Chainsaw Operator's Manual:

Chainsaw Safety, Maintenance and Cross-cutting Techniques

By ForestWorks
Chainsaw Operator's Manual

The Chainsaw Operator's Manual is an essential safety tool for chainsaw operators. It is the ultimate guide to basic chainsaw operating techniques covering safety, maintenance and cross-cutting, but not tree felling. Detailed diagrams illustrate

horizontal, vertical and boring cuts, as well as trimming and cross-cutting techniques.

Safety considerations are discussed, including workplace safety, occupational hazards, kick-back and identifying dangerous trees. An explanation of the 'tension' and 'compression' forces in timber is also provided to help you understand where to

begin cutting to avoid jamming the saw.

The book covers chainsaw maintenance in detail, explains all aspects of the equipment and helps you select the right chainsaw and personal protection equipment for your needs. Trouble-shooting charts are included to help you solve

operating problems.

This manual has been updated to take into account the most recent changes in nationally accredited competency standards. It is a must-have for anyone operating a chainsaw.

  1. Page 1
    Introduction
  2. Page 2
    1. National competency standards
  3. Page 3
    2. Know your chainsaw
    1. Page 3
      Parts of a chainsaw
      1. Page 3
        The powerhead
      2. Page 3
        The cutting attachment
    2. Page 4
      Chainsaw safety features
      1. Page 4
        Chain brake
      2. Page 5
        Muffler and spark arrestor
      3. Page 5
        Reduced kickback chain
      4. Page 5
        Chain catcher
      5. Page 5
        Anti-vibration system
      6. Page 5
        Hand guards
      7. Page 5
        Ignition switch
      8. Page 5
        Throttle trigger lockout (interlock)
      9. Page 5
        Decompression valve
      10. Page 5
        Guide bar cover (scabbard)
      11. Page 6
        Reduced radius guide bar
    3. Page 6
      Guide to selecting a chainsaw
  4. Page 7
    3. Chainsaw safety
    1. Page 7
      Develop a professional attitude
    2. Page 7
      Risk management
      1. Page 8
        The operator
      2. Page 8
        The equipment
      3. Page 8
        The work environment
    3. Page 9
      Personal protection equipment
    4. Page 10
      Other equipment
      1. Page 10
        Sharp axe
      2. Page 10
        Wedges and hammer
      3. Page 10
        Cant hook or breaking bar
      4. Page 10
        Fuel and oil container
      5. Page 11
        First aid kit
      6. Page 11
        Fire control equipment
      7. Page 11
        Tool belt
      8. Page 11
        Logger’s tape
      9. Page 12
        Warning signs
      10. Page 12
        Chainsaw maintenance kit
  5. Page 13
    4. Chainsaw maintenance
    1. Page 13
      Powerhead and guide bar maintenance
      1. Page 13
        Daily service (or frequent service as required)
      2. Page 15
        Periodic service
    2. Page 18
      The cutting attachment
      1. Page 18
        Drive sprockets
      2. Page 20
        Guide bar
      3. Page 22
        Saw chain
      4. Page 25
        Saw chain sharpening
      5. Page 29
        Chain tension
  6. Page 31
    5. Chainsaw techniques
    1. Page 31
      Pre-start checks
      1. Page 31
        Mixing and adding fuel
      2. Page 32
        Calculating chainsaw fuel/oil ratio
    2. Page 33
      Safe operating techniques
      1. Page 33
        Starting
      2. Page 34
        Grip
      3. Page 35
        Chainsaw reaction
    3. Page 38
      Cutting technique
      1. Page 39
        Vertical cuts
      2. Page 39
        Horizontal cuts
      3. Page 40
        Boring cuts
  7. Page 41
    6. Trim and cross-cut operations
    1. Page 41
      Limbing
      1. Page 41
        General basic rules
      2. Page 42
        Assessment of stress in limbs/branches
      3. Page 42
        Hanging branches
      4. Page 43
        Sprung branches
    2. Page 44
      Typical trimming work patterns
      1. Page 44
        Hardwood limbing
      2. Page 45
        Softwood limbing
    3. Page 46
      Basic principles of cross-cutting
    4. Page 47
      Cross-cutting techniques
      1. Page 47
        Trunk sections supported at both ends (bridging cut)
      2. Page 48
        Trunk sections supported by one end only (swinging cut)
      3. Page 48
        Trunk sections supported along entire length
      4. Page 49
        One side in compression (side bind)
      5. Page 50
        Plunge cutting
      6. Page 50
        Log trap
    5. Page 51
      Wind throw and pushed trees
    6. Page 52
      Butt trimming
      1. Page 52
        Basic principles
    7. Page 53
      Ripping
    8. Page 53
      Scrub clearing
  8. Page 54
    7. Relevant state authorities and technical standards
    1. Page 55
      Technical standards