From Husqvarna

To optimize the life and reliability of your pole saw, it's important to service it regularly. Here are a few points that will help you bring order to your machine maintenance.

Below are Daily Routines, Weekly Routines and Monthly Routines:

Daily Routines:

• Clean the outside of the machine.
• Make sure the throttle trigger lock and the throttle function correctly.
• Check that the stop switch functions.
• Check that the cutting equipment does not rotate while idling.
• Clean the air filter. Replace if necessary.
• Check that all nuts and screws are tightened.
• Check that there are no fuel leaks.
• Clean the area under the protective cover.

Weekly Routines:

• Check the starter, the starter cord and the return spring.
• Make sure that the vibration-damping elements are not damaged.
• Clean the outside of the spark plug. Remove and check the electrode gap. Adjust the gap to 0.5 mm (0.020") or change the spark plug.
• Clean the cooling fins on the flywheel.
• Clean or replace the muffler's spark arrest screen (not on mufflers with a catalytic converter).
• Clean the carburetor area.
• Clean the cooling fins on the cylinder and check that the air intake in the starter unit is not blocked.
• File off any burrs on the sides of the bar.

Monthly Routines:

• Clean the fuel tank.
• Clean the carburetor and the area surrounding it.
• Clean the fan wheel and the area around it.
• Check the fuel filter and the fuel pipe, replace if necessary.
• Check all cables and connections.
• Check the clutch, clutch springs and the clutch drum with regard to wear. Replace if necessary.
• Change the spark plug.
• Check and clean the muffler's spark arrest screen if necessary (only mufflers with a catalytic converter).

Conclusion:

Proper maintenance routines will keep your pole saw in top working condition, prevent damage and save you in the long run. Keeping up with these simple steps will keep your pole saw ready for anytime you may need it.

Featured Parts and Products:

• Pole Saw Parts
• Spark Plugs
• New Pole Saws

Heads Up!

It's that branch you just cut with your pole saw crashing to the ground, missing your foot by a little more than an inch.

This isn't your first close call. Why take a chance with fate?

Simple pole saw safety procedures can keep you safe and possibly save your life from a falling tree branch.

Check the Weather First

First, take a look outside. Is it raining or is the ground wet? Is it going to be dark soon?

It's never safe to operate while it's raining. Wet ground is also slippery which could cause you to slip, slide and fall into the pole saw or fall while operating the pole saw. This can cause injuries to you and/or damage your pole saw.

Operating your pole saw at dusk or after dark limits your view. You won't be able to clearly see if there are any obstructions around the branch you are cutting or if any branches are falling towards you.

Check Your Equipment

Before operating your pole saw you should always inspect it for damaged, loose or worn parts. Damaged or loose parts can cause your machine to not work properly increasing the risk for serious injury.

Here are a few things to inspect before operating your Pole Saw:

• Examine the saw's teeth for damage and breaks in the chain. Breaks or damaged teeth can cause the chain to snap off during use.
• Inspect the saw before operation. All nuts and bolts should be tight and not missing.
• Check the cutting head for damage or loose parts.
• Be sure the chain is sharpened prior to use. Dull blades can get stuck during a cut or break sending cutting pieces flying through the air.
• Check the chain tension before and periodically during operation. It can stretch due to temperature change and vibrations during operation.
• Check that the stop switch is properly functioning.

Protective Clothing

Protective Clothing for Pole Saw Safety

Protective clothing is usually comfortable, snug fitting to allow you to move freely and protects you from pole saw accidents. Wear the following to protect your body from falling dirt, debris, and pole saw injuries:

• Protective clearing clothes and long pants will protect your arms and legs from flying debris, dirt or pole saw mishaps.
• As you are cutting a branch and looking up, debris and wood will be falling right into your eyes. Protective glasses will protect your eyes and face from dirt and debris.
• Head and face gear will protect your head from any falling branches, large debris and dirt that could be falling your way.
• Gloves will protect your hands from dirt, debris, falling branches or chainsaw mishaps.
• Pole saws can be loud, so wear your hearing protection to protect your hearing.
• Foot protection such as reinforced steel-toed boots will keep your feet safe from falling branches.
• A pole saw harness to even the load of distribution of the pole saw when working at different heights or angles.

Is the Area Clear?

• Look for hazards in your work area and clear them before getting started. There should be no obstructions between you and the branch you are planning to cut.
• Keep all bystanders and pets at a safe distance away from your cutting area.
• Make sure you are going to be working on a flat sturdy surface that isn't muddy, rocky or uneven to avoid losing your balance.
• Position yourself in a sturdy position off to the side of the branch you will be cutting.

Plan your Cut

• Consider the size of the branch you will be cutting.
• Look for any power lines that could be in your path.
• Keep your arms close to your body to avoid branches from injuring them.
• Keep an eye on the branch as it nears the falling point and move safely out of the way if the branch is going to be falling near or on you.

Conclusion:

Cutting any type of wood can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. If you feel that the branch you want to cut is too big, or you don't feel comfortable cutting it, consider calling in a professional. Safety is always the key when operating any kind of power equipment, especially saws. Follow these guidelines to keep you and others around you safe.

Featured Parts and Products:

• Polesaw Parts
• Protective Clothing
• New Pole Saws