Makita DCS 330 TH Instruction Manual

1
DCS 330 TH
DCS330TH
1997
Makitacorporation
Owner’s and
Safety Manual
for Gasoline Chain Saws (pages 2 - 35)
Manuel d’emploi
et de sécurité
de tronçonneuses thermiques (pages 36 - 69)
MU
WARNING!
Read and understand this Manual. Always follow safety precautions in the Owner’s and Safety Manual.
This chain saw is intended for use only by tree surgeons and other persons trained in working in
trees! Improper use can cause serious injury! Keep this Instruction Manual!
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
ATTENTION:
Suivez toujours les conseils de sécurité du présent manuel d’emploi et de sécurité.
Cette tronçonneuse ne peut être utilisée que par un personnel élagueurs qualifié!
Une utilisation incorrecte de la tronçonneuse peut entraîner des blessures graves!
Garder avec soin le manuel d’emploi!
Les gaz d’échappement émis par ce produit contient des produits chimiques connus par l’Etat de
Californie pour provoquer le cancer, des défauts de naissance ou autres dommages de reproduction.

2
Contents Page
Sharpening the saw chain 26-27
Cleaning the brake band and sprocket interior 28
Cleaning the guide bar,
lubricating the sprocket nose 28
Replacing the saw chain 29
Replacing the suction head 29
Cleaning the air filter 29
Replacing the spark plug 30
Replacing the starter cable / return spring 30-31
Cleaning the muffler / spark arrester screen 31
Cleaning the cylinder space 31
Instructions for periodic maintenance 32
Service, spare parts and guarantee 32-33
Troubleshooting 33
Extract from the spare parts list 34
Contents Page
Delivery inventory 3
Symbols 3
Safety precautions 4-15
Denomination of components 16
Technical data 17
Approved bar and chain combinations 17
Mounting the guide bar and saw chain 18-19
Checking the chain tension 20
Safety chain brake 20
Fuel / Refuelling 21-22
Adjusting the chain lubrication 23
Checking the chain lubrication 23
Starting the engine 24
Stopping the engine 24
Checking the safety chain brake 25
Adjusting the carburetor 25-26
TheMAKITADCS330THwillbedeliveredinaprotectivecardboardboxtopreventtransportdamage.Cardboard
is a basic raw material and is consequently reuseable or suitable for recycling (waste paper recycling).
MAKITA DCS 330 TH
This product complies with: American National Standard Institute B 175.1-1991 chain saw safety standard.
Canadian Standards Association Z62.1-95 chain saw safety standard.
Z62.3-96 chain saw kickback standard.
Society of Automotive Engineers SAEJ 335-Jun 95 „Multiposition small
engine exhaust system fire ignition
suppression”
Withthepurchaseofthischainsawyouhavechosenaqualityproduct.Importantinstructionsfortheassemblyand
operation of this saw are given in this manual.
TheDCS330 TH(Tophandle)is averylight andhandychainsawwiththehandleonthetop.Thismodelwas developed
especially for tree surgery and care, and may be used only by persons specially trained in tree surgery and care.
Theautomaticchainlubricationwithvariable-flowoilpumpandmaintenance-freeelectronicignitionensuretrouble-free
operation, while the hand-saving anti-vibration system and ergonomic grips and controls make work easier, safer, and
less tiring for the user.
The safety features of the DCS 330 TH are state of the art and meet all international safety standards.
They include handguards on both grips, grip safety, chain catch, safety saw chain, and chain brake. The chain brake
can be actuated manually, and is also inertia-actuated automatically in case of kickback.
In order to ensure the proper functioning and performance of your new chain saw, and
to safeguard your own personal safety, it is imperative that you read this instruction
manual thoroughly before operation. Be especially careful to observe all safety
precautions!Failure to observe these precautions can lead to severe injury or death!
WARNING !
Careless or improper use of this product can cause serious or even fatal injury.
Before operating a chain saw or other MAKITA products it is important that you read, fully understand and
carefully follow the instructions outlined in this owners manual. Kickback may cause severe or fatal injury and
is one of many potential dangers in operating a chain saw. Kickback and other safety related precautions are
described in detail within this owners manual. Additional owners manuals are available from MAKITA USA,
INC.,14930-CNorthamStreet, La Mirada, CA 90638-5753, Telephone: [phone] and MAKITA CANADA
INC., 1950 Forbes Street, Whitby, Ontario, Canada, L1N 7B7, Telephone: [phone].

3
Delivery inventory
In case one of the parts listed should not be included in the
delivery inventory, please consult your sales agent.
1. Chain saw
2. Guide bar
3. Saw chain
4. Chain protection cover
5. Assembly tool
6. Owner’s manual (not shown)
Symbols
You will notice the following symbols on the chain saw and in the instruction manual:
145
32
Hold the saw with
both hands while wor-
king! One-handed use
is extremely hazar-
dous!
Chaine brake
Fuel and oil mixture
Saw chain oil
adjustment screw
Chain oil
Direction of chain
movement
First aid
No open fire!
Engine stop switch
Stop engine!
Engine -manual start
Choke lever
Carburetor adjustment
CAUTION: Kickback!
STOP
STOP
HL
IDLE
Read instruction manual
and follow the warning-
and safety precautions!
Warning!
This saw may be used only
by trained tree surgeons!
Particular care
and caution!
Forbidden!
Wear protective helmet,
eye and ear protection!
Wear protective
gloves!
No smoking!
Further symbols see page 5.

4
Safety precautions for chain saw operators
CAUTION:Thischainsawisdesignedespecially for
tree care and surgery. Only persons trained in tree
care and surgery may use this saw! Observe all
literature, procedures and recommendations from
therelevantprofessional organisation.Failureto do
so constitutes a high accident risk! We recommend
alwaysusing arisingplatform(cherrypicker,lift)for
sawing in trees. Rappelling (abseil) techniques are
extremely dangerous and require special training!
Theoperatormustbetrainedinandfamiliarwith the
use of safety equipment and working and climbing
techniques!Alwaysusetheappropriatebelts,ropes
and carabiners when working in trees. Always use
restraining equipment for both the operator and the
saw!
While operating the chain saw please observe the
following rules:
a) Contact of the guide bar nose with any object should
be avoided.
b) Tipcontactmaycausetheguidebartomovesuddenly
upward and backward, which may cause serious or
fatal injury.
c) Always operate the chain saw with both hands.
WARNING!
Readandfollowallsafetyprecautionsintheowner’s
manual. Failure to follow instructions could result in
serious injury. It is recommended to lend the chain
saw only to people who are experienced in working
withchainsaws.AlwayshandovertheOwner‘sand
Safety Manual. WARNING!
This chain saw is capable of severe kickback that
could result in serious injury to the operator. Do not
operatethischainsawunlessyouhaveextraordinary
cuttingneedsandexperienceinand special training
fordealingwithkickback.Chainsawswithsignificantly
reduced kickback potential are available.
WARNING!
Kickbackmayoccurwhenthenoseortipoftheguide
bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in
and pinches the saw chain in the cut. This contact
mayabruptlystopthesawchainandinsomecases
maycausealightning fast reversereaction, kicking
theguidebarupandback towards the user, or push
the guide bar back towards the operator. Kickback
may cause you to lose control of the saw.
As a chain saw user, you can take several steps to
reduce the risk of a kickback and potential injury.
A. Withabasicunderstandingofkickback,youcan
reduceoreliminatetheelementof surprise.Itis
asuddensurprisethatcontributestoaccidents.
B. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both
hands,yourrighthandonthereargripand your
lefthandonthetubularhandle,whentheengine
is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and
fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm
grip can neutralize kickback and help you
maintain control of the saw. Don’t let go!
C. Makesurethattheareainwhichyouarecutting
is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of
the guide bar contact the log, branch, or any
other obstructions which could be hit while you
are operating the saw.
D. Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
E. Followmanufacturer’ssharpeningandmainten-
ance instructions for the saw chain.
F. Onlyusereplacementbarsandchainsspecified
by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
Additional safety precautions
The following additional safety precautions should be
observed by all users of chain saws:
1. Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.
2. Usesafetyfootwear;snug-fittingclothing;protective
gloves; and eye, hearing, and head protection
devices.
3. Usecautionwhenhandlingfuel.Movethechainsaw
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling point before
starting the engine.
4. Do notallowotherpersonstobenearthechainsaw
when starting or cutting with the chain saw. Keep
bystanders and animals out of the work area.
5. Do not start cutting until you have a clear work
area,securefooting,andaplannedretreatpathfrom
the falling tree.
6. Keepallpartsofyourbodyawayfromthesawchain
when the engine is running.
7. Before youstarttheengine,makesurethatthesaw
chain is not contacting anything.
8. Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the
guidebar and sawchain to the rear, and the muffler
away from your body.
9. Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, is
improperlyadjusted,orisnotcompletelyandsecurely
assembled.Besurethatthesawchainstopsmoving
when the throttle control trigger is released.
10. Shut off the engine before setting it down.
11. Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush
and saplings because slender material may catch
the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull
you off balance.
12. Whencuttingalimbthatisundertensionbealertfor
springback so that you will not be struck when the
tension on the wood fibers is released.
13. Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel
mixture.
14. Operatethechainsawonlyinwell-ventilated areas.
15. Donotoperateachainsawinatreeunlessyouhave
been specifically trained to do so.
16. All chain saw service, other than the items listed in
theowner’smanualmaintenanceinstructions,should
beperformedbyMAKITA.(Forexample,ifimproper
tools are used to remove the flywheel or if an
improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in order to
removetheclutchstructuraldamageto theflywheel
could occur and could subsequently cause the
flywheel to burst.)
17. When transporting your chain saw, use the chain
protection cover.
18. Low kickback bars and low kickback chains are
designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury. Ask
your MAKITA dealer about these devices.

5
General Safety Precautions
The use of any chain saw may be hazardous. At full
throttle chain speed can reach 45 mph (20 m/s). It is
importantthatyouread;fullyunderstandandobserve
the following safety precautions and warnings. Read
the owner’s manual and the safety instructions
periodically.
WARNING!
Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dan-
gerous.Carelessorimproperuseofanychainsaw
may cause serious or fatal injury.
HaveyourMAKITAdealershowyouhowtooperate
yourchainsaw.Observeallapplicablelocalsafety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
1
WARNING!
Minors should never be allowed to use a chain
saw.
Bystanders,especiallychildrenandanimalsshould
not be allowed in the area where a chain saw is in
use (fig. 1).
Never let the saw run unattended.
Store it in a locked place away from children. Fill
the fuel tank to 7/8 th full (see storing the saw).
Do not lend your chain saw without this owner’s
manual. Be sure that anyone using your saw un-
derstands the information given.
Proper use of a chain saw involves
1. the operator
2. the saw
3. the use of the saw.
WARNING !
Prolongeduseofchainsawsexposingtheoperator
to vibrations may produce Whitefinger disease
(Raynaud’s phenomenon). This phenomenon
reduces the hand’s ability to feel and regulate
temperature, produces numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and circulation
damage and tissue necrosis.
All MAKITA saws are therefore provided with an
antivibration system which is essential for those
using chain saws on a regular or sustained basis.
Antivibration systems do not guarantee that you
will not sustain Whitefinger disesase, however,
they reduce this danger considerably.
Nevertheless, continual and regular users should
observetheirhandsandfingersandincaseofany
abnormal symptoms, seek medical advice
immediately.
2
The operator
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition and mental
health and not under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol), which might impair vision, dexterity
or judgment.
Always use two hands when
operating the chain saw!
Reduced Kickback Bar and
Chaincombinationthathasbeen
evaluated with the power head
to achieve kickback protection
(according to ANSI and CSA
standards).
XXX.YYY.ZZZ
XXX.YYY.ZZZ
*The Computed KickbackAngle is acalculated value
from energies measured on a test bench. It is not the
angle of the guide bar moved upward in case of a
KICKBACK.
Maximum Computed Kickback Angle
(CKA)* without using the chain brake when
using the recommended bar and chain
combinations (In this example the CKA is 21°).
max. CKA 21O
Contact of the guide bar tip with
any object should be avoided!
Tipcontactmaycausetheguide
bar to move suddenly upward
andbackward,whichmaycause
serious injury!

6
3
The saw
Parts of the chain saw: illustrations and description of
parts see page 16.
WARNING !
Never modify a chain saw in any way. Only
attachments supplied by MAKITA or expressly
approvedbyMAKITAforusewiththe specific saw
are authorized.
WARNING !
Bowguidebarssubstantiallyincreasethepotential
for kickback and severe or fatal injury due to the
greater kickback zone of the bow design. Bow
guide bars are not recommended for use on
MAKITA chain saws nor are they approved by the
ANSI B 175.1-1991 chain saw safety standard.
The use of the saw
Transporting the chain saw
WARNING!
Alwaysstoptheenginebefore putting achainsaw
down or carrying it. Carrying a chain saw with the
enginerunningisextremelydangerous.Accidental
acceleration of the engine can cause the chain to
rotate.
Avoid touching the hot muffler.
By hand: When carrying your saw by hand, the
engine must be stopped and the saw must be in
the proper position.
The chain protection cover should be over the
chain and the guide bar must point backwards.
When carrying your saw the bar should be behind
you (fig. 4).
By vehicle: When transporting in a vehicle, keep
chainandbarcoveredwiththechainguard.Properly
secure your saw to prevent turnover, fuel spillage
and damage to the saw. Make sure the saw is not
exposed to heat or sparks.
4
Proper clothing
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of movement. Avoid loose-fitting
jackets,scarfs,neckties,jewelry,flaredorcuffedpants,
or anything that could become entangled with the
saworbrush. Wear overalls or jeanswitha reinforced
cutting resistant insert (fig. 3).
Protect your hands with gloves when handling saw
and saw chain. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve
your grip and protect your hands.
Wear protective helmet,
eye and ear protection
Good footing is most important in chain saw work.
Wearsturdybootswithnonslipsoles.Steel-toedsafety
boots are recommended.
Proper eye protection is a must. Non-fogging, vented
goggles and a face screen is recommended. Their
use reduces the risk of eye and facial injury.
Wear an approved safety hard hat to protect your
head. Chain saw noise may damage your hearing.
Always wear noise protection equipment (ear plugs
or ear muffs) to protect your hearing.
Continualandregularusersshouldhavetheirhearing
checked regularly.

7
Chain saw operating instructions
For assembly follow the procedure in the appropriate
section"MountingGuideBarandChain"ofthismanual.
MAKITA chain, guide bar and sprocket must match
eachother(seetheappropriatesectioninthismanual).
WARNING!
Propertensionofthechain isextremelyimportant.
In order to avoid false setting the tensioning
procedure must be followed as described in this
manual. Always make sure the hexagonal nut(s)
for the sprocket guard is (are) tightened securely
after tensioning the chain. Check chain tension
once more after having tightened the nuts and
thereafteratregularintervals(alwaysbeforestarting
to work). If the chain becomes loose while cutting,
shut off the engine and then tighten. Never try to
tighten the chain while the engine is running!
Fueling
YourMAKITAsawusesonoil-gasolinemixtureforfuel
(see chapter "Fuel" of this manual).
5a
Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting your saw and
check for leakage.
Check for fuel leakage while refueling and during
operation.If fuel or oilleakageis found, do notstart or
run the engine until leak is fixed and spilled fuel has
been wiped away. Clothing with fuel on it has to be
changed immediately (this is a danger to your life!).
Avoid skin contact with fuel. Never loosen or remove
the cap of the fuel tank while the engine is running.
Starting
Do not drop start. This method is very dangerous be-
cause you may lose control of the saw (fig. 6).
WARNING!
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Use
extreme caution when handling gasoline or fuel
mix. Do not smoke or bring any sparks or flame
near the fuel (fig. 5).
Fueling instructions
Fuel your chain saw in well ventilated areas or out-
doors. Always shut off the engine and allow it to cool
before refueling. Select bare ground for fueling and
move the chain saw at least 10 feet (3 m) from fueling
spot before starting the engine (fig. 5a).
6a
6
Place the chain saw on firm ground or other solid
surfaceinanopenarea.Maintainagoodbalanceand
secure footing. Place your right foot through the rear
handle opening and firmly grasp the front handle with
your left hand (fig. 6a).
Be absolutely sure that guide bar and chain are clear
of you or all other obstructions and objects, including
the ground, because when the engine starts in semi-
throttle position, engine speed will be fast enough for
the clutch to engage the sprocket and turn the chain
which may cause a kickback.
Neverattempttostart thesawwhentheguide barisin
a cut or kerf.
When you pull the starter grip, don’t wrap the starter
rope around your hands. Do not allow the grip to snap
back, but guide the starter rope slowly back to permit
the rope to rewind properly. Failure to follow this
procedure may result in injury to hand or fingers and
may damage the starter mechanism.
5
10 feet

8
Important adjustments
WARNING!
Atcorrectidlespeed,chainshouldnotturn.Fordi-
rections to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of this instruction manual.
Do not use a saw with incorrect idle speed adjust-
ment. Adjust the idle speed yourself according to
the appropriate section of this manual.
Have your MAKITA dealer check your saw and
makeproperadjustmentsorrepairs.
Checkthesawchaintensionfrequently,especially
just after installing a new chain. New chains may
stretch more during their initial use. A properly ad-
justed saw chain can be pulled freely around the
guidebarbyhandwithoutsagging.Alwaysstopthe
engineandweargloveswhencheckingoradjusting
thechaintension.
Working conditions
Operate your chain saw only outdoors. Operate the
saw under good visibility and daylight conditions only.
WARNING!
Take extreme care in wet and freezing weather
(rain,snow,ice).Putofftheworkwhentheweather
iswindy, stormy or rainfall isheavy.Clear the area
whereyouareworking.
WARNING!
Avoidstumblingonobstaclessuchasstumps,roots
or rocks and watch out for holes or ditches. Be
extremelycautious when working on slopes or un-
evenground.Thereisincreaseddangerofslipping
on freshly debarked logs.
Cutting instructions
Always hold the saw firmly with both hands when the
engine is running. Place your left hand on the tubular
handle and your right hand on grip and throttle lever.
Left-handers should follow these instructions too.
8
7
WARNING!
Do not operate your chain saw in semi-throttle
position. Cutting in this position does not permit
the operator proper control of the saw or chain
speed.
WARNING!
Nevercome too close toa rotating chain withyour
hands or body.
WARNING!
Donotcutanymaterialotherthanwoodorwooden
objects.
Use your chain saw for cutting only. It is not
designedforprying orshovelingawaylimbs,roots
or other objects.
When sawing, make sure that the saw chain does
not touch any foreign materials such as rocks,
nailsandthelike(fig.8).Suchobjectsmaybeflung
off,damagethesawchainorcausethesawtokick
back.
Wrapyourfingerstightlyaroundthehandles, keeping
thehandlescradledbetweenyourthumbandforefinger
(fig. 7). With your hands in this position, you can best
opposeandabsorbthepush,pullandkickbackforcesof
your saw without having it slip out of your grip (see
section of reactive forces). Make sure your chain saw
handle and grip are in good condition and free of
moisture,pitch,oilorgrease.
Always start a cut with the chain running at full speed
and the spike bar in contact with the wood.
WARNING!
Never use the saw with one hand. You cannot
controlreactiveforces(seepages9to11)andmay
losecontrolofthesaw.

9
Positionthe chain saw in sucha way that yourbodyis
clear of the cutting attachment whenever the engine
is running (fig. 10).
Don’tputpressureonthesawwhenreachingtheend
ofacut.Thepressure may cause the bar and rotating
chaintopopoutofthecutorkerf,go outofcontroland
striketheoperatororsomeother object. Iftherotating
chain strikes some other object a reactive force (see
pages 10 to 12 ) may cause the chain to strike the
operator.
Reactive forces during the cut, including kickback
WARNING!
Reactiveforces,thatmayoccurduringanycutare
kickback, pushback and pull-in. Reactive forces
can be dangerous! In any chain saw, the powerful
forceused to cut wood can be reversed (and work
against the operator).
Iftherotatingchainissuddenlystoppedbycontact
with any solid object like a log or branch or is
pinched,thereactiveforcesinstantlyoccur.These
reactive forces may result in loss of control which
may, in turn, cause serious or fatal injury. An
understanding of the causes of these reactive
forces may help you avoid loss of control.
The most common reactive forces are
- kickback,
- pushback,
- pull-in.
In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain
afirm foothold. Never workon a ladder, ina tree or on
anyother insecure support. Neveruse the saw above
shoulder height (fig. 9).
9
10
This reaction can occur in a fraction of a second and
under some circumstances, cause the guide bar and
chaintostriketheoperatorwithenoughforcetocause
severeorfatalinjury. It may also occur during limbing.
Italsooccurswhenthenoseoftheguidebarispinched
unexpectedly, unintentionally contacts solid material
in the wood (fig.12) or is incorrectly used to begin
a plunge or boring cut.
The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the
moredifficultitbecomesfortheoperatortocontrolthe
saw.
Kickback:
Kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar
nose contacts a solid object in the wood or is pinched
(fig. 11). The reaction of the cutting force of the chain
causesarotationalforceofthechainsawinthedirection
opposite to the chain movement, mainly in the plane
ofthebar.This mayflingthebarinan uncontrolledarc
towards the operator.
11
12

10
Many factors influence the occurence and force of
the kickback reaction. The type of bar and saw chain
youuseisafactorintheforceofthekickbackreaction.
The speed of contact at which the cutter contacts
theobject.
Kickback force increase with the rate of impact.
Thecontactanglebetweenthe noseofthebarand
the foreign object (fig. 11).
Kickback is most pronounced in the upper quadrant
of the bar nose.
MAKITAchain types are designed toreduce kickback
forces.
The depth gauges:
Improperloweringofthedepthgaugesalsoincreases
the risk of a kickback.
Saw chain cutter sharpness:
WARNING!
A dull improperly sharpened chain may increase
the risk of kickback. Always cut with a properly
sharpened chain.
Devices for reducing the risk of kickback injury
MAKITA have developed a special chain brake to
reduce the risk of kickbacks.
Thischainbrakeincreasesthesafetyfactoronthejob,
e.g. when the saw suddenly kicks upwards the chain
stops rotating within a fraction of a second. A deflec-
tionguardonthedisengaging lever of the chain brake
and a loop rear handle ensure that the operator’s
hands are fully protected at all times.
Kickback tendency increases as the radius or size of
the guide bar nose increases. MAKITA have devel-
oped guide bars with small nose radius, to reduce the
kickback tendency.
WARNING!
No chain brake prevents kickback.
Thesebrakes are designed onlyto stop the chain,
if activated.
Toensureaproperoperation of the chain brake, it
must be properly maintained. Furthermore, there
mustbeasufficientdistancebetweentheoperator
and the bar to ensure that the chain brake has
sufficienttimetoactivateandstopthechainbefore
potential contact with the operator.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal-injury that may
result from kickback is to avoid kickback situations:
1. Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands and
maintain a secure grip.
2. Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at
all times.
3. Never bring the nose of the guide bar in contact
with any object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of
the guide bar. Be especially careful with small,
tough 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. Useextremecautionwhenre-enteringaprevious
cut.
9. Do not attempt plunge cuts (see page 13) if you
arenotexperiencedwiththesecuttingtechniques.
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
sharpened, properly tensioned chain at all times.
12. Stand to the side of the cutting path of the chain
saw.
13