Milwaukee HATCHET M12 FHS User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Cat. No.
M12 FHS
M12 FUEL™ HATCHET™ 152MM (6") PRUNING SAW
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator's manual.

2
GENERAL POWER TOOL
SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instruc-
-
tions provided with this power tool. Failure to
follow all instructions listed below may result in
Save all
warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your
mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-oper-
ated (cordless) power tool.
WORK AREA SAFETY
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
•Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or
dark areas invite accidents.
•Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
•Keep children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power
tools.
reduce risk of electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
•Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
•Do not expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the
risk of electric shock.
•Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for
carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool.
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase
the risk of electric shock.
•When operating a power tool outdoors, use an exten-
sion cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suit-
able for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
•
•Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under
A
moment of inattention while operating power tools
may result in serious personal injury.
•Use personal protective equipment. Always wear
eye protection marked to comply with ANS/NZS
1337.1. Protective equipment such as a dust
mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing
protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
•Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch
source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying
the tool.
switch or energising power tools that have the switch
on invites accidents.
•Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning
the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a ro-
tating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
•
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
•
•
•Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power
tool in unexpected situations.
•
•If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these
are connected and properly used. Use of dust
collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
•Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of
tools allow you to become complacent and ignore
tool safety principles. A careless action can cause
severe injury within a fraction of a second.
Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool
for your application. The correct power tool will do the
job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn
Any power tool that cannot be controlled
with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from
the power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power tools.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the power tool accidentally.
BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
•Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and
do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool
or these instructions to operate the power tool. Pow-
er tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
•Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for
misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage
the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
•Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.
•Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.
in accordance with these instructions, taking into
account the working conditions and the work to
be performed. Use of the power tool for operations
situation.
•Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean
and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and
grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type
with another battery pack.
•
battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may
•When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins,
keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects,
that can make a connection from one terminal to
another. Shorting the battery terminals together may
•Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected
from the battery; avoid contact. If contact acci-
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device
(RCD) protected supply. Use of a RCD reduces
the risk of electric shock.

3
eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid
ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
SERVICE
•Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or
risk of injury.
• -
sive temperature.
above 130°C (265°F) may cause explosion.
•Follow all charging instructions and do not charge
the battery pack or tool outside the temperature
Charging im-
General pruning saw safety warnings:
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR
HATCHET PRUNING SAW
person using only identical replacement parts. This
will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
•Never service damaged battery packs. Service
of battery packs should only be performed by the
manufacturer or authorised service providers.
tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or
increase the chance for kickback.
•Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain
when the pruning saw is operating. Before you
start the pruning saw, make sure the saw chain
is not contacting anything. A moment of inattention
while operating pruning saws may cause entangle-
ment of your clothing or body with the saw chain.
•Hold the pruning saw with your right hand on the
trigger handle and your left hand on the body
grip. Holding the pruning saw with a reversed hand
•Hold the pruning saw by insulated gripping sur-
faces only, because the saw chain may contact
hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a "live" wire
may make exposed metal parts of the pruning saw
"live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
•
•Always keep proper footing and operate the prun-
level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces may
cause a loss of balance or control of the pruning saw.
•Do not operate a pruning saw in a tree, on a lad-
To avoid death or serious injury, operator must be
trained in safe climbing techniques and in the use of
all appropriate safety equipment.
•When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert
for spring back.
is released the spring loaded limb may strike the
operator and/or throw the pruning saw out of control.
•Use extreme caution when cutting brush and sap-
lings. The slender material may catch the saw chain
•Carry the pruning saw away from your body and
-
scabbard. Proper handling of the pruning saw will
reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the
moving saw chain.
•Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tension-
ing and changing the bar and chain. Improperly
•
•
Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains
Incorrect replace-
ment guide bars and saw chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and main-
tenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreas-
ing the depth gauge height can lead to increased
kickback.
•Cut wood only. Do not use pruning saw for pur-
poses not intended. For example: do not use
pruning saw for cutting metal, plastic, masonry
or non-wood building materials. Use of the pruning
in a hazardous situation.
•Do not attempt to fell a tree until you have an
understanding of the risks and how to avoid
them. Serious injury could occur to the operator or
bystanders while felling a tree.
Causes and operator prevention of kickback:
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide
bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards
the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may
push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose con-
trol of the saw which could result in serious personal
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices
built into your saw. As a pruning saw user, you should
take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of pruning saw misuse and/or in-
correct operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
• -
tion your body and arm(s) to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled
by the operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do
not let go of the pruning saw.
•Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact
and enables better control of the pruning saw in
unexpected situations.
•Make sure that the area in which you are cutting
is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the
guide bar contact a log, branch, fence, or any other
obstruction that could be hit while you are operating
the saw.
•
•Follow all instructions when clearing jammed
material, storing or servicing the pruning saw.
is removed. Unexpected actuation of the pruning
saw while clearing jammed material or servicing may
result in serious personal injury.
Other Pruning Saw Safety Rules
•Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area,
secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the
falling workpiece. Cluttered areas invite accidents.
•Keep ALL children, bystanders, visitors, and ani-
mals out of the work area while starting or cutting
with the pruning saw.
Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Further protective equipment for head, hands,
legs and feet is recommended. Adequate
protective equipment will reduce personal injury
from flying debris or accidental contact with the
saw chain.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing
loss of control.
•
Always cut with the unit running at full speed.
Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a
steady cutting speed.
behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or

4
•
•
•
•
•
Battery operated units do not have to be plugged
into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always
in operating condition. Be aware of possible haz-
ards even when unit is not operating.
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently
and use them to instruct others who may use this
product. If you loan someone this product, loan them
these instructions also.
After each use, clean the machine with a soft dry
cloth. Remove any chips, dirt and debris in the
battery bay.
Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and main-
tenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreas-
ing the depth gauge height can lead to increased
kickback.
WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities contains chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
•lead from lead-based paint
•crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other
masonry products, and
•arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on
•
•
how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated
area, and work with approved safety equipment, such
as those dust masks that are specially designed to
fatigue, which could lead to heat stroke. During
weather that is hot and humid, heavy work should be
•
•
•
•Heavy protective clothing may increase operator
•
•
scheduled for early morning or late afternoon hours
when temperatures are cooler.
Always be aware of what you are doing when
using the pruning saw. Use common sense. Do
not operate the pruning saw when you are tired, ill, or
Keep all parts of your body away from the saw
chain when the unit is running.
Never let anyone use your pruning saw who has
not received adequate instructions in its proper
use. This applies to rentals as well as privately owned
saws.
•Before you start the unit, make sure the saw chain
is not contacting any object.
•Stop the pruning saw before setting it down.
•Maintain the unit with care. Keep the cutting edge
sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce
the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating
and changing accessories.
• -
ing surfaces. If an operation cannot be performed
safely with two hands on the saw, USE EXTREME
CAUTION.
•
•
Do not cross arms or overreach.
Always cut away from yourself.
ing cut.
•
•During operations where it is necessary to use
one hand, such as to steady or control the work-
piece/branch, guide workpiece away from you, or
provide better visibility to the work area:
• Keep free hand clear of the chain and out of the
cutting path.
•
"skating" or "bouncing" of the saw.
• Never cut above shoulder height.
• -
•
•
•
Do not operate a pruning saw that is damaged, im-
properly adjusted, or not completely and securely
assembled. Chain should slow to a stop when the
switch trigger is released. If the chain continues to
turn after the switch trigger has been released, have
the unit serviced by an authorised service centre.
Do not force the pruning saw. The job can be
performed better and safer at the rate for which it
was intended.
Use extreme caution when cutting thin branches,
vines or small underbrush. The slender material
may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you
trimmers or brush cutters for these operations.
Dress Properly - Wear snug fitting clothing.
Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves,
overalls, jeans or chaps made of cut resistant
material or ones that contain cut resistant inserts.
Wear non-slip safety footwear. Wear non-slip
heavy duty gloves to improve your grip and to
protect your hands. Do not wear jewellery, short
pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear loose
fitting clothing, which could be drawn into the
motor or catch the chain or underbrush. Secure
hair so it is above shoulder level.
Always wear proper eye protection with side
shields, marked to comply with AS/NZS 1337.1
when operating the pruning saw.
Maintain labels and nameplates. These carry
important information. If unreadable or missing,
contact a MILWAUKEE®service facility for a
replacement.
To reduce the risk of fire,
ADDITIONAL BATTERY SAFETY RULES
WAR NING
personal injury , and product damage due to a
short circuit, never immerse your tool, battery
pack or charger in fluid or allow a fluid to flow
inside them. Corrosive or conductive fluids,
such as seawater , certain industrial chemicals,
and bleach or bleach-containing products, etc.,
can cause a short circuit.
WAR NING
Do not charge
non-rechargeable batteries.
Always use common sense and be cautious
when using tools. It is not possible to anticipate
every situation that could result in a dangerous
outcome. Do not use this tool if you do not
understand these operating instructions or you feel
the work is beyond your capability; contact
MILWAUKEE®Tool or a trained professional for
additional information or training.
Always use the right product for your
application. The pruning saw should be used for
cutting wood only. Never use the pruning saw to
cut metal, plastic, masonry or non-wood building
materials.
Store pruning saw when not in use. Pruning saw
should be stored in a dry and high or locked area
out of the reach of children. When storing pruning
saw place the scabbard on the bar and chain.

5
1
2
3789
10
12
11
6
4
5
1. Trigger handle
2. Variable speed trigger
4. Fuel battery indicator
5. Body grip
6. Knuckle guard
7. Chain cover
8. Saw chain
9. Guide bar
10.Scabbard
11. Chain tensioning screw
12.Guide bar nut
13.Oil cap
14.Oil reservoir
13
14
changing or removing accessories.
WARNING
Always remove battery pack before
ASSEMBLY
WARNING
Recharge
for
onl
the
y with
battery
th
.
e ch
For
arg
spe
er
-
manual supplied with your charger and battery.
Removing/Inserting the Battery
To remove the battery, push in the release buttons
and pull the battery pack away from the tool.
changing or removing accessories.
WARNING
Always remove battery pack before
To insert the battery, slide the pack into the body
of the tool. Make sure it latches securely into place.
WARNING
reco
Only use
mmended
accessorie
for thi
s
s tool. Others
may be hazardous.
Replacing/Adjusting the
Saw Chain and Bar
CAUTION
Chain is sharp. Always wear protec-
chain.
tive gloves when handling the
Use Low Kickback Saw Chains - The rakers (depth
gauges) ahead of each cutter can minimise the force
of a kickback reaction by preventing the cutters from
digging in too deeply at the kickback zone. Only
use replacement chain that is equivalent to original
per ANSI B175.1.
SYMBOLOGY
Volts
Direct Current
No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
Read operator’s manual
Wear non-slip safety footwear.
Wear protective gloves
Do not expose to rain or use in
damp locations.
Use EXTREME CAUTION during
one-handed operations.
Use pruning saw two-handed.
Avoid contact with bar tip.
DANGER
Beware of kickback.
Chain Oil Reservoir
Chain Direction
Chain Tension Adjustment
Cat. No.................................................... M12 FHS
Volts........................................................... 12V DC
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Type .................................................M12™
Charger Type................................................M12™
RPM................................................................2,650
Chain Speed.................................................. 5 m/s
Bar Length.......................................... 152 mm (6")
Cutting Capacity ........................... 139.7 mm (5.5")
Chain Oil Tank Capacity ............................... 50 mL
Replacement Bar.................................... 49162733
Chain Gauge ................................................ 0.043"
Replacement Chain................................ 49162732
Chain Type ........................................ Low kickback
Recommended Ambient
Chain Teeth .........................................................28
Operating Temperature................... -17°C to 51°C
Chain Pitch......................................3/8" Low profile
Do not dispose of electric tools
together with household waste
material. Electric tools and electronic
equipment that have reached the end
of their life must be collected
separately and returned to an
environmentally compatible recycling
facility.
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
This product meets applicable
regulatory requirements.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
3. Lock-off button
Keep bystanders at least 15m (50')
away during use.
Always wear eye, ear and head
protection and use proper personal
protective equipment.

6
As saw chains are sharpened during their useful life,
they lose some of the low kickback qualities and extra
caution should be used.
1. Remove the battery pack.
3. Remove the drive cover by removing the guide
bar nuts using the adjustment tool.
4.
5.
Loosen the chain by turning the chain tensioning
screw counterclockwise with the adjustment tool.
Pull the guide bar off of the guide bar bolts
and unloop the chain from the drive hub.
CAUTION! Saw Chain is sharp.
6. Remove the chain from the guide bar groove.
CAUTION! Saw Chain is sharp. Inspect guide bar
for cracks or wear; replace if damaged.
7. Wrap the new or sharpened chain around the
guide bar in the direction indicated on the saw
.
8. Ensure the chain is properly set in the slot around
the entire guide bar.
9.
around the bolts.
Hub
Bolts
10.Replace the drive cover.
11. Use the adjustment tool to rotate the chain ten-
sioning screw to increase tension (clockwise) until
the chain is snug around the guide bar.
• The tension is correct when the chain snaps back
after being pulled 3 mm (1/8") away from the
guide bar. No sag should be visible in the chain.
Chain Oil
12.Tighten the guide bar nuts securely.
• Do not over-tension the chain - excess tension
will cause excessive wear and will reduce the
life of the chain and could damage the bar.
• New chains could stretch and loosen during
initial use. NOTE: Remove battery pack and
two hours of use.
changing or removing accessories.
WARNING
Always remove battery pack before
NOTICE
each full battery discharge. Use a high quality chain
oil. The oil will keep the saw chain and guide bar
properly lubricated. Never run the saw without chain
oil. Keep the reservoir more than 1/4 full to ensure
the chain when storing to prevent rust. Always empty
the oil tank when storing to prevent leakage.
NOTE: It is recommended to use a vegetable based
chain oil when pruning trees. Mineral oil may harm
trees. Never use waste oil, automotive oil, or very
thick oils. These could damage the pruning saw.
Filling the Oil Reservoir
Transporting Saw
Before transporting, always:
1. Remove the battery pack
2. Place the scabbard over the guide bar.
1. Remove the battery pack.
2.
3. Unscrew the oil cap.
5. Tighten oil cap securely.
6. Repeat as needed during use.
7. Periodically check that the saw chain is lubricat-
ing correctly:
• With a full reservoir, hold the pruning saw with
the tip of the guide bar pointing at a light-colored
surface
• Run the pruning saw for approximately 30
seconds.
• An oil line should become visible on the light
surface.
• If not, remove and clean the guide bar thor-
oughly. Ensure the guide bar sprocket (at the
tip) rotates freely.
•If the lubrication system still does not work
properly, contact a MILWAUKEE®service
facility.
Fill oil reservoir with chain oil
(76mL bottle is included) before
starting the pruning saw and when tank is less
than 1/4 full. Failure to oil the chain will cause
damage to the bar and chain.

7
OPERATION
WARNING
To reduce the risk
wear proper eye protection marked
of injury, always
to comply with AS/NZS 1337.1.
When working in dusty situations, wear appro-
priate respiratory protection.
DANGER
Never cut near power lines, electric
cords, or other electric sources. If
WARNING
Read and understand all instruc-
•
tions. Failure to follow all instruc-
tions listed below may result in electric shock,
•
bar and chain jams on any electrical cord or line,
DO NOT TOUCH THE BAR OR CHAIN! THEY CAN
BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY DAN-
GEROUS. Continue to hold the pruning saw by
the insulated grasping surfaces or lay it down
and away from you in a safe manner. Disconnect
the electrical service to the damaged line or cord
before attempting to free the bar and chain from
the line or cord. Contact with the bar, chain,
other conductive parts of the pruning saw, or live
electric cords or lines will result in death by
electrocution, electric shock, or serious per-
sonal injury.
Guard Against Kickback which can result in
severe injury or death. See Important Safety
Instructions "Guard Against Kickback", to avoid
the risk of kickback.
grip. Holding the pruning saw with a reversed hand
•Do not overreach. Do not cut above shoulder
apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet.
•Always keep proper footing and operate the prun-
level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces may
cause a loss of balance or control of the pruning saw.
•Do not operate a pruning saw in a tree, on a lad-
To avoid death or serious injury, operator must be
trained in safe climbing techniques and in the use
of all appropriate safety equipment.
•Do not allow familiarity with this product to make
you careless. Remember that a careless fraction
•Hold the pruning saw with your right hand on the
trigger handle and your left hand on the body
•During operations where it is necessary to
use one hand, such as to steady or control the
workpiece/branch, guide workpiece away from
you, or provide better visibility to the work area:
• Keep free hand clear of the chain and out of the
cutting path.
•
avoid "skating" or "bouncing" of the saw.
• Never cut above shoulder height.
• Do not cross arms or overreach.
• Always cut away from yourself.
•
being cut.
Kickback
WARNING
Kickback may occur
when the nose or tip of
the guide bar touches an object, or when
the wood closes in and pinches the saw
chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause
•Never allow any part of your body to be in line with
the guide bar when operating the pruning saw.
•Never operate while in any awkward position
or on an other unstable surface. You may lose
control of saw causing severe injury.
•Making a cut that has a diameter greater than
the saw's cutting capacity requires advanced
techniques and should only be performed by
properly trained professionals. Performing these
types of cuts can cause an accident and result
in death or serious personal injury.
•Keep the pruning saw running at full speed the
entire time you are cutting.
•Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only light
pressure. Do not put pressure on pruning saw
at end of cut.
•Do not use any attachments or accessories not
recommended by the manufacturer. The use of
attachments or accessories not recommended
can result in serious personal injury.
Fuel Gauge
a sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up
and back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide
bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards
the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose
control of the saw which could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety
devices built into your saw. As a pruning saw user,
you should take several steps to keep your cutting
jobs free from accident or injury.
Always wear proper eye protection with side
shields, marked to comply with AS/NZS 1337.1
when operating the pruning saw. Failure to do
so could result in objects being thrown into
your eyes and other possible serious injuries.
To determine the amount of charge left in the
battery, press the trigger. The fuel gauge will light
up for 2-3 seconds. When less than 10% of charge
is left, 1 light on the fuel gauge will flash 4 times.
To signal the end of charge, 1 light on the fuel
gauge will flash 8 times and the product will not
run. Charge the battery pack.
If the battery becomes too hot, the fuel gauge lights
will flash in an alternating pattern and the product
will not run. Allow the battery to cool down.

8
With a basic understanding of kickback, you can
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sud-
den surprise contributes to accidents.
of the pruning saw.
•Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
•
saw and position your body and
arm(s) to allow you to resist kick-
back forces. Kickback forces can be
controlled by the operator, if proper
precautions are taken. Do not let go
the guide bar contact a log, branch, fence, or any
•
other obstruction that could be hit while you are
operating the saw.
Always cut with the unit running at full speed.
Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain
a steady cutting speed.
•Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact
and enables better control of the pruning saw in
unexpected situations.
•Make sure that the area in which you are cutting
is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of
•
•Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains
Incorrect replace-
ment guide bars and saw chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
•Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to in-
creased kickback.
•
Follow all instructions when clearing jammed
material, storing or servicing the pruning saw.
is removed. Unexpected actuation of the pruning
saw while clearing jammed material or servicing
may result in serious personal injury.
Push and Pull - This reaction force is always
opposite to the direction the chain is moving
where wood contact is made. Thus, the operator
must be ready to control the PULL when cutting on
the bottom edge of the bar, and PUSH when cutting
along the top edge.
Reaction
Direction
of rotation
Reaction
Direction
of rotation
WARNING
Hold the pruning saw
1. Insert the battery pack.
2. Grip both handles securely, keeping body out of
line with the chain.
with your right hand
on the trigger handle and your left
hand on the body grip. Position
your body and arm(s) to allow you
to resist kickback forces.
control of the saw if kickback occurs. Keep body to
the left of the chain line. Never straddle the saw
or chain, or lean over past the chain line.
Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and
protection.
4. Allow pruning saw to come to full speed before
contacting workpiece.
5. To stop, release the trigger. Hold saw still until
chain comes to a complete stop.
WARNING
Never
the ON position.
attempt to lock the trigger in
Proper Cutting Stance
WARNING
Alw
stance
ays use
described
the
in
pro
this
per cu
section.
tting
Never kneel when using the pruning saw, except
when felling a tree. Kneeling could result in loss
of stability and control of the pruning saw, result-
ing in serious personal injury.
•Weight should be balanced with both feet on
solid ground.
•Keep left arm with elbow locked in a “straight
arm” position to withstand any kickback force.
•Your body should always be to the left of the
chain line.
•Thumb should be on underside of handlebar.
Chain Line Straight
Arm
Position
Staring/Stopping the Product

9
Basic Cutting Procedure
Practice cutting a few small logs using the following
technique to get the “feel” of using the saw before
you begin a major sawing operation.
•
•Take the proper stance in front of the wood with
•
•
Squeeze the switch trigger and let the chain acceler-
ate to full speed before entering the cut.
Begin cutting with the saw against the log.
Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting,
maintain a steady speed.
Work Area Precautions
•Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light down-
ward pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the
bar, chain, or unit can result.
•Release the switch trigger as soon as the cut is
completed, allowing the chain to stop. If you run the
saw without a cutting load, unnecessary wear can
occur to the chain, bar, and unit.
•Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of cut.
•Cut only wood or materials made from wood; no
sheet metal, no plastics, no masonry, no non-wood
building materials.
•Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no
person to use this pruning saw who has not read this
Operator’s Manual or received adequate instructions
for the safe and proper use of this pruning saw.
•Do not attempt to fell a tree or sapling greater than
76 mm (3") in diameter. To avoid death or serious
injury, operator must be trained in safe tree felling
techniques, in the use of all appropriate safety
equipment and use of a pruing saw suitable for the
application.
Bucking
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to
the desired log length.
•
•Always make sure your footing is secure and your
weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
•Cut only one log at a time.
•
•Always cut with both feet on solid surface to prevent
•Do not cut above shoulder height, as a saw held
•Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings.
Leave this operation for professionals.
•Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for
you to see clearly.
•Check work area for hazards such as bees, rodents,
snakes, etc., that may live in trees or brush.
Support small logs on a saw horse or another log
while bucking.
Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects
can contact the guide bar nose and chain during
cutting, this can cause kickback.
•Never allow someone to hold the log during cutting.
•Never stabilise log with leg or feet.
Kickback
•When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill
side of the log. To maintain complete control of the
pruning saw when cutting through the log, release
the cutting pressure near the end of the cut without
relaxing your grip on the grasping surfaces. Do not
let the chain contact the ground. After completing
the cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before you
move the pruning saw. Always stop the motor before
moving from tree to tree.
•Sometimes it is impossible to avoid pinching (with
which way a log will settle when cut. To avoid pinch-
ing while cutting, rotate or move the log so that the
pinch is eliminated.

10
Types of Cutting Used
Overbucking (crosscutting)
Overbucking
Begin on the top side of the log with the bottom of the
saw against the log; exert light pressure downward.
Note that the saw will tend to pull away from you.
Underbucking (crosscutting)
Underbucking
Cut limbs one at a time and leave support limbs
under tree until log is cut.
4
3
2
1
Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the
saw against the log; exert light pressure upward. Dur-
ing underbucking, the saw will tend to push back at
you. Be prepared for this reaction and hold the saw
Limbing
WARNING
pru
Never
ne. Do
climb
not
into
stan
a
d
tree
on
to
lad
limb
ders,
or
platforms, a log, or in any position which can
cause you to lose your balance or control of the
saw.
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
•
•
•
•
•
Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning
-
ing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly
on both feet.
Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep
Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut
limbs from the work area often to help keep the work
area clean and safe.
Pruning
Branches under tension should be cut from the bot-
tom up to avoid binding the pruning saw.
Keep the tree between you and the pruning saw
while limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite
the branch you are cutting.
WARNING
If the limbs to be pruned are above
shoulder height, hire a profes-
sional to perform the pruning. Failure to do so
could result in serious personal injury.
Load Second
Cut
First Cut
1/3 Diameter
Finishing Cut
Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.
•Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning
-
ing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly
on both feet.
•
•Do not cut from a ladder, this is extremely danger-
ous. Leave this operation for professionals.
•Do not cut above shoulder height as a saw held
•
•
•
When pruning trees it is important not to make the
weight. This prevents stripping the bark from the
main member.
Your second cut should overbuck to drop the
against the main member so the bark will grow back
to seal the wound.

11
Springpoles
WARNING
Springpoles are dangerous and
could strike the operator, causing
Springpole
the operator to lose control of the pruning saw.
This could result in severe or fatal injury to the
operator.
Problem Cause Solution
A springpole is any log, branch, rooted stump, or
sapling which is bent under tension by other wood
so that it springs back if the wood holding it is cut
or removed. On a fallen tree, a rooted stump has
a high potential of springing back to the upright
position during the bucking cut to separate the log
from the stump. Watch out for springpoles, they are
dangerous.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Bar and
chain
running
hot and
smoking.
Correct chain
tension.
Check chain
tension for over tight
condition.
Chain oil reservoir is
empty.
Fill oil reservoir.
Motor
runs,
but
chain
is not
rotating.
Chain tension too
tight.
Guide bar and
chain improperly
assembled.
Guide bar or chain
is damaged.
Correct chain
tension.
Correct
assembly.
Replaced
damaged parts
before use.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, always
WARNING
Improper chain sharpening in-
Chain and Bar
Sharpening the Saw Chain
creases the potential of kickback.
Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can
cause serious injury.
The saw chain is very sharp, always wear pro-
tective gloves when performing maintenance to
the chain.
unplug the charger and remove the
battery pack from the charger or tool before
performing any maintenance. Never disassemble
the tool, battery pack or charger. Contact a
MILWAUKEE®service facility for ALL repairs.
Maintaining Tool
Toe
Depth Gauge
Side Plate
Top Plate
Rivet Hole
Heel
Gullet
Cutting Corner
to the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained
only when all cutters are uniform.
Properly•Wear gloves for protection. tension the
Tensionchain prior to sharpening. Refer to Chain
section earlier in this manual.
the mid-point of the bar.
Left Hand Cutters
Right Hand Cutters
•
•
or rock.
Keep the
not let the
level with the top plate of the tooth. Do
of the tooth.
from the steel on each return stroke.
•Using light
front corner
•
Keep your tool, battery pack and charger in good
repair by adopting a regular maintenance program.
Inspect your tool for issues such as undue noise,
misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, or any other condition that may affect the
tool operation. Return the tool, battery pack, and
charger to a MILWAUKEE®service facility for
repair. After six months to one year, depending on
use, return the product, battery pack and charger to
a MILWAUKEE®service facility for inspection.
If the tool does not start or operate at full power
with a fully charged battery pack, clean the
contacts on the battery pack. If the tool still does
not work properly, return the tool, charger and
battery pack, to a MILWAUKEE®service facility for
repairs.
Use a 4 mm diameter round file and holder.
After every few hours of use, remove the chain
cover, guide bar and chain, and clean thoroughly
using a soft bristle brush. Ensure oiling hole on bar
is clear of debris. When replacing dull chains with
sharp of debris. When replacing dull chains with
sharp chains, it is good practice to flip the guide bar
from bottom to top.

12
every tooth.• File all left
cutters
hand cutters in one direction. Then move to the other
the opposite
Top Plate Filing Angle
with a wire brush.
CORRECT
Top Plate Filing Angle
More
than 30°
Less
than 30°
30°
INCORRECT
Top Plate Filing Angle
Dulls Quickly.•MORE THAN 30° - Feathered Edge
Side Plate Angle
•CORRECT 30° - File holders are marked with guide
plate angle.
•LESS THAN 30° - For Cross Cutting.
CORRECT
Side Plate
Filing Angle Backward
Slope
Hook
80°
INCORRECT
Side Plate Filing Angle
automatically if correct•CORRECT - 80° Produced
•HOOK - “Grabs” and dulls quickly. Increases po-
tential of KICKBACK. Results from
low.
feed pres-•BACKWARD SLOPE - Needs too much
bar and chain.sure, causes excessive wear to
too large, or
Depth Gauge Clearance
•
•
Depth Gauge Jointer
Flat File
Guide Bar Maintenance
guide bar from bottom to top on the saw to distrib-
ute the wear for maximum bar life. The bar should
be cleaned every day of use and checked for wear
and damage. Bar
Rails
Feathering or burring of the bar
rails is a normal process of
bar wear. Such faults should
soon as they occur.
A bar with any of the following
faults should be replaced.
•Wear inside the bar rails which permits the chain to
lay over sideways.
•Bent guide bar.
•Cracked or broken rails.
•Spread rails.
Lubricate guide bars with a sprocket at their tip
weekly. Using a grease syringe, lubricate weekly in
the lubricating hole. Turn the guide bar and check
that the lubrication holes and bar rails are free from
impurities.
NOTE: Do not replace the screw with an ordinary
screw. Use only identical replacement parts from the
manufacturer when replacing parts.
Cleaning
Clean dust and debris from vents. Keep handles
clean, dry and free of oil or grease. Use only mild
soap and a damp cloth to clean, since certain clean-
ing agents and solvents are harmful to plastics and
other insulated parts. Some of these include gasoline,
turpentine, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, chlorinated
cleaning solvents, ammonia and household deter-
combustible solvents around tools.
Repairs
For repairs, return the tool, battery pack and charger
to the nearest authorised service centre.
Use a flat file and a depth gauge jointer to lower all
gauges uniformly. Depth gauge jointers are
available in 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm. Use a 0.63 mm
depth gauge jointer. After lowering each depth
gauge, restore original shape by rounding the front.
Be careful not to damage adjoining drive links with
the edge of the file. Depth gauges must be adjusted
with the flat file in the same direction the adjoining
cutter was filed with the round file. Use care not to
contact cutter face with flat file when adjusting
depth gauges.
Restore original shape by rounding
the front.
The depth gauge should be maintained at a
clearance of 0.63mm. Use a depth gauge tool for
checking the depth gauge clearances.
Every time the chain is filed, check the depth
gauge clearance.

13
ACCESSORIES
WARNING
For a complete listing of accessories, go online to
www.milwaukeetool.com.au or
www.milwaukeetool.co.nz or contact a distributor.
Use only recommended
accessories. Others may be
hazardous.

WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
SERVICE - AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
21 Kelletts Road, Rowville, VIC 3178
Please refer to Australian and New Zealand warranty supplied with tool. This warranty applies only to
product sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
13135 West Lisbon Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin U.S.A. 53005
Milwaukee Tool (Australia)
Melbourne, Australia
Milwaukee Tool (New Zealand)
274 Church Street, Penrose,
Auckland, 1061, New Zealand
MILWAUKEE®prides itself in producing a premium quality product that is Nothing But Heavy DutyTM.
Your satisfaction with our products is very important to us! If you encounter any problems with the
operation of this tool, please contact your authorised MILWAUKEE®dealer.
For a list of MILWAUKEE®dealers, guarantee or service agents please contact MILWAUKEE®
Customer Service or visit our website.
(Australia Toll Free Telephone Number 1300 645 928)
(New Zealand Toll Free Telephone Number 0800 645 928)
or visit milwaukeetool.com.au/milwaukeetool.co.nz.
961013634-01(B)
DESIGNED BY MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP.
PROFESSIONALLY MADE IN CHINA
PRINTED IN CHINA
All trade marks are owned by Techtronic Cordless GP unless otherwise stated.
© 2020 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.