WARNING! When using mains-powered machines, basic safety precautions, including the following,
should always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, personal injury and material damage.
Read the whole manual carefully and make sure you know how to switch the machine off in an
emergency, before operating the machine.
Save these instructions and other documents supplied with this tool for future reference.
This machine has been designed for 230V and 240V only. Always check that the power supply corresponds to the
voltage on the rating plate.
Note: The supply of 230V and 240V on Ozito machines are interchangeable for Australia and New Zealand.
This tool is double insulated; therefore no earth wire is required.
Note: Double insulation does not take the place of normal safety precautions when operating this
machine. The insulation system is for added protection against injury resulting from a possible electrical
insulation failure within the machine.
Using an Extension Lead
Always use an approved extension lead suitable for the power input of this machine. Before use, inspect the
extension lead for signs of damage, wear and ageing. Replace the extension lead if damaged or defective.
When using an extension lead on a reel, always unwind the lead completely. Use of an extension lead not suitable for
the power input of the machine or which is damaged or defective may result in a risk of fire and electric shock.
The power supply for this product should be protected by a residual current device (rated at 30mA or less). A residual
current device reduces the risk of electric shock.
CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The appliance is not to be used by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given
supervision or instruction.
Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
WARNING! Before connecting a machine to a power source (mains switch power point receptacle,
outlet, etc.) be sure that the voltage supply is the same as that specified on the nameplate of the
machine. A power source with a voltage greater than that specified for the machine can result in serious
injury to the user, as well as damage to the machine. If in doubt, do not plug in the machine. Using a power source
with a voltage less than the nameplate rating is harmful to the motor.
• Keep all parts of the body away from the pole pruner chain when the pole pruner is operating. Before
you start the pole pruner, make sure the pole pruner chain is not contacting anything. A moment of
inattention while operating pole pruner may cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the pruner
chain.
• Always hold the pole pruner with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front
handle. Holding the pole pruner with a reversed hand configuration increases the risk of personal injury and
should never be done.
• Hold the pole pruner by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden
wiring or its own cord. Pole pruner contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the machine
“live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Further protective equipment for head, hands, legs and
feet is recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal injury by flying debris or accidental
contact with the pruner chain.
• Do not operate a pole pruner in a tree. Operation of a pole pruner while up in a tree may result in personal
injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the pole pruner only when standing on fixed, secure and level
surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause a loss of balance or control of the pole
pruner.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for spring back. When the tension in the wood fibres is
released the spring loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the pole pruner out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch the pole pruner
chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the pole pruner by the handle with the pole pruner switched off and away from your body. When
transporting or storing the pole pruner always fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the pole
pruner will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the moving chain.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly tensioned or
lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for kickback.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss of
control.
• Cut wood only. Do not use pole pruner for purposes not intended. For example: do not use pole pruner for
cutting plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials. Use of the pole pruner for operations different than
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
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
pole pruner 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 pole pruner 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 pole pruner which could result in serious personal injury. Do
not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your pole pruner. As a pole pruner user, you should take several steps
to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of machine misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by
taking proper precautions as given below:
•Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling the pole pruner handles, with both hands on the machine and
position your body and arm 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 pole pruner.
• Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chains may cause
chain breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the pole pruner chain. Decreasing the depth
gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
Push Back
Push back will occur if an attempt is made to saw with the top of the guide bar, if the chain touches against a rigid object
and jams in the cut.
Pull Forward
If the bucking spikes are not set against the timber, the chain at the bottom of the guide bar will pull the saw forward; this
can jam the chain in the timber.
To avoid this always have the bucking spikes set against the timber when performing a cut.
WARNING! Avoid using power tools and machines for long periods of time without breaks. Vibration from
tools and machines can be transmitted into your hands and arms.
POLE PRUNER SAFETY WARNINGS
GENERAL MACHINE SAFETY WARNINGS
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
WARNING! Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with
this machine. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “machine” in the
warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) machine or battery-operated (cordless) machine.
1. Work area safety
a. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b. Do not operate machine in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or
dust. Machines create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a machine. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2. Electrical safety
a. Machine plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs
with earthed (grounded) machine. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
b. 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.
c. Do not expose machine to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a machine will increase the risk of electric
shock.
d. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the machine. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric
shock.
e. When operating a machine outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable
for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
f. If operating a machine in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected
supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
3. Personal safety
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a machine. Do not use a
machine while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating machines may result in serious personal injury.
b.Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask,
non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source
and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the machine. Carrying machines with your finger on the switch or
energising machines that have the switch on invites accidents.
d. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the machine on. A wrench or a key left attached to a
rotating part of the machine may result in personal injury.
e. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the machine in
unexpected situations.
f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
g. 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.
h. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of machines allow you to become complacent and ignore
machine safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
4. Machine use and care
a. Do not force the machine. Use the correct machine for your application. The correct machine will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
b. Do not use the machine if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any machine that cannot be controlled with
the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the machine before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing machines. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the machine accidentally.
d. Store idle machines out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the machine or
these instructions to operate the machine. Machines are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e. Maintain machines. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the machine’s operation. If damaged, have the machine repaired before use. Many
accidents are caused by poorly maintained machines.
f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to
bind and are easier to control.
g. Use the machine, 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 machine for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
h. 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 machine in unexpected situations.
5. Service
a. Have your machine serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will
ensure that the safety of the machine is maintained.
b. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly
qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.
