Craftsman 138.98946 Operator's Manual page 14

PROPER CUTTING STANCE
See figure 11.
,_ WARNING: Always use the proper cutting
stance described in this section. Never
kneel when using the chain saw except
when felling a tree as shown in Figure 16.
Kneeling could result in loss of stability and
control of the saw resulting in serious per-
sonal injury.
[] Weight should be balanced with both feet on
solid ground.
[] Keep left arm with elbow locked in a "straight
arm" position to withstand any kickback force.
[] Your body should always be to the left of the
chain line.
[] Thumb should be on underside of handlebar.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
Practice cutting a few small logs using the
following technique to get the "feel" of using the
saw before you begin a major sawing operation.
[] Take the proper stance in front of the wood
with the saw off.
[] Squeeze the switch trigger and let the chain
accelerate to full speed before entering the cut.
[] Begin cutting with the saw against the log.
[] Keep the unit running the entire time you are
cutting, maintain a steady speed.
[] Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light
downward pressure. If you force the cut,
damage to the bar, chain, or unit can result.
[] Release the switch trigger as soon as the
cut is completed, allowing the chain to stop.
If you run the saw without a cutting load,
unnecessary wear can occur to the chain,
bar, and unit.
[] Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of
the cut.
WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS
[] Cut only wood or materials made from wood,
no sheet metal, no plastics, no masonry, no
non-wood building materials.
[] Never allow children to operate the saw.
Allow no person to use this chain saw who
has not read this Operator's Manual or
received adequate instructions for the safe
and proper use of this chain saw.
[] When felling a tree, keep everyone - helpers,
bystanders, children, and animals - a safe
distance from the cutting area. During felling
operations, the safe distance should be a
least twice the height of the largest trees in
the felling area. During bucking operations,
keep a minimum distance of 15 feet between
workers.Trees should not be felled in a
manner that would endanger any person,
strike any utility line or cause any property
damage. If the tree does make contact with
any utility line, the utility company should be
notified immediately.
[] Always cut with both feet on solid ground to
prevent being pulled off balance.
[] Do not cut above shoulder height, as a saw
held higher is difficult to control against
kickback forces.
[] Do not fell trees near electrical wires
or buildings. Leave this operation for
professionals.
[] Cut only when visibility and light are adequate
for you to see clearly.
14 - English