While Working; Saw Backstroke; General Conduct When Pruning; Saw Techniques - ATIKA KSHC 40-20 Notice Originale

branches break off easily at freezing temperatures. A good
day for cutting is therefore a dry day without frost.
 Do not cut either during heavy rain; the moisture will
promote the growth of fungi and pests.
Simply ask a specialist who can tell you about the right time for
tree care and provide you with useful tips.

While working:

Saw backstroke

What is saw backstroke? Saw backstroke is the sudden strike
upwards or backwards of the running power pruner in direction
of the operator.
This happens when
 the guide bar tip gets in contact with the sawing material
(unintended) or other hard objects.
 the saw chain is jammed at the guide bar tip.
The power pruner reacts uncontrolled and frequently causes
heavy injuries of the operator.
How to avoid saw backstroke?

For better control saw with the lower edge of the guide
bar. Place the power pruner as horizontally as possible when
contacting wood.
 Never saw with the guide bar tip.
 Sawing with the upper guide bar edge may cause a saw
backstroke if the saw gets jammed or hits a hard object in
the wood.
 Start cutting only with running saw chain.
 Never switch on the machine with the saw chain put on.
 Always hold the power pruner firmly with both hands.
 Only work with correctly sharpened and clamped saw chain.

General conduct when pruning

Plan an escape route from falling branches in advance. This

escape route must be free from obstacles to ensure
retreating without danger.
 Position yourself outside the range of falling branches.
 Make sure that someone is within calling distance in case of
an accident.
 Keep other persons away. The safety distance is 2.5-
times the length of the branch to be cut, but at least 6 m.
 Avoid abnormal posture. Keep at any time the balance. Do
not work with the upper part of the body leaned forward.
Operate the power pruner only with safe standing position.

Hold the power pruner slightly to the right of the own body.
Hold the power pruner always firmly with both hands, one

hand on the shaft and one hand on the rear handle (13).
Always use the carrying strep supplied.
 Frequently change the working position to prevent a one-
sided work position.
Immediately stop working when you feel unwell (e.g.

headache, dizziness, nausea, etc.). Otherwise there is an
increased risk of accidents. Observe sufficient break times to
rest.
 Never work
 with stretched arms
 standing on a ladder, a staging or a tree.
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 Do not attempt to hit an already existing cut.
 Do not use the power pruner for lifting or moving of wood.
 Saw splintered wood with care. There is risk of injury by
wood pieces carried away.
 Make sure that the wood is free of foreign object (nails etc).
 Do not overload the machine! You work better and safer in
the given performance range.
 Be careful at the end of a sawing cut. As soon as the power
pruner leaves the wood the force of weight changes. There
is risk of accident for legs and feet.
 Remove the power pruner only with running saw chain out of
the cut.
 If the saw chain gets jammed in the wood, stop it
immediately and remove the battery. Use a wedge to free
the guide bar.
 Do not use any cracked saw chains or such that have
changed their shape.
 Never touch wire fences or the ground with the running saw
chain.
 Switch off the power pruner between the cuts when several
cuts are carried out.
 Make breaks when sawing so that the engine can cool down.

Saw techniques

 Do not cut thin branches or bosks. The power pruner is not
suitable for those works.
 Cut larger branches into several sections to avoid splintering
and breaking.
 Do not cut any branches where their diameter is greater than
the cutting length of the device.
 Do not stand directly underneath a branch to be cut.
 Watch out especially for falling branches.
 Also look out for branches snapping back.
Always wear a helmet in order to protect yourself against
perches falling down.
Step cut
For horizontal branches without being top heavy
The branch section falls down in a controlled manner
without tipping over.

Set the first cut from below, approx. one third of the
branch diameter.

The second cut is made on the same level as the first cut
or moved further toward the inside (negative breaking
step).

Remove the remaining branch section.
Attention: Step cut error
If the cut is made offset toward the outside (positive
breaking step) and exceeded, the power pruner can
be pulled along