Craftsman 316.79246 - Manual (Page 6)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
1. Keep bystanders 50 feet (15 meters) away when operating the saw.
2. Do not use the pole saw
to cut down trees. Use a
chain saw without a pole
attachment.
3. Make sure the oil tank is
full and oil is lubricating
the chain prior to starting.
4. Grip pole saw/ trimmer
securely—one hand on the
grip, the other on the
handle.
5. Keep finger off the trigger
until ready to make cut.
6. Before starting the pole
saw, make sure the chain
is not touching anything.
7. Keep all parts of your
body away from the chain
when the saw is running.
8. Do not force the chain saw
while cutting. Apply light
pressure. It will do the job
better and safer at the rate
for which it was intended.
9. When cutting limbs or
branches that are under
tension, use extreme
caution. Be alert for wood
springing back. When wood
tension is released, the limb
could spring back and
strike operator causing
severe injury or death.
10. When carrying pole saw
from one place to another:
• hold pole at balance point
• keep guide bar and chain to the rear
11. Do not cut small brush and saplings with the pole saw. Slender
matter may catch in the chain and be whipped toward you. This
could also pull you off balance.
12. Never stand directly under the limb you are trimming. Always
position yourself out of the path of falling debris (Fig. 4).
13. Never stand on a ladder or other type of unstable support while
using the pole saw.
14. Always use both hands to operate pole saw. Keep a firm, steady
pressure on the pole saw while cutting, but do not try to force
the saw through the wood.
15. Keep other persons away from cutting end of pole saw and at a
safe distance from work area. (Fig. 5).
16. Do not use the pole saw near cable, electric power or telephone
lines. Maintain a minimum clearance of 50 feet (15 m) from all
power lines (Fig. 6).
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Start and operate your pole saw without assistance. For specific
starting instructions, see the appropriate section of your powerhead
manual. Proper starting methods reduce the risk of injury.
WARNING: Dress properly to reduce the risk of injury
when operating this unit. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Wear eye and ear/hearing protection. Wear heavy
long pants, boots and gloves. Wear a hard hat. Use a full
face shield when needed.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire and burn injuries,
start the engine at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling spot,
outdoors only.
1. Place the pole saw on firm ground or other solid surface in an
open area.
2. Maintain good balance and secure footing.
OPERATING TIPS
• Avoid kickback. Kickback can result in severe injury or death.
• Do not operate the pole saw while in a tree, on a ladder or any
other unstable work surface, or in any awkward position. You may
lose control of the pole saw causing severe injury.
• Do not extend your arms above shoulders when using the pole
saw.
• Seek professional help if you are facing conditions beyond your
ability.
• Trimming a tree is the process of cutting limbs from a living tree.
Make sure your footing is firm. Keep your feet apart. Divide your
weight evenly on both feet.
• Before starting unit, always check the chain lubrication and oil
tank level.
NOTE: The chain must be continously coated with oil to function
properly. Make sure that the oil adjustment screw is set
appropriately.
To trim a limb (pruning):
1. Make the first cut six inches from tree trunk on the underside of
the limb. Use the top of the guide bar to make this cut. Cut a
third of the way through
the diameter of the limb
(Fig. 7).
2. Move two to four inches
farther out on the limb.
Make the second cut from
above the limb. Continue
the cut until you cut the
limb off.
3. Make the third cut as close
to the tree trunk as
possible on underside of limb stub. Use the top of the guide bar
to make this cut. Cut a third through the diameter of stub.
4. Make the fourth cut directly above the third cut. Cut down to
meet the third cut. This will remove the limb stub.
WARNING: If the oil tank runs out, the oil ajustment screw
hole becomes clogged, or the chain fails to get proper
lubrication in any fashion, the chain will overheat and cause
irreversible damage to the unit and may result in severe injury.
Excessive heat from friction can lead the chain to
catastrophically fail and come off the bar while operating.
WARNING: Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of
the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes
in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact in
some cases may cause a lightning-fast reverse action,
kicking the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may
push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of
the saw, which could result in serious injury to the user.
Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into
your saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several
steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
WARNING: Do not use the pole saw to cut limbs larger
than 4” (10 cm) in diameter.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Cut 2 Cut 4
Fig. 7
Cut 1
2-4in (5.1-10.2 cm)
6in
(15.2cm)
Cut 3
6