order to prevent kickback, follow these rules:
- Only specially-trained persons should perform plunge
cuts, i.e., piercing timber or wood with the tip of the
saw!
- Always observe the end of the guide bar. Be careful
when continuing an already started cut.
- When starting to cut the chain must be running.
- Ensure that the chain is always sharpened correctly.
Pay special attention to the height of the depth limiter.
- Never cut several branches at the same time. When
cutting a branch ensure that no other branch is
touched.
- When crosscutting a trunk be aware of the trunks next
to it.

Working behavior/Method of working

- Only use the chain saw during good light and visibility
periods. Be aware of slippery or wet areas, and of ice
and snow (risk of slipping). The risk of slipping is
extremely high when working on recently peeled wood
(bark).
- Never work on unstable surfaces. Make sure that there
are no obstacles in the working area, risk of stumbling.
Always ensure that you have a safe footing.
- Never saw above your shoulder height (Fig. 11).
- Never saw while standing on a ladder (Fig. 11).
- Never climb a tree and work without the appropriate
restraining systems for the operator and the saw. We
recommend always working from a rising platform
(cherry picker, lift).
- Do not work leaning too far over.
- Guide the chain saw in such a way that no part of your
body is within the elongated swivelling range of the saw
(Fig. 12).
- Use the chain saw for sawing wood only.
- Avoid touching the ground with the chain saw while it is
still running.
- Never use the chain saw for lifting up or removing
pieces of wood or other objects.
- Remove foreign objects such as sand, stones and nails
found within the working area. Foreign objects may
damage the sawing device and can cause dangerous
kickback.
- When sawing precut timber use a safe support (sawing
jack, (Fig. 13)). Do not steady the workpiece with your
foot, and do not allow anyone else to hold or steady it.
- Secure round pieces against rotation.
- Before performing a crosscut firmly apply the front of
the body to the timber, only then can the timber be cut
with the chain running. For this the chain saw is lifted at
the rear handle and guided with the tubular handle. The
front of the body serves as a centre of rotation.
Continue by slightly pressing down the tubular handle
and simultaneously pulling back the chain saw. Apply
the front of the body a little bit deeper and once again
lift the rear handle.
- When the timber must be pierced for cutting or
longitudinal cuts are to be performed it is urgently
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