Basic Cutting Technique - Husqvarna 445 EPA II, 445e EPA II, 450e EPA II 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. 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 with a pulling chain.
• Cutting from below = Cutting with pushing chain.
Cutting with a pushing chain 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?
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.
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English
WORKING TECHNIQUES
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.
IMPORTANT! 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
common situations you are likely to encounter when using a
chain saw.
Limbing
When limbing thick branches you should use the same
approach as for cutting.
Cut difficult branches piece by piece.
Cutting
WARNING! Never attempt to cut logs while
!
they are in a pile or when a couple of logs
are lying together. Such procedures
drastically increase the risk of kickback
which can result in a serious or fatal injury.
If you have a pile of logs, each log you attempt to cut should
be removed from the pile, placed on a saw horse or runners
and cut individually.
Remove the cut pieces from the cutting area. By leaving them
in the cutting area, you increase the risk for inadvertently
getting a kickback, as well as increasing the risk of losing your
balance while working.
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.