Yard Works 54-5701-4 User manual

Owner's Manual
TOLL-FREE HELPLINE: 1 866 523-5218
8" Pole Saw
54-5701-4
Read all safety rules and instructions carefully before operating this tool.
WARNING
WARNING
3091488
USC

Contents
Specifications
20 V Pole Saw
Type.............................................................................................................................................. Cordless, battery-powered
Motor ...............................................................................................................................................................................20 V
Use YARDWORKS replacement 20 V 6Ah Lithium-Ion battery 60-2181 -2 (Sold Separately).
Use YARDWORKS 20 V 6Ah Lithium-Ion battery charger 60-2182-0 ( Sold Separately).
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................................... 3
SPECIFIC DAFETY RULES ........................................................................................................................................... 4
SYMBOLS .................................................................................................................................................................... 5-6
DIAGRAM AND LOCATION OF PARTS ........................................................................................................................7
FEATURES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
ASSEMBLY.................................................................................................................................................................. 8-9
OPERATION ..............................................................................................................................................................
THE BATTERY CHARGER ......................................................................................................................................16-18
10-15
MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................................19-22
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................................................................................. 23
ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE BATTERY DISPOSAL .................................................................................................. 24
WARRANTY .................................................................................................................................................................. 25
26-27
EXPLODED VIEW/PARTS LIST..............................................................................................................................
Bar length.............................................................................................................................................................8" (20.3 cm)
Chain pitch.........................................................................................................................................................3/8" (9.5 mm)
Chain type..................................................................................................................................8" chain 91PJ033X (Oregon)
Guide bar type..........................................................................................................................8" bar 080NDEA318 (Oregon)
Weight.......................................................................................................................................7 lb 6 oz (3.4 kg) with battery
Use Motomaster Chainsaw Bar Oil: Spring/Summer 28-1748-2 or Fall/Winter 28-1746-6
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
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Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire,
and/or serious personal injury.
For safe operation, read and understand all instructions before using this product. Be familiar with all controls and
proper use of the machine. Follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can result
in serious personal injury.
Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this unit.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as complying with ANSI Z87.1 standard as well as head protection
when operating this product.
Dress properly. Wear heavy long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, or go bare-
foot. Do not wear jewellery of any kind.
Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in moving parts.
Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50' (15 m) away.
Stay Alert — Watch what you are doing; use common sense. Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Do not operate in poor lighting.
Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot
surfaces.
Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
When not in use, product should be stored indoors in a dry, locked up place—out of the reach of children.
Use only original manufacturer’s replacement parts. Failure to do so may cause poor performance, possible injury, and
will void your warranty.
Do not, under any circumstance, use any attachment or accessory on this product which was not provided with the
product or identified as appropriate for use with this product in the operator’s manual.
Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use the product in damp or wet locations. Do not use in rain.
Use the right appliance. Do not use the product for any job except that for which it is intended.
Do not use on steps, a ladder, or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
product in unexpected situations.
Do not force the product. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was
designed.
DANGER — Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep both hands on handles when power is on.
CAUTION — Blade coasts after being turned off.

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SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
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Kickback is a dangerous reaction that can lead to serious injury. Kickback may 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 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 and stop the chain for
an instant. The result is a lightning-fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator. If
the chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward the operator, which
can cause loss of control and may result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the
product. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise
contributes to accidents.
Use pole saw for cutting wood only. Do not use for cutting non-wood items.
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 while you are operating the unit. Have a planned retreat path.
Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the product.
Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.
To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate within 50' (15 m) of overhead electrical lines.
Before starting the motor, make sure the chain is not contacting any object.
To protect yourself from falling branches, do not stand directly under the branch or limb being cut. This unit should not
be held at an angle over 60° from ground level.
Turn off the motor and make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before setting the unit down.
Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback chains specified for the unit.
Do not operate the saw with one hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any combination of these
persons may results from one hand operation. This saw is intended for two-handed use.
Use extreme caution when cutting small sized brush and saplings because slender material may catch the saw chain
and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back so that you will not be struck when tension in wood
fibers are released.
To avoid accidental starting, never carry plugged in product with finger on switch. Be sure switch is off when plugging
in.
Maintain product with care. Keep cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect cord periodically and, if damaged, have it repaired
by an authorized service facility. Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean,
and free from oil and grease.
Check for damaged parts. Before further use of the product, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service centre unless
indicated elsewhere in this manual.
Remove the battery from pole saw when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories.
Service on the product must be performed by qualified repair personnel only. Service or maintenance performed by
unqualified personnel could result in injury to the user or damage to the product.
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 to prevent misuse of the product and possible injury.

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Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Designates that this tool is in compliance with Lithium-Ion
battery recycling program requirements
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper
interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.
SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watt Power
hrs Hours Time
n
o
No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
Class II Construction Double-insulated construction
.../min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
Safety Alert Symbol Precautions that involve your safety.
Read the Operator’s Manual To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand
operator’s manual before using this product.
Eye and Head Protection Wear eye and head protection when operating this equip -
ment.
Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 50' (15 m) away.
Gloves Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling
the pole saw and the blade.
Safety Footwear Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this equipment.
Kickback DANGER! Beware of kickback.
Risk of Electrocution DANGER! Risk of electrocution!
Electric Shock Failure to use in dry conditions and to observe safe practices
can result in electric shock.
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.

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SYMBOLS
SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTRE for repair. When servicing,
use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in
property damage.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this
product until you read thoroughly and understand com -
pletely the operator’s manual. If you do not understand
the warnings and instructions in the operator’s manual,
do not use this product. Call YARDWORKS customer
service for assistance.
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles,
safety glasses with side shields, or a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety
Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection
which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
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DIAGRAM AND LOCATION OF PARTS
Fig. 1
TELESCOPING
POLE
OIL CAP
SCABBARD
LOCK-OFF BUTTON

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FEATURES
WARNING:
WARNING:
WARNING:
UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
PACKING LIST
Pole saw
Scabbard
Operator’s Manual
ASSEMBLY
KNOW YOUR POLE SAW (See Figure 1.)
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information on the product and in this operator’s manual as
well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating
features and safety rules.
LOCK-OFF BUTTON
To help prevent accidental starting, the lock-off button must be depressed along with the switch trigger.
QUICK-VIEW OIL INDICATOR
Semi-transparent bar lube reservoir that allows user to see when to add lubricant.
SCABBARD
The scabbard keeps the operator from coming in contact with the sharp blades when the tool is not in use. It also helps
keep the blades from being nicked or damaged when the tool is in storage.
TELESCOPING POLE
The pole can be adjusted to different lengths for ease of use.
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Carefully remove the product and any accessories
from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the
packing list are included.
Inspect the product carefully to make sure no
breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
Do not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the
product.
If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1866 523-5218 for assistance.
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this
product until the parts are replaced. Failure to heed this
warning could result in serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to modify this product or create acces-
sories not recommended for use with this product. Any
such alteration or modification is misuse and could
result in a hazardous condition leading to possible
serious personal injury.
Do not fit on the battery until assembly is complete.
Failure to comply could result in accidental starting and
possible serious personal injury.

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WARNING:
ASSEMBLY
CONNECTING THE POLES (See Figure 2.)
Before using the pole saw, assembly is required. When removed from the box, there are the three poles as shown above.
Remove packaging material from cord and discard.
Insert the intermediate pole into the handle pole and slide together . The tubes are egg-shaped and will only install one
way.
Lower the collar on the intermediate pole to the threaded base on the handle pole and rotate clockwise to secure.
Repeat this process to attach the intermediate pole to the powerhead pole.
Failure to lock powerhead pole as directed above could result in serious injury or death.
Fig. 2
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HANDLE POLE
INTERMEDIATE POLE
THREADED BASE COLLAR
THREADED BASE
POWERHEAD POLE
COLLAR

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OPERATION
WARNING:
Fig. 4
BATTERY PACK (See Figure 4.)
IMPORTANT! The battery pack is not charged when it is purchased. Before using the pole saw for the first time, place the
battery pack in the battery charger and charge it fully. Be sure to read all safety precautions, and follow the instructions in the
section entitled Charging Procedure. With regular use, the battery will require shorter charging times. When storing the pole
saw for a prolonged period of time, remove the battery. When the pole saw is going to be used again, charge the battery pack
for at least a full charging period. This product has no memory effect.
Removing the battery pack
1. Press the latch button (1) on the battery pack down and hold.
2. Grasp the pole saw (2) firmly, and pull the battery pack out of the handle.
Note: The battery pack fits into the handle snugly in order to prevent accidental dislodging. It may require a strong pull to
remove it.
Installing the battery pack
1. Align the tongue (3) of the battery pack with the cavity.
2. Grasp the pole saw (2) firmly.
3. Push the battery pack into the handle until the latch locks into place.
4. Do not use force when inserting the battery pack. It should slide into position and “click”.
Follow these instructions in order to avoid injury and to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire:
• Replace the battery pack or the charger immediately if the battery case or charger cord is damaged.
• Verify that the switch is in the OFF position before inserting or removing the battery pack.
• Verify that the battery pack is removed and the switch is in the OFF position before inspecting, adjusting, or performing
maintenance on any part of the pole saw.
• Read, understand, and follow the instructions contained in the section entitled Charging Procedure.
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IMPORTANT:
This Lithium-ion battery pack is equipped with an internal circuit breaker which will automatically shut off the power to
the tool and then reset itself once cooled.
Follow these steps if an overload occurs while under heavy use:
1. Release the power switch and restart tool by depressing switch.
2. The battery may need to be removed for approximately 1 minute, allowed to cool and then reinstalled for use.

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OPERATION
Fig. 5
STARTING AND STOPPING (See Figure 5.)
To start the motor:
Fit the battery pack into the pole saw.
Place your thumb on the lock-off button and pull it completely towards you.
Fully depress the switch trigger.
To stop the motor:
Release the switch trigger.
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SWITCH TRIGGER
LOCK-OFF BUTTON

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OPERATION
Fig. 6
ADJUSTING TELESCOPING POLE (See Figure 6.)
Remove the battery pack from the pole saw.
Rotate the collar clockwise to loosen.
Push poles towards each other to shorten the pole or pull away from each other to lengthen the pole.
NOTE: Extend the pole only to the length required to reach the limb being cut. Do not extend the handle above waist height.
When the desired length is achieved, rotate the collar counterclockwise to secure.
NOTE: Adjust hand placement on the shaft of the pole saw to keep proper balance. Do not attempt to use the pole saw at a
length which does not allow you to achieve proper footing and balance at all times.
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COLLAR

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OPERATION
Fig. 7 Fig. 8
PREPARATION FOR CUTTING (See Figure 7- 8.)
Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.
Maintain a proper grip on the unit whenever the motor is running. Use your right hand to firmly grip the rear handle while
your left hand has a firm grip on the pole shaft.
Hold unit firmly with both hands. Always keep your left hand on the pole shaft and your right hand on the rear handle, so
your body is to the left of the chain line. Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip, or any stance that places your body
or arm across the chain line.
Never stand directly under the limb you are cutting.
Be certain the collars are fully tightened before operating equipment; check them periodically for tightness during use to
avoid serious injury.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
Follow the steps below to prevent damage to tree or shrub bark. Do not use a back-and-forth sawing motion.
Make a shallow first cut (1/4 of limb diameter) on the underside of the limb close to the main limb or trunk.
Make a second cut from the top side of the limb outboard from the first cut. Continue the cut through the limb until the limb
separates from the tree. Be prepared to balance the weight of the tool when the limb falls.
Make a final cut close to trunk.
NOTE: For second and final cuts (from top of limb or branch), hold front cutting guide against the limb being cut. This will
help steady the limb and make it easier to cut. Allow chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure. If you force
the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or motor can result.
Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed. Failure to follow proper cutting procedures will result in the bar and
chain binding and becoming pinched or trapped in the limb. If this should happen:
Stop the motor and remove the battery from the pole saw.
If the limb can be reached from the ground, lift the limb while holding the saw. This should release the “pinch” and free the
saw.
If the saw is still trapped, call a professional for assistance.
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FINAL CUT
SECOND CUT
FIRST CUT
1/4 DIAMETER
LOAD
CUTTING GUIDE

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OPERATION
Fig. 9 Fig. 10
LIMBING AND PRUNING (See Figure 9 - 10.)
This unit is designed for trimming small branches and limbs up to 6" (15.2 cm) in diameter. For best results, observe the
following precautions.
Plan the cut carefully. Be aware of the direction in which the branch will fall.
Branches may fall in unexpected directions. Do not stand directly under the branch being cut.
The most typical cutting application is to position the unit at an angle of 60° or less, depending on the specific situation, as
shown. As the angle of the pole saw shaft to ground increases, the difficulty of making the first cut (from the underside of
limb) increases.
Remove long branches in several stages.
Cut lower branches first to allow the top branches more room to fall.
Work slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a firm grip. Maintain secure footing and balance.
Keep the tree between you and the chain while limbing. Cut from side of tree opposite branch you are cutting.
Do not cut from a ladder; this is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for professionals.
Do not make the flush cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight.
Following proper cutting procedures will prevent stripping the bark from the main member.
Do not use the pole saw for felling or bucking.
To prevent electrocution, do not operate within 50' (15 m) of overhead electrical lines.
Keep bystanders at least 50' (15 m) away.
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60° M AXIMUM
(15 m)

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THE BATTERY CHARGER
Fig. 12
BATTERY CHARGING PROCEDURE:
NOTE: The battery is not shipped fully charged. It is
recommended to fully charge before first use to ensure that
maximum run time can be achieved. This lithium-ion
battery will not develop a memory and may be charged at
any time. A fully discharged battery pack will require
approximately 4.5 hours to fully charge.
1. Plug the charger into an AC wall outlet/receptacle.
2. The RED LED power indicator (1) will illuminate.
3. Insert the battery into the charger. Verify that the battery
is fully inserted into the charger.
4. The RED LED indicator (3) will illuminate indicating that
the battery is in CHARGE MODE.
5. Once the battery has reached a full charge level, the LED
indicator (3) will switch from RED to GREEN.
6. The battery may be removed or stored in the charger
once it is fully charged; however, it is recommended to
disconnect the plug from the wall outlet/receptacle.
NOTE: Lithium-ion batteries while in use will continue to
provide full power without power fade unlike typical batteries;
when the battery is fully discharged the battery circuitry will
immediately cut power to the tool and require immediate charging.
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CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK (See Figure 12.)
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE CHARGER (See Figure 11.)
Before attempting to use this charger, become familiar with all of its operating features and safety
requirements.
1. Charging indicator reference chart
2. Battery compartment
3. Power source LED light
4. Power cord wrap
5. Two-stage indicator LED light
(RED indicates charging)
(GREEN indicates fully charged)
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5
2
4
Fig. 11
WARNING:
If any part of the charger is missing or damaged, do not
operate it until the part is repaired or replaced. Failure to
heed this warning could result in possible serious injury.
CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS:
Charger Input: 120 V 60 Hz AC only
Charger output max.: 21 V
Charger Weight 1.54 lb (0.7 kg)
Optimum Charging Temperature: 32° to 104° F
(0° to 40° C)

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BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS
Lights
4 Green Lights
3 Green Lights
2 Green Lights
1 Green Light
Lights go out The battery is under 10% capacity
and requires charging immediately
The battery is at full capacity
The battery is at 70% capacity
The battery is at 45% capacity
The battery is at 10% capacity and
requires charging soon
Capacity
LIGHT METRE
BATTERY METRE
Press the Battery Capacity Indicator (BCI) button. The lights will illuminate according to the battery's current power level.
See chart below:
Battery Capacity
Indicator (BCI) button
1. Do not disassemble the battery.
2. Keep away from children.
3. Do not expose the battery to water or salt water. You should place the battery in a cool and dry environment.
4. Do not place the battery in high-temperature locations, such as fire, heater, etc.
5. Do not reverse the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery.
6. Do not connect the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery to each other with any metal objects.
7. Do not knock or strike the battery, nor step on it.
8. Do not solder directly onto the battery and pierce the battery with nails or other edge tools.
9. In the event that the battery leaks and the fluid gets into your eyes, do not rub the eyes. Rinse well with water.
Immediately discontinue use of the battery if it emits an unusual smell, feels hot, changes colour,
changes shape, or appears abnormal in any other way.
SAFETY NOTES AND PRECAUTIONS
THE BATTERY CHARGER
WARNING:
To reduce risk of injury to persons:
• Do not recharge batteries in a confined or unvented area; and
• Do not smoke, strike a match, or cause a spark in the vicinity of the battery during charging.
• Do not charge battery in rain, or in wet location.

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MOUNTING THE CHARGER (See Figure 13.)
Fig. 13
WALL-MOUNTABLE
The charger features a key-hole hanging feature for convenient storage. Screws should be installed so that the centre
distance is 3 5/32" (8 cm). Use proper wall fasteners to accommodate the combined weight of the charger and the battery
pack (approximately 3 1/2 lb [1.6 kg])
CORD WRAP
The charger is equipped with a cord wrap that is located at the rear of the unit. Use this feature to minimize workspace
clutter and hazards.
THE BATTERY CHARGER

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MAINTENANCE
Fig. 14 Fig. 15
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial
solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
CHAIN TENSION (See Figures 14 - 15.)
Stop the motor and disconnect from power supply before setting the chain tension. Make sure the guide bar nut is
loose enough to finger tighten, turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise to tension the chain. Refer to Replacing
the Bar and chain for additional information.
NOTE: A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there is no slack on the underside of the guide bar, the chain is snug,
but it can be turned by hand without binding.
Chain must be retensioned whenever the flats on the drive links hang out of the bar groove as shown in Fig. 14.
During normal operation, the temperature of the chain will increase. The drive links of a correctly tensioned warm chain
will hang approximately 1/16" (1.3 mm) out of the bar groove, as shown in Fig. 15.
NOTE: New chain tends to stretch; check chain tension frequently and tension as required.
All pole saw service, other than the items listed in the instruction manual maintenance instructions, should be performed by
competent pole saw service personnel. (For example, if improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in order to remove the
clutch, structural damage to the flywheel could occur and subsequently could cause the flywheel to burst).
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WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.
CAUTION:
Chain tensioned while warm, may be too tight upon cooling. Check the “cold tension” before next use.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields during power tool operation or when blowing dust. If opera-
tion is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
WARNING:
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, stop the motor, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect from power
supply. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic
parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic, which may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
To avoid possible serious injury, never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is running. The saw chain is very sharp;
always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain.
FLATS
APPROX 1/16" (1.3 mm)