milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw User Manual

Nothing but HEAVY DUTY™

M18 FTHCHS35
User Manual

M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw

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TECHNICAL DATA| M18 FTHCHS35
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Type| Chainsaw
Battery voltage| 18 V
No-load chain speed| 15 m/s
Max bar length| 14 in. / 356 mm
Usable cutting length| 13.5 in. / 343 mm
Chain teeth (Drive length)| 59
Chain pitch (Low profile)| 8.3 mm (0.325 in.)
Bar groove width (Gauge)| 1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
Sprocket number of teeth| 7
Sprocket pitch| 8.3 mm (0.325 in.)
Chain type| Low kickback
Chain oil tank capacity| 150 ml
Weight according EPTA-Procedure 01/2014 (Li-ion 2.0 Ah – 12.0 Ah)| 3.6 —4.7 kg
Weight without guiderail, chain, and oil| 3.2 kg
Recommended ambient operating temperature| -18 – +50 °C
Recommended battery types| M18B…, M18HB…
Recommended charger| M12-18…, M18 DFC, M18 PC6
Noise information|
Noise emission values determined according to EN 62841.|
A-weighted sound pressure level| 76.5 dB (A)
Uncertainty K| 3.0 dB (A)
A-weighted sound power level| 96.5 dB (A)
Uncertainty K| 3.0 dB (A)
Wear ear protectors.|
Vibration information|
Total vibration values (vector sum in the three axes) determined according to EN 62841.|
Vibration emission value a,| 2.56 m/s²
Uncertainty K| 1.5 m/s²

**WARNING!
The declared vibration total values and the declared noise emission values given in this instruction manual have been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in EN 62841 and may be used to compare one tool with another.  They may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.
The declared vibration and noise emission values represent the main applications of the tool. However, if the tool is used for different applications, used with different accessories, or poorly maintained, the vibration and noise emission may differ. These conditions may signifi cantly increase the exposure levels over the total working period.
An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration and noise should take into account the times when the tool is turned off or when it is running idle. These conditions may signifi cantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period.
Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the eff ects of vibration and noise, such as maintaining the tool and the accessories, keeping the hands warm, and organising work patterns.
WARNING!** Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifi cations provided with the product.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fi re, and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

GENERAL CHAINSAW SAFETY WARNINGS

Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the chainsaw is operating. Before you start the chainsaw, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. A moment of inattention while operating chainsaws may cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the saw chain.
Always hold the chainsaw with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle. Holding the chainsaw with a reversed hand confi guration increases the risk of personal injury and should never be done.
Hold the chainsaw by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a “live“ wire may make exposed metal parts of the chainsaw “live“ and could give the operator an electric shock.
Wear eye protection. Further protective equipment for hearing, head, hands, legs and feet is recommended. Adequate protective equipment will reduce personal injury from fl ying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
Do not operate a chainsaw in a tree, on a ladder, from a rooftop, or any unstable support. Operation of a chainsaw in this manner could result in serious personal injury.
Always keep proper footing and operate the chainsaw only when standing on fi xed, secure and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces may cause a loss of balance or control of the chainsaw.
When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back. When the tension in the wood fi bres is released, the spring loaded limb may strike the operator and /or throw the chainsaw out of control.
Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
Carry the chainsaw by the front handle with the chainsaw switched off and away from your body. When transporting or storing the chainsaw, always fi t the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the chainsaw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing the bar and chain. Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for kick back.
Cut wood only. Do not use chainsaw for purposes not intended.
For example: do not use chainsaw for cutting metal, plastic, masonry, or non- wood building materials. Use of the chainsaw for operations diff erent than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
This chain saw is not intended for tree felling. Use of the chain saw for operations diff erent than intended could result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss of control.
CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF KICKBACK:
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in serious personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chainsaw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
Maintain a fi rm grip, with thumbs and fi ngers encircling the chainsaw handles, with both hands on the saw and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper
precautions are taken. Do not let go of the chainsaw.
Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better control of the chainsaw in unexpected situations.
Only use replacement bars and chains specifi ed by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement guide bars and chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
Follow all instructions when clearing jammed material, storing, or servicing the chainsaw. Make sure the switch is off and the battery pack is removed. Unexpected actuation of the chainsaw while clearing jammed material or servicing may result in serious personal injury.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY AND WORKING INSTRUCTIONS

The product is for use by trained tree service operators only. Use without proper training can result in severe injuries.
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the infl uence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
It is recommended to cut logs on a sawhorse or cradle when operating the product for the fi rst time.
Ensure that all the guards, handles, and spiked bumper are properly fi tted and are in good condition.
Persons using the product should be in good health. The product is heavy, so the operator must be physically fi t.
The operator should be alert, have a good vision, mobility, balance, and manual dexterity. If there is any doubt, do not operate the product.
Do not start using the product until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path away from a falling tree. Beware of the emission of the lubricant mist and saw dust. Wear a mask or respirator, if required.
Do not cut vines or small undergrowth.
Always hold the product with both hands during operation. Use a fi rm grip with thumbs and fi ngers encircling the handles. The right hand must be on the rear handle and the left hand on the front handle.
Before starting the product, make sure that the saw chain is not contacting any object.
Do not modify the product in any way or use it to power any attachments or devices not recommended by the manufacturer.
There should be a fi rst-aid kit containing large wound dressings and a means to summon attention (e.g., whistle) close to the operator. A larger more comprehensive kit should be reasonably nearby.
An incorrectly tensioned chain can jump off the guide bar and could result in serious injury or fatality. The length of the chain depends on the temperature. Check the tension frequently.
Get used to the product by making simple cuts on securely supported wood. Do this whenever you have not operated the product for some time.
To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting moving parts, always turn off the motor, apply the chain brake, remove the battery pack, and make sure all moving parts have come to a stop:

• before cleaning or clearing a blockage
• before leaving the product unattended
• before installing or removing attachments
• before checking, conducting maintenance, or working on the product

The size of the work area depends on the job being performed as well as the size of the tree or workpiece involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger work area than making other cuts, i.e., bucking cuts, etc. The operator needs to be aware and in control of everything happening in the work area.
Do not cut with your body in line with the guide bar and chain. If you experience kickback, this helps prevent the chain coming into contact with your head or body.
Do not use a back-and-forward sawing motion, let the chain do the work. Keep the chain sharp and do not try to push the chain through the cut.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut. Be ready to take on the weight of the product as it cuts free from the wood. Failure to do so could result in possible serious personal injury.
Do not stop the product in the middle of a cutting operation.
Keep the product running until it is already removed from the cut. Do not fi x the on/off switch in the on position when using the product hand-held.
Remove the battery pack before starting any work on the product.
TETHERING
For tethering, use a dynamic climbing rope or energy absorbing lanyards only. Do not hang the product from the guide bar cover.
PUSH AND PULL
The reaction force is always opposite to the direction the chain is moving. Thus, the operator must be ready to control the tendency for the product to pull away (forward motion) when cutting on the bottom edge of the bar and the push backwards (towards the operator) when cutting along the top edge.
SAW JAMMED IN THE CUT
Turn off the product, engage the chain brake, and remove the battery pack. Do not try to force the chain and bar out of the cut as this likely to breaks the chain, which may swing back and strike the operator. This situation normally occurs because the wood is incorrectly supported which forces the cut to close under compression, thereby pinching the blade. If adjusting the support does not release the bar and chain, use wooden wedges or a lever to open the cut and release the saw. Never try to start the product when the guide bar is already in a cut or kerf.
SKATING/BOUNCING
When the product fails to dig in during a cut, the guide bar can begin hopping or dangerously skidding along the surface of the log or branch, possibly resulting in the loss of control of the product. To prevent or reduce skating or bouncing, always use the product with both hands and make sure that the saw chain establishes a groove for cutting. Never cut small, fl exible branches or brushes with the product. Their size and fl exibility can easily cause the saw to bounce
towards you or bind up with enough force to cause a kickback. The best tool for that kind of work is a hand saw, pruning shears, an axe, or other hand tools.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Wear a helmet at all times when operating the product. A helmet, equipped with mesh visor, can help reduce the risk of injury to the face and the head if kickback occurs. Wear ear protectors. Good quality personal protective equipment, as used by rofessionals, helps reduce the risk of injury to the operator. The following items should be used when operating the product: SAFETY HELMET
Should comply with EN 397 and be CE marked.
HEARING PROTECTION
Should comply with EN 352-1 and be CE marked.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Should be CE marked and comply with EN 166 (for safety glasses) or EN 1731 (for mesh visors).
GLOVES
Should comply with EN381-7 and be CE marked.
LEG PROTECTION (CHAPS)
Should comply with EN 381-5, be CE marked, and provide all-round protection
CHAINSAW SAFETY BOOTS
Should comply with EN ISO 20345:2004 and be marked with a shield depicting a chainsaw to show compliance with EN 381-3. (Occasional users may use steel toe-cap safety boots with protective gaiters, that conform to EN 381-9, if the ground is even and there is little risk of tripping or catching on undergrowth)
CHAINSAW JACKETS FOR UPPER BODY PROTECTION
Should comply with EN 381-11 and be CE marked.

KNOW YOUR CHAINSAW

1. Trigger release
2. Throttle trigger
3.  Chain drive
4. Bar groove
5. Rear handle
6. Battery pack
7. Front handle
8. Chain brake
9. Chain lubricant cap
10. Saw chain
11.  Guide bar
12. Drive sprocket cover
13.  Guide bar cover
14. Bar mounting nuts
15.  Spiked bumper
16.  Combination wrench
17.  Chain catcher
18.  Chain tension screw
19. Brake band (internal)
20. Lanyard loop

**WARNING! Consequences of improper maintenance, removal, or modifi cation of the safety features like the chain brake, ignition switch, hand guard (front and back), spiked bumper, chain catcher, guide bar, and low kickback saw chain may cause the safety features to not function correctly, thus increasing the potential for serious injury.
LOW KICKBACK SAW CHAIN
A low kickback saw chain helps to reduce the possibility of a kickback event. The rakers (depth gauges) ahead of each cutter can minimize the force of a kickback reaction by preventing the cutters from digging in too deeply. Use only replacement guide bar and chain combinations recommended by the manufacturer. As saw chains are sharpened, they lose some of the low kickback qualities and extra caution is required. For your safety, replace saw chains when cutting performance decreases.
SPIKED BUMPER
The integral bumper spike may be used as a pivot when making acut. It helps to keep the body of the product steady while cutting. When cutting, push the product forward until the spikes dig into the edge of the wood, then by moving the rear handle up or down in the direction of the cutting line it can help ease the physical strain of cutting.
GUIDE BAR
Generally, guide bars with small radius tips have somewhat lower potential for kickback. Use a guide bar and matching chain which is just long enough for the job. Longer bars increase the risk of loss of control during sawing. Regularly check the chain tension. When cutting smaller branches (less than the full length of the guide bar) the chain is more likely to be thrown off if the tension is not correct.
CHAIN BRAKE
Chain brakes are designed to quickly stop the chain from rotating. When the chain brake lever/hand guard is pushed towards the bar, the chain should stop immediately. A chain brake does not prevent kickback. It only lowers the risk of injury should the chain bar contact the operator’s body during a kickback event. The chain brake should be tested before each use for the correct operation in both the run and brake positions.
CHAIN CATCHER**
A chain catcher prevents the saw chain from being thrown back towards the operator if the saw chain comes loose or breaks.

INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE PROPER TECHNIQUES FOR BASIC LIMBING, AND

CROSS-CUTTING

UNDERSTANDING THE FORCES WITHIN THE WOOD
When you understand the directional pressures and stresses inside the wood you can reduce the pinches or at least expect them during your cutting. Tension in the wood means the fi bres are being pulled apart and if you cut in this area, the kerf or cut tends to open as the saw goes through. If a log is being supported on a sawhorse and the end is hanging unsupported over the end, tension is created on the upper surface due to the weight of the overhanging log stretching
the fi bres. Likewise, the underside of the log will be in compression and the fi bres are being pushed together. If a cut is made in this area, the kerf will have the tendency to close up during the cut. This would pinch the blade.
BLOCKING TREES
Hazardous conditions
When blocking (removing sections from a standing tree) a tree, it is important to follow these warnings and instructions to prevent possible serious injury.
WARNING! Do not block the trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipitation. Wait until the hazardous weather has ended. Closely check for broken or dead branches that could fall while cutting and do not cut near buildings or  lectrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall. Do not cut at night or during bad weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, that can reduce visibility and control of the product. If the tree you are blocking makes contact with any utility line, discontinue use of the product and immediately notify the utility company. Failure to follow these instructions could result in death or serious personal injury.
These basic blocking techniques are not intended to substitute for the judgment of an experienced professional. Your circumstance may require a diff erent type of notch or technique. Always exercise good professional judgment and discretion when evaluating how to safely complete a cutting task.

• Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equipment, then cut them up.
• Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.
• Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the backcut to ensure that the tree is going to fall in the preferred direction.
• If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the product gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the product and save yourself.
• Blocking a tree – When bucking and blocking operations are being performed by two or more persons, at the same time, the blocking operation should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being blocked. Trees should not be blocked in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree makes contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.
• Notched undercut (a notch cut in a tree that directs the tree’s fall). Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of fall. Make the cuts of the notch so that they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall. The notch should be cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw, always make the lower cut of the notch before the upper cut.

WARNING! Never cut through the notch when making a backcut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree, this is the section of wood between the notch and backcut. Never position yourself directly behind the trunk of a falling tree. There is a risk that the trunk may split and come back towards the operator.

• Backcut (the final cut in a tree blocking operation made on the opposite side of the tree from the notching undercut). The backcut is always made level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in. above the horizontal cut of the notch.
• Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood between the notch and backcut (approximately 2 in. or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called hinge or hingewood. It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping  r twisting or shootback of the tree off the stump.
• On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is deep enough for the tree to either fall or settle back on the stump. Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges into the cut so they do not touch the chain. The wedges can be driven in, little by little, to help jack the tree over.
• As the tree starts to fall, turn off the product and put it down immediately. Be alert for overhead limbs or branches that may fall and watch your footing.

PRUNING
WARNING! Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury. If you are unable to follow these instructions, use a diff erent tool, such as a pole pruner.

• Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.
• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chainsaw with a firm grip. Always make sure that your footing is secure and that your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Do not cut from a ladder, this is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for professionals.
• Do not cut above shoulder height as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback.
• Never position yourself under the branch you are cutting and watch out for falling branches
• When pruning trees it is important not to make the finishing cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight. This prevents stripping the bark from the main member.
• Underbuck the branch 1/3 through for your first cut.
• The second cut should overbuck to drop the branch off.
• Make the finishing cut smoothly and neatly against the main member so that the bark grows back to seal the wound.

CUTTING SPRINGPOLES
A springpole is any log, branch, rooted stump, or sapling that is bent under tension by other wood so that it springs back if the wood holding it is cut or removed.
On a fallen tree, a rooted stump has a high potential of springing back to the upright position during the bucking cut to separate the log from the stump. Watch out for springpoles, they are dangerous.
WARNING! Springpoles are dangerous and could strike the operator, causing the operator to lose control of the product. This could result in severe or fatal injury to the operator. This should be done by trained users.

SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF USE

The cordless chainsaw is only intended for use outdoors.
For safety reasons, the product must be adequately controlled by using two- handed operation at all times.
The product is designed for cutting branches, trunks, logs, and beams of a diameter determined by the cutting length of the guide bar. It is only designed to cut wood. It is only to be used by adults who have received adequate training on the hazards and preventative measures/actions to be taken while using the product.
Do not use the product for any purpose not listed in the specifi ed conditions of use. The product is not to be used by children or by persons not wearing adequate personal protective equipment and clothing.
WARNING! When using the product, the safety rules must be followed. For your safety and that of bystanders, read and fully understand these instructions before operating the product. Attend a professionally organized safety course in the use, preventative actions, fi rst-aid, and maintenance of chainsaws. Keep these instructions safe for later use.
WARNING! Chainsaws are potentially dangerous tools. Accidents involving the use of chainsaws often result in loss of limbs or death. It is not just the chainsaw that is the hazard. Falling branches, toppling trees, and rolling logs can all kill. Diseased or rotting timber poses additional hazards. Assess your capability of completing the task safely. If there is any doubt, leave it to a professional tree surgeon.
The product is to be used only by trained tree surgeons. Use without proper training can result in serious injury.
Do not use the product for any other purpose.

RESIDUAL RISK

Even when the product is used as prescribed, it is still impossible to completely eliminate certain residual risk factors. The following hazards may arise in use and the operator should pay special attention to avoid the following:

• hearing injury caused by exposure to noise
  – Wear hearing protection and limit exposure.

• injury caused by contact with exposed saw teeth of the chain

• injury caused by thrown-out pieces of the workpiece (wood chips, splinters)

• injury caused by dust and particles

• injury to the skin caused by contact with lubricants

• injury caused by parts ejected from the saw chain (cutting/injection hazards)

• injury caused by unforseen, abrupt movement, or kickback of the guide bar (cutting hazards)

RISK REDUCTION

It has been reported that vibrations from handheld tools may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s syndrome in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to cold and dampness, diet, smoking, and work practices are all thought to contribute to the development of these symptoms. There are measures that can be taken by the operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:

• Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating the product wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists warm.
• After each period of operation, exercise to increase blood circulation.
• Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of exposure per day.
• Protective gloves available from professional chainsaw retailers are designed specifically for chainsaw use which give protection, good grip and also reduce the effect of handle vibration. These gloves should comply with EN 381-7.
• If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition, immediately discontinue use and see your doctor.

WARNING! Injuries may be caused, or aggravated, by prolonged use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods, ensure you take regular breaks.

BATTERIES

Battery packs that have not been used for some time should be recharged before use.
Temperatures in excess of 50°C reduce the performance of the battery pack. Avoid extended exposure to heat or sunshine (risk of overheating).
The contacts of the chargers and battery packs must be kept clean.
For an optimum lifetime, the battery packs have to be fully charged after use.
To obtain the longest possible battery life, remove the battery pack from the charger once it is fully charged.
For battery pack storage longer than 30 days:

• Store the battery pack where the temperature is below 27°C and away from moisture.
• Store the battery packs in a 30% – 50% charged condition.
• Every six months of storage, charge the pack as normal.

Do not dispose of used battery packs in the household refuse or by burning them. MILWAUKEE distributors off er to retrieve old batteries to protect our environment.
Do not store the battery pack together with metal objects (short circuit risk).
Use only M18 System chargers for charging M18 System battery packs. Do not use battery packs from other systems.
Never break open battery packs and chargers, and store them only in dry rooms. Keep the battery packs and chargers dry at all times.
Battery acid may leak from damaged batteries under extreme load or extreme temperatures. In case of contact with battery acid, wash it off immediately with soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly for at least 10 minutes and immediately seek medical attention.
No metal parts must be allowed to enter the battery section of the charger (short circuit risk).

ADDITIONAL BATTERY SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING! To reduce the risk of fi re, personal injury, and product damage due to a short circuit, never immerse the product, battery pack, or charger in fl uid or allow fl uid to fl ow inside them. Corrosive or conductive fl uids, such as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach or bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short circuit.

BATTERY PACK PROTECTION

In extremely high torque, binding, stalling and short circuit situations that cause high current draw, the tool vibrates for about 5 seconds, the fuel gauge fl ashes, and then the product turns off .
To reset, release the trigger. Under extreme circumstances, the internal temperature of the battery pack could raise too much. If this happens, the fuel gauge fl ashes until the battery pack cools down.
After the lights go off , continue working.

TRANSPORTING LITHIUM BATTERIES

Lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements.
Transportation of those batteries has to be done in accordance with local, national, and international provisions and regulations.

• Batteries can be transported by road without further requirements.
• Commercial transport of lithium-ion batteries by third parties is subject to Dangerous Goods Regulations. Transport preparation and transport are exclusively to be carried out by appropriately trained persons and the process has to be accompanied by corresponding experts. When transporting batteries:
• Ensure that the battery contact terminals are protected and insulated to prevent short circuit.
• Ensure that the battery pack is secured against movement within the packaging.
• Do not transport batteries that are cracked or leaking.
• Check with the forwarding company for further advice.

WORKING INSTRUCTIONS

ASSEMBLY
Assembling the saw chain and guide bar
WARNING! If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate the product until the parts are replaced. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.
Make sure to remove the battery pack. Wear gloves.

1. Remove the bar mounting nuts using the combination wrench provided.
2.  Remove the drive sprocket cover.
3. Place the chain in the correct direction onto the bar and make sure that the drive links are aligned in the bar groove.
4.  Attach the bar to the chainsaw and loop the chain around the drive sprocket.
5.  Reinstall the drive sprocket cover and bar mounting nuts.
6. Finger-tighten the bar mounting nuts. The bar must be free to move for chain tension adjustment.
7. Adjust the chain tension. Refer to the “Adjusting chain tension” section.
8. Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the bar mounting nuts securely.

**WARNING! The saw chain is sharp. Always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain.
ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION**

1.  Remove the battery pack before you do any work on the product.
2. To increase the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise and check the chain tension frequently. To reduce the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw counterclockwise and check the chain tension frequently.
3. The chain tension is correct when the gap between the cutter in the chain and the bar is about 6.8 mm. Pull the chain in the middle of the lower side of the bar downwards (away from the bar) and measure the distance between the bar and the chain cutters. Tighten the bar mounting nuts by turning it counterclockwise.

NOTE: Do not over-tension the chain. Excess tension causes excessive wear and will reduce the life of the chain and could damage the bar. New chains could stretch and loosen during initial use. Remove the battery pack and check the chain tension frequently during the fi rst 2 hours of use. The temperature of the chain increases during normal operation causing the chain to stretch. Check the chain tension frequently and adjust as required. A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon cooling. Make sure that the chain tension is correctly adjusted as specifi ed in these instructions.

OPERATION

ADDING THE CHAIN LUBRICATING OIL
WARNING! Never work without a chain lubricant. If the saw chain is running without a lubricant, the guide bar and the saw chain can be damaged. It is essential to frequently check the oil level in the oil level gauge and before starting to use the product.
Keep the reservoir more than ¼ full to ensure that suffi cient oil is available for the job.
NOTE: It is recommended to use a vegetable-based chain oil when pruning trees. Mineral oil may harm trees. Never use waste oil, automotive oil, or very thick oils. These could damage the product. Clear the surface around the oil cap to prevent contamination.

1. Loosen and remove the cap from the oil tank.
2.  Pour the oil into the oil tank and monitor the oil level gauge.
3.  Put the oil cap back on and tighten it up. Wipe away any spillage.
4. Perform a functional test of the chain brake, trigger release, and throttle trigger.

HOLDING THE PRODUCT
Always hold the product with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle. Grip both handles with the thumbs and fi ngers encircling the handles.
STARTING THE PRODUCT
Before starting the product, install the battery pack and make sure that the chain brake is in run position by pulling the chain brake lever toward the front handle.
CHECKING AND OPERATING THE CHAIN BRAKE
Engage the chain brake by rotating your left hand around the front handle. Allow the back of your hand to push the chain brake lever toward the bar while the chain is rotating rapidly. Make sure to maintain both hands on the saw handles at all times.
Reset the chain brake back into the run position by grasping the top of the chain brake lever and pulling toward the front handle until you hear a click.
WARNING! If the chain brake does not stop the chain immediately, or if the chain brake does not stay in the run position without assistance, bring the product to a MILWAUKEE service centre for repair before use.

BEFORE CUTTING

1. Perform a functional test of the chain brake, trigger release, and throttle trigger.
2. Inspect the chain catcher.
3. Check the oil level, chain tension and sharpness, and guide bar.

TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE

Always lightly oil the chain when storing to prevent rust. Always empty the oil tank when storing to prevent leakage.
Turn off the product, remove the battery, and allow it to cool before storing or transporting.
Remove all foreign materials from the product. Store the product in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place that is inaccessible to children.
Keep the product away from corrosive agents, such as garden chemicals and de- icing salts. Do not store the product outdoors.
Fit the guide bar cover before storing the product or during transportation.
For transportation in vehicles, secure the product against movement or falling to prevent injury to persons or damage to the product.

CLEANING

Clean dust and debris from openings. Keep the handle clean, dry, and free of oil or grease. Use only mild soap and a damp cloth to clean, since certain cleaning agents and solvents are harmful to plastics and other insulated parts. Some of these include gasoline, turpentine, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia, and household detergents containing ammonia.
Never use fl ammable or combustible solvents around tools.
After every few hours of use:

• Remove the drive cover, guide bar, and chain, and clean the product thoroughly using a soft bristle brush.
• Ensure that the oiling holes on the bar is clear of debris.
• Blow air through the chain brake cleanout to remove debris from under the brake cover.
• Inspect the brake band. Replace it if damaged.
• When replacing dull chains with sharp chains, it is a good practice to flip the guide bar from bottom to top.
• Remove dust and debris from the vents.
• Keep handles clean, dry, and free of oil or grease.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING! Use only MILWAUKEE accessories and MILWAUKEE spare parts. Failure to do so can cause possible injury, can contribute to poor performance, and may void your warranty.
Should components that have not been described need to be replaced, contact one of our MILWAUKEE service centres (see our list of guarantee or service addresses).
WARNING! Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should be performed only be a qualifi ed service technician. For service, we suggest you bring the product to your nearest MILWAUKEE service centre for repair. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING! Remove the battery pack before adjustment, maintenance, or cleaning. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury. Make adjustments or repairs described in this manual only. For other repairs, contact the authorised service centre.
Consequences of improper maintenance may cause the chain brake and other safety features to not function correctly, thus increasing the potential for serious injury.
Keep the product professionally maintained and safe. Sharpening the chain safely is a skilled task. Therefore, the manufacturer strongly recommends that a worn or dull chain is replaced with a new one, available at your MILWAUKEE service agent. The part number is available in the product specifi cation table in this manual.
Follow instructions for lubricating and chain tension checking and adjustment.
After each use, clean the product with a soft dry cloth.
Remove any chips, dirt, and debris in the battery bay.
Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for security to ensure that the product is in a safe working condition. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced in a MILWAUKEE service centre.
Perform a daily functional test of the chain brake, ensuring that:

• the trigger release springs back and prevents the trigger from being pressed
• the hand guard/chain brake snaps into position with an audible click
• the product does not turn on when the chain brake is locked, and the throttle trigger is pressed Inspect the brake band, drive sprocket, and chain catcher for damage.

REPLACING THE GUIDE BAR AND SAW CHAIN
Wear protective gloves.

1. Remove the bar mounting nuts using the combination wrench provided.
2.  Remove the drive sprocket cover.
3. Put the new chain in the correct direction onto the bar and make sure that the drive links are aligned in the bar groove
4. Attach the bar to the product and loop the chain around the drive sprocket.
5. Reinstall the drive sprocket cover and bar mounting nuts.
6. Finger-tighten the bar mounting nuts. The bar must be free to move for chain tension adjustment.
7. Adjust the chain tension. Refer to the “Adjusting chain tension” section.
8. Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the bar mounting nuts securely.

**WARNING! A dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause excessive motor speed during cutting that may result in severe motor damage.
WARNING! Improper chain sharpening increases the potential of kickback.
WARNING! Failure to replace or repair a damaged chain can cause serious injury.
****WARNING! The saw chain is sharp. Always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain.
INSPECTING AND CLEANING THE CHAIN BRAKE**
Always keep the chain brake mechanism clean by lightly brushing the linkage free from dirt.
Always test the chain brake performance after cleaning.
Refer to “Checking and operating the chain brake” section in this manual for additional information.

GUIDE BAR MAINTENANCE

When the guide bar shows signs of wear, fl ip the guide bar from bottom to top on the saw to distribute the wear for maximum bar life. The bar should be cleaned every day of use and checked for wear and damage. Feathering or burring of the bar rails is a normal process of bar wear. Such faults should be smoothed with a fi le as soon as they occur. A bar with any of the following faults should be replaced:

• wear inside the bar rails that permits the chain to lay over sideways
• bent guide bar
• cracked or broken rails
• spread rails Lubricate the guide bars with a sprocket at their tip weekly. Using a grease syringe, lubricate weekly in the lubricating hole. Turn the guide bar and check that the lubrication holes and bar rails are free from impurities.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Daily check

Bar lubrication| Before each use
Chain tension| Before each use and frequently
Chain sharpness| Before each use, visual check
For damaged parts| Before each use
For loose fasteners| Before each use
Chain brake function| Before each use, inspect and clean
Guide bar| Before each use
Guide bar| After each use
Chain brake| Every 5 hours of operation

REPLACEMENT PARTS (BAR AND CHAIN)

M18 FTHCHS35

Manufacturer| MILWAUKEE
Chain| 4932480178
Guide bar| 4932480173

The chain must be fi tted with the bar from the same manufacturer according to the above combinations.
EXPLODED VIEW
If needed, an exploded view of the product can be ordered. State the product type and the serial number on the label, and order the drawing at your local service centres.

SYMBOLS

| CAUTION! WARNING! DANGER!
---|---
| Read the instructions carefully before starting the product.
| Remove the battery pack before starting any work on the product.
| The product should only be used by persons who are specifi cally trained in tree maintenance work.
| Never expose the product to rain.
| Do not use the product one-handed.
| Always use the product two-handed.
| Wear safety shoes with cut protection, grippy sole, and steel toe.
| Wear gloves.
| Always wear protective clothing and footwear.
| Wear a protective helmet Wear ear protectors Use safety glasses
| Set the chain brake to the run position.
| Set the chain brake to the brake position.
| Beware of the chainsaw kickback and avoid contact with the bar tip.
| Keep bystanders at least 50 ft. away during use.
| Chain brake unlocked/locked
| Chain oil reservoir
| Rotate to adjust the chain tension.
| Chain running direction
| Accessory – Not included in standard equipment, available as an accessory.
| Guaranteed sound power level
| No-load chain speed
V| Voltage
| Direct current

Do not dispose of waste batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment as unsorted municipal waste. Waste batteries and waste electrical and electronic equipment must be collected separately. Waste batteries, waste accumulators and light sources have to be removed from equipment. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice and collection point. According to local regulations retailers may have an obligation to take back waste batteries and Waste electrical and electronic equipment free of charge. Your contribution to re-use and recycling of waste batteries and waste electrical and electronic equipment helps to reduce the demand of raw materials.
Waste batteries, in particular containing lithium and waste Electrical and electronic equipment contain valuable, recyclable materials, which can adversely impact the environment and the human health, if not disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.
Delete personal data from waste equipment, if any.

961096906-01A

Documents / Resources

| milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw [pdf] User Manual
M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw, M18, FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw, Top Handle Chainsaw, Handle Chainsaw, Chainsaw
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