Craftsman 358.350260 User manual

Operator's Manual
CRAFTSMAN
2.2 cu.in./36cc 2-Cycle
GASOLINE CHAIN SAW
Model No.
358.350260 - 16 in. Bar
@
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.
For answers to your questions about this product:
Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon.-Sat., or 10 am-7 pm, Sun.
1-800-235-5878 (Hours listed are Central Time)
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
530087865 08/19/99

Warranty 2 Storage 15
Safety Rules 2 Trouble Shooting Chart 17
Assembly 5 Emissions Statement 18
Operation 6 Parts List 20
Maintenance 11 Spanish 23
Service and Adjustments 14 Parts & Ordering Back
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ®GAS
CHAIN SAW
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Gas Chain Saw is
maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the operator's manual, Sears
will repair, free of charge, any defect in material or workmanship.
This warranty excludes the bar, chain, spark plug and air filter, which are
expendable parts and become worn during normal use.
If this Gas Chain Saw is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for 30 days from the date of purchase.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THIS CHAIN SAW TO
THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
WARNING: Always disconnect spark
plug wire when making repairs except
for carburetor adjustments. Because a
chain saw is a high-speed woodcutting
tool, careless or improper use of this
tool can cause serious injury.
PLAN AHEAD
•Restrict the use of your saw to adult
users who understand and can follow
the safety rules, precautions, and op-
erating instructions found in this
manual.
Hearing _._ .... Safety Hat
Protection ---.__,_ Eye
Snug _ Protection
Fitting ......._ Heavy Dut}
Clothing Gloves
Safety
Shoes j Safety Chaps
• Wear protective gear. Always use
steel-toed safety footwear with non-
slip soles; snug-fitting clothing;
heavy-duty, non-slip gloves; eye pro-
tection such as non-fogging, vented
goggles or face screen; an approved
safety hard hat; and sound barriers
(ear plugs or mufflers) to protect your
hearing. Regular users should have
hearing checked regularly as chain
saw noise can damage hearing. Se-
cure hair above shoulder length.
• Keep all parts of your body away
from the chain when the engine is
running.
• Keep children, bystanders, and ani-
mals at least 30 feet (10 meters)
away from the work area when start-
ing and using the saw.
• Do not handle or operate a chain
saw when you are fatigued, ill, or up-
set, or if you have taken alcohol,
drugs, or medication. You must be in
good physical condition and mentally
alert. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with doctor before oper-
ating.
• Do not start cutting until you have a
clear work area, secure footing, and
especially if you are felling a tree, a
retreat path.

OPERATEYOURSAW SAFELY
• Do not operate with one hand. Seri-
ous injury to the operator, helpers, or
bystanders may result from one-
handed operation. A chain saw is in-
tended for two-handed use.
• Operate the chain saw only in a well-
ventilated outdoor area.
• Do not operate saw from a ladder or
in a tree, unless you are specifically
trained to do so.
• Make sure the chain will not make
contact with any object while starting
the engine. Never try to start the saw
when the guide bar is in a cut.
• Do not put pressure on the saw, es-
pecially at the end of the cut. Doing
so can cause you to lose control
when the cut is completed.
• Stop engine before setting saw
down.
• Hand carry saw only when engine is
stopped. Carry with muffler away
from body; guide bar & chain project-
ing behind you; guide bar preferably
covered with a scabbard.
MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER
• Have all chain saw service per-
formed by a qualified service dealer
except the items listed in the mainte-
nance section of this manual.
• Make certain the saw chain stops
moving when the throttle trigger is
released. For correction, refer to
"Carburetor Adjustments."
• Keep the handles dry, clean, and
free from oil or fuel mixture.
• Keep caps and fasteners securely
tightened.
• Use only Craftsman accessories and
replacement parts as recommended.
Never modify your saw.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
• Do not smoke while handling fuel or
while operating the saw.
• Eliminate all sources of sparks or
flame in areas where fuel is mixed or
poured.
• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area
and use an approved, marked con-
tainer for all fuel purposes. Wipe up
all fuel spills before starting saw.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from
fueling site before starting.
• Turn the engine off and let saw cool
in a non-combustible area, not on
dry leaves, straw, paper, etc. Slowly
remove fuel cap and refuel unit.
• Store the unit and fuel in a cool, dry
well ventilated space where fuel va-
pors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK
Follow all safety rules to help avoid
kickback and other forces which can
result in serious injury. Kickback Path
_tions
Clear The Working Area
WARNING: Rotational Kickback can
occur when the moving chain contacts
an object at the upper portion of the tip
of the guide bar. Contact at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar can
cause the chain to dig into the object,
which stops the chain for an instant.
The result is a lightning fast, reverse
reaction which kicks the guide bar up
and back toward the operator.
Pinch-Kickback and Pull-In occur when
the chain is suddenly stopped by be-
ing pinched, caught, or by contacting a
foreign object in the wood. This sud-
den stopping of the chain results in a
reversal of the chain force used to cut
wood and causes the saw to move in
the opposite direction of the chain
rotation. Pinch-Kickback drives the saw
straight back toward the operator. Pull-
In pulls the saw away from the opera-
tot.
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
• Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kick-
back, you can reduce the element of
surprise which contributes to acci-
dents.
• Never let the moving chain contact
any object at the tip of the guide bar.
• Keep working area free from obstruc-
tions such as other trees, branches,
rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate

oravoidanyobstructionthatyour
sawchaincouldhitwhilecutting.
•Keepsawchainsharpandproperly
tensioned.Alooseordullchaincan
increasethechanceofkickback.
Followmanufacturer'schainsharp-
eningandmaintenanceinstructions.
Checktensionatregularintervals,
butneverwithenginerunning.Make
surebarclampnutsaresecurely
tightened.
•Beginandcontinuecuttingatfull
speed.Ifthechainismovingata
slowerspeed,thereisgreater
chanceofkickbackoccurring.
•Useextremecautionwhenreenter-
ingacut.
•Donotattemptcutsstartingwiththe
tipofthebar(plungecuts).
•Watchforshiftinglogsorotherforces
thatcouldcloseacutandpinchor
fallintochain.
•UsethespecifiedReduced-Kickback
GuideBarandLow-KickbackChain.
AvoidPinch-Kickback:
•Beextremelyawareofsituationsor
obstructionsthatcancausematerial
topinchthetopoforotherwisestop
thechain.
•Donotcutmorethanonelogata
time.
•Donottwistsawasbariswithdrawn
fromanundercutwhenbucking.
Avoid Pull-In:
• Always begin cutting with the engine
at full speed and the saw housing
against wood.
• Use wedges made of plastic or
wood. Never use metal to hold the
cut open.
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Stand to the left of the saw
Thumb on _,/ A
underside I "_ _7_,/, "]
of handlebar _ _,--}_'/1
Elbow
_4V _
Never reverse h'_nd positions locked
• A good, firm grip on the saw with
both hands will help you maintain
control. Don't let go. Grip the rear
handle with your right hand whether
you are right or left handed. Wrap the
fingers of your left hand over and
around the front handlebar, and your
left thumb under the front handlebar.
Keep your left arm straight with the
elbow locked.
• Position your left hand on the front
handlebar so it is in a straight line
with your right hand on the rear han-
dle when making bucking cuts.
Stand slightly to the left side of the
saw to keep your body from being in
a direct line with the cutting chain.
• Stand with your weight evenly bal-
anced on both feet.
• Do not overreach. You could be
drawn or thrown off balance and lose
control.
• Do not cut above shoulder height. It
is difficult to maintain control of saw
above shoulder height.
KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES
WARNING: The following features
are included on your saw to help re-
duce hazard of kickback; however,
such features will not totally eliminate
this danger. Do not rely only on safety
devices.
• Handguard: designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting
the chain if your hand slips off the
front handlebar.
• Position of front and rear handlebars:
designed with distance between han-
dles and "in-line" with each other.
The spread and "in-line" position of
the hands provided by this design
work together to give balance and
resistance in controlling the pivot of
the saw back toward the operator if
kickback occurs.
• Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar: de-
signed with a small radius tip which
reduces the size of the kickback dan-
ger zone. This type bar has been
demonstrated to significantly reduce
the number and seriousness of kick-
backs when tested in accordance
with ANSI B175.1.
a___, Small Radius
Tip Guide Bar
Large Radius a,_
T p Gu de Bar
• Low-Kickback Chain: has met kick-
back performance requirements when
tested on a representative sample of
chain saws below 3.8 cubic inch
displacement specified in ANSI
B175.1.

Low-Kickback Chain
Contoured Depth Gauge
............ Elongated Guard Link
Deflects Kickback
Force And Allows
Wood To Gradually
Ride Into Cutter
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to
vibrations through prolonged use of
gasoline powered hand tools could
cause blood vessel or nerve damage
in the fingers, hands, and joints of
people prone to circulation disorders or
abnormal swelling. Prolonged use in
cold weather has been linked to blood
vessel damage in otherwise healthy
people. If symptoms occur such as
numbness, pain, loss of strength,
change in skin color or texture, or loss
of feeling in the fingers, hands, or
joints, discontinue the use of this tool
and seek medical attention. An
anti-vibration system does not
guarantee the avoidance of these
problems. Users who operate power
tools on a continual and regular basis
must closely monitor their physical
condition and the condition of this tool.
CHAIN BRAKE If this saw is to be
used for commercial logging, you must
order and install a chain brake to com-
ply with Federal OSHA Regulations for
Commercial Logging. Contact your
Sears Service Center or call
1-800-235-5878.
SPARK ARRESTOR: Your saw is
equipped with a temperature limiting
muffler and spark arresting screen
which meets the requirements of
California Codes 4442 and 4443. All
U.S. forest land and the states of
California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota,
New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington
require by law that many internal
combustion engines be equipped with
a spark arrestor screen. If you operate
a chain saw in a state or locale where
such regulations exist, you are legally
responsible for maintaining the
operating condition of these parts.
Failure to do so is a violation of the
law. Refer to Customer
Responsibilities chart in the
MAINTENANCE section.
STANDARDS: This chain saw is listed
by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in
accordance with American National
Standards for Gasoline-Powered
Chain Saws Safety Requirements
(ANSI B175.1-1991).
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list.
Model 358,350260
• Chain Saw (fully assembled)
• Bar tool
• 2-cycle engine oil
• Chain sharpening tool
• Carrying case
• Gloves
• Wedge
• Examine parts for damage. Do not
use damaged parts.
• If you need assistance or find that
parts are missing or damaged,
please call 1-800-235-5878.
NOTE: It is normal to hear the fuel filter
rattle in an empty fuel tank.
Your unit has been factory tested and
the carburetor precisely adjusted. As a
result you may smell gasoline or find a
drop of oil/fuel residue on the muffler
when you unpack the unit.
ASSEMBLY
Your saw is fully assembled; no
assembly is necessary.

KNOW YOUR SAW
READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERAT-
ING YOUR CHAIN SAW. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize
yourself with the location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
Bar Tool
(chain adjustment) Hand Guard----_r_ Front Handle
L__ t_ I/ Starter Rope
[2:3_/ O+STOP
[/JL..__,,_L,_ Switch
_#'_ Pr_ber
Bar Oil Fill Cap Starter Fuel Mix Fill Cap
Housing
Cylinder Cover
Throttle Chain
Lockout Direction
Rear of Travel
Handle
Adjusting
Screw I
V
+[RAFTS
/
i/Guide Bar
Throttle Choke Bar Clamp Chain Bar Clamp Nuts
Trigger Lever Catcher
ON/STOP SWITCH
The ON/STOP Switch is used to stop
the engine.
THROTTLE TRIGGER
The throttle trigger controls engine
speed.
THROTTLE LOCKOUT
The throttle lockout must be pressed
before you can squeeze the throttle
trigger. This feature prevents you from
accidentally squeezing the trigger.
CHOKE/FAST IDLE LEVER
The choke and fast idle are set by pull-
ing the choke!fast idle lever out fully for
cold or refueled starting. The choke
provides additional fuel to the engine
during cold starting.
PRIMER BULB
The Primer Bulb circulates fuel to the
carburetor to provide quicker starting.
CHAIN TENSION
It is normal for a new chain to stretch
during first 30 minutes of operation.
You should check your chain tension
frequently. See Chain Tension under
the Service and Adjustments section.
6

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
WARNING: Be sure to read the fuel
handling information in the safety rules
section of this manual before you be-
gin. If you do not understand the fuel
handling information do not attempt to
fuel your unit. Seek help from some-
one that does understand the informa-
tion or call the customer assistance
help line at 1-800-235-5878.
GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL
The chain oiler provides continuous
lubrication to the chain and guide bar.
Be sure to fill the bar oil tank when you
fill the fuel tank (Capacity = 6.8 fl. oz.).
For maximum guide bar and chain life,
we recommend you use Craftsman
chain saw bar oil. If Craftsman bar oil
is not available, you may use a good
grade SAE 30 oil until you are able to
obtain Craftsman brand. The oil output
is automatically metered during opera-
tion. Your saw will use approximately
one tank of bar oil for every tank of fuel
mix. Always fill the bar oil tank when
you fill the fuel tank.
FUELING ENGINE
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good
quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
We recommend Craftsman brand oil.
Mix gasoline and oil at a ratio of 40:1
(A 40:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 3.2
ounces of oil with 1 gallon of unleaded
gasoline). DO NOT USE automotive oil
or boat oil. These oils will cause
engine damage. When mixing fuel
follow the instructions printed on the
container.
Once oil is added to the gasoline,
shake container momentarily to assure
that the fuel is thoroughly mixed.
Always read and follow the safety rules
relating to fuel before fueling your unit.
IMPORTANT
Experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-
ture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel sys-
tem should be emptied before storage
for 30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, start the engine and let it run until
the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
Use fresh fuel next season. See STOR-
AGE instructions for additional informa-
tion.
Never use engine or carburetor clean-
er products in the fuel tank or perma-
nent damage may occur.
See the STORAGE section for addi-
tional information.
WARNING: The chain must not
move when the engine runs at idle
speed. If the chain moves at idle
speed, refer to CARBURETOR AD-
JUSTMENT within this manual. Avoid
contact with the muffler. A hot muffler
can cause serious burns.
STOPPING YOUR ENGINE
• Move On/Stop switch to STOP.
STARTING YOUR ENGINE
To start the engine, hold the saw firmly
on the ground as illustrated. Make
sure the chain is free to turn without
contacting any object.
Important points to remember
When pulling the starter rope, do not
use the full extent of the rope as this
can cause the rope to break. Do not
let starter rope snap back. Hold the
handle and let the rope rewind slowly.
For cold weather starting, start the unit
at FULL choke; allow the engine to
warm up before squeezing the throttle
trigger. Do not cut material with the
choke/fast idle lever at the FULL posi-
tion.Starter Rope Handle
I
/(kl_ I_'_ _1/ Left Hand
V ' I,/ ' i)/--In_ on Front
Right Foot Through Near Handle
COLD ENGINE OR WARM ENGINE
AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
NOTE: In the following steps, when
the choke/fast idle lever is pulled out to
the full extent, the correct throttle set-
ting for starting is set automatically.
_ On/Stop
Switch
Primer
Bulb

•MoveOn/StopswitchtoONposition.
ChokeKnob/-Y//
• Pull out choke/fast idle to the full ex-
tent.
• Slowly press primer bulb six times.
• Pull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand 5 times; then push the
choke/fast idle lever in completely (to
the OFF position).
• Pull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand until the engine starts.
• Allow the engine to run for approxi-
mately five seconds. Then, squeeze
and release throttle trigger to allow
engine to return to idle speed.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
• Pull the choke/fast idle lever out to
the full extent, then push the lever
back in completely (to the OFF posi-
tion).
• Slowly press primer bulb 6 times.
• Pull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand until the engine starts.
• Squeeze and release throttle trigger,
allowing engine to idle.
DIFFICULT STARTING OR
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
The engine may be flooded if it has not
started after 10 pulls.
Flooded engines can be cleared of ex-
cess fuel by following the warm engine
starting procedure listed above. Insure
the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion.
Starting could require pulling the start-
er rope handle many pulls depending
on how badly the unit is flooded. If en-
gine still fails to start, refer to the
TROUBLESHOOTING chart or call
1-800-235-5878.
OPERATING TIPS
• Check chain tension before first use
and after 1 minute of operation. See
Chain Tension in the Maintenance
section.
• Cut wood only. Do not cut metal,
plastics, masonry, non-wood building
materials, etc.
• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a
foreign object. Inspect the saw and
repair parts as necessary.
• Keep the chain out of dirt and sand.
Even a small amount of dirt will
quickly dull a chain and increase the
possibility of kickback.
• Practice cutting a few small logs us-
ing the following steps. This will help
you get the "feel" of using your saw
before you begin a major sawing op-
eration.
• Squeeze the throttle trigger and al-
low the engine to reach full speed
before cutting.
• Begin cutting with the saw frame
against the log.
• Keep the engine at full speed the
entire time you are cutting.
• Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert
only light downward pressure.
• Release the throttle trigger as soon
as the cut is completed, allowing
the engine to idle. If you run the
saw at full throttle without a cutting
load, unnecessary wear can occur.
• To avoid losing control when cut is
complete, do not put pressure on
saw at end of cut.
• Stop engine before setting saw
down.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
WARNING: Check for broken or
dead branches which can fall while
cutting causing serious injury. Do not
cut near buildings or electrical wires if
you do not know the direction of tree
fall, nor cut at night since you will not
be able to see well, nor during bad
weather such as rain, snow, or strong
winds, etc.
• Carefully plan your sawing operation
in advance.
• Clear the work area. You need a
clear area all around the tree so you
can have secure footing.
• Study the natural conditions that can
cause the tree to fall in a particular
direction. These conditions include:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean ofthe tree. The lean of a
tree might not be apparent due to
uneven or sloping terrain. Use a
plumb or level to determine the di-
rection of tree lean.
• Weight and branches on one side.
• Surrounding trees and obstacles.
• Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is
rotted, it can snap and fall toward the
operator.
• Make sure there is enough room for
the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of
2-1/2 tree lengths from the nearest

personorotherobjects.Engine
noisecandrownoutawarningcall.
•Removedirt,stones,loosebark,
nails,staples,andwirefromthetree
wherecutsaretobemade.
_@'_"qx_.,,Planaclearretreatpath
....( _--_- DirectionofFall
-t
45°"r_
FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches in diameter or larger)
The notch method is used to fell large
trees. A notch is cut on the side of the
tree in the desired direction of fall. After
a felling cut is made on the opposite
side of tree, the tree will tend to fall in
the direction of the notch.
NOTE: If tree has large buttress roots,
remove them before making the notch.
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING TREE
• Make notch cut by cutting the top of
the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the
diameter of the tree. Next complete
the notch by cutting the bottom. See
illustration. Once the notch is cut, re-
move the wedge of wood from tree.
Final cut here
Firstcut ,. I .zI
Notch _;' __:__
Secqnd,g.u_ /_,,..,../,..._,_f/..-'-I_'_'_ge
• After removing the wood, make the
felling cut on the opposite side of the
notch. This is done by making a cut
about two inches higher than the
center of the notch. This will leave
enough uncut wood between the fell-
ing cut and the notch to form a hinge.
This hinge will help prevent the tree
from falling in the wrong direction.
Hinge holds tree on
stump and helps
control fall
fall. To avoid kickback and chain
damage, use wood or plastic wedges,
but never steel or iron wedges.
• Be alert to signs that the tree is
ready to fall: cracking sounds, widen-
ing of the felling cut, or movement in
the upper branches.
• As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it
down, and get away quickly on your
planned retreat path.
• Be extremely cautious with partially
fallen trees that may be poorly sup-
ported. When a tree doesn't fall com-
pletely, set the saw aside and pull
down the tree with a cable winch,
block and tackle, or tractor. Do not
use your saw to cut down a partially
fallen tree.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a
fallen tree to the desired log size.
WARNING: Do not stand on the log
being cut. Any portion can roll causing
loss of footing and control. Do not
stand downhill of the log being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS
• Cut only one log at a time.
• Cut shattered wood very carefully;
sharp pieces of wood could be flung
toward operator.
• Use a sawhorse to cut small logs.
Never allow another person to hold
the log while cutting and never hold
the log with your leg or foot.
• Do not cut in an area where logs,
limbs, and roots are tangled. Drag logs
into a clear area before cutting them.
BUCKING TECHNIQUES
WARNING: If saw becomes pinched
or hung in a log, don't try to force it out.
You can lose control of the saw result-
ing in injury and/or damage to the saw.
Stop the saw, drive a wedge of plastic
or wood into the cut until the saw can be
removed easily. Restart saw and careful-
ly reenter the cut. Do not use a metal
wedge. Do not attempt to restart your
saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.
Use a wedge to remove pinched saw
Closing ..... v
of notch
Opening of
felling cut
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete,
use wedges to open the cut when
necessary to control the direction of Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or
wooden wedge to force cut open,

Overcutting begins on the top side of
the log with the bottom of the saw
against the log. When overcutting use
light downward pressure.
Overcutting Undercutting
Undercutting involves cutting on the
underside of the log with top of saw
against the log. When undercutting
use light upward pressure. Hold saw
firmly and maintain control. The saw
will tend to push back toward you.
WARNING: Never turn saw upside
down to undercut. The saw cannot be
controlled in this position.
Always make your first cut on the
compression side of the log.
Firstcut on compression side of log
Second cut
First cut on compression side of log
BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT
• Overcut through 1/3 of the diameter
of the log.
• Roll the log over and finish with a
second overcut.
• Watch for logs with a compression
side. See illustration above for cut-
ting logs with a compression side.
Using a log 2 nd Cut
for support
• _ 1stCut
.1 st Cut
BUCKING USING A LOG OR
SUPPORT STAND
• Remember your first cut is always on
the compression side of the log. (Re-
fer to the illustration below for your
first and second cut).
• Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the
diameter of the log.
• Finish with your second cut.
Using a/_ 2ndCut
_--_lst Cut
1st Cut--
LIMBING AND PRUNING
WARNING: Never climb into a tree to
limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders,
platforms, a log, or in any position
which can cause you to lose your bal-
ance or control of the saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS
• Watch out for springpoles.
Springpoles are small size limbs
which can whip toward you, or pull
you off balance. Use extreme cau-
tion when cutting small size limbs.
• Be alert for springback. Watch out for
branches that are bent or under
pressure. Avoid being struck by the
branch or the saw when the tension
in the wood fibers is released.
• Frequently clear branches out of the
way to avoid tripping over them.
LIMBING
• Limb a tree only after it is cut down.
• Leave the larger limbs underneath the
felled tree to support the tree as you
work.
• Start at the base of the felled tree and
work toward the top, cutting branches
and limbs. Remove small limbs with
one cut.
• Keep the tree between you and the
chain.
• Remove larger, supporting branches
with the 1/3,2/3 cutting techniques de-
scribed in the bucking section.
• Always use an overcut to cut small
and freely hanging limbs. Undercutting
could cause limbs to fall and pinch the
saw.
PRUNING
WARNING: Limit pruning to limbs
shoulder height or below. Do not cut if
10