Husqvarna Yarmand User manual

Quick Guide to
Chainsaws.
The essentials of a chainsaw.

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 2
About this Guide
This guide is meant to introduce you to the basics of a chain-
saw. Its purpose is to outline the best practices to consider when
purchasing, servicing and using a chainsaw.
Notice to reader:
The information contained in this guide are for general purposes
only. Our aim is to give you a good idea of the best ways to use
and care for you chain saw. Working with chainsaws can be in-
herently dangerous. Please follow your saw’s user manual for
more specific safety and operation instructions.
This guide does not provide warranties and guarantees of any
kind, expressed or implied. The reader assumes liability for any
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 23

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 22
Replace the chain
It is time to replace the chain when the
longest portion of the cutting tooth is less
that 4mm or if you find cracks.
Depth gauge.
The height difference between the position of the depth gauge and tip of the tooth
(depth gauge clearance) determines how much the cutting tooth will cut. It works much
like a plane. When the plane is set up with minimal cutting blades, the plane takes a very
little amount of wood. The same thing happens with the saw chain if the distance be-
tween the depth gauge clearance lip and the tip of the tooth is too small. It is also not
good of the depth gauge clearance lip has been filed down too much. The cutting tooth
will then cut too deeply into the wood. The cut is more aggressive with high vibrations as
a result. The risk of kickback increases and the chainsaw is exposed to unnecessary
stress.
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 3

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 4
Who uses Chain saws?
Casual Chain Saw Users
 Homeowners and Landowners
 Occasional firewood cutters
 Campers
 Hunters
Commercial Chain Saw Users
 Arborists
 Orchardists
 Construction workers
 Tree Suregons
 Farmers
 Landscapers
 Carvers
Professional Chain Saw Users
 Forest fighters
 Pulp loggers
 Big-timber loggers
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 21
How often should the chain be sharpened?
A saw chain sharpness is impaired after time even if you have been avoiding cutting
objects that reduce its sharpness (rock, soil, etc.). The chain becomes blunt. If the
chain has sawn through stone it is useless and must be sharpened immediately.
If you use the chainsaw for much of the day, it is appropriate to sharpen the chain
with a file each time you refuel. It is easier to sharpen a little but often than waiting
a long time to file. You also get better precision and work more efficiently.
Choosing the right bar & chain.
Always use the type of guide bar and chain recommended by the manufacturer.
When replacing chain match it with correct specifications: chain pitch, gauge, and
number of chain drive links.

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 20
Maintenance of cutting equipment.
Wear work gloves when you inspect the chainsaw’s cutting equipment.
Check cutting equipment regularly.
Chain tension.
Make sure the chain tension is correctly tensioned. A slack chain may jump off the
guide bar, injure you and damage the chainsaw. An overly tight chain tension can
cause premature wear of the guide bar. A properly tensioned chain should not hang
under the guide bar. The chain tension is correct when the chain is in contact with
the underside of the guide bar, and you still can pull it around easily by hand. See
picture Above.
A sharp chain.
The chain must always be sharp to ensure cutting that is safe, effective and has
good precision. An easy way to keep the chain sharp is to use a chainsaw filling kit
which includes a round file, flat file, and filling gauge. There are other more com-
plex sharpening tools. You can also have chains sharpened at local chainsaw dealer.
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Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 6
Safety First
Chainsaws are an efficient tool. However it can be dangerous
if used incorrectly. To avoid injuries it is important to follow
proper safety procedures based on the Operator’s Manual of
your chainsaw.
Even if you only occasionally use a chainsaw around the
house, proper safety gear is essential to avoiding severe inju-
ries. Protective equipment cannot prevent accidents but can
help reduce the level of injury if one does occur.
Proper safety equipment (use diagram of person with all ac-
cessories)
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 19

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 18
Maintenance and Safety Inspections
Service your chainsaw regularly to maintain efficiency and safety. You can perform
basic service yourself according to the service points below. For further assistance
consult with local chainsaw expert.
1. CHAIN BRAKE Clean and Check brake function for safe operation.
2. CLUTCH COVER Clean the brake band for the chain brake. Replace the brake
band if it is damaged or severely worn.
3. THROTTLE Check that the throttle lock works and is not damaged.
4. CHAIN CATCHER Make Sure it is intact and is not loose. Replace the chain
catcher if it is damaged.
5. STOP SWITCH Check that stop switch is working properly.
6. CRACKS Make sure that no cracks appeared in the safety features and com-
ponents of the chainsaw. Replace them if they could jeopardise your safety.
If in doubt, consult local chainsaw expert.
7. BOLTS AND NUTS Check regularly that all nuts and bolts are tightened, es-
pecially on the muffler.
8. STARTER Clean the air intake, check the functionality and wear.
9. CHAIN Sharpen and check chain tension and condition.
10. GUIDE BAR Clean the holes for lubrication and chain groove. The guide bar
should be turned at regular intervals to ensure more even wear. Also file off
any burs using flat file.
11. GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION Check oiler function. Start the saw.
Hold the saw over the stump and rev up the engine. Chain lubrication is
working if there is a line of oil on the stump.
12. AIR FILTER Clean the air filter in a lukewarm soap solution. Replace filter as
needed.
13. CYLINDER Clean the fins regularly to preserve the engine’s cooling function.
14. FLYWHEEL Clean the cooling fins for sustained fan/cooling effect.
15. CLUTCH Lubricate the clutch needle bearing.
16. EXPERT SUPPORT Read more about specific maintenance requirements in
the Chainsaw user’s manual. For further repairs and assistance consult your
local chain saw dealer.
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 7

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 8
Buying a Chainsaw
Buying a chainsaw can be made an easy process
when you break it down to smaller decisions: Gas
vs. Electric, New vs. Used, primary application, etc.
There are many options in brands, styles and sizes
of chainsaws. Keep in mind that all saws are de-
signed for the purpose of cutting wood. But not all
saws are created equal. Make sure that you take the
time to choose the best option for your type of use.
Most brands manufacture saws for different applica-
tions.
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 17
Online and Catalogue Retailers
Pros:
» Low Prices
» Product reviews by oth-
ers
» Convenience of buying
from home
» Wide selection of brands
Cons:
× Lack of personal support
× No product set-up
× Shipping time & costs
× No local seller support and ser-
vice after the sale
× Purchase based on specs only
without seeing the product
× Possibility of online fraud.
Buying used chainsaw (Classifieds, etc.)
Pros:
» Cost efficient
» No sales tax and shipping
» Try saw before purchase
Cons:
× Lack of personal support
× Buying someone else’s “problem”
× No warranty
× No support after the sale.
× Missing safety features
× Chance of buying stolen goods.
× Incomplete User Manual

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 16
Local Chainsaw Dealers
Pros:
» Extensive Product Knowledge
» Service & Support
» Selection of Parts
» Saw Demonstration may be avail-
able.
» Product set-up
» Personal Instructions
» Professional & Robust models
available
» Accessories & Safety gear avail-
able
» Dealer only promotions
Cons:
× Limited selection to certain
brands
× Premium prices
× Shorter product return and
exchange terms.
Large “Big Box” Retailers
Pros:
» Wider selection of brands
» Lower Prices and Sales Events
» Convenience & availability
» Relatively cleaner shopping
environment
» May have some accessories
Cons:
× Lack of product knowledge
× Limited to certain models and
sizes
× Lack of service
× Limited availability of parts
× No Product set-up
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 9
Questions to ask before buying a
chainsaw.
□What is your level of experience using a chainsaw?
□What are you going to be using the chainsaw for? Full
time, professional, or home use?
□What is the size of trees you would be felling mostly?
□Are you cutting hard or soft wood?
□How often will you be using the saw? Daily, once a month,
or few times a year?
□How important is chainsaw weight and ergonomics for
you?
□How important are service and maintenance features? Do
you want easy access to spark plug, air filter, and easy
chain tensioning?

Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 10
□Protective Head Gear
Head, eyes, hearing protection.
□Protective Jacket
Upper body coverage
□Protective Pants/ Chaps
Leg protection with chain stopping material.
□Protective Boots
Steal toes forestry boots.
□Protective Gloves
Personal Protective Gear
Quick Guide to Chainsaws. 15