Makita DCS 6400 Instruction Manual

Owner’s and Safety Manual
for GasolineChain Saws (page2 - 37)
Manuel d’emploi et de securite
de troncjonneuses thermiques (page 38 - 73)
DCS 6400 / DCS 6401
DCS 7300 / DCS 7301
DCS 7900 / DCS 7901
WARNING!
Readand understandthis Manual. Always follow safety precautions
in the Owner’s and Safety Manual.
Improperuse can cause serious injury!
The engineexhaustfrom this productcontains chemicalsknowntothe StateofCalifornia to cause
cancer,
birth defects orother reproductive harm. Preserve thisManual carefully!
ATTENTION!
Suiveztoujours lesconseilsde securite du present manueld’emploi et de securite. Une utilisation
incorrectede
la tronGonneuse peutentrainer des blessuresgraves! Conservez avec soin ce manuel!
Les gaz d’echappement emis par ce produitcontiennentdes produits chimiques connus par I’Etat de
Californie pourprovoquer lecancer, des defauts de naissance ouautres dommages de reproduction.
Lisezet comprener ce manuel.

WARNING I
Carelessor improper useof 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
carefullyfollow the instructions outlined inthis owners manual. Kickback may cause severe or fatal injuryand
isone of many potential dangers inoperating a chain saw. Kickback and other safety related precautionsare
described in detailwithin this owners manual. Additional owners manuals are available from MAKITA USA.,
INC.,14930-CNorthamStreet,LaMirada,CA90638-5753,USA,Telephone:[phone]
88 andMAKITACANADA
INC.,1950 ForbesStreet, Whitby, Ontario, LIN787, Canada,Telephone: [phone]
00.
This productcomplies with: American National Standard Institute B 175.1-2000chain saw safety standard.
Canadian StandardsAssociation
Society of Automotive Engineers
262.1-95 chain saw safety standard.
262.3-96 chain saw kickback standard.
SAEJ 335-Jun 95 ,,Multipositionsmall
engine exhaust system fire ignition
suppression”
With the purchase of this chain saw you have chosen a German quality product. Important instructionsfor the
assemblyandoperation ofthissawaregiveninthismanual.Foryour ownsafety, we askyou
to readtheaccident
prevention instructions very carefully before putting your chain saw into operation, as incorrect handling can,
despite all precautions, lead
to accidents. With a littlecare and attention you will have good service and lasting
satisfactionfrom this first-rate product.
DCS6400,6401,7300,7301,7900,7901
Contents
Page Contents Page
Deliveryinventory
3
Symbols 3
Safety precautions 4-1
5
Denominationof components 16
Technicaldata 17
Mountingthe guide bar and saw chain 18-19
Chain brake 20
Fuel
I Refuelling 21-22
Chain lubrication 23
Starting the engine 24
Stoppingthe engine 24
Checkingthe chain brake 24
Adjusting the carburetor 25
Working insummer
/ winter 25
Cleaningthe brake band and sprocket interior 28
Sharpeningthe saw chain 26-27
Cleaningthe guide bar 29
Replacingthe saw chain 29
Replacingthe suction head 29
Cleaningthe air filter 30
Replacingthe spark plug 31
Replacingthe starter cable 32
Replacingthe return spring 32
Mountingthe fan housing 33
Cleaningthe cylinder area 33
Service, spare parts and guarantee
Trouble shooting 35
Replacing
/ cleaning the spark arrester screen
Instructionsfor daily and periodic maintenance 33
34
34-35
36
Extractfrom the spare parts list
Adress list (see enclosure)
The DCS6400,6401,7300,7301,7900,7901 willbedeliveredina protectivecardboard box
to preventtransport
damage. Cardboardisa basic raw material and isconsequentlyreuseableor suitable for recycling (wastepaper
recycling).
2

Delivery inventory
1 Chainsaw
2 Guide bar
3 Sawchain 5 6 7 I
4 Chain protectioncover
5 Universalwrench
6 Wrench
7 Screw driver for carburetoradjustment
8 Owner’s and Safety Manuwnotshown) In case one of the parts listed should not be included in the
delivery inventory, please consult your sales agent.
Symbols
You will noticethe following symbols on the chain saw and in the Owner’s and Safety Manual:
Read instructionmanual
and follow the warning- and
safety precautions!
Particular care and caution!
Forbidden!
Wear protective helmet, eye
and ear protection!
Wear protective gloves!
No smoking!
No open fire!
Stop engine!
Engine
- manualstart
Caution,kickback!
Chain brake
Fueland
oil mixture
Working
in summer I
winter
Carburetoradjustment
Chainoil fillloil pump
Saw chain oil adjustment
screw
Firstaid
~ Further I
Recycling symbols
see page
5.
u

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 upwardand backward, which may
causeserious or fatal injury.
Always operatethe chain saw with both hands.
c)
WARNlNGf
Readandfollowallsafetyprecautionsintheowner‘s
manual. Failure
to follow instructions could result
in serious injury.
It is recommended to lend the
chain saw only
to peoplewho are experienced in
working with chain saws. Always hand over the
Owner’s and Safety Manual.
WARNING!
This chainsaw iscapable of severe kickbackthat
couldresultinseriousinjurytotheoperator.Donot
operate this chain saw unless you have
extraordinarycuttingneedsandexperienceinand
special training for dealing with kickback. Chain
sawswith significantlyreduced 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 pushthe guide bar back towards the
operator.
Kickback maycauseyou to losecontrol
of the saw.
As achainsawuser,youcantake several steps to
reducethe riskof a kickback and potential injury.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
With a basic understanding of kickback, you
canreduceoreliminatetheelementof surprise.
It is a sudden surprise that contributes to
accidents.
Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both
hands, your right hand on the rear grip and
your lefthandonthetubular handle,whenthe
engineisrunning. Useafirm gripwith thumbs
andfingers encirclingthe chain saw handles.
A firm grip can neutralize kickback and help
you maintain control of the saw. Don’t letgo!
Make sure that the area in which you are
cutting isfreefromobstructions.
Do notletthe
noseofthe guide barcontact the log,branch,
or any other obstructions which could be hit
while you are operating the saw.
Do notoverreachorcutaboveshoulderheight.
Followmanufacturer’ssharpening and main-
tenance instructionsfor the saw chain.
Onlyusereplacementbarsand chains speci-
fied by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
Additional safety precautions
Thefollowing additional safety precautionsshould be
observed by all users of chain saws:
1.
Do notoperateachainsawwhenyouarefatigued.
2. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing;
protective gloves; and eye, hearing, and head
protection devices.
3. Use caution when handling fuel. Movethe chain
saw at least 10feet (3 m) from the fueling point
beforestarting 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. Carrythe 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
brushandsaplingsbecausesleydermaterial may
catchthe saw chain and be whipped towardyou
or pullyou off balance.
12. When cutting a limb that isundertension bealert
forspringback
so that youwill not be struckwhen
the tension on the wood fibers is released.
13. Keepthe handlesdry,clean, andfree of oilorfuel
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 sc.
16. All chainsawservice,otherthantheitemslisted in
the owner’s manual maintenance instructions,
should be performed by MAKlTA .(For example,
if improper
tools are used to removethe flywheel
or if an improper
tool is used to hold the flywheel
inorder
to removethe clutch structuraldamageto
the flywheelcould occur andcould subsequently
cause the flywheel to burst.)
17. When transporting your chain saw, use the chain
protectioncover.
18. Low kickback bars and low kickback chains are
designed
to reducethe riskof kickbackinjury.Ask
your MAKITAdealer about these devices.
4

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
importantthatyou read;fully understandandobserve
the following safety precautions and warnings. Read
the Owner's Manual and the safety instructions
periodically.
WARNING !
Reactiveforces, including kickback, can be dan-
gerous.Carelessorimproperuseofanychainsaw
may cause serious or fatal injury.
Haveyour MAKlTAdealershowyouhow
to operate
yourchainsaw.Observeallapplicablelocalsafety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
WARNIN GI
Minors should never be allowed to use a chain
saw.
Bystanders,especiallychildrenandanimalsshould
not beallowed inthe areawhere a chainsaw isin
use (fig.
1).
Neverletthe saw run unattended.
Store it ina 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.
Properuse
of a chain saw involves
1. the operator
2. the saw
3. the use of the saw.
Discription of symbols usedon chain
saws:
ANSI B175.1-2000
Compliancewith
ANSI -Standards
max.cm4p Maximum Computed Kickback Angle
(CKA)* without using the chain brake when
1 using the recommended bar and chain
combinations
(In this example the CKA is 45").
max. cw4w Maximu m Com pu ted Kickback Angle
(CKA)* with using the chain brake when
1 using the recommended bar and chain
combinations(Inthis examplethe
CKA is 40").
Contactof the guide bar tipwith
any object should be avoided!
Tipcontactmaycausetheguide
bar to move suddenly upward
andbackward,whichmaycause
serious injury!
H
LiI
Always use two hands when
operating the chain saw!
Reduced Kickback Bar and
Chaincombinationthathasbeen
evaluated with the power head
to achieve kickback orotection
~~.~.ZZZ-~
(according to ANSI 'and CSA
st andards).
The ComputedKickbackAngle isa calculatedvalue
from energies measured on a test bench.lt is
not the
angle of the guide bar moved upward in case of a
KICKBACK.
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
orjudgment.
2
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
damageand 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.
Antivibrationsystemsdo
not guaranteethatyouwill
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 medicaladvice immediately.
5

Proper clothing
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom
of movement. Avoid loose-fitting
jackets,scarfs,neckties,jewelry,flaredorcuffedpants,
oranythingthat couldbecomeentangledwiththesaw
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.
Good footing is most important in chain saw work.
Wearsturdybootswithnonslipsoles.Steel-toedsafety
boots are recommended.
Propereye protection is a must. Non-fogging,vented
goggles and a face screen is recommended. Their
use reducesthe 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.
Continual and regular users should have their
hearing checked regularly.
Wear protective helmet,
eye and ear protection
The saw
Partsof the chain saw: illustrationsand descriptionof
parts see page
16.
WARNING !
Never modify a chain saw in any way. Only
attachments supplied by MAKITA or expressly
approvedbyMAKITAforusewith the 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
MAKITAchain saws norare they approvedbythe
ANSI
B 175.1-2000 chain saw safety standard.
The use of the saw
Transporting the chain saw
WARNING!
Always stop'fheenginebeforeputtingachainsaw
downor carrying it. Carrying a chain saw with the
en-ginerunningisextremelydangerous.Accidental
accelerationof the engine cancause the chain to
rotate.
Avoid touching the hot muffler.
4
By hand: When carrying your saw by hand, the
enginemustbestoppedandthesawmustbeinthe
proper position.
The chain protection cover should be over the
chain and the guide bar must point backwards.
Whencarrying your sawthe
bar should bebehind
you (fig.
4).
By vehicle: When transporting ina vehicle, keep
chain and bar covered with the chain guard.
Properlysecureyour saw
to preventturnover,fuel
spillage and damage
to the saw. Make sure the
saw in not exposedto heat or sparks.
6

Chain saw operating instructions
For assemblyfollow the procedureinthe appropriate
section"MountingGuideBarandChain'lofthismanual.
MAKITA chain, guide bar and sprocket must match
eachother(seetheappropriatesectioninthismanual).
WARNING!
Propertension of the chainisextremelyimportant.
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). Ifthe chain becomes loosewhile 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 manzal).
5
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
nearthe fuel (fig. 5).
Fuelinginstructions @
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
movethe chain saw at least
10 feet (3m) fromfueling
spot before starting the engine (fig.5a).
Wipe
off any spilledfuel before startingyour saw and
check
for leakage.
Check for fuel leakage while refueling and during
operation. Iffuel oroil leakageisfound,do notstartor
runthe engine until leak is fixed and spilledfuel 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 isvery dangerous be-
causeyou may lose control of the saw (fig. 6).
I f
6
Place the chain saw on firm ground or other solid
surfaceinanopen area. Maintainagood balanceand
secure footing. Place your right
foot through the rear
handleopening and firmlygrasp the front handlewith
your left hand (fig. 6a).
Beabsolutely sure that guide bar and chain are clear
of you or all other obstructions and objects, including
the ground, becausewhen the engine startsin semi-
throttle position,engine speed will befast enoughfor
the clutch
to engage the sprocket and turn the chain
which may cause a kickback.
Neverattempt
to startthe sawwhentheguidebarisin
a cut or kerf.
When you pullthe starter grip, don't wrap the starter
ropearoundyour hands.
Do not allowthegrip 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.
7

Importantadjustments
WARN I NG !
Atcorrect idlespeed, chainshould notturn.Fordi-
rections to adjust idlespeed, 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
make proper adjustments
or repairs.
Checkthesawchaintensionfrequently, especially
just after installinga new chain. New chains may
stretch more during their initial use. A properly
adjustedsawchaincanbepulledfreelyaroundthe
guide bar by hand without sagging. Always stop
the engine and wear gloves when checking or
adjustingthe chain tension.
-
Working conditions
Operate your chain saw only outdoors. Operate the
sawundergoodvisibilityand daylightconditionsonly.
WARNING!
Take extreme care in wet and freezing weather
(rain,snow,ice). Put
off theworkwhentheweather
iswindy, stormyor rainfall
is heavy.Clearthearea
where you are working.
WARNING!
Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps,
roots or rocks and watch out for holes or ditches.
Beextremelycautiouswhen working on slopes or
unevenground. Thereisincreased dangerof slip-
ping on freshly debarked logs.
Cutting instructions
Always holdthe saw firmly with both handswhen the
engine is running. Placeyour left hand on the tubular
handleand your right hand on grip and throttle lever.
Left-handersshould follow these instructions too.
{I \\
7
Wrapyourfingers tightlyaroundthe handles,keeping
thehandlescradledbetweenyourthumb
and forefinger
(fig. 7). With your hands inthis position, you can best
opposeandabsorb the push,pullandkickbackforces
of your saw without having it slipout of your grip (see
section
of reactiveforces). Makesure 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 incontact 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.
8
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 closetoa rotatingchainwith your
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
designedforpryingorshovelingaway limbs,roots
or other objects.
Whensawing, makesurethatthesaw 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.
a

9
Inorderto keep controlofyour saw, always maintain
afirmfoothold. Neverwork
on a ladder,inatreeor on
any otherinsecuresupport.Neverusethesaw above
shoulder height(fig.
9).
Positionthechainsaw insuchaway thatyour body is
clearofthecuttingattachmentwhenevertheengineis
running (fig.
10).
Don’tputpressureonthe saw when reachingthe end
of acut. The pressuremaycausethe barand rotating
chain
to popoutofthecutorkerf,gooutof controland
striketheoperatororsomeotherobject.Ifthe rotating
chain strikes some other object a reactiveforce (see
pages
10 to 12 ) may cause the chain to strike the
operator.
Reactiveforcesduringthe cut,includingkickback
WARNING!
Reactiveforces,thatmayoccurduringanycutare
kickback, pushback and pull-in. Reactiveforces
canbedangerous! Inany chainsaw, the powerful
forceused
to cutwood canbereversed(andwork
againstthe operator).
Iftherotatingchainissuddenlystoppedbycontact
with any solid object like a log or branch
or is
pinched,thereactiveforcesinstantlyoccur.These
reactiveforces may result in
loss of controlwhich
may, in turn, cause serious or fatal injury. An
understanding of the causes of these reactive
forces may helpyou avoid
loss of control.
The mostcommonreactiveforces are
- kickback,
- pushback,
- pull-in.
Kickback:
Kickbackoccurs when the upper quadrant of the bal
nosecontactsa solid object inthewood or is pinched
(fig. 11).The reactionof the cuttingforce of the chain
causes a rotationalforce of the chainsaw inthe direc
tion opposite to the chain movement, mainly in the
planeof the bar. This may flincJ the bar in an uncon-
trolledarc towards the operator.
12
This reactioncan occur in a fraction of a second and
undersome circumstances,causethe guide bar and
chain
to striketheoperatorwithenoughforcetocause
severeorfatal injury.
It mayalsooccurduringlimbing.
It alsooccurswhenthenoseoftheguidebarispinched
unexpectedly,unintentionallycontacts solid material
in the wood (fig.12) or is incorrectlyused
to begin a
plungeor boringcut.
The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the
moredifficultitbecomesfor the operator
to controlthe
saw.
9

Many factors influence the occurence and force of
the kickback reaction. The type of bar and saw chain
youuseisafactorintheforceofthekickbackreaction.
The speedof contact at whichthecutter contacts
the object.
Kickbackforce increasewith the rate of impact.
The contact angle between the nose
of the bar
andtheforeignobject (fig.
11).
Kickback is most pronounced in the upper quadrant
of the bar nose.
MAKITAchaintypes aredesignedto reducekickback
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.
Devicesfor reducingtherisk of kickback injury
MAKITA have developed a special chain brake
to
reducethe risk of kickbacks.
This chain brake increases the safety factor on the
job, e.g. when the saw suddenly bucks upwardsthe
chain stops rotating within a fraction of a second. A
deflectionguardonthedisengaging leverofthe chain
brakeand a scoop rearhandleensure thatthe opera-
tor’s hands are fully protected at all times.
Kickbacktendency increases as the radius or size of
the guide bar nose increases. MAKITA have devel-
opedguide barswith small nose radius,
to reducethe
kickbacktendency.
WARNING!
No chain brake prevents kickback.
Thesebrakesaredesignedonlytostopthechain,
if activated.
Toensure aproperoperation
of the chain brake,it
must beproperly maintained. Furthermore,there
mustbeasufficientdistancebetweentheoperator
and the bar to ensure that the chain brake has
sufficienttimetoactivateandstopthechainbefore
potential contact with the operator.
I 113
I 13
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal-injury that may
resultfrom kickback is
to avoid kickbacksituations:
1. Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands and
maintain a secure grip.
2. Beaware of the location of the guide bar noseat
all times.
3. Never bring the nose of the guide bar in contact
with any object. Donot cut limbswith the noseof
the guide bar. Be especially careful with small,
tough limbs, small size brush and saplingswhich
may easily catch the chain.
4. Don’toverreach.
5. Don’t cut above shoulder height.
6. Begin cutting and continue at full throttle.
7. Cut only one log at a time.
,
8. Useextremecautionwhen re-enteringa previous
cut.
9. Do not attempt plunge cuts (see page 13) if you
arenotexperiencedwiththesecuttingtechniques.
IO. Be alertfor shifting of the log or other forces that
may cause the cut
to close and pinchthe chain.
11. Maintainsaw chain properly. Cut with a correctly
sharpened, properlytensioned chain
at alltimes.
12. Stand to the side of the cutting path of the chain
saw.
10

Pushback:
Pushbackoccurswhenthechainon the top of the bar
is suddenly stopped when it is pinched, caught or
encountersaforeign object inthewood. The reaction
of the chain drivesthe 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).
To avoid pushback
1. Be alert to forces or situafions that may cause
materialto pinchthe top of the chain.
2. Do not cut morethan one log at a time.
3.
Do not twist the saw when withdrawing the bar
from a plungecut or underbuck cut (figures
25 to
27 and 33, pages 13and 15), becausethe chain
can pinch.
Pull-in:
Pull-inoccurswhenthechainonthe bottomof the bar
is suddenly stopped. The chain on the bottom of the
bar stops when it is pinched, caughtor encounters a
foreignobjectinthewood(seefig. 15).Thereactionof
the chainpullsthe saw forward,causingthe operator
to lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the spike bar of the
saw is not held securely againstthe tree or limb and
when the chain is not rotating at full speed before
it
contacts the wood.
To avoid pull-in
1. Always start a cut with the chain rotating at full
speedand the spike bar incontactwith the wood.
2. Pull-in may also be prevented by using plastic
wedges
to open the kerf or cut.
Cuttingtechniques
Felling
Fellingis cutting down a tree.
Beforefelling a tree, consider carefullyall conditions
which may affect the directionof fall, including:
The intendeddirection of the fall.
The neutrallean of the tree.
Any unusually heavy limbstructure.
Surroundingtrees and obstacles.
The wind directionand speed.
WARN1NG!
Always observethe general conditionof the tree.
Look for decay and rot in the trunk. If it is rotted
inside,
it could snap and fall toward the operator
while beingcut.
Also lookfor brokenordeadbrancheswhichcould
vibratelooseandfall ontheoperator.Whenfelling
onaslope,theoperatorshouldstandontheup-hill
side.
When felling in the vicinity of roads, railways and
power lines,etc., take extra precautions (see fig.
16). Informthe police, utility company or railway
authority before beginningto cut.
WARN1 NG!
Useextremecautionwhencuttingsmall size brush
andsaplingswhichmayeasilycatchthechainand
pullyou off balance.
11

--_ 45"
+, , . * *
. . .
2 Y2
,
\
1-
1
I
\
\
I
.
,
.
I
I
-- - - "'A
-_
---____
__--
I
i = cutting down area
17
Whenfelling,maintainadistance of at least2 112tree
lengthsfrom the nearest person (see fig.
17).
Note:
The noiseofyourenginemaydrownanywarningcall.
Felling instructions:
18
First clear the tree base and work area from inter-
fering limbsand brush and clean its lower portion an
axe (seefig. 18).
_..._._..----
Then, establish a path of escape and remove all
obstacles.Thispathshouldbeopposite
to theplanned
direction of the fall of thetree and at a
45" angle (fig.
19).An alternate pathmustalso beselected. Placeall
tools and equipment a safe distance away from the
tree, but not on the escape path.
First
cut
20
Ifthe tree has large buttress roots,cut intothe largest
buttresses vertically first (horizontally next) and re-
move (fig. 20).
~
Felling cut
Hinge
, Felling notch
22
Felling notch 1 I Hinge
23
Then, determine the placement of the felling notch
(fig.
21). The felling notch when properly placed de-
termines the direction in which the tree wil! fall.
It is
madeperpendicular to the lineoffall andshouldbeas
closetothegroundaspossible.Cutthefellingnotchto
a depth of about one-fifth
to one-fourth of the trunk
diameter(fig.
22). It should be in no case higherthan
it is deep. Makethe felling notch very carefully.
12

Begin the felling cut slighty higher than the felling
notch and on the opposite side of the tree (fig.
22).
Thencuthorizontallythroughtowardsthefellingnotch.
Applythe chainsawwith itsspikesdirectlybehindthe
uncut portion of wood and cut toward the notch (fig.
23). Leave approximately
1/10 of the tree diameter
uncut!Thisisthe hinge(fig.23). Donotcutthroughthe
hinge becauseyou 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
- neverof steel,
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,withdrawthe bar
and walk away on the pre-planned escape path.
Watch out for falling limbs.
WARNING!
Beextremelycarefulwithpartiallyfallentreeswhich
are poorly supported.
Whenthetree hangsorforsomeotherreasondoes
not fall completely, set the saw aside and pullthe
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 diametergreater than the
length
of the guide bar requires use of either the
sectioning or plunge-cut method.These methods
areextremelydangerousbecausetheyinvolvethe
use of the nose of the guide bar and can resultin
kickback. Only properly trained professionals
should attempt these techniques.
For the sectioning method (fig. 24) makethe first cut
with the guide barfanning intoward the hinge. Then,
usingthe bumperspike as a pivot,repositionthe saw
forthenextcut.Avoidrepositioningthesaw morethan
necessary.When repositioningfor the next cut, keep
the guide bar fully engaged in the kerf
to keep the
fellingcut straight.
If the saw begins to pinch,inserta
wedge
to open the cut. On the last cut, do not cut
the hinge.
Plunge-CutMethod
Timber having a diamet 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. Makea plungecut inthe
center
of the notch.
The plungecutismadewiththe guidebarnose.Begin
the plunge cut by applying the lower portion of the
guidebarnose
to thetreeatanangle(fig. 25). Cutuntil
depth
of the kerf isabout the same as the widthof the
guide bar(fig.
26). Next, alignthe saw inthe direction
in which the recess is
to be cut. With the saw at full
throttle, insertthe guide bar in the trunk (fig.
27).
Enlargethe plungecut asshown inillustration(fig. 28)
26
27
28
13

I
29
WARNING!
There is an extreme danger of kickback at this
point. Extra caution must be taken to maintain
controlof the saw.
To makethe fellingcut, follow
the sectioning method described previously (fig.
29).
If you are inexperienced with a chain saw
plunge-cuttingshould notbe attempted. Seek the
helpof a professional.
Limbing
Limbingis removing the branches fiom a fallen tree.
WARNING!
Thereisanextremedangerof kickbackduringthe
limbingoperation.
Do notworkwith the noseofthe
bar. Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting
thelogorotherlimbswiththenoseoftheguidebar.
Do notstandona logwhilelimbingit - youmayslip
or the logmay roll.
Startlimbingbyleavingthelowerlimbstosupport
thelog
off theground(fig.30).Alwayscutfromthe
top of the limb.
Do notunderbuckfreely hanging
limbs. A pinch may result or the limb may fall,
causing
loss of control. Ifa pinchoccurs,stopthe
engine and remove the saw, by liftingthe limb.
WARN I NG!
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.
Bucking
Bucking is cutting a log into sections.
3131
WARN I NG!
1. When bucking, do not stand on the log. Make
surethe logwill notroll down-hill. If
on a slope,
stand onthe up-hillside of the log(seefig. 31).
Watch out for rolling logs.
WARNING!
2. Cut only one log at a time.
WARNING!
3. Shattered wood should be cut very carefully.
Sharpslivers ofwood may becaught andflung
inthe directionof the operator of the saw.
32
WARNING!
4. When cutting small logs, use a sawhorse (fig.
32). Never permit another personto hold the
log. Never holdthe logwith your leg or foot.
14

2. Cross cut
34
-
WARNING!
5. Logs under strain require special attention to
preventthe saw from pinching. The first cut is
made on the compression side to relieve the
stressonthe log (seefig.
33,34). The bucking
cut isthen madeas shown. Ifthesaw pinches,
stop the engine and remove
it from the log.
WARNING!
6. Onlyproperlytrainedprofessionalsshouldwork
inan areawhere thelogs,limbsand rootsare
tangled(i. e. a blowdownarea, fig. 35). Work-
ing in blowdown areas is extremely hazard-
ous.
WARNING!
7. Dragthe logs intoa clear area beforecutting.
Pullout exposed and cleared logsfirst.
Maintenanceand Repair
Never operate a chain saw that is damaged,improp-
erlyadjustedornotcompletelyorsecurelyassembled.
Followthe maintenanceand repair instructionsin the
appropriate section of this manual.
WARNING !
Always stop the engine and make sure that the
chain isstopped before commencingany mainte-
nance or repair work or cleaning the saw.
Do not
attempt any maintenance or repair work not de-
scribedinthismanual.Havesuchwork performed
by your MAKITA service shop only.
Maintainingand storing the saw
Keepthechain,barandsprocketcleanandlubricated;
replaceworn sprockets or chains.
Keepthe chain sharp. You canspot a dullchainwhen
easy-to-cutwoodbecomeshard
to cutandburnmarks
appear on the wood.
Keep the chain at proper tension. Tighten all nuts,
bolts and..screws except the carburetor adjustment
screws after each use.
Keepspark plug andwire connectiontight and clean.
Store saws in a high or locked place, away from
children.
15

Denomination of components
12
Identification plate
:rial no.
Year of mal
Indicatewhen ordering spare parts!
nufacture
22 21 ,20
1 Handle
2 Filtercover
3 Filterhood clip
4 Tubular handle
5 Handguard (releasefor chain brake)
6 Mufflerwith spark arrester screen
7 Spike bar (toothedstop for holding saw steady against wood)
8 Chain tensioning screw
9 Retainingnuts
10 Chaincatch
11 Sprocket guard
12 Identificationplate
13 Startingvalve (option)
14 Starter grip
15 Adjusting screws "S-L-H" for carburetor
16 IISTOP-switch
17 Choke lever
18 Throttle lever
19 Safety locking button
20 Handguard
21 Fuel tank cap
22 Fan housing with startingassembly
23 Oiltank cap
24 Guide bar
25 Chain
26 Adjusting screw for oil pump (bottomside)
16

Technical data
Guide-bartype (see the Extract from the spare-partslist)
Weight (fuel tank empty, without chain and guide bar) Ibs 13.9 13.9
') For models without starting valve
I
I I 13.9
WARNING:
This chain saw is capable of severe kickback that coult result in serious injury to the user. Do not operate this chain
saw unless you have extraordinary cuffing needs and experience andspecialized training
for dealing with kickback.
Chain saws with significantly reduced kickback potential are available.
17

PUTTING INTOOPERATION
CAUTION:
Beforedoing any work on the guide bar or chain, always
switch
off the engine and pull the plug cap off the spark
plug(see "Replacingthe spark plug"). Always wear protec-
tive gloves1
CAUTION:
Start the chain saw only after having assembled it com-
pletelyand inspected.
Mountingthe guide bar and saw chain
Usethe universalwrench deliveredwiththe chainsawfor the
followingwork.
Put the chain saw on a stable surface and carry out the
following stepsfor mounting the guide bar and saw chain:
Release the chain brake by pulling the hand guard
(1) in
direction
of arrow.
Unscrew retainingnuts
(2).
Pull off the sprocketguard (3).
Positiontheguidebar (4) and pushagainstthesprocket (5) as
shown by the arrow.
i
Liftthe chain (6) overthe sprocket (5). Usingyour right hand,
guidethe chainintothe top guidegroove on the guidebar
(7).
Notethatthecuttingedgesalongthe top of !he chainmustpoint
in the direction
of the arrow!
18

Pullthechain (6) aroundthesprocketnose (8) of theguidebar
in the directionof the arrow.
Guidethe chain overthe chain catch
(9).
Pullthe guide bar as shown bythe arrow to takethe slackout
of thechain, so thatitcomesup to thebottomedge of theguide
bar
(10).
Lineupthe holes in the sprocketguard (3) with the bolts(11).
Turnthechaintensioningscrew(HI1
3) untilthechaintensioning
bolt
(12) isalignedwith the hole in the guide bar.
Replacethe sprocket guard.
Manuallytighten the retaining nuts
(H12).
Tightening the saw chain
Slightly lift theend of theguidebarandturnthechainadjusting
screw
(13) to the right(clockwise)untilthechainrestsagainst
the bottomside of the guide bar.
While still holding up the tip
of the guide bar, tighten the
retainingnuts
(2) with the universalwrench.
NOTE:
Beforetighteningthe chain, loosenthe two nuts (2) slightly.
19

Checkingthe chain tension
Thetensionof thechainiscorrectifthechainrestsagainstthe
bottom side of the guide bar and can still be easily turned by
hand.
While doing
so the chain brake must be released.
Check the chain tension frequently
- new chains tend to get
longerduring use!
When checkingthechaintensiontheenginemustbeswitched
aff,
NOTE:
It is recommended to use 2-3 chains alternatively.
Inorder to guarantee uniform wear
of the guide bar the bar
should beturned over whenever replacingthe chain.
Chain brake
The DCS 6400.6401,7300,7301,7900,7901 comeswith an
inertiachain brake
as standardequipment. Ifkickbackoccurs
due to contact of the guide-bar tip with wood (see SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS,page
9), the chain brakewill stop the chain
through inertia if the kickback is sufficiently strong.
The chain will stopwithin a fraction of a second.
The chainbrake is installedto blockthe saw chain before
startingitandtostop
it immediatelyincase of anemergen-
CY-
IMPORTANT: NEVER run the saw with the chain brake
activated
(exceptfortesting,see "Testingchainbrake")! Doing
so can very quickly cause extensive engine damage!
ALWAYS releasethe chain brake before startingthe saw!
Engaging the chain brake
(braking)
Ifthekickbackisstrongenoughthesuddenaccelerationof the
guide bar combinedwith the inertia of the handguard
(1) will
automatically actuatethe chain brake.
To engage the chain brake
manually, simply push the hand
guard
(I) fotward(towardsthetip of thesaw)withyour left hand
(arrow
1).
Releasingthe chain brake
Pullthe hand guard (2) towards you (arrow 2) until you feel it
catch. The brakeis now released.
20