Craftsman 358.341040 Operator's Manual page 8

BEFORE STARTING SAW
_WARNING: Be sure to read the
electrical safety information in the
SAFETY RULES section of this manual
before you begin, If you do not under-
stand the electrical safety information
do not attempt to use your unit. Seek
help from someone that does under-
stand the information or call the cus-
tomer assistance help line at
1-800-235-5878.
GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL
The bar and chain require lubrication,
The manually-operated chain oiler pro-
vides lubrication to the chain and guide
bar. Be sure to fill the bar oil tank before
each cutting session, The oiler activator/
bar oil cap must be used regularly and
often enough to maintain a thin film of oil
on the bar and chain while saw is cut-
ting, It is recommended that the oiler
actuator/bar oil cap be operated every
ten (10) seconds and held for approxi-
mately three (3) seconds each time it is
pressed. For maximum guide bar and
chain life, we recommend you use
Craftsman chain saw bar oil.
If Craftsman bar oil is not available, you
may use a good grade SAE 30 oil until
you are able to obtain Craftsman brand.
The oil output is manually metered dur-
ing operation. Use a funnel to fill the
tank. Replace oil cap securely. Check oil
level after every 15 minutes of operation.
STOPPING YOUR SAW
• Release the trigger switch.
• If motor does not stop, disconnect
the extension cord. Discontinue use
of the unit until repaired by a Sears
Service Center.
STARTING YOUR SAW
1. Connect the saw to a power
source using the proper size exten-
sion cord (see SELECT AN EXTEN-
SION CORD).
2. Push in switch lock out button.
3. Squeeze and hold the trigger
switch.
OPERATING TIPS
• Check chain tension before first use
and after 1 minute of operation. See
CHECK CHAIN TENSION in the SER-
VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section.
• Cut wood only. Do not cut metal,
plastics, masonry, non-wood building
materials, etc.
• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a
foreign object. Inspect the saw and
repair parts as necessary.
• Keep the chain out of dirt and sand.
Even a small amount of dirt will
quickly dull a chain and increase the
possibility of kickback.
• Practice cutting a few small logs using
the following steps. This will help you
get the "feel" of using your saw before
you begin a major sawing operation.
• Squeeze the trigger switch and al-
low unit to reach full speed before
cutting.
• Begin cutting with the saw frame
against the log.
• Keep the motor at full speed the en-
tire time you are cutting.
• Release trigger switch as soon as cut
is completed, allowing motor to stop.
• Keep the cord away from the cutting
area. Position cord so it will not be
caught on branches and the like
during cutting.
• To avoid losing control when cut is
complete, do not put pressure on
saw at end of cut.
• Stop motor before setting saw down.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
Check for broken or dead branches
which can fall while cutting causing seri-
ous injury. Do not cut near buildings or
electrical wires if you do not know the
direction of tree fall, nor cut at night
since you will not be able to see well,
nor during bad weather such as rain,
snow, strong winds, etc. If the tree
makes contact with any utility line, the
utility complany should be notified im-
mediately.
• Carefully plan your sawing operation in
advance.
• Clear the work area. You need a clear
area all around the tree so you can
have secure footing.
• The chain saw operator should keep
on the uphill side of the terrain as the
tree is likely to roll or slide downhill
after it is felled.
• Study the natural conditions that can
cause the tree to fall in a particular
direction, such as:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree
might not be apparent due to uneven
or sloping terrain. Use a plumb or lev-
el to determine the direction of tree
lean.