Basic Cutting Technique - Husqvarna 357XP Operator's Manual

Basic cutting technique

WARNING! Never use a chain saw by holding
!
it with one hand. A chain saw is not safely
controlled with one hand; you can cut
yourself. Always have a secure, firm grip
around the handles with both hands.
General
• Always use full throttle when cutting!
• Reduce the speed to idle after every cut (running the
engine for too long at full throttle without any load, i.e.
without any resistance from the chain during cutting, can
lead to serious engine damage).
• Cutting from above = Cutting on the pull stroke.
• Cutting from below = Cutting on the push stroke.
Cutting on the push stroke increases the risk of kickback. See
instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.
Terms
Cutting = General term for cutting through wood.
Limbing = Cutting branches off a felled tree.
Splitting = When the object you are cutting breaks off before
the cut is complete.
There are five important factors you should
consider before making a cut:
1 Make sure the cutting equipment will not jam in the cut.
2 Make sure the object you are cutting will not split.
3 Make sure the chain will not strike the ground or any other
object during or after cutting.
4 Is there a risk of kickback?
5 Do the conditions and surrounding terrain affect how
safely you can stand and move about?
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Two factors decide whether the chain will jam or the object
that you are cutting will split: the first is how the object is
supported before and after cutting, and the second is whether
it is in tension.
In most cases you can avoid these problems by cutting in two
stages; from the top and from the bottom. You need to support
the object so that it will not trap the chain or split during
cutting.
WARNING! If the chain jams in the cut: stop
!
the engine! Don't try to pull the chain saw
free. If you do you may be injured by the
chain when the chain saw suddenly breaks
free. Use a lever to open up the cut and free
the chain saw.
The following instructions describe how to handle the
commonest situations you are likely to encounter when using
a chain saw.
Cutting
The log is lying on the ground. There is little risk of the
chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a risk
that the chain will touch the ground when you finish the cut.
Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting the
chain touch the ground as you finish the cut. Maintain full
throttle but be prepared for what might happen.
If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about 2/3
of the way through the log.
Turn the log and finish the cut from the opposite side.
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English