Stihl 15 User manual

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STIHLD15
Occa lonal User Sa

Important Safety Precautions
1. Do not operate achain saw when you are
fatigued.
2. Usesafety footwear, snug-fitting clothing,
and eye, hearing and head protection
devices.
3. Usecaution when handlingfuel. Move the
chain saw at least
10 feet (3 m) from the
fueling point before starting the engine.
4. Do not allow other persons to be nearthe
chain saw when starting or cutting with
the chain saw. Keep bystanders and
animals out of the work area.
5. Do not start cutting until you have aclear
work area, secure footing, and aplanned
retreat path from the falling tree.
6. Holdthechain saw firmlywith both hands,
the right hand
on the rear handle and the
left hand
on the front handle, when the
engine is running. Use afirm grip with
thumbs and fingers encircling the chain
saw handles.
7. Keep all parts ofyourbody away from the
saw chain when the engine is running.
8. Before you start the engine, make sure
the saw chain
is not contacting any-
thing.
9. Carry the chain saw with the engine
stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to
the rear, and the muffler away from your
body.
10. Do not operate achain saw that is da-
maged, improperly adjusted, or is not
completely and securely assembled.
Be sure thatthe sawchain stops moving
when the throttle trigger is released.
11. Shut off the engine before setting it
down.
12. Use extreme caution when cutting small
size brush and saplingsbecauseslender
material may catch the saw chain and
be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.
13. When cutting alimbthat is undertension
be alert for spring back so that you will
not
be struck when the ·tension in the
wood fibers
is released.
continued
on the back inside cover -+

Congratulations!
You are the owner of aprecision-manufactured STIHL
chain saw designed
to give you long and dependable
service.
To receive maximum performance and satis-
faction from your STIHL chain
saw, it is important that you
read and understand the maintenance and safety precau-
tions before using your
saw. Contact your STIHL Dealer or
the STIHL Distributorfor your area if you donot understand
any of the instructions or warnings
in this Manual.
This Manual contains warnings regarding your
saw,
operating and safety instructions for all STIHL 015 series
power saws.
Warning!
Because achain saw is ahigh-speed wood-cutting tool,
some special safety precautions must be observed as with
any other power saw to reduce the risk of personal acci-
dents. Carelessor improperuse may cause serious oreven
fatal injury.
11 is ,important that you fully understand the contents af this
Manual and that you allow only persons who understand
this Manual to operate your chain saw.
Pay special attention to the cutting techniques and safety
precautions outlined on pages 4
to 19.
Stihl 015, 015 L, 015 Lelectronic,
015 AV, 015 AVelectron,ic
Operating Instructions
Sharpening and Maintenance of Saw Chains
Contents
Parts of the Chain Saw
Safety Precautions
Fuel
Chain Oil
Mounting the Bar and Chain
Chain Brake
Starting
Cutting Attachment
Air Filter
Carburetor
Starter Assembly
Replacing the Chain Sprocket
Maintenance Chart
Specifications
Sharpening and Maintenance
of Oilomatic Picco Chain
2
4
20
20
21
22
23
26
28
28
29
31
33
34
35
STIHL's philosophy is to continually improve all of its pro-
ducts. As aresult, engineering changesand improvements
are made from time-to-time. Written notices relating to
such changes are sent
to STIHL Dealers and are available
to you.
If the operating characteristics or the appearance
of your saw differs from those descr'ibed in this Manual,
please contact your local' STIHL Dealer for updated infor-
mation and assistance.
STIHl.:.·
Andreas Stihl
Postfach 1760
0-7050 Waiblingen 1

Parts of the Chain Saw
Front hand guard 5
6Front handle Bumper spike 4
Guide bar nose 3
Guide bar
,2
<!!' F
~~~
Saw chain
7Rear handle Chain brake
11
,...v--
8Spark plug terminal Clutch
12
9Rear hand guard Sprocket
13
10 Muffler
~'
Sprocket cover 14
2
20 Chain guard (Scabbard)
21 Oil filler cap
22 Fuel filler cap
23 Starter grip
Stop switch
15
Choke control slide 16
Starting throttle lock
17
Safety throttle lock 18
Throttle trigger 19

Definitions
1. Saw Chain. Aloop consisting of culters, tie straps and
drive links.
2. Guide
Bar. Supports and guides the saw chain.
3. Guide Bar Nose. The exposed part of the guide bar.
4. Bumper Spike. Toothed stop for holding saw steady
against wood.
5. Front Hand Guard. Provides protection against pro-
jecting branches and helps prevent the left hand from
touching the chain if it slips off the handle bar.
6. Front Handle. Handle bar for the left hand at front 01
saw.
7. Rear Handle. The support handle for the right hand,
located at or toward the rear of the
saw.
8. Spark Plug Terminal. Connects the spark plug with
the ignition wire.
9. Rear Hand Guard. Gives added protection to
operator's right hand.
10. Muffler. Attenuates exhaust noises and diverts ex-
haust gases
in required direction.
11. Chain Brake. An optional deviceto stopthe rotation of
the chain if activated by the operator's hand
in akick-
back-situation.
12. Clutch. Couples engine to chain sprocket when
engine is accelerated beyond idle speed.
13. Sprocket.Thetoothed wheel thatdrivesthe sawchain.
14. Sprocket Cover. Covers the clutch and the sprocket.
15. Stop Switch. Switches the engine's ignition system
off and stops the running of the engine.
16. Choke Control Slide. Eases engine starting by en-
riching mixture.
17. Starting Throttle lock. Keeps the throttle partually
open during starting.
18. Safety Throttle Lock. Must be depressed before acti-
vating the throttle trigger.
19. ThrottleTrigger. Controls the speed of the engine.
20. Chain guard (Scabbard).
21. Oil Filler Cap. For closing the oil tank.
22. Fuel Filler Cap. For closing the fuel tank.
23. Starter Grip. The grip of the pull starter, which is the
device to start the engine.
"'
24. Chain Catching Bolt. Catches abroken chain and
guides
it inside the sprocket cover (not illustrated).
3

Safety Precautions
2
4
The use of anychain saw maybe hazardous.The saw chain
has large, sharp cutlers. If the cutlers contact your flesh,
they will cut you, even
if the chain is not moving. At full
throttle, the chain speed can reach 45 mph (20 m/s).
It is
important that you read, fUlly understand and observe the
following safety precautions and warnings. Read the
owner's manual and the safety instructions periodically.
Pay special attention to the section on reactive forces,
pages
10 to 13. ,Reactive forces, including kickback, can be
dangerous. Careless or improper use of any chain saw
may cause serious or
fata~ injury.
All safety precautions that are generally observed when
working with
an axe or ahand saw also applyto the opera-
tion of chain saws. However, because achain saw is a
highspeed, fast cutting power tool, special safety pre-
cautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal
accidents.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your
chain
saw. Observe all applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
Warnln ,
Minors should never be allowed to use achain saw.
Bystanders, especially children and animals should not be
allowed
in the area where achain saw is in use (ill. 1).
Never let the saw run unattended. Store it in alocked place
away from children and empty the fuel tank before storing
for longer than afew days.
Do not lend your chain saw without the Owner's Manual.
Be sure that anyone using your saw understands the
information contained
in this Manual.
These safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of
all STIHL chain saws. Different models may have different
parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your
Owner's Manual for adescription of the controls and
function of the parts of your model saw.
Safe use of achain saw involves
1. the operator '-
2. the saw
3. the use of the saw.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physicallcondition and menta! health
and not under the influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, dexterity or judg-
ment.
Do not operate achain saw when you are fatigued
(ill. 2).

Be alert - If you get tired while operating your chain saw,
take abreak, tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any chain saw can be strenuous.
If you have
any condition that might
be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with your doctor before operating achain saw.
Proper Clothing
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow com-
plete freedom of movemellt. Avoid loose-fitting jackets,
scarfs, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, or anything
that could become entangled with the saw or brush. Wear
overalls or jeans with areinforced cutting resistant insert
(ill. 3).
Protect your hands with gloves when handling saw and
saw chain. Heavy-duty. nonslip gloves ,improve your grip
and protect your hands.
Good footing
is most important in chain saw work. Wear
sturdy boots with nonslip soles. Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.
Proper eye protection is amust. Non-fogging, vented
goggles or aface screen is recommended. Their use
reduces the risk of eye injury.
Wear
an appmved safety hard hat to protect your head.
Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear mufflers) to protect
your hearing.
THE SAW
Parts of the chain saw; illustrations and definitions of the
parts see pages 2and
3'
Wrnlngl
Never modify achain saw in any way. Only attachments
supplied by STIHL or expressly approved by STIHL for
use with the specific STIHL saw models are authorized.
Although certain unauthorized attachments are useable
with the STIHL powerhead, their use may,
in fact, be
extremely dangerous. 5

6
4
THE USE OF THE SAW
Transporting the chain saw
Warning!
Always stop the engine before putting achain saw down or
carrying it. Carrying achain saw with the engine running
is extremely dangerous. Accidental acceleration of the
engine can cause the chain
to rotate. Avoid touching the
hot muffler.
By hand: When carrying your saw by hand, the engine
must
be stopped and the saw must be in the proper position.
Grip the front handle and place the muffler at the side away
from the body (ill.
4).
The chain guard (scabbard) should be over the chain and
the guide bar which should point backwards. When carrying
your saw the bar should
be behind you (ill. 5).
By vehicle: When transporting in avehicle, keep chain
and bar covered with the chain guard. Properly secure
your saw to prevent turnover, fuel spillage and damage to
the
saw.
Preparation for the use of the saw
Take off the chain guard and inspect for safety in operation.
For assembly please follow the procedure described on
pages 21 and 22.
STIHL-Oilomatic chain, guide bar and sprocket must match
each other.
If the guide bar or chain is replaced, it must be with abar
or chain of the same type. Replacement with another type
of guide bar or chain will seriously increase the chances of
operator injury due
to the contact of the moving chain with
the operator during rotational kickback.
.......
WarnIg'
Proper tension of the chain is extremely important. in order
to avoid false setting the tensioning procedure must be
followed as described on pages
21 and 22. Make always
sure the hexagonal nut for the sprocket cover
is tightened
securely after tensioning the chain. Check chain tension
once more after having tightened the nut and thereafter
at
regular intervals (Whenever the saw is cut off). If the chain
becomes loose while cutting, shut off the engine and then
tighten. Never try to tighten the chain while the engine
is
running!

67
Fueling
Your STIHLchain saw uses an oil-gasoline mixture for fuel
(see page 20).
Warning!
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Use extreme
caution when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do not smoke
or bring any fire or flame near the fuel (ill. 6).
Fuelingllnstructions
Fuel your chain saw
in well-ventilated areas, outdoors
only.
Always shut off the engine and allow it
to cool before
refueling. Relieve fuel lank pressure by loosening fuel cap
slowly.
Select bare ground for fueling and move
at least 25 feet
(7,5 m) from fueling spot before starting the engine.
Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting your saw and
check for leakage.
Check forfuel leakagewhile refueling and during operation.
If fuel or oil leakage is found, do not start or run the engine
until leak
is fixed and spilled fuel has been wiped away.
Starting
arnlng!
Your chain saw is aone-person saw. Do not allow other
persons to be near the chain saw. Start and operate your
saw without assistance.
For safe and specific starting instructions, see the appro-
priate section of this manual
on pages 23 to 25.
Do not drop start. This method is very dangerous because
you may lose control of the saw (see figure
7).
Place the chain sawon firm grounCl or othersolid surface in
an open area. Maintain agood balance and secure footing.
Be absolutelysure that guide bar and chain are clear of you
andallotherobstructionsandobjects, includingtheground;
because when the engine starts at starting- throttle, engine
speed will be fast enough for the clutch
to engage sprocket
and turn the chain, which may cause kickback
to occur.
Engage the chain brake when starting aQuickstop model
(see page 23).
Never attempt to start the saw when the guide bar
is in a
cut or kerf. 7

8
When you pull the startergrip, don'twrap the rewind starter
around your hands. Do not allow the grip to snap back, but
guide the starter rope slowly back to permit the rope to
rewind properly. Failure to follow this procedure may result
in injury to hand or fingers and may damage the starter
mechanism.
Working Conditions
Operate your chain saw only outdoors in aventilated area.
Operate the saw under good visibility and daylight condi-
tions only.
Warnlngl Take extreme care in wet and freezing weather
(rain, snow, ice). Put off the work when the weather
is
windy, stormy or rainfall is heavy. Clear the area where
you are working.
ami gl Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps,
roots or rocks and watch out for holes or ditches. Be
extremely cautious when working on slopes or uneven
ground. There is increased danger of slipping on freshly
debarked logs.
Cutting Instructions
Grip: Always hold the saw firmly with both hands when
the engine
is running. Place your left hand on front handle
bar and your right hand
on rear handle and throttle trigger.
Left-handers should follow this instruction too.
Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping the
handles cradled between your thumb and forefinger (ill.
8).
With your hands in this position, you can best oppose and
absorb the push, pull and kickback forces of your saw
without having itslip out ofyourgrip (see section of reactive
forces). Make sure your chain saw handles and grip are in
good condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.
8
Wa "9' Never use the saw with one hand. You cannot
control reactive forces (see pages
10 to 13) and may lose
control of the
saw.
Important adjustments
Wa rnlngIAt correct idle speed, chain should not turn.
For directions to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of this Owner's Manual.
Do not use asaw with incorrect idle speed adjustment.
Adjust the idlespeedyour-selfaccordingto the appropriate
section of this maflual.
Have your STIHL Dealer check your saw and make proper
adjustments or repairs.
After adjusting achain start the saw, let theengine run for a
while, then switch engine off and recheck chain tension.
Proper chain tension is very important at all times.
Warning1Never touch arotating chain with your hand or
any part of your body.

Wamlng!
Do not cutany material other than wood or wooden objects.
Use your chain saw for cutting only.
It is not designed for
prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or other objects.
When sawing, make sure that the saw chain does not touch
any foreign materials such as rocks, nails and the like (ill.
9).
Such objects may be flung off, damage the saw chain or
cause the saw to kick back.
In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain a
firm foothold. Never work
on aladder, in atree or on any
other insecure support. Never use the saw overhead
(ill.
10).
Position thechain saw in such awaythat your body is clear
of the cutting attachment whenever the engine is running.
Stand to the left of cut while bucking (see ill.
11).
Don't put pressure on the saw when reaching the end of a
cut. The pressure may cause the bar and rotating chain to
pop out of the cut or kerf, go out of control and strike the
operator or some other object.
If the rotating chain strikes
some otherobject areactive force
~ee pages 10 to 13) may
cause the chain to strike the operator.
9

Reactive forces during the cut, including kickback
Warnlngl
Reactive forces, that may occur during any cut are kick-
back, pushback and pull-in. Reactive forces can be
dangerous!
In any chain saw, the powerful force used to
cut wood can be reversed (and work against the operator).
If the rotating chain is suddenly stopped by contact with
any solid object like alog or branch or is pinched, the
reactive forces instantly occur. These reactive forces may
result
in loss of control which may, in turn, cause serious
or fatal injury.
An understanding of the causes of these
reactive forces may help you avoid loss ofcontrol.
The most common reactive forces are
-kickback,
-pushback,
-pull-in.
Kickback:
Kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose
contacts asolid object
in the wood or is pinched (ill. 12).
The reaction of the cutting force of the chain causes a
rotational force of the chain saw
in the direction opposite
to the chain movement, flinging the bar in auncontrolled
arc mainly
in the plane of the bar. Under some circumstan-
ces the bar moves towards the operator who may suffer
severe or fatal injury. It may also occur during limbing.
It also occurs when the nose of the guide bar is pinched
unexpectedly, unintentionally contacts solid material
in the
wood (ill.
13) or is incorrectly used to begin ap'lunge or
10 boring cut.

The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the more
difficult it becomes for the operator to control the saw.
Many factors influence the occurence and force of the
kickback reaction. The type of bar and saw chain you use
is afactor in t'he force of the kickback reaction.
The radius of the guide bar nose.
Kickback tendency increase
as the radius or size of the
guide bar nose increases.
The speed of contact at which the cutter contacts the
object.
Kickback forces increase with the rate of impact.
The contact angle between the nose of the bar and the
foreign object (see ill.
12).
Kickback is most pronounced in the upper quadrant of the
bar nose.
The saw chain.
Some STIHL chaintypes are designed to reduce kickback
forces.
The depth gauges:
Improper lowering of the depth gauges also increases the
chance of akickback.
The sharpening condition:
An improperly sharpened chain increases the risk of a
kickback.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal injury that may result
from kickback is to avoid kickback situations:
1. Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands and maintain
asecure grip.
2. Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at all
times.
3. Never briO.g the nose of the guide bar in contact with any
object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of the guide
bar.
Be especially careful with small, tough limbs, small size
brush and saplings which may easil'y catch the chain.
4. Don't overreach.
5. Don't cut above shoulder height.
6. Begin culling and continue at ful/throttle.
7.
Cut only one log at atime.
8. Use extreme caution when re.:..,entering aprevious cut.
9.
Do not attempt plunge cuts (see page 16) if you are not
experienced with these culling techniques.
10.
Be alert for shifting of the log or other forces that may
cause the cut
to close and pinch the chain.
11.
Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with acorrectly shar-
pened, properly tensioned chain at aI/times.
12.
Stand to the side of the culling path of the chain saw.
11

12
14
Devices for reducing the risk of kickback
STIHL has developes achain stopping system designed to
reduce the risk of injury in akickback situation. The device
is called aQuickstop. The Quickstop is available as an
option on many STIHL saws. This device does not prevent
kickback, butwill stopthechain in some kickbacksituations
if the operator's left hand is in position to activate the Quick-
stop lever by contacting the front hand guard.
When akickback occurs, the chain saw rotates
in the
plane of the bar. The left hand, when properly gripping
the front handle behind the front handguard should engage
the Quickstop lever.This activatesthe Quickstop and stops
the chain (see ill.
14).
STIHL has developed guide bars with asmall radius nose.
These guide bars are designed to reduce the kickback
tendency and are available
as an option.
STIHL has developed chains with cutters whose configu-
ration are designed to reduce kickback forces. These
chains are available as
an option.
15
However, even if your saw has a"Quickstop" anarrow
nose bar or aguard-link or apro-guard chain, it does not
guarantee that you will not
be injured by a"kickback"
arid therefore, you should observe all of the precautions
to prevent kickback discussed previously.
Wammgl
Chain saw kickback may cause serious or fatal injury.
To reduce the risk of kickback injuries STIHL recommends
that you equip your saw with anarrow nose bar, low profile
chain or other chain designed to reduce kickback forces,
and aSTIHL QuicRstop.
Pushback:
Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of the bar is
suddenly stopped when it is pinched, caught or encounters
aforeign object in the wood. The reaction of the chain
drives the saw straight back toward the operator causing
loss of saw control. Pushback frequently occurs when
the
top of the bar is used for cutting (see ill. 15).

To avoid push back
1. Be alert to forces or situations that may cause material
to pinch the top of the chain.
2. Do not cut more than one log at atime.
3. Do not twist the saw when withdrawing ·the bar from a
plunge cut or under buck cut (figures 26 to 28 and 34,
pages
16, 17 and 19), because the chain can pinch.
Pull-in:
Pull-in occurs when the chain
on the bottom of the bar is
suddenly stopped.The chain on the bottom of the barstops
when
it is pinched, caught or encounters aforeign object
in the wood (see ill. 16). The reaction of the chain pulls
the saw forward, causing the operator to lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the bumperspikeof the saw
is not held securely against the tree or limb and when the
chain
is not rotating at full speed before it contacts the
wood.
Warning!
Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and
saplings which may easily catch the chain and pull you off
balance.
To avoid pull-in
1. Always start acut with the chain rotating at full speed
and the bumper spike
in contact with the wood.
2. Pull-in may also be prevented by using wedges to open
the kerf or cut.
Cutting Techniques
Felling
Felling
is cutting down atree.
Before felling atree, considercarefully all conditionswhich
may affect the direction of fall, including:
The intended direction of the fall.
The natural lean of the tree.
Any unusually heavy limb structure.
Surrounding trees and obstacles.
The wind direction and speed.
Warning!
Always observe the general conditions of the tree. Look for
decay and rot
in the trunk. If it is rotted inside, it could snap
and fall toward the operator while being cut.
Also look for broken or dead branches which could vibrate
loose and fall
on the operator. When felling on aslope, the
operator should stand
on the up-hill side if possible. 13

-/~
::r
-, /
-V?,.
-'-'
20
19
When felling in the vicinity of roads, railways and power
lines, etc., take extra precautions (see ill.
17). Inform the
police, utility company or railway authority before begin-
ning to cut.
Felling Instrucllons:
First clear the tree base and work area from interfering
limbs and brush and clean its lower portion with
an axe
(ill. 19).
When felling, maintain adistance of at
le-ast 21 /2 tree
lengths from the nearest person (see ill.
18).
Note:
14 The noise of your engine may drown any warning call.
Then, establish apath of escape and remove all obstacles.
This path should be oppositeto the planned direction of the
fall of the tree and at a45° angle (ill. 20).
An alternate
path must also be selected. Place all tools and equipment
asafe distance away from the tree, but not
on the escape
path.

21
22
If the tree has large buttress roots, cut into the largest
buttresses vertically first (horizontally next) and remove
(ill.
21).
Then, determine the placement of the felling notch (ill. 22).
The felling notch when properly placed determines the
direction
in which the tree will fall. It is made perpendicular
to the line of fall and should be as close to the ground as
possible. Cut the felling notch to adepth of about one-fifth
to one-fourth of the trunk diameter (ill. 23). It should be
in no case higher than it is deep. Make the felling notch
very carefully.
Begin the felling cut slightly higher than the felling notch
and on the opposite side of the tree (ill. 23). Then cut
horizontally through towards the felling notch. Apply the
chain saw with its spikes directly behind the uncut portion
of wood and cut toward the notch (ill. 24). Leave approx-
imately
1/
10 of the tree diameter uncut. This
is the hinge
(ill. 24).
Do not cut through the hinge because you could
lose control of the direction of the fall. Drive wedges into
the felling cut where necessary to control the direction
of the fall. Wedges should be of wood, light alloy or
plastic-
never of steel, which can cause kick-back and damage
to the chain.
23
24
Hinge --1-4>1
Felling notch
15

25
26
Always keep to the side of the falling tree. When the tree
starts to fall, cut off the engine, withdraw the bar and walk
away
on the pre-planned escape path. Watch out for falling
limbs.
arningl
Be extremely careful with partially fallen trees which are
poorly supported.
When the tree hangs or for some other reason does not
fall completely, set the saw aside and pull the tree down
with acable winch, block and tackle or tractor. If you try
to cut
it down with your saw, you may be injured.
Sectioning Method
Warning!
Felling atree that has adiameter greater than the length
of the guide bar requires use of either the sectioning or
plunge-cut method. These methods are extremely
dangerous because they involve the use of the nose of
the guide bar and can result
in kickback. Only properly
16 trained professionals should attempt these techniques.
For the sectioning method (ill.
25) makethe first cut with the
guide bar fanning in toward the hinge. Then, using the
bumperspika as apivot, reposition the saw for the next cut.
Avoid repositioning the saw more than necessary. When
repositioning for the next cut, keep the guide bar fully
engaged
in the kerf to keep the felling cut straight. If the
saw begins to pinch, insert awedge to open the cut. On the
last cut, do not cut the hinge.
Plunge-Cut Method
Timber having adiameter more than twice the length of
the guide bar requires the use of the plunge-cut method
before making the felling cut.
First, cut alarge, wide notch. Make a plunge cut
in the
center of the notch.
The plunge cut is made with the guide bar nose. Begin
the plunge cut
by applying the lower portion of the guide
bar nose to the tree at an angle (~II. 26). Cut until the depth
of the kerf
is about the same as the width of the gUide bar

27
30
28
29
(ill. 27). Next, align the saw in the direction in which the
recess is to be cut.
With the saw at full throttle, insert the guide bar
in the
trunk (ill. 28).
Enlarge the plunge cut as shown
in illustration (ill. 29).
arnlng!
There is an extreme danger of kickback at this point.
Extra caution must be taken to maintain control of the saw.
To make the felling cut, follow the sectioning method
described previously (ill. 30).
If you are inexperienced with achain saw plunge-cutting
should not be attempted. Seek the
~Ip of aprofessional.
Limbing
Limbing is removing the branches from afallen tree.
Warnlngl
There is an extreme danger of kickback during the limbing
operation. Do not work with the nose of the
bar. Be extre-
mely cautious and avoid contacting the log or other limbs
with the nose of the guide
bar.
Do not stand on alog while limbing it -you may slip or the
log may roll.
17

18
Start limbing by leaving the lower limbs 10 support the
log off the ground (ill. 31). Always cut from the top of the
limb. Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs. Apinch
may result or the limb may fall, causing loss of control.
If apinch occurs, stop the engine and remove the saw,
by lifting the limb.
Warningl
Be extremely cautious when cutting limbs under tension.
The limb could spring back toward the operator and cause
loss of control of the saw or injury to the operator.
Bucking
Bucking is cutting alog into sections.
Warning I
1. When bucking, do not stand on the log. Make sure the
log will not roll down-hill.
If on aslope, stand on the up-
hill side of the log (see ill. 32). Watch out ,for rolling logs.
2. Cut only one log at atime.
3. Shattered wood should be cut very carefully. Sharp
slivers of wood may
be caught and flung in the direction
of the operator of the saw.
4. When cutlirt§-smalliogs, use asawhorse (ill. 33). Never
permitanother person to holdthe log. Never hold the log
with your leg or foot.
5. Logs under strain require special attention to prevent
the saw from pinching. The first cut is made on the
compression side to relieve the stress
on the log (see
ill. 34, 35).Thebucking cut is then made as shown. If the
sawpinches, stop the engine and remove it from the log.
6. Only properly trained professionals should work in an
area where the logs, limbs and roots are tangled (Le. a