Chain Saw Safety and Operation Check

Pre-Operation Checklist

• The operator should let the saw idle on a pad or soft ground while monitoring it, or properly hold the saw in both hands during the warm-up period.
• The saw should be properly held and slowly revved up to full RPM two to three times.
• The proper operation of the chain brake should be checked.
• The chain and bar should be checked for proper oiling by revving the saw's RPM up and pointing the tip of the bar approximately 4 to 6” from a light-colored surface.

Chain Brake

• The chain brake should be engaged by pushing the black hand-guard on top of the saw towards the nose of the bar.
• The hand-guard should be pulled towards the hand-grip to release the chain brake.
• The chain brake should always be engaged when the saw is stored.

Adjusting Chain Tension

• The chain tension should be checked regularly.
• The tension-adjusting screw should be turned clockwise to increase the chain tension.
• The chain tension should be adjusted to be as tight as possible without causing binding.
• The chain should be checked and adjusted regularly, especially after the chain has stretched or worn in operation.

Replacing a Chain

• The bar retaining nuts should be loosened with an appropriate tool, and then the bar adjusting screw should be backed off enough to remove the chain from the bar.
• The chain should be removed, and the carbide teeth on top of the bar should point towards the bar tip.
• The bar adjusting pin should be checked to ensure it is engaging the bar properly before installing the side cover.
• The side cover and nuts should be installed and hand-tightened.
• The adjusting screw should be turned clockwise to take up slack in the chain, while lifting up on the bar tip with the other hand.

Flooded Saw Procedure

• If the saw won't start after attempting the normal start procedures and/or has obvious fuel/liquid coming out of the muffler, it is most likely flooded.
• To start a flooded saw, the saw should be set to the "run" position, and two people should work together to pull the starter rope and hold the saw throttle in the "full on/wide open" position.
• The starter rope should be pulled repeatedly until the saw fires, and then the throttle should be held open until the saw runs well.

Minor Maintenance

• The carburetor box cover should be removed, and the air filter should be checked.
• The spark plug boot should be checked for damage, fraying, or dry rot.
• The spark plug should be checked and adjusted if necessary.

Sawyer Kit

• The Sawyer Kit should be maintained to ensure proper protective equipment is available to personnel operating chainsaws.
• The Sawyer Kit should include spare chains and tools.
• Always use the correct blade for the material being cut.
• Always operate the saw with one hand firmly placed around the front handle, and the other hand firmly holding the throttle assembly handle.

Cut-off Saw Anatomy

• The throttle safety and throttle trigger should be depressed simultaneously.
• The slide control should be moved to START.
• The choke should be set according to engine temperature.
• The primer bulb should be pressed 7-10 times.
• The starter should be pulled until it engages, and then given a brisk strong pull.

Daily Visual Inspection

• Daily visual checks should be performed at the start of each working shift to ensure cut-off saws are in good condition and ready for use.
• Fuel levels should be checked, and the saw should be fueled to 3/4.
• Cutting wheels should be inspected for wear, and replaced if necessary.

Cutting Wheels

• Composite Abrasive Wheels are suitable for cutting asphalt, concrete, stone, ductile cast pipes, and steel.
• Diamond Abrasive Wheels are suitable for cutting asphalt, concrete, stone, bricks, pipes, iron, and steel up to 10mm thick.
• Short names appear on the sides of the wheel, indicating the use of the wheel and the performance class of the diamond cutting wheel.

Learn how to properly start and operate a chain saw, including warming up the saw, checking the chain brake, and ensuring proper lubrication of the chain and bar.