Poulan Pro 2750 User manual

Models: 2750
2775
2900
3050
ENGLISH
R
ESPAÑOL
530087840 4/26/00
Please do not return unit to retailer.
Por favor, no devuelva el aparato al lugar de compra.
1--800--554--6723
www.poulan.com
Operator’s Manual
Manual del Operador
WARNING:
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions before
using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
ADVERTENCIA:
Lea el manual del operador y siga todas las advertencias e
instrucciones de seguridad. El no hacerlo puede resultar
en lesiones graves.
Electrolux Home Products
North America
Div. of WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Augusta, GA 30907
Copyright E2000 WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.

2
SAFETY RULES
WARNING: Always disconnect
spark plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad-
justing or making repairs except carburetor
adjustments.
Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-
cutting tool, special safety precautions must
be observed to reduce the risk of accidents.
Careless or improper use of this tool can
cause serious injury.
PLAN AHEAD
SRead this manual carefully until youcom-
pletely understand and can follow all
safety rules, precautions, and operating
instructions before attempting to use the
unit.
SRestrict the use of your saw to adult us-
ers who understand and can follow safe-
ty rules, precautions, and operating in-
structions found in this manual.
Snug
Fitting
Clothing
Safety
Shoes Safety Chaps
Heavy Duty
Gloves
Eye
protection
Hearing
protection
Safety Hat
SWear protective gear. Always use steel-
toed safety footwear with non-slip soles;
snug-fitting clothing; heavy-duty, non-
slip gloves; eye protection such as non-
fogging, vented goggles or face screen;
an approved safety hard hat; and sound
barriers--ear plugs or mufflers to protect
your hearing. Regular users should have
hearing checked regularly as chain saw
noise can damage hearing. Secure hair
above shoulder length.
SKeep all parts of your body away fromthe
machine when the engine is running.
SKeep children, bystanders, and animals
a minimum of 30 feet (10 Meters) away
from the work area. Do not allow other
people or animals to be near the chain
saw when starting or operating the chain
saw.
SDo not handle or operate a chain saw
when you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if
you have taken alcohol, drugs, or
medication. You must be in good physi-
cal condition and mentally alert. Chain
saw work is strenuous. If you have any
condition that might be aggravated by
strenuous work, check with your doctor
before operating a chain saw.
SCarefully plan your sawing operation in
advance. Do not start cutting until you
have a clear work area, secure footing,
and, if you are felling trees, a planned re-
treat path.
OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY
SDo not operate a chain saw with one
hand. Serious injury to the operator, help-
ers, bystanders or any combination of
these persons may result from one-
handed operation. A chain saw is in-
tended for two-handed use.
SOperate the chain sawonly in awell-ven-
tilated outdoor area.
SDo not operate saw from a ladder or in a
tree, unless you arespecifically trained to
do so.
SMake sure the chain will not make con-
tact with any object while starting the en-
gine. Never try to start the saw when the
guide bar is in a cut.
SDonot put pressure onthe sawat theend
of the cut. Applying pressure can cause
you to lose control when the cut is com-
pleted.
SStop the engine before setting the saw
down.
SBe alert for springback when cutting a
limb that is under tension so you will not
bestruck bythe limb orsawwhen the ten-
sion in the wood fibers is released.
MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER
SHave all chain saw service performed by
a qualified service dealer with the excep-
tion of the items listed in the maintenance
section of this manual. For example, if
improper tools are used toremove or hold
the flywheel when servicing the clutch,
structural damage tothe flywheel can oc-
cur and cause the flywheel to burst.
SMake certain the sawchain stops moving
when the throttle trigger is released. For
correction, refer to CARBURETOR AD-
JUSTMENTS.
SNever modify your saw in any way. Use
only attachments supplied or specifically
recommended by the manufacturer.
SKeep the handles dry, clean, and free of
oil or fuel mixture.
SWith the engine stopped, hand carry the
chain saw with the muffler away from
your body, and the guide barand chain to
the rear, preferably covered with a scab-
bard.
SKeep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fas-
teners securely tightened.
SUse only Poulan accessories and re-
placement parts as recommended.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
SDonot smoke while handling fuel orwhile
operating the saw.
SEliminate all sources of sparks orflame in
the areas where fuel is mixed, or poured.
There should be no smoking, open
flames, or work that could cause sparks.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.

3
SMix and pour fuel in an outdoor area on
bare ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well
ventilated place; and use an approved,
marked container for all fuel purposes.
Wipe up allfuel spills before starting saw.
SMoveatleast 10feet (3meters) fromfuel-
ing site before starting engine.
STurn the engine off and let your saw cool
in a non-combustible area, not on dry
leaves, straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove
fuel cap and refuel unit.
SStore the unit and fuel in an area where
fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open
flames from water heaters, electric mo-
tors or switches, furnaces, etc.
KICKBACK
WARNING: Kickback can occur
when the moving chain contacts an object at
the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or
when the wood closes in and pinches the
saw chain in the cut. Contact at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar can cause
the chain to dig into the object, which stops
the chain for an instant. The result is a light-
ning fast, reverse reaction which kicks the
guide barup and backtoward the operator. If
the saw chain is pinched along the top of the
guide bar,the guide barcan bedriven rapidly
back toward the operator. Either of these
reactions can cause loss of saw control
which can result in serious injury. Guard
against kickback.
Rotational Kickback is the rapid upward
and backward motion of the chain saw that
can occur when the moving saw chain near
the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar
contacts an object such as a log or a branch.
Pinch-Kickback and Pull-In occur when
the chain is suddenly stopped by being
pinched, caught, or by contacting a foreign
object in the wood. This sudden stopping of
the chain results in a reversal of the chain
force used to cut wood and causes the saw
to move in the opposite direction of the chain
rotation. Pinch-Kickback drives the saw
straight back toward the operator. Pull-In
pulls the saw away from the operator. Either
reaction can result in loss of control and
possibly serious injury.
Avoid Pinch--Kickback:
SBe extremely aware of situations or ob-
structions that can cause material to
pinch the top of or otherwise stop the
chain.
SDo not cut more than one log at a time.
SDo not twist the saw as the bar is with-
drawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull--In:
SAlways begin cutting with the engine at
full speed and the saw housing against
wood.
SUse wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never of metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
Avoid Obstructions
Clear The Working Area
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
SRecognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
SNever let the moving chain contact any
object at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeep the working area free from obstruc-
tions such as other trees, branches,
rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or
avoid any obstruction that your sawchain
could hit while you are cutting through a
particular log or branch.
SKeep your saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in-
crease the chance of kickback occurring.
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening
and maintenance instructions. Check
tension at regular intervals with the en-
gine stopped, never with the engine run-
ning. Make sure the bar clamp nuts are
securely tightened after tensioning the
chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at full speed.
If the chain is moving at a slower speed,
there is greater chance of kickback oc-
curring.
SCut one log at a time.
SUse extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
SDo not attempt cuts starting with the tip of
the bar (plunge cuts).
SWatchforshifting logs orother forces that
could close a cut and pinch or fall into
chain.
SUse the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
and Low--Kickback Chain specified for
your saw.

4
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Never reverse hand positions
Stand to the left
of the saw
Thumb on under side
of handlebar
Elbow locked
SKeep a good, firm grip on the saw with
both hands when the engine is running
and don’t let go. A firm grip will help you
reduce kickback and maintain control of
the saw. Keep the fingers of your left
hand encircling and yourleft thumb under
the front handlebar. Keep your right hand
completely around the rear handle
whether your are right handed or left
handed. Keep your left arm straight with
the elbow locked.
SPosition your left hand on the front han-
dlebar so it is in a straight line with your
right hand on the rear handle when mak-
ing bucking cuts. Neverreverse right and
left hand positions for any type of cutting.
SStand with your weight evenly balanced
on both feet.
SStand slightly to the left side of the sawto
keep your body from being in a direct line
with the cutting chain.
SDo not overreach. You could be drawn or
thrown off balance and lose control ofthe
saw.
SDonot cut above shoulder height. It is dif-
ficult to maintain control of saw above
shoulder height.
KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES
WARNING: The following features
are included on your saw to help reduce the
hazard of kickback: however, such features
will not totally eliminate this dangerous reac-
tion. As achain saw user,do not rely only on
safety devices. You must follow all safety
precautions, instructions, and maintenance
in this manual to help avoid kickback and
other forces which can result in serious
injury.
SReduced--Kickback Guide Bar,designed
with a small radius tip which reduces the
size of the kickback danger zone on the
bar tip. A Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
has been demonstrated to significantly
reduce the number and seriousness of
kickbacks when tested in accordance
with safety requirements for gasoline
powered chain saws as set by ANSI
B175.1.
SLow--Kickback Chain, designed with a
contoured depth gauge and guard link
which deflect kickback force and allow
wood to gradually ride into the cutter.
Low--Kickback Chain has met kickback
performance requirements when tested
on a representative sample of chain
saws below 3.8 cubic inch displacement
specified in ANSI B175.1.
SHandguard, designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting the
chain if your hand slips off the front han-
dlebar.
SPosition of front and rear handlebars, de-
signed with distance between handles
and “in--line” with each other. The spread
and “in--line” position of the hands pro-
vided by this design worktogether togive
balance and resistance in controlling the
pivot of the saw back toward the operator
if kickback occurs.
Small Radius Tip
Symmetrical Guide Bar
Reduced Kickback Symmetrical Guide Bar
Large Radius Tip
Low---Kickback
Chain
ChainWithHigh
Kickback Potential
Can Obstruct Material
Contoured Depth Gauge
Elongated Guard Link
Deflects
Kickback Force
And Allows Wood
To Gradually
Ride Into Cutter
ANSI B175.1-1991 “American National
Standard for Powered Tools -- Gasoline
Powered Chain Saw -- Safety Require-
ments.”
NOTE: If thissaw istobeused forcommer-
cial logging, you must order and install a
chain brake, to comply with Federal OSHA
Regulations for Commercial Logging. Con-
tact your Authorized Service Dealer or call
1--800--554--6723.

5
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of gasoline
powered hand tools could cause blood ves-
sel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands,
and joints of people prone to circulation dis-
orders orabnormal swellings. prolonged use
in cold weather hasbeen linked to blood ves-
sel damage in otherwise healthy people. If
symptoms occur such as numbness, pain,
loss of strength, change in skin color or
texture, or loss of feeling in the fingers,
hands, or joints, discontinue the use of this
tool and seek medical attention. An anti-vi-
bration system does not guarantee the
avoidance ofthese problems. Userswhoop-
erate power tools on a continual and regular
basis must monitor closely their physical
condition and the condition of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Yoursaw isequipped
with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the require-
ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443.
All U.S. forest land and the states of Califor-
nia, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey,
Oregon, and Washington require manyinter-
nal combustion engines to be equipped with
a spark arrestor screen by law. If you oper-
ate a chain saw in a state or locale where
such regulations exist, you are legally re-
sponsible for maintaining the operating con-
dition of these parts. Failure to do sois avio-
lation of the law. Refer to the CARE AND
MAINTENANCE section for maintenance of
the Spark Arrestor.
Failure to follow all Safety Rules and
Precautions can result in serious injury If
situations occurwhicharenot covered inthis
manual, usecareandgood judgement. Ifyou
need assistance, contact your Authorized
Service Dealer or call 1-800-554-6723.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If received assembled,
repeat all steps to ensure your unit is proper-
ly assembled and all fasteners are secure.
Always wear gloves when handling the
chain. The chain is sharp and can cut you
even when it is not moving!
The assembly tool provided with your sawis
the only tool needed for assembly. Protec-
tive gloves (not provided) should be worn
during assembly.
ATTACHING THE BAR & CHAIN (If
not already attached)
SLoosen and remove the clamp nuts and
the bar clamp from the saw.
SRemove the plastic shipping spacer (if
present).
Bar Clamp Clamp Nuts
Assembly Tool
Location of shipping spacer
SAn adjusting pin and screw isused to ad-
just the tension of the chain. It is very im-
portant when assembling the bar, that the
pin located on the adjusting screw aligns
into a hole in the bar. Turning the screw
willmovetheadjustment pinup and down
the screw. Locate this adjustment before
you begin mounting the baronto the saw.
Adjustment located on bar clamp
Inside view of
Bar Clamp
STurn the adjusting screw counterclock-
wise to move the adjusting pin almost as
far as it will go to the rear. This should al-
low the pin to benear the correct position.
Further adjustment may be necessary as
you mount the bar.
SMount the bar.
SSlide the bartoward therear ofthe sawas
far as possible.
SPrepare the chain bychecking the proper
direction. Without following the illustra-
tion it is easy to place the chain on the
saw backwards. Use the chain illustra-
tion to determine the proper direction.
SPlace the chain onto the sprocket located
behind the clutch drum. Fit the chain be-
tween the teeth in the sprocket.
SStart at the top of the bar and fit chain into
groove around the guide bar.
SPull the bar forward until the chain issnug
in the groove of the bar.
SHoldguide baragainst the sawframe and
install the bar clamp. Make sure the ad-
justing pin is aligned with the hole in the
bar. Remember this pin moves the bar
forward and backwards as the screw is
turned.
SReplace the bar clamp nuts and tighten
finger tight. Once the chain is tensioned
you will need to tighten bar clamp nuts.

6
Mount the Bar
Proper chain direction
Tip of Bar
Place chain onto the sprocket
CHAIN TENSION (Including units with
chain already installed)
NOTE: When making adjustments to the
chain tension make sure the bar nuts are
finger tight only. Attempting to tension the
chain when the bar nuts are tight can cause
damage.
Checking the tension:
Use the screwdriver end of the assembly
tool to move the chain around the bar. If the
chain does not rotate, it is too tight. If the
chain is too loose, it will sag below the bar.
Adjusting the tension:
Chain tension is very important. Chain
stretches during use. This is especially true
during the first few times you use your saw.
Always check chain tension each time you
use and refuel your saw.
You can adjust the chain tension by loosen-
ing the bar clamp nuts finger tight andturning
the adjusting screw 1/4 of a turn while lifting
up on the bar.
SIf chain is too tight, turn adjusting
screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
SIf chain is too loose, turn adjusting
screw 1/4 turn clockwise.
SLift up the tip of thebar andtighten the bar
clamp nuts with the combination screw-
driver/wrench.
SRecheck chain tension.
Chain moves freely
Lifts only 1/8 of an inch from bar.
Adjusting screw
Bar clamp nuts
FUELING & LUBRICATION
FUELING ENGINE
This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline. Before operation,
gasoline must be mixed with a good quality
2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. We
recommend Poulan or Poulan ProRbrand
oil. If you do not use this oil, use a good
quality 2-cycle air-cooled oil designed to be
mixed at a ratio of 40:1 (A 40:1 ratio is
obtained by mixing 3.2 onces of oil with 1
gallon of unleaded gasoline). When mixing
fuel follow the instructions printed on the
container. Always read and follow the safety
rules relating to fuel before fueling your unit.
BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION
The bar and chain require continuous lubri-
cation. Lubrication is provided by the auto-
matic oiler system when the oil tank is kept
filled. Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar and
chain. Too little oil will cause overheating
shown by smoke coming from the chain and/
or discoloration of the bar.
In freezing weather oil will thicken, making it
necessary to thin bar and chain oil with a
small amount (5 to 10%) of #1 Diesel Fuel or
kerosene. Bar and chain oil must be free
flowing for the oil system to pump enough oil
for adequate lubrication.
Genuine Poulan or Poulan Pro bar andchain
oil is recommended to protect your unit
against excessive wear from heat and

7
friction. Poulan orPoulan Prooil resists high
temperature thinning. If Poulan or Poulan
Pro bar and chain oil is not available, use a
good grade SAE 30 oil.
SNever use waste oil for bar and chain lu-
brication.
SAlways stop the engine before removing
the oil cap.
Oil Cap
Fuel mix cap
STARTING
WARNING: The chain must not
move when the engine runs at idle speed. If
the chain moves at idle speed refer to CAR-
BURETOR ADJUSTMENT within this
manual. Avoid contact with the muffler. Ahot
muffler can cause serious burns.
To stop the engine move the switch to the
STOP or OFF position.
To start the engine hold the saw firmly on
the ground as illustrated. Make sure the
chain is free to turn without contacting any
object.
Hold saw firmly while pulling starter rope.
Use only 15”--18” of rope per pull.
Important points to remember
When pulling the starter rope, do not use the
full extent of the rope as this can cause the
rope to break. Do not let starter rope snap
back. Hold the handle and let the rope rewind
slowly.
For cold weather starting, start the unit at
FULL choke; allow the engine towarm upbe-
fore squeezing the throttle trigger.
NOTE: Do not cut material with the choke/
fast idle lever at the FULL position.
STARTING A COLD ENGINE (or a
warm engine after running out of
fuel):
NOTE: In the following steps, when the
choke/fast idle lever is pulled out to the full
extent, the correct throttle setting forstarting
is set automatically.
SMove switch to the START or ON posi-
tion.
SIf your unit features a compression relief
valve, compress this valve inward. The
compression relief valve will pop out au-
tomatically once the engine starts. (Not
all units are equipped with this feature.)
SPull the choke lever out to the full extent.
SPull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand until the engine attempts to
start, then push the choke/fast idle lever
in completely (to the OFF position).
SPull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand until the engine starts.
SAllow the engine to run for approximately
five seconds. Then, squeeze and re-
lease the throttle trigger to release the
fast idle.
IGNITION SWITCH
START STOP
ON OFF
OFF FULL
CHOKE/FAST IDLE
Choke/
Fast Idle
(SIDE VIEW)
(START)
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
SPull the choke/fast idle lever out to the full
extent, then push the lever back in com-
pletely (tothe OFFposition) . This will set
the fast idle lock in the start position.
SPull the starter rope quickly with your
right hand until the engine starts.
SSqueeze and release the throttle trigger
to release the fast idle.
DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a
flooded engine)
The engine may be flooded with too much
fuel if it has not started after 10 pulls.
Flooded engines can be cleared of excess
fuel by following the warm engine starting
procedure listed above. Insure the ignition
switch is in the ON or START position.
Starting could require pulling the starter rope
handle many times depending on how badly
the unit is flooded. If engine fails to start, re-
fer to the TROUBLESHOOTING CHART or
call 1-800-554-6723.
CUTTING METHODS
IMPORTANT POINTS
SCut woodonly. Donot cut metal; plastics;
masonry; non-wood building materials;
etc.
SStop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign
object. Inspect the saw and repair or re-
place parts as necessary.

8
SKeep the chain out of dirt andsand. Even
a small amount of dirt will quickly dull a
chain and thus increase the possibility of
kickback.
SPractice cutting a few small logs using
the following technique to get the “feel” of
using your saw before you begin a major
sawing operation.
SAccelerate engine to full speed be-
fore entering cut by squeezing the
throttle trigger.
SBegin cutting with the saw frame
against the log.
SKeep the engine atfull speed the en-
tire time you are cutting.
SAllow the chain to cut for you. Exert
only light downward pressure. If
youforce the cut, damage to thebar,
chain, or engine can result.
SRelease the throttle trigger as soon
as the cut is completed, allowing the
engine to idle. If you run the saw at
full throttle without a cutting load, un-
necessary wear can occur to the
chain, bar, and engine.
STo avoid losing control when cut is
complete, do not put pressure on
saw at end of cut.
SStop the engine before setting the
saw down after cutting.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
Carefully plan your sawing operation in ad-
vance. Clear the work area. You need a
clear area all around the tree so you can
have secure footing. Study the natural condi-
tions that can cause the tree to fall in apartic-
ular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to
fall in a particular direction include:
SThe wind direction and speed.
SThe lean of the tree. The lean of a tree
might not be apparent due to uneven or
sloping terrain. Use a plumb or level to
determine the direction of tree lean.
SWeighted and branches on one side.
SSurrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk isrotted,
it can snap and fall toward the operator.
Check for broken or dead branches which
can fall on you while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room for the tree
to fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree
lengths from the nearest person or other ob-
jects. Engine noise can drown out awarning
call.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta-
ples, and wire from the tree wherecuts are to
be made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diag-
onal to the line of fall.
Direction of Fall
45_
Plan a clear retreat path
WARNING: Do not cut near build-
ings or electrical wires if you do not know the
direction of tree fall, at night since you will not
be able to see well, or during bad weather
such as rain, snow, or strong winds. etc.
FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches in diameter or larger)
The notch method is used to fell large trees.
A notch is cut on the side of the tree inthe de-
sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is
made on the opposite side of tree, the tree
will tend to fall into the notch.
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots,
remove them before making the notch.
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE TREE
SMake notch cut first by cutting the top of
the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the
diameter of the tree. Next complete the
notch by cutting at a slant. Once the
notch is cut remove the notch of wood
from the tree.
Notch
First cut
Second cut
Final cut here. 2 inches
above center of notch
SAfter removing the cutout of wood make
the felling cut on the opposite side of the
notch. This is done bymaking a cutabout
two inches higher than the bottom of the
notch. This will leave enough uncut wood
between the felling cut and the notch to
form a hinge. This hinge will help prevent
thetree fromfalling inthe wrongdirection.

9
Opening
of felling
cut
Closing of
notch
Hinge holds tree on stump
and helps control fall
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use
wedges to open the cut when necessary to
control the direction of fall. Use wood or
plastic wedges, but never steel or iron, to
avoid kickback and chain damage.
SBe alert to signs that the tree is ready to
fall: Cracking sounds, widening of the
felling cut or movement in the upper
branches.
SAstreestartsto fall, stop saw, put itdown,
and get away quickly on your planned re-
treat path.
SBeextremely cautious with partially fallen
trees that may be poorly supported.
When a tree doesn’t fall completely, set
the saw aside and pull down the tree with
a cable winch, block and tackle, or trac-
tor. Toavoid injury, donot cutdown apar-
tially fallen tree with your saw.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen
tree to the desired log size.
WARNING: Do not stand on the log
being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss
of footing and control. Do not stand downhill
of the log being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS
SCut only one log at a time.
SCut shattered wood very carefully; sharp
pieces of wood could be flung toward op-
erator.
SUse a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never
allow another person to hold the log while
cutting and never hold the log with your
leg or foot.
SDo not cut in an area where logs, limbs,
and roots are tangled such as in a blown
down area. Drag the logs into a clear
area before cutting by pulling out ex-
posed and cleared logs first.
SMake the first bucking cut 1/3 of the way
through thelog and finish with a2/3 cut on
the opposite side. As the log is being cut,
it will tend to bend. The saw can become
pinched or hung in the log if you make the
first cut deeper than 1/3 ofthe diameter of
the log.
SGive special attention tologs under strain
to prevent the saw from pinching. Make
thefirst cut onthe pressure side torelieve
the stress on the log.
TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR
BUCKING
WARNING:If saw becomes pinched
or hung in a log, don’t try to force it out. You
can lose control of the saw resulting in injury
and/or damage to the saw. Stop the saw,
drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the cut
until the saw can beremoved easily. Restart
the saw and carefully reenter the cut. To
avoid kickback and chain damage, do not
use ametal wedge. Do not attempt to restart
your saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.
Overcutting begins on the top side of thelog
with the bottom of the saw against the log.
When overcutting use light downward pres-
sure.
Undercutting involves cutting on the under-
side of the log with top of saw against the log.
When undercutting use light upward pres-
sure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control.
The saw will tend to push back toward you.
Overcutting Undercutting
WARNING: Never turn saw upside
down to undercut. The saw cannot be con-
trolled in this position.
BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT
SOvercut through 1/3ofthe diameter of the
log.
SRoll the log over and finish with a second
overcut.
SWatch for logs with a pressure side. Re-
fer to the illustration on previous page for
cutting logs with a pressure side.
Second cut
First cut on pressure side of log
First cut on pressure side of log
Second cut
BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUP-
PORT STAND
SRemember your first cut is always on the
pressure side of the log.
(Refer to the illustration below for your
first and second cut)
SYour first cut should extend 1/3 of the
diameter of the log.
SFinish with your second cut.

10
1st Cut
2nd Cut
Usingalogforsupport
Usingalogforsupport
2nd Cut
1st Cut
1st Cut
2nd Cut
Using a support stand
1st Cut
2nd Cut
Using a support stand
REMOVING A PINCHED SAW
(A SAW HUNG IN THE LOG)
SIf saw becomes pinched or hung in alog,
don’t try to force it out. You can lose con-
trol of the saw resulting in injury and/or
damage to the saw. Stop the saw, drive a
wedge of plastic or wood into the cut until
the saw can be removed easily.
SRestart the saw and carefully reenter the
cut. To avoid kickback and chain dam-
age, donot use a metal wedge. Do not at-
tempt to restart your saw when it is
pinched or hung in a log.
Use a wedge to remove pinched saw
Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or
wooden wedge to force cut open.
LIMBING AND PRUNING
WARNING:Neverclimb into atreeto
limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat-
forms, a log, or in any position which can
cause you to lose your balance or control of
the saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS
SWork slowly, keeping both hands firmly
gripped onthesaw. Maintain securefoot-
ing and balance.
SWatch out for springpoles. Use extreme
caution when cutting small size limbs.
Slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull
you off balance.
SBe alert for springback. Watch out for
branches that are bent or under pressure
as you are cutting to avoid being struck
by the branch or the saw when the ten-
sion in the wood fibers is released.
SKeep a clear work area. Frequently clear
branches out of the way to avoid tripping
over them.
LIMBING
SAlways limb a tree after it is cut down.
Only then canlimbing bedone safely and
properly.
SLeave the larger limbs underneath the
felled tree to support the tree as you
work.
SStart at the base of the felled tree and
work toward the top, cutting branches
and limbs. Remove small limbs with one
cut.
SKeep the tree between youand the chain.
Cut from the side of the tree opposite the
branch you are cutting.
SRemove larger, supporting branches
with the 1/3, 2/3 cutting techniques de-
scribed in the bucking section.
SUndercut 1/3 of the way through the
log.
SFinish with an overcut.
SAlways use an overcut to cut small and
freely hanging limbs. Undercutting could
cause limbs to fall and pinch the saw.
PRUNING
WARNING: Be alert for and guard
against kickback. Do not allow the moving
chain to contact any other branches or ob-
jects at the nose of the guide bar when limb-
ing or pruning. Allowing suchcontact canre-
sult in serious injury.