Makita DCS 6400 User manual

Instruction Manual
Original Instruction Manual
Important:
Read this instruction manual carefully before putting the chain saw into operation and strictly observe the
safety regulations!
Keep this instruction manual!
DCS6400, DCS6400H
DCS6401, DCS6401H
DCS7300, DCS7300H
DCS7301, DCS7301H
DCS7900, DCS7900H
DCS7901, DCS7901H

2
Thank you for purchasing a MAKITA prod-
uct!
Congratulations on choosing a MAKITA chain saw! We are
conÞdent that you will be satisÞed with this modern piece of
equipment.
The DCS6400 - 7901H are very handy and robust chain saws
with a new Design.
The automatic chain lubrication with variable-ßow oil pump
and maintenance-free electronic ignition ensure trouble-free
operation, while the hand-saving anti-vibration system and
ergonomic grips and controls make work easier, safer, and
less tiring for the user.
MAKITA chain saws DCS6400 - 7901H are equipped with the
latest safety features and meet all national and international
standards. These featuresinclude: hand guards on bothhandles,
grip throttle lever lock, 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.
The following industrial property rights apply: GBM 29616652,
EP 0560201B1.
In order to ensure the proper functioning and performance
of your new chain saw, and to safeguard your own per-
sonal 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!
Packing
Your MAKITA chain saw comes delivered in a protective card-
board box to protect against shipping damage.
Cardboardisabasicrawmaterialandisconsequentlyreuseable
or suitable for recycling (waste paper recycling).
Table of contents Page
Packing ................................................................................ 2
Delivery inventory .............................................................. 3
Symbols ............................................................................... 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
General precautions ....................................................... 4
Protective equipment ...................................................... 4
Fuels / Refuelling ............................................................ 5
Putting into operation ......................................................5
Kickback ......................................................................... 6
Working behavior/Method of working ...........................6-7
Transport and storage .....................................................8
Maintenance ................................................................... 8
First aid ........................................................................... 8
Technical data ..................................................................... 9
Denomination of components ........................................... 9
PUTTING INTO OPERATION
Mounting the guide bar and saw chain .................... 10-11
Tightening the saw chain ......................................... 11-12
Chain brake .................................................................. 12
Fuels ........................................................................13-14
Refuelling ......................................................................14
Checking the chain lubrication ...................................... 15
Adjusting the chain lubrication ...................................... 15
Starting the engine ........................................................ 16
Cold start ....................................................................... 16
Warm start ....................................................................16
Stopping the engine ...................................................... 16
Checking the chain brake .............................................16
Adjusting the carburetor (only for EU-countries) ............ 17
Adjusting the carburetor (only for not EU-countries) ...... 18
Working in summer / winter ............................................ 19
Handle heating (only „H“-models)........................................19
MAINTENANCE
Sharpening the saw chain .......................................20-21
Cleaning the brake band and sprocket interior ............. 22
Cleaning the guide bar .................................................23
Replacing the saw chain ............................................... 23
Replacing the suction head .........................................23
Cleaning the air Þlter and the Þlter hood ......................24
Replacing the spark plug ..............................................25
Checking the ignition spark ........................................... 25
Checking the mufßer screws ......................................... 25
Replacing the starter cable / Replacing the return spring 26
Mounting the fan housing .............................................27
Cleaning the cylinder area ............................................ 27
Replacing/cleaning the spark arrester screen ..............27
Instructions for periodic maintenance ........................... 28
Service, spare parts and guarantee ...........................28-29
Trouble shooting .............................................................. 29
Extract from spare parts list ........................................... 30
Accessories ..................................................................30
EU conformity declaration ...............................................31

3
1
4
5 6 7
32
8
Delivery inventory
1. Chain saw
2. Guide bar
3. Saw chain
4. Chain protection cover
5. Universal wrench
6. Offset screwdriver
7. Screwdriver for carburetor adjustment
8. Cylinder Þn cleaner
9. Instruction manual (not shown)
In case one of the parts listed should not be included in the
delivery inventory, please consult your sales agent.
Symbols
You will notice the following symbols on the saw and in the Instruction Manual:
Read instruction manual 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 Þre!
Stop engine!
Push the starting valve
Start engine
Off switch
Caution, kickback!
Chain brake
Fuel and oil mixture
Working in summer / winter
Handle heating
Carburetor adjustment
Chain oil Þll/oil pump
Saw chain oil
adjustment screw
First aid
Recycling
CE - Marking

4
4
56
7
1
2
3
1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Intended use
Power chain saws
This power chain saw may beused only for sawing wood out ofdoors.
It is intended for the followung uses depending on its class:
- Professional and mid-class: Use on small, medium and large
trees: felling, limb removal, cutting to length, thinning.
- Hobbyklasse: Occasional use on small trees, fruit-tree care,
felling, limb removal, cutting to length.
Unauthorised users:
Persons who are not familiar with the Instruction Manual, children,
young people, and persons under the inßuence of drugs, alcohol
or medication must not use this saw.
General precautions
- To ensure correct operation the user has to read this instruc-
tion manual to make himself familiar with the characteristics
of the chain saw. Users insufÞciently informed will endanger
themselves as well as others due to improper handling.
- It is recommended to lend the chain saw only to people who
are experienced in working with chain saws. Always hand over
the instruction manual.
- Firstusersshouldaskthe dealer for basic instructions to become
familiarized with the characteristics of engine powered sawing
or even attend a recognized course of instruction.
- Children and young persons aged under 18 years must not be
allowed to operate the chain saw. Persons over the age of 16
years may, however, use the chain saw for the purpose of being
trained as long as they are under the supervision of a qualiÞed
trainer.
- Use chain saws always with the utmost care and attention.
- Operate the chain saw only if you are in good physical condition.
If you are tired, your attention will be reduced. Be especially
careful at the end of a working day. Perform all work calmly and
carefully. The user has to accept liability for others.
- Never use the chain saw after having consumed alcohol, drugs
or medication.
- A Þre extinguisher must be available in the immediate vicinity
when working in easily inßammable vegetation or when it has
not rained for a long time (danger of Þre).
Protective equipment
- In order to avoid head, eye, hand or foot injuries as well as
to protect your hearing the following protective equipment
must be used during operation of the chain saw:
- The kind of clothing should be appropriate, i. e. it should be
tight-Þtting but not be a hindrance. Do not wear jewellery
or clothing which could become entangled with bushes or
shrubs. If you have long hair, always wear a hairnet!
- It is necessary to wear a protective helmet whenever working
with the chain saw. The protective helmet (1) is to be checked
in regular intervals for damage and is to be replaced after 5
years at the latest. Use only approved protective helmets.
- The face shield (2) of the protective helmet (or the goggles)
protects against sawdust and wood chips. During operation of
the chain saw always wear a goggle or a face shield to prevent
eye injuries.
- Wear adequate noise protection equipment (ear muffs (3),
ear plugs, etc.). Octave brand analysis upon request.
- The safety jacket (4) is provided with special signal-coloured
shoulder straps and is comfortable and easy to care for.
- The protective brace and bib overall (5) is made of a nylon
fabric with 22 layers and protects against cuts. We strongly
recommend its use.
- Protective gloves (6) made of thick leather are part of the 4
3
2
prescribed equipment and must always be worn during
operation of the chain saw.
- During operation of the chain saw safety shoes or safety
boots (7) Þtted with anti skid sole, steel toe caps and pro-
tection for the leg must always to be worn. Safety shoes
equipped with a protective layer provide protection against
cuts and ensure a secure footing.

5
6
5
7
9
8
Fuels / Refuelling
- Stop the engine before refuelling the chain saw.
- Do not smoke or work near open Þres (5).
- Let the engine cool down before refuelling.
- Fuels can contain substances similar to solvents. Eyes and skin
shouldnot come in contact with mineral oil products.Always wear
protective gloves when refuelling. Frequently clean and change
protective clothes. Do not breathe in fuel vapors. Inhalation of
fuel vapours can be hazardous to your health.
- Do not spill fuel or chain oil. When you have spilt fuel or oil im-
mediately clean the chain saw. Fuel should not come in contact
with clothes. If your clothes have come in contact with fuel,
change them ot once.
- Ensure that no fuel or chain oil oozes into the soil (environmental
protection). Use an appropriate base.
- Refuelling is not allowed in closed rooms. Fuel vapors will ac-
cumulate near the ßoor (explosion hazard).
- Ensure to Þrmly tighten the screw plugs of the fuel and oil
tanks.
- Change the place before starting the engine (at least 3 m from
the place of refuelling) (6).
- Fuel cannot be stored for an unlimited period of time. Buy only
as much as will be consumed in the near future.
- Use only approved and marked containers for the transport and
storage of fuel and chain oil. Ensure children have no access to
fuel or chain oil.
Putting into operation
- Do not work on your own. Another person must be nearby
in case of emergencies (within shouting distance).
- Ensure that there are no children or other people within the
working area. Pay attention to any animals in the working area,
as well (7).
- Before starting work the chain saw must be checked for
perfect function and operating safety according to the pre-
scriptions.
Check especially the function of the chain brake, the correct
mounting of the guide bar, the correct sharpening and tighten-
ing of the chain, the Þrm mounting of the sprocket guard, the
easy motion of the throttle lever and the function of the throttle
lever lock, the cleanliness and dryness of the handles, and the
function of the ON/OFF switch.
- Putthechainsawonly into operation if it is completely assembled.
Never use the chain saw when it is not completely assembled.
- Before starting the chain saw ensure that you have a safe foot-
ing.
- Put the chain saw into operation only as described in this instruc-
tion manual (8). Other starting methods are not allowed.
- When starting the chain saw it must be well supported and
securely held. The guide bar and chain must not be in contact
with any object.
- When working with the chain saw always hold it with both
hands. Take the back handle with the right hand and the tubu-
lar handle with the left hand. Hold the handles tightly with your
thumbs facing your Þngers.
- CAUTION: When releasing the throttle lever the chain will
keep on running for a short period of time (free-wheeling).
- Continuously ensure that you have a safe footing.
- Hold the chain saw such that you will not breathe in the exhaust
gas. Do not work in closed rooms (danger of poisoning).
- Switch off the chain saw immediately if you observe any
changes in its operating behavior.
- The engine must be switched off before checking the chain
tension, tightening the chain, replacing it or clearing mal-
functions (9).
- When the sawing device is hit by stones, nails or other hard
objects, switch off the engine immediately and check the
sawing device.
- When stopping work or leaving the working place switch off
the chain saw (9) and put it down such that nobody is endan-
gered.
- Do not put the overheated power chain saw in dry grass or on any
inßammable objects. The mufßer is very hot (danger of Þre).
- CAUTION: Oil dropping from the chain or guide bar after hav-
ing stopped the saw chain will pollute the soil. Always use an
appropriate base.
● Maintenance ● Stopping work
● Refuelling ● Transport
● Sharpening the chain ● Putting out of function
3 meters

6
Z
Kickback
- When working with the chain saw dangerous kickbacks may
occur.
- Kickback occurs when the upper part of the end of the guide
bar inadvertently touches wood or other hard objects (10).
- This causes the saw to be thrown back toward the user with
great force and out of control. Risk of injury!
In order to prevent kickback, follow these rules:
- Only specially-trained persons should perform plunge cuts, i.e.,
piercing timber or wood with the tip of the saw!
- Never apply the end of the bar when starting to make a cut.
- Always observe the end of the guide bar. Be careful when
continuing an already started cut.
- When starting to cut the chain must be running.
- Ensurethat the chain is always sharpened correctly. Pay special
attention to the height of the depth limiter.
- Never cut several branches at the same time. When cutting a
branch ensure that no other branch is touched.
- When crosscutting a trunk be aware of the trunks next to it.
Working behavior/Method of working
- Only use the chain saw during good light and visibility periods.
Be aware of slippery or wet areas, and of ice and snow (risk of
slipping). The risk of slipping is extremely high when working
on recently peeled wood (bark).
- Never work on unstable surfaces. Make sure that there are no
obstacles in the working area, risk of stumbling. Always ensure
that you have a safe footing.
- Never saw above your shoulder height (11).
- Never saw while standing on a ladder (11).
- Never climb up into trees to perform sawing with the chain
saw.
- Do not work leaning too far over.
- Guide the chain saw in such a way that no part of your body is
within the elongated swivelling range of the saw (12).
- Use the chain saw for sawing wood only.
- Avoid touching the ground with the chain saw while it is still
running.
- Never use the chain saw for lifting up or removing pieces of
wood or other objects.
- Remove foreign objects such as sand, stones and nails found
within the working area. Foreign objects may damage the saw-
ing device and can cause dangerous kickback.
- When sawing precut timber use a safe support (sawing jack,
13). Do not steady the workpiece with your foot, and do not
allow anyone else to hold or steady it.
- Secure round pieces against rotation.
-For cutting down trees or performing crosscuts the spike
bar (13, Z) must be applied to the wood to be cut.
- Before performing a crosscut Þrmly apply the spike bar to the
timber, only then can the timber be cut with the chain running.
For this the chain saw is lifted at the back handle and guided
with the tubular handle. The spike bar serves as a centre of
rotation. Continue by slightly pressing down the tubular handle
and simultaneously pulling back the chain saw. Apply the spike
bar a little bit deeper and once again lift the back handle.
- When the timber must be pierced for cutting or longitudi-
nal cuts are to be performed it is urgently recommended
to have this carried out by specially trained persons only
(high risk of kickback).
- Do longitudinal - lengthwise - cuts at the lowest possible
angle (14). Be very careful when doing this type of cut, as the
spike bar cannot grip.
- The saw must be running whenever you remove the chain saw
from the wood.
- When performing several cuts the throttle lever must bereleased
in between.
10
12
13
14
11

7
- Be careful when cutting splintery wood. Cut pieces of wood
may be pulled along (risk of injuries).
- When cutting with the upper edge of the guide bar, the chain
saw may be pushed in the direction of the user if the chain
gets clamped. For this reason use the lower edge of the bar
whenever possible. The chain saw will then be pushed away
from you (15).
- If the timber is under tension (16), Þrst cut the pressure side
(A). Then the crosscut can be performed on the tension side
(B). Thus clamping of the guide bar can be avoided.
CAUTION:
People felling trees or cutting of branches must be specially
trained. High risk of injuries!
- When cutting of branches, the chain saw should be supported
on the trunk. Do not use the end of the bar for cutting (risk of
kickback).
- Be aware of branches under tension. Do not cut free branches
from below.
- Never perform detensioning cuts while standing on the trunk.
- Before cutting down a tree ensure that
a) only those people are within the working area which are
actually involved in cutting down the tree.
b) every worker involved can withdraw without stumbling (the
people should withdraw backwards in a diagonal line, i. e.
at a degree of 45°).
c) the bottom part of the trunk is free from foreign objects,
underbrush and branches. Make sure to have a safe footing
(risk of stumbling).
d) the next working place is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths away
(17). Before cutting down the tree check the direction of fall
and make sure that there are neither people nor objects
within a distance of 2 1/2 tree lengths.
- Judging the tree:
Direction of hanging - loose or dry branches - height of the tree
- natural overhang - is the tree rotten?
- Take into account the direction and speed of the wind. If strong
gusts are occurring, do not do any felling.
- Cutting the roots:
Start with the strongest root. First do the vertical and then the
horizontal cut.
- Notching the trunk (18, A):
The notch determines the direction of fall and guides the tree.
The trunk is notched perpendicular to the direction of fall and
penetrates 1/3 -1/5 of the trunk diameter. Perform the cut near
the ground.
- When correcting the cut, always do so over the whole width of
the notch.
- Cut down the tree (19, B) above the bottom edge of the notch
(D). The cut must be exactly horizontal. The distance between
both cuts must be approx. 1/10 of the trunk diameter.
- The material between both cuts (C) serves as a hinge. Never
cut it through, otherwise the tree will fall without any control.
Insert felling wedges in time.
- Secure the cut only with wedges made of plastic or aluminium.
Do not use iron wedges. If the saw hits an iron wedge the chain
can be seriously damaged or torn.
- When cutting down a tree always stay sidewards of the falling
tree.
- When withdrawing after having performed the cut, be alert for
falling branches.
- When working on sloping ground the user of the chain saw
must stay above or sidewards of the trunk to be cut or the tree
already cut down.
- Be alert for trunks which may roll towards you.
15
16
17
18
19
= cutting down area
45o
45o
2 1/2

8
SERVICE
Transport and storage
- When changing your location during work switch off the chain
saw and actuate the chain brake in order to prevent an inad-
vertent start of the chain.
- Never carry or transport the chain saw with the chain run-
ning.
- When transporting the chain saw over long distances the guide
bar protection cover (delivered with the chain saw) must be
applied.
- Carry the chain saw with the tubular handle. The guide bar
points backwards (20).Avoid coming in contact with the mufßer
(danger of burns).
- Ensure safe positioning of the chain saw during car trans-
portation to avoid fuel or chain oil leakage.
- Store the chain saw safely in a dry place. It must not be stored
outdoors. Keep the chain saw away from children.
- Before storing the chain saw over a long period of time or ship-
ping it the fuel and oil tanks must be completely emptied.
Maintenance
- Before performing maintenance work switch off the chain
saw (21) and pull out the plug cap.
- Before starting work always check the operating safety of the
chain saw, in particular the function of the chain brake. Make
sure that the chain is always sharpened and tightened cor-
rectly (22).
- Operate the chain saw only at a low noise and emission level.
For this ensure the carburetor is adjusted correctly.
- Regularly clean the chain saw.
- Regularly check the tank cap for tightness.
Observe the accident prevention instructions issued by
trade associations and insurance companies. Do not
perform any modiÞcations on the chain saw. You will put
your safety at risk.
Perform only the maintenance and repair works described in
the instruction manual. All other work must be carried out by
MAKITA Service.
Use only original MAKITA spare parts and accessories.
Using spare parts other than original MAKITA parts or ac-
cesories and guide bar/chain combinations or lengths which
are not approved bring a high risk of accidents. We cannot
accept any responsibility for accidents and damage resulting
from using sawing devices or accesories which have not been
approved.
First aid
For the event of a possible accident, please make sure that a
Þrst aid kit is alwaysimmediately available close by. Immediately
replace any items used from the Þrst aid box.
When calling for help, give the following information:
- Place of the accident
- What happened
- Number of injured people
- Kind of injuries
- Your name!
NOTE
Individuals with poor circulation who are exposed to excessive
vibration may experience injury to blood vessels or the nervous
system.
Vibration may cause the following symptoms to occur in the Þn-
gers, hands or wrists: ”Falling asleep” (numbness), tingling, pain,
stabbing sensation, alteration of skin colour or of the skin. If any
of these symptoms occur, see a physician!
20
21
22
23
24

9
2
13
24 25
14 15
16 17
18 19
3
4
1
6
7
12
23
5
8
9
1126
202122
27 10
Stroke volume cm3 64 72.6 78.5
Bore mm 47 50 52
Stroke mm 37 37 37
Max. power at speed 3) kW / 1/min 3.5 / 9,000 4.2 / 9,500 4.6 / 9,500
Max. torque at speed 3) Nm / 1/min 4.2 / 6,500 4.8 / 7,000 5.2 / 7,000
Idling speed / max. engine speed with bar and chain 1/min 2,500 / 13,500 2,500 / 13,500 2,500 / 13,500
Clutch engagement speed 1/min 3,200 3,200 3,200
Sound pressure level at the workplace LpA, eq per ISO/CD 22868 1) 4) dB(A) 104,3 / KpA = 2,5 104,3 / KpA = 2,5 104,3 / KpA = 2,5
Sound power level LWA, eq per ISO/CD 22868 1) 4) dB(A) 113,3 / KWA = 2,5 113,3 / KWA = 2,5 113,3 / KWA = 2,5
Vibration acceleration ahv, eq per ISO 22867 1) 4)
- Tubular handle m/s2 5.9 / K=2 6.2 / K=2 6.6 / K=2
- Rear handle m/s2 3.6 / K=2 4.1 / K=2 4.5 / K=2
Carburetor (diaphragm carburetor) Type ZAMA
Ignition system Type electronic
Spark plug Type NGK BPMR 7A / BOSCH WSR 6F
Electrode gap mm 0.5
Fuel consumption at max. load per ISO 7293 3) kg/h 1.72 2.33 2.3
SpeciÞc consumption at max. load per ISO 7293 3) g/kWh 500 510 505
Fuel tank capacity l 0.75
Chain oil tank capacity I 0.42
Mixture ratio (fuel/two-stroke oil)
- when using MAKITA oil 50 : 1
- when using Aspen Alkylat (two-stroke fuel) 50 : 1 (2%)
- when using other oils 50 : 1 (quality grade: JASO FC or ISO EGD)
Chain brake
engages manually or in case of kickback
Chain speed 2) m/s 19.74 20.83 20.83
Sprocket pitch inch 3/8
Number of teeth Z 7
Chain type see the Extract from the spare-parts list 099
Pitch / gauge inch 3/8 / .058
Guide bar, length of a cut cm 38 / 45 / 50 / 60 / 70
Guide-bar type see the Extract from the spare-parts list
Weight (fuel tank empty, without chain and guide bar) kg 6.3 6.3 6.3
1) Figures derived in equal part from idling, full-load and racing speed.
2) At max. power. 3) For models without starting valve. 4) Uncertainty (K=).
Technical data
IdentiÞcation plate (12)
Indicate when ordering spare parts
Serial number
Year of manufacture
Denomination of components
1 Handle
2 Filter hood
3Filter hood clip
4 Tubular handle
5 Hand guard (release for chain brake)
6 Mufßer
7Spike bar
8Chain tensioning screw
9Retaining nuts
10 Chain catch
11 Sprocket guard
12 IdentiÞcation plate
13 Starting valve (option)
14 Starter grip
15 Adjusting screws for carburetor
16 I/STOP-switch
17 Choke switch and half-throttle lock
18 Throttle lever
19 Safety locking button
20 Rear hand guard
21 Fuel tank cap
22 Fan housing with starting assembly
23 Oil tank cap
24 Guide bar
25 Chain
26 Adjusting screw for oil pump (bottom side)
27 Switch for handle heating (only on type “H” models)
DCS6400 / H DCS7300 / H DCS7900 / H
DCS6401 / H DCS7301 / H DCS7901 / H

10
5
7
6
45
1
2
3
Liftthe chain (6)overthe sprocket (5). Using your right hand,guide
the chain into the top guide groove on the guide bar (7).
CAUTION:
Note that the cutting edges along the top of the chain must
point in the direction of the arrow!
Position the guide bar (4) and push against the sprocket (5)
as shown by the arrow.
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 saw chain:
Release the chain brake by pulling the hand guard (1) in direc-
tion of arrow.
Unscrew retaining nuts (2).
Pull off the sprocket guard (3).
C
D
PUTTING INTO OPERATION
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 the spark plug“). Always wear protec-
tive gloves!
CAUTION:
Start the chain saw only after having assembled it com-
pletely and inspected.
B
A