Makita DCS 6000I Instruction Manual

1
WARNING!
Read and understand this Owner’s and Safety Manual. Always follow safety precautions in the
Owner’s and Safety Manual. Improper use can cause serious injury! The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Preserve this Manual carefully!
DCS 6000i
DCS 6800i
Owner’s and
Safety Manual
for Gasoline Chain Saws

2
The MAKITA DCS 6000i and 6800i will be delivered in a protective cardboard box to prevent transport damage.
Cardboardisabasicrawmaterialandisconsequentlyreuseableorsuitableforrecycling(wastepaperrecycling).
RE Y
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”.
With the purchase of this chain saw you have chosen a German quality product. Important instructions for the
assembly and operation of this saw are given in this Manual. For your own safety, we ask you to read the accident
prevention instructions very carefully before putting your chain saw into operation, as incorrect handling can,
despite all precautions, lead to accidents. With a little care and attention you will have good service and lasting
satisfaction from this first-rate product. The following industrial property rights apply: US 4465440, US 5411382,
EP 0236858, EP 0560201, DE-O 19504106, GBM 8710075, GBM 9203378, GBM 29616652.
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 Owner’s and Safety 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 Owner’s and Safety Manual. Additional Owner’s and Safety
Manuals are available from MAKITA USA, INC.,14930-C Northam Street, La Mirada, CA 90638-5753,
Telephone: [phone] and MAKITA CANADA INC., 1950 Forbes Street, Whitby, Ontario, Canada, L1N
7B7, Telephone: [phone].
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
Chain brake 19
Fuel / Refuelling 20-21
Adjusting the chain lubrication 21
Starting the engine 22
Stopping the engine 22
Checking the chain brake 22
Checking the chain lubrication 23
Adjusting the carburetor 23
Working in winter 24
Contents Page
Sharpening the saw chain 24-25
Cleaning the guide bar 25
Cleaning the brake band and sprocket interior 26
Replacing the saw chain 26
Replacing the suction head 26
Cleaning the air filter 27
Replacing the spark plug 27
Replacing / cleaning the spark arrester screen 28
Replacing the starter cable 29
Replacing the return spring 29
Instructions for daily and periodic maintenance 30
Service, spare parts and guarantee 30-31
Troubleshooting 31
Extract from the spare parts list 32
Notes 33
Adress list 34
MAKITA DCS 6000i, 6800i

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2
3
4
56 7
Delivery inventory
1. Chain saw
2. Guide bar
3. Saw chain
4. Chain protection cover
5. Universal wrench
6. Screwdriver for carburetor adjustment
7. Offset screwdriver
8. Owner’s and Safety Manual (not shown)
1
In case one of the parts listed should not be included in the
delivery inventory, please consult your sales agent.
Read Owner’s and Safety Manual
and follow the warning- and
safety precautions!
Particular care and caution!
Forbidden!
Wear protective helmet, eye and
ear protection!
No smoking!
No open fire!
On/Off (I/O) switch
Engine - manual start
Choke switch
Stop engine!
Wear protective gloves!
Chain brake
Caution, kickback!
Fuel and oil mixture
Carburetor adjustment
Chain oil fill/oil pump
Working in winter
First aid
Recycling
STOP
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Symbols
You will notice the following symbols on the saw and in the Owner’s and Safety Manual:
Further
symbols
see page 5.

4
Safety precautions for chain saw operators
While operating the chain saw please observe the
following rules:
a) Contact of the guide bar nose with any object
should be avoided.
b) Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move
suddenly upward and backward, which may
cause serious or fatal injury.
c) Always operate the chain saw with both hands.
WARNING!
Read and follow all safety precautions in the
Owner’s and Safety Manual. Failure to follow
instructions could result in serious injury. It is
recommendedtolendthechainsawonlytopeople
who are experienced in working with chain saws.
AlwayshandovertheOwner’sandSafetyManual.
WARNING!
This chain saw is capable of severe kickback that
couldresultinseriousinjurytotheoperator.Donot
operate this chain saw unless you have
extraordinarycuttingneedsandexperienceinand
special training for dealing with kickback. Chain
saws with significantly reduced kickback potential
are available.
WARNING!
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the
guide bar touches an object, or when the wood
closesinandpinchesthesawchaininthecut.This
contact may abruptly stop the saw chain and in
some cases may cause a lightning fast reverse
reaction,kickingtheguidebarupandbacktowards
the user, or push the guide bar back towards the
operator.Kickback may causeyoutolosecontrol
of the saw.
Asachainsawuser,you cantakeseveral stepsto
reduce the risk of a kickback and potential injury.
A. With a basic understanding of kickback, you
canreduceoreliminatetheelementof surprise.
It is a sudden surprise that contributes to
accidents.
B. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both
hands, your right hand on the rear grip and
yourleft handon thetubularhandle, whenthe
engineis running. Use a firm gripwiththumbs
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. Make sure that the area in which you are
cutting isfreefromobstructions.Donotletthe
nose of the guide bar contact the log, branch,
or any other obstructions which could be hit
while you are operating the saw.
D. Donotoverreachorcutaboveshoulderheight.
E. Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and main-
tenance instructions for the saw chain.
F. Only use replacement bars and chains speci-
fied by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
Additional safety precautions
The following additional safety precautions should be
observed by all users of chain saws:
1. Donotoperateachainsawwhenyouarefatigued.
2. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing;
protective gloves; and eye, hearing, and head
protection devices.
3. Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain
saw at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling point
before starting the engine.
4. Do not allow other persons to be near the chain
saw 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, secure footing, and a planned retreat path
from the falling tree.
6. Keep all parts of your body away from the saw
chain when the engine is running.
7. Before you start the engine, make sure that the
saw chain is not contacting anything.
8. Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the
guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the
muffler away from your body.
9. Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, is
improperly adjusted, or is not completely and
securely assembled. Be sure that the saw chain
stops moving when the throttle control trigger is
released.
10. Shut off the engine before setting it down.
11. Use extreme caution when cutting small size
brushandsaplingsbecauseslendermaterial may
catch the saw chain and be whipped towardyou
or pull you off balance.
12. When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert
for springback so that you will not be struck when
the tension on the wood fibers is released.
13. Keepthe handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel
mixture.
14. Operate the chain saw only in well-ventilated
areas.
15. Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless you
have been specifically trained to do so.
16. Allchainsawservice,otherthantheitemslisted in
the Owner’s Manual maintenance instructions,
shouldbeperformed byMAKITA. (Forexample,if
impropertoolsareused to remove the flywheel or
if an improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in
order to remove the clutch structural damage to
the flywheel 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
designedtoreducetheriskofkickbackinjury.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
importantthat you read; fullyunderstandand observe
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
and Safety Manual. Be sure that anyone using
your saw understands the information given.
Proper use of a chain saw involves
1. the operator
2. the saw
3. the use of the saw.
Compliance with
CSA -Standards
Discription of symbols used on chain
saws: Z 62.1-95 and
Z 62.3-96
Class 1A
ANSI B175.1-1991 Compliance with
ANSI -Standards
MaximumComputed Kickback Angle
(CKA)* with using the chain brake when
using the recommended bar and chain
combinations (In this example the CKA is 40°).
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 observe their
hands and fingers and in case of any 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!
*The Computed Kickback Angle is a calculated value
from energies measured on a test bench.It is not the
angle of the guide bar moved upward in case of a
KICKBACK.
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
Contact of the guide bar tip with
any object should be avoided!
Tipcontactmaycausetheguide
bar to move suddenly upward
andbackward,whichmaycause
serious injury!
Maximum Computed Kickback Angle
(CKA)* without using the chain brake when
using the recommended bar and chain
combinations (In this example the CKA is 45°).
max. CKA 45
O
max. CKA 40
O

6
3
Good footing is most important in chain saw work.
Wearsturdybootswithnonslipsoles.Steel-toedsafety
boots are recommended.
Proper eye protection is a must. Non-fogging, vented
gogglesandafacescreenisrecommended.Theiruse
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.
Alwayswearnoiseprotection equipment(earplugsor
ear muffs) to protect your hearing.
Continualandregularusersshouldhavetheirhearing
checked regularly.
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
approvedby MAKITAfor usewiththe specificsaw
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!
Alwaysstoptheenginebeforeputting achain saw
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.
4
Proper clothing
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of movement. Avoid loose-fitting
jackets,scarfs,neckties,jewelry,flaredorcuffedpants,
oranything thatcould becomeentangledwiththesaw
or brush. Wear overalls or jeans with a 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!
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
chain and bar covered with the chain guard.
Properlysecure yoursawto preventturnover, fuel
spillage and damage to the saw. Make sure the
saw in not exposed to heat or sparks.

7
Chain saw operating instructions
For assembly follow the procedure in the appropriate
section"MountingGuideBar andChain"ofthisManu-
al.MAKITAchain,guidebarandsprocketmustmatch
each other (see the appropriate section in this Manu-
al).
WARNING!
Propertensionofthechainisextremely important.
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.Iffuelor oil leakage is found, do not start 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
surfacein anopenarea. Maintain agood balance and
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 thesawwhentheguidebarisin
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!
Atcorrect idlespeed,chain shouldnotturn. Fordi-
rections to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of this 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
make proper adjustments or repairs.
Checkthesawchaintensionfrequently,especially
just after installing a new chain. New chains may
stretch more during their initial use. A properly
adjusted saw chain can be pulled freely around
the guide bar by hand without sagging. Always
stoptheengineandweargloveswhencheckingor
adjusting the chain tension.
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 is heavy. Clear the area
where you are working.
WARNING!
Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps,
roots or rocks and watch out for holes or ditches.
Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground. There is increased danger of
slipping 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!
Nevercometooclosetoarotatingchainwithyour
hands or body.
WARNING!
Do not cut any material other than wood or
wooden objects.
Use your chain saw for cutting only. It is not
designed for prying or shoveling away limbs,
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, damage the saw chain or cause the saw to
kickback.
Wrapyour fingers tightly aroundthehandles, keeping
the handles cradled between your thumb and forefin-
ger (fig. 7). With your hands in this position, you can
best oppose and absorb the push, pull and kickback
forces of 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, oil or grease.
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
control reactive forces (see pages 9 to 11) and
may lose control of the saw.

9
Positionthechainsaw in such a way that your body is
clear of the cutting attachment whenever the engine
is running (fig. 10).
Don’t put pressure on the saw when reaching the end
ofa cut. The pressure may cause the bar and rotating
chaintopopoutofthecutorkerf,gooutofcontroland
strikethe operatoror someother object.If therotating
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,thatmay occurduringanycutare
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
afirmfoothold.Neverworkonaladder,ina tree or on
anyotherinsecuresupport.Neverusethesawabove
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
severeor fatal injury. It mayalsooccurduring 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
more difficult it becomes for the operator to control
the 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
causes a rotational force of the chain saw in the direc
tion opposite to the chain movement, mainly in the
plane of the bar. This may fling the bar in an uncon-
trolled arc 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
the object.
Kickback force increase with the rate of impact.
The contact angle between the nose of the bar
and the foreign object (fig. 11).
Kickback is most pronounced in the upper quadrant
of the bar nose.
MAKITAchaintypesare designed to reduce kickback
forces.
The depth gauges:
Improperloweringofthedepthgauges alsoincreases
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.
This chain brake increases the safety factor on the
job, e.g. when the saw suddenly bucks upwards the
chain stops rotating within a fraction of a second.
A deflection guard on the disengaging lever of the
chain brake and a scoop 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.
Thesebrakesaredesignedonlytostop the chain,
if activated.
Toensure a proper operationofthe chain brake, it
must be properly maintained. Furthermore, there
mustbeasufficientdistancebetweentheoperator
and the bar to ensure that the chain brake has
sufficient time to activate and stop the chain
before 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. Useextreme cautionwhenre-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

11
16
To avoid pull-in
1. Always start a cut with the chain rotating at full
speed and the spike bar in contact with the wood.
2. Pull-in may also be prevented by using plastic
wedges to open the kerf or cut.
Cutting techniques
Felling
Felling is cutting down a tree.
Before felling a tree, consider carefully all conditions
which may affect the direction of fall, including:
The intended direction of the fall.
The neutral lean of the tree.
Any unusually heavy limb structure.
Surrounding trees and obstacles.
The wind direction and speed.
WARNING!
Always observe the general condition of the tree.
Look for decay and rot in the trunk. If it is rotted
inside, it could snap and fall toward the operator
while being cut.
Alsolookfor brokenordeadbrancheswhichcould
vibrateloose and fall on theoperator.When felling
onaslope,theoperatorshouldstandon theup-hill
side.
Pushback:
Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of the bar
is suddenly stopped when it is pinched, caught or
encounters a foreign object in the wood. The reaction
of the chain drives the saw straight back toward the
operator causing loss of saw control. Pushback fre-
quently occurs when the top of the bar is used for
cutting (fig. 14).
14
15
To avoid pushback
1. Be alert to forces or situations that may cause
material to pinch the top of the chain.
2. Do not cut more than one log at a time.
3. Do not twist the saw when withdrawing the bar
from a plunge cut or under buck cut (figures 25 to
27 and 33, pages 13 and 15), because the chain
can pinch.
Pull-in:
Pull-inoccurswhenthechainonthebottomofthebar
is suddenly stopped. The chain on the bottom of the
bar stops when it is pinched, caught or encounters a
foreignobjectinthewood(seefig.15).Thereactionof
the chain pulls the saw forward, causing the operator
to lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the spike bar of the
saw is not held securely against the tree or limb and
when the chain is not rotating at full speed before it
contacts the wood.
WARNING!
Use extreme caution when cutting small size
brush and saplings which may easily catch the
chain and pull you off balance.
When felling in the vicinity of roads, railways and
power lines, etc., take extra precautions (see fig.
16). Inform the police, utility company or railway
authority before beginning to cut.

12
45°
45°
= cutting down area
2
1
2
Firstclearthetreebaseandworkareafrominterfering
limbs and brush and clean its lower portion an axe
(see fig. 18).
Whenfelling, maintain a distance of at least 2 1/2 tree
lengths from the nearest person (see fig. 17) .
Note:
Thenoiseof yourenginemaydrownany warningcall.
Felling instructions:
45°
Then, establish a path of escape and remove all
obstacles.Thispathshouldbeoppositetotheplanned
direction of the fall of the tree and at a 45°angle (fig.
19). An alternate path must also be selected. Place
all tools and equipment a safe distance away from
the tree, but not on the escape path.
17
18
19
Then, determine the placement of the felling notch
(fig. 21). The felling notch when properly placed de-
termines the direction in which the tree will fall. It is
made perpendicular to the line of fall and should be
asclosetothegroundaspossible.Cutthefellingnotch
to a depth of about one-fifth to one-fourth of the trunk
diameter (fig. 22). It should be in no case higher than
it is deep. Make the felling notch very carefully.
1/10∅
1/5∅
1
1
/
2"
(4cm)
Felling notch
Hinge
Felling cut
Direction of fall
Hinge
Felling notch
First cut
Second cut
If the tree has large buttress roots, cut into the largest
buttresses vertically first (horizontally next) and
remove (fig. 20).
20
21
22
23

13
Begin the felling cut slighty higher than the felling
notch and on the opposite side of the tree (fig. 22).
Thencuthorizontallythroughtowardsthefellingnotch.
Apply the chain saw with its spikes directly behind the
uncut portion of wood and cut toward the notch (fig.
23). Leave approximately 1/10 of the tree diameter
uncut!Thisisthehinge(fig.23).Donotcutthroughthe
hinge because you could lose control of the direction
of the fall. Drive wedges into the felling cut where
necessary to control the direction of the fall. Wedges
shouldbeofwood,lightalloyorplastic-neverofsteel,
which can cause kickback and damage to the chain.
Always keep to the side of the falling tree. When the
tree starts to fall, shut off the engine, withdraw the bar
andwalkawayonthepre-plannedescapepath.Watch
out for falling limbs.
WARNING!
Beextremelycarefulwithpartiallyfallentreeswhich
are poorly supported.
Whenthetreehangsorforsomeotherreasondoes
not fall completely, set the saw aside and pull the
tree down with a cable winch, block and tackle or
tractor. If you try to cut it down with your saw, you
may be injured.
Sectioning Method
WARNING!
Felling a tree that has a diameter greater than the
length of the guide bar requires use of either the
sectioning or plunge-cut method. These methods
are extremely dangerous because they involve
the use of the nose of the guide bar and can result
in kickback. Only properly trained professionals
should attempt these techniques.
For the sectioning method (fig. 24) make the first cut
with the guide bar fanning in toward the hinge. Then,
using the bumper spike as a pivot, reposition the saw
forthenextcut.Avoidrepositioningthesawmorethan
necessary. When repositioning for the next cut, keep
the guide bar fully engaged in the kerf to keep the
felling cut straight. If the saw begins to pinch, insert a
wedge to open the cut. On the last cut, do not cut
the hinge.
24
Plunge-Cut Method
Timber having a diameter more than twice the length
of the guide bar reauires the use of the plunge-cut
method before making the felling cut.
First, cut a large, wide notch. Make a plunge cut in
the center of the notch.
Theplungecutis madewiththeguidebarnose.Begin
the plunge cut by applying the lower portion of the
guidebarnosetothetreeatanangle(fig.25).Cutuntil
depth of the kerf is about the same as the width of the
guide bar (fig. 26). Next, align the saw in the direction
in which the recess is to be cut. With the saw at full
throttle, insert the guide bar in the trunk (fig. 27).
Enlargetheplungecut asshowninillustration(fig.28)
25
26
27
28
1
23

14
WARNING!
There is an extreme danger of kickback at this
point. Extra caution must be taken to maintain
control of the saw. To make the felling cut, follow
the sectioning method described previously (fig.
29). If you are inexperienced with a chain saw
plunge-cutting should not be attempted. Seek the
help of a professional.
Limbing
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
WARNING!
Thereisanextreme dangerof kickbackduring the
limbingoperation.Donotworkwiththenoseofthe
bar. Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting
thelogorotherlimbswiththenoseoftheguidebar.
Donotstandonalogwhilelimbingit-youmayslip
or the log may roll.
Startlimbingbyleavingthelowerlimbstosupport
thelogofftheground(fig.30).Alwayscutfromthe
top of the limb. Do not underbuck freely hanging
limbs. A pinch may result or the limb may fall,
causinglossofcontrol. If a pinch occurs, stop the
engine and remove the saw, by lifting the limb.
WARNING!
Be extremely cautious when cutting limbs under
tension. The limbs could spring back toward the
operator and cause loss of control of the saw or
injury to the operator.
29
30
Bucking
Bucking is cutting a log into sections.
31
32
WARNING!
1. When bucking, do not stand on the log. Make
sure the log will not roll down-hill. If on a slope,
stand on the up-hill side of the log (see fig. 31).
Watch out for rolling logs.
WARNING!
2. Cut only one log at a time.
WARNING!
3. Shattered wood should be cut very carefully.
Sharp slivers of wood may be caught and flung
in the direction of the operator of the saw.
WARNING!
4. When cutting small logs, use a sawhorse (fig.
32). Never permit another person to hold the
log. Never hold the log with your leg or foot.
1
2
3

15
1. Relieving cut
2. Cross cut Tension side
Pressure side
1. Relieving cut
2. Cross cut
Tension side
Pressure side
33
34
Maintenance and Repair
Never operate a chain saw that is damaged, improp-
erlyadjustedornotcompletelyorsecurelyassembled.
Follow the maintenance and repair instructions in the
appropriate section of this Manual.
WARNING !
Always stop the engine and make sure that the
chain is stopped before commencing any mainte-
nance or repair work or cleaning the saw. Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work not de-
scribedinthis Manual.Havesuchworkperformed
by your MAKITA service shop only.
Maintaining and storing the saw
Keepthechain,barandsprocketcleanandlubricated;
replace worn sprockets or chains.
Keep the chain sharp. You can spot a dull chain when
easy-to-cut wood becomes hard to cut and burn
marks appear on the wood.
Keep the chain at proper tension. Tighten all nuts,
bolts and screws except the carburetor adjustment
screws after each use.
Keep spark plug and wire connection tight and clean.
Store saws in a high or locked place, away from
children.
35
WARNING!
5. Logs under strain require special attention to
prevent the saw from pinching. The first cut is
made on the compression side to relieve the
stress on the log (see fig. 33, 34). The bucking
cut is then made as shown. If the saw pinches,
stop the engine and remove it from the log.
WARNING!
6. Onlyproperlytrainedprofessionalsshouldwork
in an area where the logs, limbs and roots are
tangled (i. e. a blowdown area, fig. 35). Work-
ing in blowdown areas is extremely hazard-
ous.
WARNING!
7. Drag the logs into a clear area before cutting.
Pull out exposed and cleared logs first.

16
Denomination of components
5
7
6
12 11 10
1 2 3 4
89 14
13
24 23 22
1Handle
2Choke
3Filter cover
4Tubular handle
5Muffler with spark arrester screen
6Retaining nuts
7Spike bar
(toothed stop for holding saw steady against wood)
8Chain catch
9Adjusting screw for oil pump (bottom side)
10 Sprocket guard
11 Identification plate
12 Hand guard
15
17
20
18 21
16
19
13 Guide bar
14 Saw chain
15 Hand guard (release for chain brake)
16 Starter grip
17 Adjusting screws "S-L-H" for carburetor
18 I/STOP-switch
19 Stop knob for halfway throttle
20 Safety locking button
21 Throttle lever
22 Fuel tank cap
23 Fan housing with starting assembly
24 Oil tank cap
Indicate when ordering spare parts!
Serial no.
Year of manufacture
Identification plate
(example model DCS 6800i)
DCS 6800i
21"(530mm) 2006 123456
443.053.661
030.100. 620
523.102.672
22045 Hamburg,Germany

17
Guidebarandsawchaincombinationsmeetingkick-
back requirements of ANSI B 175.1-1991 for the use
in the USA
Models MAKITA DCS 6000i, 6800i
GUIDE BAR SAWCHAIN
length pitch part no. part no.
16" (40 cm) 3/8" 443 040 661 523 102 659
18" (45 cm) 3/8" 443 045 661 523 102 664
21" (53 cm) 3/8" 443 053 661 523 102 672
Drive link gauge: .050", Chain sprocket: 7 teeth
Guidebarandsawchaincombinationsmeetingkick-
back requirements of CSA Z62.3-96 for the use in
CANADA
Models MAKITA DCS 6000i, 6800i
GUIDE BAR SAWCHAIN
length pitch part no. part no.
15" (38 cm) 3/8" 443 038 651 522 094 656
18" (45 cm) 3/8" 443 045 651 522 094 664
21" (53 cm) 3/8" 443 053 651 522 094 672
Drive link gauge: .058", Chain sprocket: 7 teeth
WARNING
DonotuseotherreplacementbarsandchainsunlesstheyhavebeendesignatedasmeetingtheANSIB175.1-1991
(for USA) and CSA Z62.3-96 (for Canada) kickback performance requirements on that specific powerhead, or has
been designated as "low kickback" saw chain in accordance with the ANSI B 175.1-1991 (for USA) and CSA
Z62.3-96 (for Canada) standard.
Approved bar and chain combinations
"Low-kickback saw chain is a chain which has met the kickback performance requirements of ANSI B 175.1-1991
(American National Standard for Power Tools-Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws-Safety Requirements) when tested on
the representative sample of chain saws below 3.8 c.i.d. specifed in ANSI B 175.1-1991". The approved bar and chain
combinations are low kickback chains according to ANSI B 175.1 and also meet the kickback requirements of CSA
Z62.3-96 for chains saws below 80 cm3.
** with Limiter Caps
Stroke volume cu. in 3.6 (60 cm3) 4.1 (68 cm3)
Bore inch 1.81 (46 mm) 1.92 (49 mm)
Stroke inch 1.41 (36 mm) 1.41 (36 mm)
Max. power at speed kW / rpm 3.1 / 9,000 3.6 / 9,000
Max. torque at speed Nm / rpm 3.7 / 6,000 4.2 / 6,000
Max. engine speed with bar and chain rpm 13,000 12,500
Idling speed rpm 2,400 2,400
Coupling speed rpm 3,500 3,500
Sound Pressure Level at the operator’s ear at
full load according to ANSI B 175.1 db(A) 105 105
Sound Pressure Level at the bystander’s position
(50 ft/15m distance) according to ANSI B 175.1 db(A) 82,4 82,8
Carburetor (diaphragm carburetor) ** Type TILLOTSON HS 286 TILLOTSON HS 286
Ignition system Type electronic electronic
Spark plug Type NGK BPMR 7A NGK BPMR 7A
Electrode gap inch .020 .020
Fuel consumption at max. load kg/h 1.49 1.73
Specific consumption at max. load g/kWh 484 471
Fuel tank capacity oz 26.6 26.6
Chain oil tank capacity oz 13.3 13.3
Mixture ratio (fuel/two-stroke oil) see chapter „Fuel”
Chain brake Engages manually or in case of kickback
Weight (fuel tank empty, without chain and guide bar) 14 lbs 9 oz. 14 lbs 9 oz.
Technical data DCS 6000i DCS 6800i

18
CAUTION: Before doing any work on the guide bar or
chain, always switch off the engine and pull
the plug cap off the spark plug (see "Replacing
thesparkplug").Alwayswearprotectivegloves!
CAUTION: Start the chain saw only after having assem-
bled it completely and inspected!
PUTTING INTO OPERATION
A
2
1
B
4
3
C
6
7D
8
E10
9
F
911
- Alwaysrelease the chain brake before removing or replac-
ing the sprocket guard (B/4). To do so, pull the hand guard
(A/1) towards the tubular handle (A/2) until you feel it
catch.
- Unscrew retaining nuts (B/3).
- Pull off the sprocket guard (B/4).
- Turn the chain adjusting screw (C/6) to the left (counter-
clockwise) until the pin (C/7) is at the left stop. - Position the guide bar (D/8). Make sure that the pin (C/7)
of the chain tightener is in the hole (circled) on the guide
bar.
- Lift the chain (E/9) over the clutch drum and onto the
sprocket(E/10).Usingyour righthand,guidethe chaininto
the top guide groove on the guide bar (D/8). Note that the
cutting edges along the top of the chain must point in the
direction of the arrow!
- Lead the chain (F/9) around the sprocket nose (F/11) of
the guide bar.
NOTE: The chain should be easy to pull in the direction of the
arrow. The clutch drum (E/10) should turn with the chain (the
sprocket engages the chain).
Mounting the guide bar and saw chain
Use the universal wrench delivered with the chain saw for the
following work.
Put the chain saw on a stable surface and carry out the
following steps for mounting the guide bar and chain:
STOP

19
GH3
4
- Turn the chain tightener (C/6) to the right (clockwise)
untilthechainengagestheguidegrooveofthebottomside
of the bar (see circle). Press the guide bar against the
housing with your left hand.
- Replace the sprocket guard (H/4).
- Manually tighten the retaining nuts (H/3).
KL
3
1
2
Chain brake
IJ
STOP
Tightening the saw chain
- Slightly lift the end of the guide bar and turn the chain
adjusting screw (C/6) to the right (clockwise) until the
chain rests against the bottom side of the guide bar.
- While still holding up the tip of the guide bar, tighten the
retaining nuts (H/3) with the universal wrench.
Checking the chain tension
- Thetension of the chain is correctifthe chain rests against
the bottom side of the guide bar and can still be easily
turned by hand.
- While doing so the chain brake must be released.
- Checkthechaintensionfrequently-newchainstendtoget
longer during use!
- When checking the chain tension the engine must be
switched off.
NOTE: It is recommended to use 2-3 chains alternatively. In
ordertoguaranteeuniformwearoftheguidebarthebarshould
be turned over whenever replacing the chain.
The MAKITA models comes with an inertia chain brake as
standard equipment. If kickback occurs due to contact of the
guide-bar tip with wood (see SAFETY PRECAUTIONS), the
chainbrake will stop the chain through inertia if the kickback is
sufficiently strong. The chain will stop within a fraction of a
second.
The chain brake is installed to block the saw chain before
startingitandtostopitimmediatelyincaseofanemergency.
Engaging the chain brake (braking)
If the kickback is strong enough the sudden acceleration of
the guide bar combined with the inertia of the hand guard
(L/1) will automatically actuate the chain brake.
To engage the chain brake manually, simply push the hand
guard (L/1) forward (towards the tip of the saw) with your left
hand (arrow 2).
Releasing the chain brake
Pull the hand guard (L/1) towards you (arrow 3) until you feel
it catch. The brake is now released.

20
B
Chain oil
Use an oil with adhesive additive for lubricating the chain and
guide bar. The adhesive additive prevents the oil from being
flung off the chain too quickly.
Werecommendthe use of chain oil which is bio-degradable in
ordertoprotecttheenvironment.Theuseofbio-degradableoil
may even be required by local regulations.
The chain oil BIOTOP sold by MAKITA is made of special
vegetableoilsandis100% bio-degradable.BIOTOPhasbeen
granted the "blue angel" (Blauer Umweltschutz-Engel) for
being particularly environment-friendly (RAL UZ 48).
BIOTOP chain oil is available in the following sizes:
1 l order number 980 008 610
5 l order number 980 008 611
20 l order number 980 008 613
Bio-degradable oil is stable only for a limited period of time. It
should be used within 2 years from the date of manufacture
(printed on the container).
Important note on bio-degradable chain oils:
If you are not planning to use the saw again for an extended
period of time, empty the oil tank and put in a small amount of
regular engine oil (SAE 30), and then run the saw for a time.
This is necessary to flush out all remaining bio-degradable oil
fromtheoiltank,oil-feedsystem,chainandguidebar,asmany
such oils tend to leave sticky residues over time, which can
cause damage to the oil pump or other parts.
Thenext time you use the saw, fill the tank with BIOTOP chain
oil again.
C
NEVER USE WASTE OIL
Waste oil is very dangerous for the environment.
Waste oil contains high amounts of carcinogenic substances.
Residues in waste oil result in a high degree of wear and tear
at the oil pump and the sawing device.
Incaseofdamagecausedbyusing waste oil or unappropriate
chain oil the product guarantee will be null and void.
Your salesman will inform you about the use of chain oil.
waste oil
Fuel mixture
Theengineofthechainsawisahigh-efficiencytwo-strokeengine.
It runs on a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke engine oil.
Theengine is designed for unleaded regular gasoline with a min.
octanevalueof91ROZ.Incasenosuchfuelisavailable,youcan
usefuelwithahigheroctanevalue.Thiswillnotaffecttheengine.
In order to obtain an optimum engine output and to protect
your health and the environment use unleaded fuel only.
Gasoline which contens alcohol should not used in
MAKITA products.
For lubricating the engine use a two-stroke engine oil (quality
grade: TC-3), which is added to the fuel. The engine has been
designedforuseofMAKITAHP100high-performancetwo-stroke
engine oil and a mixture ratio of only 100:1 to protect the
environment.Inaddition,alongservicelifeandreliableoperation
with a minimum emission of exhaust gases are ensured.
MAKITAHP 100high-performance two-stroke engineoil is avail-
able in the following sizes:
0.5 l order number 980 008 609
MAKITA high-performance two-stroke engine oil is available in
the following sizes to suit your individual requirements:
1 l order number 980 008 607
100 ml order number 980 008 606
In case MAKITA high-performance two-stroke engine oil is not
available,itisurgentlyrecommendedtouseamixtureratioof40:1
withothertwo-strokeengineoils,asotherwiseoptimumoperation
of the engine cannot be guaranteed.
The correct mixture ratio:
50:1 whenusingMAKITAhigh-performancetwo-strokeengine
oil, i. e. mix 50 parts gasoline with 1 part oil.
100:1 when using MAKITA HP 100 high-performance two-stro-
ke engine oil, i. e. mix 100 parts gasoline with 1 part oil.
40:1 whenusing other two-stroke engine oils,i. e. mix 40 parts
gasoline with 1 part oil.
Handling and storage
Utmostcareisrequiredwhenhandlingwithfuel.Fuelcancontain
substances which have a behavior similar to that of solvents. Fill
the tank only outside or ventilated rooms. Do not inhale vapors,
avoid any fuel contact with your skin. For preparing the fuel-oil
mixturefirstmixtheentireoilquantitywithhalfofthefuelrequired,
thenaddtheremainingfuel.Thoroughlyshakethemixturebefore
filling it into the chain saw tank.
It is not wise to add more engine oil than specified to ensure safe
operation. This will only result in a higher production of combus-
tion residues which will pollute the environment and clog the
exhaustchannel inthe cylinderaswell asthe muffler.Inaddition,
fuel consumption will rise and performance will decrease.
Fuelcannot be storedfor an unlimitedperiod of time.Buyonly as
much as will be consumed in 4 weeks. Use only approved and
marked containers for transport and storage.
Fuel / Refuelling
1.0 Us-gal. (3.7 l) 3.2 floz.(94 cm
3
) 2.5 floz.(75 cm
3
) 1.3 floz.(38 cm
3
)
2.5 Us-gal. (9.4 l) 8.0 floz.(236 cm
3
) 6.4 floz.(189 cm
3
) 3.2 floz.(94 cm
3
)
5.0 Us-gal. (18.9 l) 16.0 floz.(473 cm
3
) 12.8 floz.(378 cm
3
) 6.4 floz.(189 cm
3
)
100:1
Gasoline 40:1 50:1
+
other oil MAKITA oil MAKITA oil
OIL
50:1
HP 100