Kobalt KCS 1040B-03 User manual

AS21210
Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your retailer, call our customer
service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-800-356-2258), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., EST,
Monday – Sunday. You could also contact us at [email protected] or visit
www.lowespartsplus.com.
ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE
Serial Number Purchase Date
ITEM #3809899/4132852
BRUSHLESS CHAINSAW
MODEL #KCS 1040B-03
Español p. 31
KOBALT and logo design are trademarks or
registered trademarks of LF, LLC. All rights reserved.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Specications...................................................................................... 2
Package Contents............................................................................................3
Safety Information............................................................................................5
Preparation..................................................................................................... 11
Operating Instructions.................................................................................... 12
Care and Maintenance...................................................................................21
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 29
Warranty.........................................................................................................29
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS
Rated voltage 40V d.c .
Cut length 14’’ (350mm)
Chain pitch 3/8ʺ (9.5mm)
Chain gauge 0.043ʺ (1.1mm)
Chain type CL14352PB (TriLink)
Guide bar type M1431452-1041 (TriLink)
Oil Tank Capacity 5.0 fl. oz (150ml)
Operating temperature 14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)
Storage temperature 32°F (0°C) - 104°F (40°C)
Recommended bar and chain for this chainsaw
PART NAME TYPE MODEL NUMBER
Guide Bar M1431452-1041 (TriLink) KSGA 1040-03
Saw Chain CL14352PB (TriLink) KSCA 1040-03

3
PACKAGE CONTENTS
G
D C BA
E
H
F
I J K
L
PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION
A Trigger switch G Chain-tensioning knob
B Rear handle H Side cover
C Lock-off button I Guide bar
D Front handle J Saw chain
E Chain kickback brake paddle K Oil-tank cap
F Side-cover knob L Chain sheath
Trigger Switch
Turns the chainsaw On and Off.
Rear Handle
The support handle for the right hand, located at the rear of the saw.
Lock-off Button
Helps to prevent accidental or unauthorized activating of the trigger switch. It must be
depressed before the trigger switch can be activated.
Front Handle
The support handle for the left hand at the front of the saw.

4
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Chain Kickback Brake Paddle
Serves as the lever for chain brake activation. It also provides protection against projecting
branches and helps prevent the left hand from touching the saw chain if it slips off the front
handle.
Side-cover Knob
Locks/unlocks the side cover.
Chain-Tensioning Knob
Permits precise adjustment of chain tension.
Side Cover
Covers the chain sprocket and secures the guide bar.
Guide Bar
Supports and guides the saw chain.
Saw Chain
A loop of chain with cutting teeth, that when it is driven by the powerhead and supported by the
guide bar, cuts wood.
Oil Tank Cap
Seals the oil tank.
Chain Sheath
The chain sheath keeps the operator from coming in contact with the sharp chain teeth when
the tool is not in use. It also helps keep the chain teeth from being nicked or damaged during
transportation and storage.
WARNING:
• Remove the tool from the package and examine it carefully. Do not discard the carton or any
packaging material until all parts have been examined.
• If any part of the tool is missing or damaged, do not attach the battery to use the tool until
the part has been repaired or replaced. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious
injury.

5
SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read and understand this entire manual before attempting to assemble or operate
this product. If you have any questions regarding the product, please call customer service at
1-888-3KOBALT (1-800-356-2258), 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST, Monday - Sunday. You could also
contact us at [email protected] or visit www.lowespartsplus.com.
WARNING
• The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power-tool operation, always wear
safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full-face shield, when needed. We
recommend using a wide vision safety mask over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses
with shields. Always use eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
• Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
– Lead from lead-based paints
– Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products
– Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber
• Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this type of work.
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
– Work in a well-ventilated area.
– Work with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to
lter out microscopic particles.
– Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap
and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes or to lie on the skin may promote
absorption of harmful chemicals.
Know the Tool
To operate this tool, carefully read this manual and all labels afxed to the tool before using it.
Keep this manual available for future reference.
Important
This tool should be serviced only by a qualied service technician.
Read All Instructions Thoroughly

6
SAFETY INFORMATION
Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and more safely.
SYMBOL DEFINITION SYMBOL DEFINITION
V Volts n0No-load Speed
or d.c. Direct Current /min Revolutions or Strokes per Minute
A danger, warning,
or caution. It means
‘Attention! Your safety
is involved.’
To reduce the risk of injury, user
must read instruction manual.
Wear eye protection. Wear ear protection.
Wear protective
gloves. Wear head protection.
Do not expose to rain. Always use chain saw two-handed.
Beware of chain saw kickback and avoid contact with bar tip.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
WARNING
• Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specications provided with
this power tool.Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock,
re and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work Area Safety
• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
ammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.

7
SAFETY INFORMATION
Electrical Safety
• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use
any adaptor plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodied plugs and matching
outlets will reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is
earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the
power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or
entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric
shock.
Personal Safety
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the inuence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment
such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before
connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your nger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the
switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a
key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better
control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving
parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure that these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce
dust-related hazards
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become
complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury
within a fraction of a second.
Power tool use and care
• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The
correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that
cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

8
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack,
if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power
tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these
instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be
performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in
a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery
handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
Battery Tool Use and Care
• Recharge only with the charger specied by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable
for one type of battery pack may create a risk of re when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specically designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and re.
BATTERY PACK CHARGER
KB 240-03; KB 440-03; KB 640-03 KRC 840-03
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper
clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a
connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may
cause burns or a re.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If
contact accidentally occurs, ush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modied. Damaged or modied
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in re, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to re or excessive temperature. Exposure to re
or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the
temperature range specied in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures
outside the specied range may damage the battery and increase the risk of re.
Service
• Have your power tool serviced by a qualied repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed
by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

9
SAFETY INFORMATION
General Chainsaw Safety Warnings
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the chainsaw is operating.
Before you start the chainsaw, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. A
moment of inattention while operating chainsaws may cause entanglement of your clothing
or body with the saw chain.
• Always hold the chainsaw with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand
on the front handle. Holding the chainsaw with a reversed hand conguration increases
the risk of personal injury and should never be done.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may
contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts
of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Wear eye protection. Further protective equipment for hearing, head, hands, legs and
feet is recommended. Adequate protective equipment will reduce personal injury from
flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree, on a ladder, from a rooftop, or any unstable
support. Operation of a chain saw in this manner could result in serious personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chainsaw only when standing on xed,
secure, and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause a loss
of balance or control of the chainsaw.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for spring back. When the tension in
the wood bers is released, the spring-loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the
chainsaw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch
the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chainsaw by the front handle with the chainsaw switched off and away from
your body. When transporting or storing the chainsaw always t the guide bar cover.
Proper handling of the chainsaw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the
moving saw chain.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing the bar and chain.
Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for
kickback.
• Cut wood only. Do not use chainsaw for purposes not intended. For example: do not
use chainsaw for cutting plastic, masonry, or non-wood building materials. Use of the
chainsaw for operations different than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Causes and operator prevention of kickback (Fig. a, b, c):
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 sudden
reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back
towards the operator.
aRotational
kickback

10
SAFETY INFORMATION
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 personal injury. Do not rely exclusively
upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a
chainsaw user, you should take several steps to
keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions and
can be avoided by taking proper precautions as
given below:
• Maintain a rm grip, with thumbs and ngers
encircling the chainsaw handles, with both
hands on the saw and position your body and
arm to allow you to resist kickback forces
(Fig. d). Kickback forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not
let go of the chainsaw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above
shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended
tip contact and enables better control of the
chainsaw in unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement bars and chains
specied by the manufacturer. Incorrect
replacement bars and chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
b
Kickback
danger zone
c
Kickback
Pinch
dGrip with
thumb below
handle

11
SAFETY INFORMATION
Additional Safety Warnings
• Push and Pull (Fig. e) – The reaction force is always opposite to the direction the chain is
moving where wood contact is made. Thus, the operator must be ready to control the PULL
when cutting on the bottom edge of the bar, and the PUSH when cutting along the top edge.
e
PULL PUSH
Low Kickback Saw Chain
The rakers (depth gauges) ahead of each cutter can minimize the force of a kickback
reaction by preventing the cutters from digging in too deeply at the kickback zone. Only use
a replacement chain that is equivalent to the original chain or has been certied as a low
kickback chain per ANSI B175.1. A low kickback tooth saw chain is a chain that has met
the kickback performance requirements of ANSI B175.1 (American National Standard for
Power Tools - Gasoline-Powered Chainsaws - Safety Requirements) when tested on the
representative sample of chainsaws below 3.8 c.i.d. specied in ANSI B175.1.
CAUTION
• As saw chains are sharpened during their useful life, they lose some of the low kickback
qualities and extra caution should be used.
PREPARATION
Know Your Chainsaw
This chainsaw can be used for basic felling, limbing, pruning, and woodcutting of lumber
and trees. Before attempting to use the chainsaw, familiarize yourself with all of its operating
features and safety requirements.
WARNING
• Do not allow familiarity with the chainsaw to cause carelessness. Remember that one
careless moment is enough to cause severe injury. Before attempting to use any tool, be
sure to become familiar with all of the operating features and safety instructions.
• Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recommended for use with this
tool. Any such alteration or modication is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possibly serious personal injury.

12
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with
hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and
other possibly serious injuries.
• Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this
product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious
personal injury.
1. Filling Oil Tank with Bar and Chain
Lubricant
The chainsaw is not lled with oil at the time of
purchase. It is essential to ll the tank with oil
before use. Operating the chainsaw without chain
oil or when the oil level is below the minimum mark
will result in damage to the chainsaw. Chain life and
cutting capacity depend on optimum lubrication.
The chain is automatically lubricated with chain oil
during operation.
WARNING
• Do not smoke or bring any re or flame near the
oil or the chainsaw. Oil may spill and cause a
re.
a. Push the chain kickback brake paddle (E) towards the front of the saw. Remove the battery
pack from the chainsaw.
b. Clean the oil-tank cap (K) and the area around it to ensure that no dirt falls into the oil tank.
c. Position the chainsaw on its side on a rm, flat surface, so that the tank cap is facing
upwards. Rotate the oil tank cap counterclockwise to remove it.
d. Carefully pour the bar and chain oil into the tank. Fill to the bottom of the ll neck. Wipe off
any excess oil.
e. Replace the cap, place the saw upright, and view the level through the oil inspection
window. Oil should ll the window.
NOTICE:
• Use KOBALT® and TriLink® bar and chain oil for best results. It is specically designed to
provide low friction and faster cuts.
• Never use oil or other lubricants not specically designed for use on the bar and chain. This
can lead to a clogged oil system, which may cause premature wear of the bar and chain.
• Check the oil level frequently and ll the tank when the oil level falls below the minimum line.
Never operate the chainsaw if the oil is not visible.
• Do not use dirty, used, or otherwise contaminated oil. Damage may occur to the bar or
chain.
• It is normal for oil to seep from the saw when it is not in use. To prevent seepage, empty the
oil tank after each use and then run the saw for one minute. When storing the tool for a long
period of time, be sure that the chain is lightly lubricated. This will prevent rust on the chain
and bar sprocket.
To preserve natural resources, please recycle or dispose of oil properly. Consult your local
waste authority for information regarding available recycling and disposal options.
1
E
K

13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2. Kickback Safety Devices on This Chainsaw
Chain Brake
The chainsaw comes equipped with a chain brake,
which stops both the motor and the motion of the
chain when kickback occurs. The chain brake can
be activated by the forward motion of the chain
kickback brake paddle as the saw rotates backward
during kickback; it can also be activated by the
inertial forces generated during rapid pushback.
WARNING
• Never modify or attempt to disable the chain
brake.
Make sure that the chain brake is working properly
before using the chainsaw. The chain kickback brake paddle should move back and forth
easily.
To test the operation of the chain brake, perform the following steps:
• Place the chainsaw on a flat bare surface and make sure no objects or obstructions that
could come in contact with the bar and chain are in the immediate vicinity.
• Disengage the chain brake by pulling the chain kickback brake paddle (E) towards the front
handle.
• Start the chainsaw.
• Push the chain kickback brake paddle towards the front of the saw. A properly functioning
hand brake will stop the movement of the chain immediately. If the chain brake is not
working properly, do not use the chainsaw until it has been repaired by a qualied service
technician.
WARNING
• Conrm that the chain brake works properly before each use.
• If the chain brake is clogged with wood chips, the function of the chain brake may
deteriorate. Always keep the device clean.
3. To Attach Battery Pack
a. Align the mounting grooves on the battery pack
with the raised ribs in the chainsaw’s battery
port, as shown.
b. Slide the battery pack into the tool until it snaps
into position.
NOTICE: Make sure that the latch on the chainsaw
snaps into place and the battery pack is secured
to the tool before beginning operation. Improper
assembly of the battery pack can cause damage to
internal components.
2E
Chain kickback
brake paddle in
brake position
3
Battery-release
button

14
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To Detach Battery Pack
WARNING
• Always be aware of the location of your feet, children, or pets when pressing the
battery-release button. NEVER remove the battery pack at a high position. Serious
injury could result if the battery pack falls.
a. Hold the battery pack in the palm of your hand.
b. Press the battery-release button with your thumb; the battery pack will disengage from the
latch.
c. Grasp the battery pack and remove it from the tool.
4. To Start/Stop the Chainsaw
a. To turn the saw ON, pull the chain kickback
brake paddle (E) towards the front handle, to
the operating position.
b. Grasp the front handle (D) and rear handle (B)
rmly, using both hands.
c. Press the lock-off button (C), and then squeeze
the trigger switch (A).
WARNING
• Make sure no objects or obstructions, which
could come in contact with the bar and chain, are
in the immediate vicinity.
a. To turn the saw OFF, release the trigger switch
and allow the chain to come to a complete stop.
b. Push the chain kickback brake paddle forward to the brake position to engage the chain
brake.
5. Before Using the Chainsaw:
a. Remove the battery pack.
b. Make sure that the chain is properly mounted and correctly tensioned.
c. Lift the tip of the guide bar (I) up to check for any sagging in the saw chain (J). The saw
chain is correctly tensioned when there is no sag on the underside of the guide bar and
the saw chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand without binding. If the tension requires
adjustment, refer to the section “Replacing the Bar and Chain” in the Maintenance
section of this manual for adjustment instructions.
d. Check the tightness of the side-cover knob (F) before use. If it is loose, securely tighten the
side-cover knob by turning it clockwise.
e. Check the oil level and ll the tank as needed.
f. Check the sharpness of the cutting teeth of the saw chain.
g. Make sure the saw chain is well lubricated.
h. Make sure the chain kickback brake paddle moves easily to the brake position, then pull
the saw chain kickback brake paddle back towards the front handle to the operating
position.
i. Stand upright and hold the chainsaw in a relaxed position.
j. Make sure the saw chain is not touching the ground or any other objects.
4E D C BA

15
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
k. Hold the chainsaw with both hands: with the right hand on the rear handle and the left
hand on the front handle.
l. Make sure that you have a secure and balanced footing. Watch out for obstacles such as
tree stumps, roots, and ditches, which could cause you to trip or stumble.
m. Always make a trial cut in scrap material before produce an accurate cut if rst use.
6. Preparation for Cutting
Refer to “Safety Information” earlier in this manual for appropriate safety equipment.
Work Area Precautions
• Cut only wood or materials made from wood. Do not cut sheet metal, plastics, masonry, or
non-wood building materials.
• Never allow children to operate the chainsaw.
• Allow no person, who has not read this Operator’s Manual or received adequate instructions
for the safe and proper use of this chainsaw, to use this chainsaw.
• When felling a tree, keep everyone - helpers, bystanders, children, and animals - a safe
distance from the cutting area. During felling operations, the safe distance should be a
least twice the height of the largest trees in the felling area. During bucking operations,
keep a minimum distance of 15 feet (4.5 m) between workers. Trees should not be felled
in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line, or cause any property
damage. If a tree does make contact with any utility line, stay clear of the tree and the line
and notify the utility company immediately.
• Always operate the chainsaw with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off
balance.
• Do not cut above chest height, as a saw held higher is difcult to control against kickback
forces.
• Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings.
• Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.
Proper Grip On Handles
• Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and
protection. With the saw on a rm, flat surface,
hold the saw rmly with both hands.
• Always grasp the front handle (D) with the left
hand and the rear handle (B) with the right hand.
• The ngers should encircle the handle, with the
thumb wrapped under the front handle (Fig. 6a).
WARNING
• Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip, or
any stance which would place your body or arm
across the chain line.
• Do not operate the trigger switch (A) with your
left hand and hold the front handle with your right
hand.
6a Grip with
thumb below
handle

16
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Never allow any part of your body to be in the chain
line while operating a chainsaw (Fig. 6b).
Proper Cutting Stance (Fig. 6c)
Both feet should be on solid ground, with weight
evenly spread between them.
The left arm should be straight, with the elbow
locked. This helps to withstand the forces
generated by kickback.
Your body should always be to the left of the chain
line.
7. Basic Cutting
WARNING
• Always be sure of your footing and hold the
chainsaw rmly with both hands while the motor
is running. Practice cutting a few small logs
using the following technique to get the “feel” of
using your saw before you begin a major sawing
operation.
a. Take the proper stance in front of the wood with
the saw off.
b. Press the lock-off button (C) and squeeze the
trigger to start the chainsaw. Let the saw chain
reach the full speed before beginning the cut.
c. Begin cutting by lightly pressing the guide bar
(I) against the wood. Use only light pressure,
letting the saw do the work.
d. Maintain a steady speed throughout the cut,
releasing pressure just before the end of the cut.
e. Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the saw chain to stop.
WARNING
• When the saw chain is stopped due to pinching during cutting, release the trigger switch;
remove the saw chain and guide bar from the wood, then restart the chainsaw.
• Do not pull the saw chain with your hand when it is bound by the sawdust. Serious injury
could result if the chainsaw starts accidentally. Press the saw chain against the wood, move
the chainsaw back and forth to discharge the debris. Always remove the battery pack before
cleaning. Wear heavy protective gloves when handling the saw chain.
• Never start the chainsaw when it is in contact with the wood. Always allow the chainsaw
reach full speed before applying the saw to the wood.
6c Straight arm
position
Chain line
6b
Chain line

17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
8. Felling A Tree
Hazardous Conditions
WARNING
• When felling a tree, it is important that you heed the following warnings to prevent possible
serious injury.
• Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipitation. Wait until the hazardous
weather has ended.
• Do not fell trees that lean at extreme angles or large trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or
hollow trunks. Instead, have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equipment and
then cut them up.
• Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings.
• Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling.
• Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the back cut to assure the tree is going to fall
in the desired direction.
• If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the
fall, leave the saw and save yourself!
Preparation for Tree Felling
• When bucking and felling operations are being
performed by two or more persons at the same
time, the felling operation should be separated
from the bucking operation by a distance of at
least twice the height of the tree being felled.
Trees should not be felled in a manner that
would endanger any person, strike any utility
line or cause any property damage. If the tree
does make contact with any utility line, the utility
company should be notied immediately.
• The chainsaw operator should stand on the uphill
side of the terrain, as the tree is likely to roll or
slide downhill after it is felled.
• Before any cuts are started, pick your escape
route (or routes, in case the intended route is blocked). Clear the immediate area around the
tree and make sure that there are no obstructions in your planned paths of retreat. Clear a
path of safe retreat approximately 135° from the planned line of fall. The retreat path should
extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall. See Figure 8a.
• Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree, the location of larger branches
and the wind direction to judge which way the tree will fall.
• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where felling cuts are
to be made.
Notching undercut
Make the notch through 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of fall,
as illustrated in Fig. 8b. Make the lower horizontal notching cut rst. This will help to avoid
pinching of either the saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch is being made.
8a
Dangerous Zone
Dangerous Zone
45°
Felling Direction
Safety
Retreat Path
Safety
Retreat
Path

18
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Felling Back Cut
a. Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches (51
mm) higher than the horizontal notching cut
(Fig. 8b). Keep the felling back cut parallel to
the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling
back cut so that enough wood is left to act as
a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from
twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do
not cut through the hinge.
b. As the felling cut gets close to the hinge,
the tree should begin to fall. If there is any
chance that the tree may not fall in the desired
direction or it may rock back and bind the saw
chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is
complete and use wedges of wood, plastic, or
aluminum to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
c. When the tree begins to fall, remove the chainsaw from the cut, stop the motor, put the
chainsaw down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and
watch your footing.
9. Limbing
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
When limbing, leave larger limbs to support the
log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one
cut as illustrated in Fig. 9. Branches under tension
should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding
the chainsaw.
WARNING
• There is an extreme danger of kickback during
the limbing operation. Be extremely cautious and
avoid contacting the log or other limbs with the
tip of the guide bar.
8b
Felling
back cut
Direction of fall
Notch
Hinge
2ʺ/
50 mm
2ʺ/50.8 mm
9
Limb out

19
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
10. Bucking A Log
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is important to make sure your footing is rm and
your weight is evenly distributed on both feet. When possible, the log should be raised and
supported by the use of limbs, logs or chocks. Follow these simple directions for easy cutting.
WARNING
• Keep the cutting area clear. Make sure that no
objects can contact the guide bar nose and chain
during cutting. This can cause kickback.
Overbucking (Fig. 10a).
Begin on the top side of the log with the bottom
of the saw against the log, exert light pressure
downward. Note that the saw will tend to pull away
from you.
Underbucking (Fig. 10b).
Begin on the underside of the log with the top of the
saw against the log, exert light pressure upward.
During underbucking, the saw will tend to push
back at you. Be prepared for this reaction and hold
the saw rmly to maintain control.
• When the log is supported along its entire length,
it should be cut from the top (overbucking)
(Fig. 10c).
10a
Overbucking
10b
Underbucking
10c
Log supported along the entire length
Cut from top (overbuck).
Avoid cutting earth

20
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• When the log is supported on only one end,
cut 1/3 the diameter from the underside
(underbucking). Then make the nishing cut by
overbucking to meet the rst cut (Fig. 10d).
• When the log is supported on both ends, cut 1/3
of that diameter from the top overbuck. Then
make the nished cut by underbucking the lower
2/3 to meet the rst cut (Fig. 10e).
• When bucking on a slope, always stand on the
uphill side of the log (Fig. 10f).
• To maintain complete control when cutting
through, release the cutting pressure near the
end of the cut without relaxing the grip on the
chainsaw handles. Don’t allow the chain to
contact the ground. After completing the cut, wait
for the saw chain to stop before you move the
chainsaw. Always stop the motor before moving
from tree to tree.
10d
Log supported on one end
2nd cut overbuck (2/3 diameter)
to meet 1st cut (to avoid
pinching)
1st cut underbuck (1/3 diameter) to
avoid splintering
10e
Log supported on both ends
1st cut overbuck (1/3 diameter)
to avoid splintering
2nd cut underbuck (2/3 diameter) to
meet 1st cut (to avoid pinching)
10f
Bucking a log
Stand on the uphill side when
cutting because the log may roll