I. Purpose & Scope

To safely and effectively provide instruction on the inspection and proper use of chainsaws.

II. Definitions

Standard PPE – High Viz Garment, Hard Hat, Z-87.1 Safety Glasses, Gloves, Pants, Work Boots

III. Process

NOTE: Work instruction does not supplement the manual. For specific instructions for the exact model please refer to the owner’s manual.

A. Potential Hazards

• Kickback Hazard
• Repetitive Force Hazard
• Vibration Hazard
• Noise Hazard
• Fire Hazard
• Burn Hazard
• Cut Hazard
• Flying Debris Hazard
• Toxic Exhaust Hazard
• Dust Hazard

B. PPE

• Standard PPE
• Hearing Protection
• Pants or chaps that contain pads of cut retardant material – Recommended
• Steel Toe shoes – Recommended
• Dust Mask – Recommended

C. Inspection

1. Inspect machine for leaks and the overall condition.
2. Check the throttle trigger, trigger interlock, master control and chain brake operation.
3. Check chain lubrication and refill as needed.
4. Inspect the saw chain for sharpness and tension.
5. Inspect anti-vibration elements.
6. Check the idle adjustment and ensure chain does not rotate.
7. Check chain catcher.

D. Use

Starting/Stopping the Engine

1. Push hand guard forward to lock the chain.
2. Press down trigger interlock and squeeze throttle trigger at the same time.
3. If model has a decompression valve press the button to open the decompression valve.
4. Place the saw on the ground. Make sure to have firm footing, and check that chain is not touching any object or the ground.
5. Hold saw firmly to the ground with left hand on the front handle, thumb should be under the handle. Put right foot into the rear handle and press down.
6. OR hold the rear handle tightly between legs just above the knees. Hold the front handle firmly with left hand, thumb should be under the handle.
7. Pull the starter grip slowly with right hand until it can be felt to engage, then give the grip a brisk strong pull and push down on the front handle at the same time.
8. Guide the starter grip slowly back into the housing so that the starter rope can rewind properly.
9. When the engine begins to fire move the Master Control level to warm start and continue cranking.
10. As soon as the engine runs, immediately blip the throttle trigger, the Master Control lever will move to the Run position and the engine will settle down to idling speed.
11. Pull the hand guard back toward the front handle to disengage the chain brake.
12. To shut down the engine move the Master Control lever to engine off position.

Re-Tensioning the Saw Chain Side Chain Tensioner

1. Shut off the engine first and then loose the nuts.
2. Hold the bar nose up and use screwdriver to turn tensioning screw clockwise until chain fits snugly against the underside of the bar.
3. While still holding the bar nose up, tighten down the nuts firmly.

Re-Tensioning the Saw Chain Quick Chain Tensioner

1. Shut off the engine.
2. Pull out the hinged clip and loosen the wingnut.
3. Turn the adjusting wheel.
4. Tighten down the wingnut firmly by hand.
5. Fold down the hinged clip.

Checking Chain Tension

1. Shut off the engine.
2. Chain must fit snugly against the underside of the bar, with the chain bar disengaged, put the chain along the bar by hand. Adjust as necessary.

Fill Chain Oil Tank

1. Refill the chain oil tank every time engine is refueled.
2. Thoroughly clean the oil filler cap and the area around it to ensure that no dirt falls into the tank.
3. Remove the filler cap.
4. Close the filler cap.

Fueling

1. Before fueling, clean the filler cap and the area around it to ensure that no dirt falls into the tank.
2. Position the machine so that the filler cap points upwards.
3. Shake fuel mixture thoroughly in canister before fueling machine.
4. Raise the cap grip until it is upright.
5. Turn cap counterclockwise approximately a quarter turn, then remove the filler cap.
6. Fill engine to appropriate level.
7. Fit the cap with the grip upright by lining up the marks.
8. Turn the cap clockwise until it stops at approximately a quarter turn.
9. Fold the grip flush with the top of the cap.
   NOTE: If the grip does not lie completely flush with the cap the detent on the grip does not engage the recess in the filler neck. The cap is not properly seated and tightened.

To Avoid Kickback

1. Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands and maintain a secure grip. Don’t let go.
2. Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at all times.
3. Never let the nose of the guide bar contact any object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of the guide bar. Be especially careful near wire fences and when cutting small, touch limbs, small size brush and saplings which may easily catch the chain.
4. Don’t overreach.
5. Don’t cut above shoulder height.
6. Begin cutting and continue at full throttle.
7. Cut only one log at a time.
8. Use extreme caution when reentering a previous cut.
9. Do not attempt to plunge cut if you are not experienced with these cutting techniques.
10. Be alert for shifting of the log or other forces that may cause the cut to close and pinch the chain.
11. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with a correctly tensioned chain at all times.
12. Stand to the side of the cutting path of the chainsaw.

E. Maintenance

1. Slacken off the chain if it has been retensioned at operating temperature during cutting work.
2. Clean the machine of dust and debris at the end of use.
3. Clean the cooling inlets and cylinder fins at the end of use.
4. Clean and turn over guide bar as needed.
5. Readjust idle as needed.
6. Retighten all accessible screws and nuts as needed.

IV. Reference Documents

Stihl Saw Manual