EARTHWISE PS43008 Pole Saw Instruction Manual

EARTHWISE PS43008 Pole Saw Instruction Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:
Before any use, be sure everyone using this tool reads and understands all safety instructions and other information contained in this manual.

⚠ CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.
⚠  WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

ELECTRICAL

AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS- Don’t use pole saw in rain, damp or wet locations. Do not operate pole saw in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors in these tools normally spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.

DRESS PROPERLY – Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors.

USE SAFETY GLASSES- Wear safety glasses  side shields or goggles that are marked to comply ‘Ml:h ANSI 287.1 standard IMlen
operating this product. Use face or dust mask if environment is dusty.

DANGER: Risk of cut. Keep hands away from chain. Keep both hands securely on pole and handle when power is on.

USE RIGHT APPLIANCE – Do not use appliance for any job except that for which it is intended.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit (s) or outlet (s) to be used for the pole saw. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and may be used.

EXTENSION CORD. Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord be sure it is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord.

WARNING: Use outdoor extension cords marked SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOWA. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.

DOUBLE INSULATION – Double Insulation is a concept in safety in electric poem:!r tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to be grounded.
NOTE: The double insulated system is intended to protect the user from shock resulting from a break in the tool’s internal insulation.
Observe all normal safety precautions to avoid electrical shock.

USE HEAD AND FACE PROTECTION: Wear a safety hard hat with a full face shield that meets the ANSI Standards ANSI 289.1 or
CE standards while operating the pole saw.

⚠ CAUTION: Never stand under the limb being trimmed. Position yourself out of the way of falling debris.

It is possible to tie the extension cord and plover cord in a knot to prevent them from becoming disconnected during use. Make the knot as shown, then connect the plug end of the power cord into the receptacle end of the extension cord. This method can also be used to tie tVOC extension cords together.

DISCONNECT POLE SAW from the power supply when not in use or when servicing or cleaning. Do not leave unattended.

AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING – Don’t carry the pole saw with finger on snitch. Be sure switch is off before plugging in.
CAUTION: Never carry pole saw with one hand. Doing so could cause saw to become unbalanced and damage may occur. Failure
to heed this warning can result in serious personal injury.

KEEP CHILDREN AWAY – All visitors, children and pets should stay at a safe distance from the work area. Never allow children to
operate the saw.

STORE IDLE POLE SAW INDOORS -When not in use, the pole saw should be stored indoors in a dry and high or locked-up place,
out of reach of children.

DO NOT ATTEMPT to remove cut material or hold material to be cut when pole saw is on and the chain is moving. Make sure switch
is off when clearing jammed material from chain. Do not grasp the exposed cutting edges when picking up or holding the saw.

⚠ CAUTION: Chain coasts after turned off.
DON’T FORCE POLE SAW – It ¼ill do the job better and less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.
STAY ALERT-Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate pole saw when you are tired or under the influence of
medications, drugs or alcohol.

⚠ DANGER: If chain jams on any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BAR AND CHAIN’ THEY CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS. Release the unit in the safest manner possible. Disconnect the damaged electrical cord or line from the power source. If possible, do so safely. If in doubt, call an electrician or the electrical contractor for assistance. Failure to heed this Danger Will result in serious personal injury and possible death.

LIGHTING – Only operate saw in daylight or good artificial light.
DON’T OVERREACH – Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Make sure power source is removed when clearing jammed material from chain.

CHECK DAMAGED PARTS- Before further use of the pole saw, any part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it’ MII 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. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced. Call our customer service help line at 1- 800- 313- 5111 for

GENERAL SAFETY

Always wear ear plugs or mufflers to protect your hearing. Regular users should have hearing checked regularly as chain saw noise can damage hearing.
MAINTAIN SAW WITH CARE-Keep cutters sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Keep pole and handle dry, clean and free from oil and grease.

⚠ WARNING: To protect yourself from electrocution maintain a min. of 1 Oft (3m) from all electrical lines.
⚠ POLARIZED PLUGS-To reduce the risk of electric shoe this equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is Vvklerthan the other). This
equipment must be used ‘MTh a suitable polarized 2 Vieira or 3 Vere extension cercal. Polarized connections will fit together only one way. Make sure that the recep1acle end of the extension cord has large and small blade slot¼idths. If the plug does not fitfully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If it still does notary, obtain a suitable extension cord. If the extension cord does not fit fully into the outlet, contact a qualified electrician 1o install the proper outlet Do not change the tool plug or extension cord in any way.

⚠ WARNING: Some dust and debris created by the use of this tool could contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer an birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• chemicals in fertilizers
• compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides
• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.

Your risk from exposure to these chemicals varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure, work in a well -ventilated area and with approved safety equipment, such as dust ma KS that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

⚠ WARNING: California Proposition 65:
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
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.

PACKING LIST
– Pole Saw
– (1) Wrench and (1) Flat end screwdriver
– Instruction Manual
-Chain & bar
– Blade cover

⚠ WARNING: 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.
Call 1-800-313-5111 for assistance.

POLE ASSEMBLY:
Hold the two sections of the pole as shown with the arrows facing up.
Plug the two sections together. Slide the collar down over the connection and turn clockwise to lock into place.

ADJUSTING LENGTH OF TELESCOPIC POLE
To adjust the telescoping pole: disconnect the saw from the power supply Rotate the collar between the smallest pole and the middle pole counterclockwise to loosen. Extend the pole 1o the desired length.

NOTE: Only extend the pole 1o minimum length required to reach the lime to be cut. Lock the pole in position by turning the collar clockwise until filly hand tight. Do not use wrench or pliers to over tighten the collar. Damage to collar and/or pole may result.

⚠ WARNING: Failure to lock telescopic pole collars and/or rotating head knob as directed could result in personal injury.

INSTALLING/REPLACING THE GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN

⚠ DANGER: Never start the motor before installing the guide bar, chain and chain cover. Without all these parts in place, the clutch can fly off or explode, exposing the user to possible serious injury.

⚠ WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, read and understand all the safety instructions provided.

⚠ WARNING: Before performing any maintenance, make sure the tool is unplugged from the paver supply. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.

⚠ CAUTION: Always ‘Wear gloves when handling the bar and chain; these components are sharp and may contain burrs.

⚠ WARNING: Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is running. The saw chain is very sharp; always Vvear protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain to avoid possible serious lacerations.
NOTE: When replacing the guide bar and chain, use only identical replacement parts.

• Disconnect pole saw from pointer supply

• Loosen the guide bar screw. (1)

• Remove the chain cover. (2)

• Remove the bar and chain from the mounting surface. (3)

• Remove the old chain from the bar.

• Lay out the new saw chain in a loop and straighten any kinks.
  The cutters should face in the direction of the chain rotation. If they face backvv’ards, turn the loop over. (4)

• Place the chain drive links into the bar groove.

⚠ NOTE: Make certain of the direction of chain.

• Position the chain so there is a loop at the back of the bar. (5)

• Hold the chain in position on the bar and place the loop around the sprocket.

• Fit the bar flush against the mounting surface so that the bar studs are in the long slot of the bar. (6)
  NOTE: When placing the bar on the bar studs, ensure that the adjusting pin is in the chain tension pin hole.

• Tighten the chain tensioner. (7)

• Replace the chain cover.
  • Tighten the guide bar screw, but leave the bar free to move for tension adjustment (8)
  • Remove all slack from the chain by turning the chain tensioner clockwise until the chain seats snugly against the bar with the drive links in the bar groove. (9)
  • Tighten the guide bar screw. (10)

The chain is correctly tensioned when there is no sag on the underside of the guide bar, the chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand without binding.

NOTE: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen the guide bar screw slightly and turn the chain tensioner 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
Lift the tip of the guide bar up and retighten the guide bar screw. Ensure that the chain will rotate without binding.
NOTE: A new chain tends to stretch, check chain tension frequently and tension as required.

OPERATING

CHAIN TENSION AND MAINTENANCE

OPERA TING INSTRUCTIONS

The following precautions should be followed to minimize kickback:

1. Always grip the pole and handle firmly with both hands when unit is running. Place one hand on the pole and your other hand on the Molded handle with your thumbs and fingers encircling the pole and handle. A firm grip together with positioning handle against your body will help you maintain control of the saw if kickback occurs.
2. 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 that could be hit while you are operating the saw.
3.  Always cut with the unit running at full speed. Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady cutting speed.
4. To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate within 50ft.of overhead power lines.
5. Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.

Proper Cutting Stance
Weight should be balanced with both feet on solid ground.
Keep left arm with elbow locked in a “straight arm” position to withstand any kickback force. Your right hand should be griping the handle and positioned firmly against your body for added support.
Your body should always be to the left of the chain line. Basic Cutting Procedure

Small trees up to 6-7inches in diameter are usually cut in a single cut.
Large tree limbs require notch cuts. Notch cuts determine the direction the tree will fall.

WARNING: If the tree limb starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw and save yourself. WARNING: Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the back-cut to assure the tree limb is going to fall in the desired direction.
Practice cutting a few small limbs using the following technique to get the ‘feel” of using the saw before you begin a major sawing operation.
Take the proper stance in front of the wood with the saw off.
Squeeze the trigger and let the chain accelerate to full speed before entering the cut.
Hold the pole saw firmly with both hands. ways keep your one hand firmly on the pole and your other hand on the Molded handle so that the handle is positioned firmly against your body for adding balance during cutting.
Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting, maintain a steady speed.
Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or unit can result.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end or the cut.
When felling the top of a small tree, keep everyone a safe distance from the cutting area. During felling operations, the safe distance should be at least twice the height of the largest trees in the felling area. If the tree makes contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.
Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled or knocked off balance.

FELLING A TREE
When bucking and felling operations are being performed by  or more persons, at the same time, the felling operation should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that ‘NOUld endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with
any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.
& WARNING: Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling.
Before any cuts are started, pick your escape route (or routes in case the intended route is blocked); clear the immediate area around the tree and make sure there are no obstructions in your planned path of retreat. A clear path of safe retreat is approximately 135 degrees from planned line of fall. The retreat path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall.

Before felling is started, consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree, and the location of large limbs. These things influence the direction in which the tree will fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a line different from its natural line of fall.

The pole saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.

Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where felling cuts are to be made.

NOTCHED UNDERCUT-Cut a notch about 1/3 diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of the fall. Make the cuts of the notch so they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall. This notch should be cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the weight
of the Voodoo off the saw, always make the mover cut of the notch before the upper cut.

WARNING: Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipitation. Wait to do your cutting until the hazard has ended.

WARNING: Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large trees that have rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged dove with heavy equipment, then cut them up.

FELLING BACK-CUT
The back-cut is al’ NY’s made level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 inches (5cm) above the horizontal cut of the notch.
Never cut through to the notch. Allenby’s leave a band of Voodoo between the notch and back-cut (approximately 2 inches (5cm) or
1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called “hinge” or “hinge Food.” It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping or
twisting or shoot-back of the tree off the stump. This pole saw is not designed to fell large diameter tree tops, or tree trunks.

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

As the tree limb starts to fall, stop the pole saw and immediately retreat along the cleared path. Watch the action in case something falls your v.ra.y. Be alert for overhead limbs or branches that may fall and watch your footing.
WARNING: Never cut through to the notch when making a back-cut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree, this is a section of between the notch and back-cut.

BUCKING
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the desired log length.

Al-Nays make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.

Cut only one log at a time. Support small logs on a saw horse or another log ‘Nile bucking.

Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects can contact the guide bar nose and chain during cutting, this can cause kickback.
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of the log. When “cutting through,” to maintain complete control of the pole saw, release the cutting pressure near the end of the cut without relaxing your grip on the pole saw handles. Do not let the chain contact the ground. After completing the cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before you move the pole saw. Alva’s stop the motor before moving from tree to tree.

BUCKING LOGS UNDER STRESS
When the log is supported along its entire length, it should be cut from the top or over-bucking.
When the log is supported on one end, cut 1/3 diameter from the underside or under-bucking. Then make the finishing cut by over-bucking to meet the first cut.
As the log is being cut, it will tend to bend. The saw can become pinched or hung in the log if you make the first cut deeper than 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
Give special attention to logs under stress to prevent the bar and chain from pinching.

OVERBUCKING – Begin on the top side of the log with the bottom of the saw against the log; exert light pressure downward.
Note that the saw will tend to pull away from you.

UNDER-BUCKING -Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the saw against the log; exert light pressure upward. During under-bucking, the saw\o\111 tend to push back at you. Be prepared for this reaction and hold the saw firmly to maintain control.

LIMBING
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
Work sonly, keeping both hands on the pole saw with a firm grip.
Always make sure your footing is secure and your’ height is distributed evenly on both feet.
Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep the tree off the ground while cutting.
Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut limbs from the -area often to help keep the  area clean and safe.
Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the pole saw.
Keep the tree between you and the pole saw while Limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you are cutting.

⚠ WARNING: Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in any position which can cause you to lose your balance or control of the saw.

Work sonly, keep both hands on the pole saw with a firm grip and the handle positioned firmly against your body for added control and ease of handling. AM0ys make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.

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.

Under-buck the branch 1/3 through for your first cut. Your second cut should over-buck to drop the branch off. Now make your finishing cut smoothly and neatly against the main member so the bark will grow back to seal the Viand.

SPRING POLES
A spring pole is branch, or sapling which is bent under tension by other VoVo so that it springs back if the Voodoo holding it is cut or removed.

⚠ WARNING: Watch out for spring poles, they are dangerous. They could result in severe or fatal injury.

MAINTENANCE

BEFORE USING: Fill oil well with new quality bar or if unavailable, unused SAE 30 weight motor oil may be substituted.

If you drop the pole saw, carefully inspect it for damage. If the blade is bent, housing cracked, or handles broken or if you see any other condition that may affect the saws operation, contact our customer service help line at 1-800-313-5111 for assistance.

Make sure the unit is disconnected from the plover supply, then use only mild soap and a damp cloth to clean the tool. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

After cleaning. apply a light coat of oil to the chain and guide bar to prevent rusting.

⚠ IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by a qualified individual, always using identical replacement parts.

⚠ CAUTION: Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that can damage, weaken or destroy plastic.

Ensure that the plastic blade cover is in place when storing.
Fertilizers and other garden chemicals contain agents which greatly accelerate the corrosion of metals. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.
For smooth and fast cutting, chain needs to be maintained properly.
The chain requires sharpening when the v-.ood chips are small and poverty, the chain must be forced through the Od during cutting, or the chain cuts to one side. Refer to instructions earlier in this manual for instructions on properly sharpening the chain.

LUBRICATION SYSTEM
The chain is automatically lubricated.
Use only new bar and chain oil or unused SAE 30 weight motor oil may be substituted. Never use \Nasted oil, low quality oil, or insufficient oil. This could damage the pump; the bar and the chain which may result in serious personal injury.
Check oil level before each V\Ork session, refill if less than ¼ full.
If the lubrication system does not \oVOrk properly, check the oil filter and that all oil-\Nays are clean and free from obstructions. If it is
still not V\Orking, contact our customer service help line at 1-800- 313-5111 for assistance.
GUIDE BAR MAINTENANCE
When the guide bar shO’vVS signs of wear, reverse it 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 file as soon as they occur.
A bar ‘Nith any of the following faults should be replaced. – Wear inside the bar rails which permits the chain to lay over sidevvays.
– Bent guide bar
– Cracked or broken rails
– Spread rails
In addition, guide bars with a sprocket at their tip must be lubricated weekly ‘Nith a grease syringe to extend the guide bar life. Using a
grease syringe, lubricate weekly in the lubricating hole.
Turn the guide bar and check that the lubrication holes and chain groove are free from impurities.

TROUBLESHOOTING

CALL US FIRST!!
Gall us first with questions about operating or maintaining your pole saw at 1.800.313.5111 between 7:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time, or send emails to [email protected].

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY FOR CORDED ELECTRIC MODELS

This product is manufactured for The Great States Corporation/American Lawn Mower Company. The Great states Corporation/American Lawn Mower Company, Shelbyville, Indiana, has been making lawn mowers for over 100 years and it warrants to the original owner that each new product and service part is free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to repair or replace under this warranty any defective product or part from the original date of purchase for two (2) years except for the conditions and circumstances listed below Proof of purchase (original dated sales receipt) must accompany all warranty claims.

THIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE AND DOES NOT COVER:

Products sold damaged or incomplete, sold “as is”, sold reconditioned, or used as rental equipment.
Delivery, installation, or normal adjustments explained in the operator’s manual.
Damage or liability caused by shipping, improper handling, improper installation, incorrect voltage or improper wiring, improper maintenance, improper modification, or the use of accessories and/or attachments not specifically recommended.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, or the failure to install, operate, maintain, or store the product according to the instructions in the operator’s manual.
Damage caused by cold, heat, rain, excessive humidity, corrosive environments and materials, or other contaminants.

Expendable items that become worn during normal use.
Cosmetic defects that do not interfere with tool functionality.
Freight costs from customer to vendor.
Repair and transportation costs of products or parts determined not to be defective.
ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY DEFECT, FAILURE, OR MALFUNCTION OF THE PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
ANY NON-RESIDENTIAL USE OR COMMERCIAL USE VOIDS ALL WARRANTIES.

The Great States Corporation
American Lawn Mower Company
830 Webster street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone 1-800-313-5111
www.americanlawnmower.com

In a continued commitment to improve quality, the Manufacturer reserves the right to Make component changes or design changes when necessary.

References

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