milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet 8 Pruning Saw Instruction Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Cat. No. / No de cat.
3004-20
M18 FUEL™ HATCHET™ 8″ PRUNING SAW

WARNING To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator’s manual.

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or  serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

WORK AREA SAFETY

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.
  Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY.

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• 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 influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/ or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265°F (130°C) may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

SERVICE

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers. SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR HATCHET™ PRUNING SAWS General pruning saw safety warnings:
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the pruning saw is operating. Before you start the pruning saw, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. A moment of inattention while operating pruning saws may cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the saw chain.
• Always hold the pruning saw with your right hand on the trigger handle and your left hand on the body grip. Holding the pruning saw with a reversed hand configuration increases the risk of personal injury.
• Hold the pruning saw by insulated gripping sur- faces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the pruning saw “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 flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.

SPECIFICATIONS

Cat. No. …………………………………………….. 3004-20
Volts…………………………………………………….. 18 DC
Battery Type ………………………………………….M18™
Charger Type…………………………………………M18™
RPM ……………………………………………………….2,600
Chain Speed ……………………………………..975 ft/min
Bar Length …………………………………….8″ (200 mm)
Cutting Capacity ………………………….7.5″ (190 mm)
Chain Oil Tank Capacity …………………………..2.6 oz
Replacement Bar ……………………………. 49-16-2751
Chain Gauge ……………………………0.043″ (1.1 mm)
Replacement Chain ………………………… 49-16-2750
Chain Type …………………………………. Low kickback
Chain Pitch ………………… 3/8″ (9.5 mm) Low profile
Chain Teeth …………………………………………………33
Weight (Tool-Only) ………………………..4.9 lb (2.2 kg)
Weight with 8″ bar, chain, oil,
& M18™ HD12.0 battery pack ……..8.6 lb (3.9 kg)
Recommended Ambient
Operating Temperature ………………….0°F to 125°F

SYMBOLOGY

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

ASSEMBLY

WARNING
Recharge only with the charger specified for the battery. For specific charging instructions, read the operator’s manual supplied with your charger and battery.
Removing/Inserting the Battery
To remove the battery, push in the release buttons and pull the battery pack away from the tool.
WARNING
Always lock the trigger or remove the battery pack any time the tool is not in use.
To insert the battery, slide the pack into the body of the tool. Make sure it latches securely into place.
WARNING
Only use accessories specifically recommended for this tool. Others may be hazardous.
Replacing/Adjusting the Saw Chain and Bar
WARNING
Always remove battery pack before changing or removing accessories.
Chain is sharp. Always wear protec CAUTION  tive gloves when handling the chain.
Use Low Kickback Saw Chains – 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 at the  kickback zone. Only use replacement chain that is equivalent to original chain or has been certified as low kickback chain per ANSI B175.1.

As saw chains are sharpened during their useful life, they lose some of the low kickback qualities and extra caution should be used.

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. Place the saw on a flat, firm surface.

3. Remove the guide bar cover.

4. Remove the chain cover by removing the guide bar nut using the adjustment tool.

5. Loosen the chain by turning the chain tensioning screw counterclockwise with the adjustment tool.

6. Pull the guide bar off of the guide bar bolt and unloop the chain from the drive hub.
   CAUTION! Saw Chain is sharp.

7. Remove the chain from the guide bar groove.
   CAUTION! Saw Chain is sharp. Inspect guide bar for cracks or wear; replace if damaged.

8. Wrap the new or sharpened chain around the guide bar in the direction indicated on the saw

9. Ensure the chain is properly set in the guide bar groove around the entire guide bar.

10. Loop the chain around the drive hub and fit the bar around the guide bar bolt.

11. Install the chain cover.

12. Use the adjustment tool to rotate the chain tensioning screw to increase tension (clockwise) until the chain is snug around the guide bar.
    • The tension is correct when the chain snaps back after being pulled 1/8″ (3 mm) away from the guide bar. No sag should be visible in the chain.
    • Do not over-tension the chain – excess tension will cause excessive wear and will reduce the life of the chain and could damage the bar.
    • New chains could stretch and loosen during initial use. NOTE: Remove battery pack and check chain tension frequently during the first two hours of use.

13. Tighten the guide bar nut securely.

Chain Oil
WARNING
Always remove battery pack before changing or removing accessories.
NOTICE
Fill oil reservoir with chain oil (not provided) before starting the pruning saw and when tank is less than 1/4 full. Failure to oil the chain will cause damage to the bar and chain.

Filling the Oil Reservoir

1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Place the saw on a flat, firm surface, blade side down.
3. Unscrew the oil cap.
4. Carefully fill reservoir with chain oil.
5. Tighten oil cap securely.
6. Repeat as needed during use.
7. Periodically check that the saw chain is lubricating correctly:
   a. With a full reservoir, hold the pruning saw with the tip of the guide bar pointing at a light-colored surface
   b. Run the pruning saw for approximately 30 seconds.
   c. An oil line should become visible on the light surface.
   d. If not, remove and clean the guide bar thoroughly. Ensure the guide bar sprocket (at the tip) rotates freely.
   e. If the lubrication system still does not work properly, contact a MILWAUKEE service facility.

Transporting Saw
Before transporting, always:

1. Remove the battery pack
2. Place the cover over the guide bar.

OPERATION

DANGER
Never cut near power lines, electric cords, or other electric sources. If bar and chain jams on any electrical cord or line,
DO NOT TOUCH THE BAR OR CHAIN! THEY CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS.
Continue to hold the pruning saw by the insulated grasping surfaces or lay it down and away from you in a safe manner.
Disconnect the electrical service to the damaged line or cord before attempting to free the bar and chain from the line or cord. Contact with the bar, chain, other conductive parts of the pruning  saw, or live electric cords or lines will result in death by electrocution, electric shock, or serious personal injury.
WARNING
Read and understand all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
To reduce the risk of injury, always wear proper eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
When working in dusty situations, wear appropriate respiratory protection or use an OSHA compliant dust extraction solution.

• Guard Against Kickback which can result in severe injury or death. See Important Safety Instructions “Guard Against Kickback”, to avoid the risk of kickback.
• Always wear proper eye protection with sideshields, marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 whenoperating the pruning saw. Failure to do so couldresult in objects being thrown into your eyes andother possible serious injuries.
• Do not overreach. Do not cut above shoulder height. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the pruning saw only when standing on fixed, secure andlevel surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces may cause a loss of balance or control of the pruning saw.
• Do not operate a pruning saw in a tree, on a ladder, rooftop, or scaffold unless properly trained.To avoid death or serious injury, operator must be trained in safe climbing techniques and in the use of all appropriate safety equipment.
• Do not allow familiarity with this product to makeyou careless. Remember that a careless fractionof a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.
• Hold the pruning saw with your right hand on thetrigger handle and your left hand on the body grip. Holding the pruning saw with a reversed hand configuration increases the risk of personal injury.
• During operations where it is necessary touse one hand, such as to steady or control the workpiece/branch, guide workpiece away from you, or provide better visibility to the work area:
• Keep free hand clear of the chain and out of the cutting path.
• Maintain a firm grip on the branch being cut to avoid “skating” or “bouncing” of the saw.
• Never cut above shoulder height.
• Do not cross arms or overreach.
• Always cut away from yourself.
• Avoid excess flexing or tension on the branchbeing cut.
• Never allow any part of your body to be in line withthe guide bar when operating the pruning saw.
• Never operate while in any awkward position or on an other unstable surface. You may lose control of saw causing severe injury.
• Making a cut that has a diameter greater than the saw’s cutting capacity requires advanced techniques and should only be performed byproperly traine

Kickback
WARNING
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of he 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 pruning saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.

• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Maintain a firm grip on the pruning saw and position your body and arm(s) to allow you to resist kick- back forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions  are taken. Do not let go of the pruning saw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better control of the pruning saw in unexpected situations.
• 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.
• Always cut with the unit running at full speed. Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady cutting speed.
• Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement guide bars and saw 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 pruning saw. Make sure the switch is off and the battery pack is removed. Unexpected actuation of the  pruning saw while clearing jammed material or servicing may result in serious personal injury.
• Push and Pull – This reaction force is always opposite to the direction the chain is moving where wood contact is made. Thus, the operator must be ready to control the PULL when cutting  on the bottom edge of the bar, and PUSH when cutting along the top edge.

Turning the Tool On / Off
WARNING
Hold the pruning saw with your right hand on the trigger handle and your left hand on the body grip. Position your body and arm(s) to allow you to resist kickback forces. A firm grip together with a stiff left arm will help you maintain control of the saw if kickback occurs. Keep body to the left of the chain line. Never straddle the saw or chain, or lean over past the chain line.
Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.

1. Insert the battery pack.
2. Grip both handles securely, keeping body out of line with the chain.
3. To start the saw, push the lock-off button down while pulling the trigger.
4. Allow pruning saw to come to full speed before contacting workpiece.
5. To stop, release the trigger. Hold saw still until chain comes to a complete stop.
   Never attempt to lock the trigger in

WARNING the ON position.
Proper Cutting Stance
WARNING
Always use the proper cutting stance described in this section.
Never kneel when using the pruning saw, except when felling a tree. Kneeling could result in loss of stability and control of the pruning saw, resulting in serious personal injury.

• 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 body should always be to the left of the chain line.
• Left hand should be on underside of knuckle guard.
  

Work Area Precautions

• Cut only wood or materials made from wood, no sheet metal, no plastics, no masonry, no non-wood building materials.
• Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no person to use this pruning saw who has not read this Operator’s Manual or received adequate instructions for the safe and proper use of this pruning saw.
• When felling a tree, keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children, and animals – a safe distance from the cutting area. During felling operations, the safe distance should be a least twice the height of the largest trees in the felling area. During bucking operations, keep a minimum distance of 15 feet between workers. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would 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 noti- fied immediately.
• Do not attempt to fell a tree or sapling greater than 7.5″ (190 mm) in diameter. To avoid death or serious injury, operator must be trained in safe tree felling techniques, in the use of all appropriate safety equipment and use of a pruing saw suitable for the application.
• Always cut with both feet on solid surface to prevent being pulled off balance.
• Do not cut above shoulder height, as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback forces.
• Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this operation for professionals.
• Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.
• Check work area for hazards such as bees, rodents, snakes, etc., that may live in trees or brush.

Basic Cutting Procedure

Practice cutting a few small logs using the following technique to get the “feel” of using the saw before you begin a major sawing operation.

1. Take the proper stance in front of the wood with the saw off.
2. Press down the trigger lock-off, squeeze the trigger, and let the chain accelerate to full speed before entering the cut.
3. Begin cutting with the saw against the log near the bucking spikes.
4. Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting, maintain a steady speed.
5. 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.
6. Release the switch trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the chain to stop. If you run the saw without a cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and unit.
7. Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of cut.

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

• Always 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 while 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.

• Never allow someone to hold the log during cutting.

• Never stabilize log with leg or feet.

• When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of the log. To maintain complete control of the pruning saw when cutting through the log, release the cutting pressure near the  end of the cut without relaxing your grip on the grasping surfaces. Do not let the chain contact the ground. After completing the cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before you move the  pruning saw. Always stop the motor before moving from tree to tree.

• Sometimes it is impossible to avoid pinching (with just standard cutting techniques) or difficult to predict which way a log will settle when cut. To avoid pinching while cutting, rotate or  move the log so that the pinch is eliminated.

Spring poles
WARNING
Spring poles are dangerous and could strike the operator, causing the operator to lose control of the pruning saw. This could result in severe or fatal injury to the operator.

A springpole is any log, branch, rooted stump, or sapling which 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 spring poles, they are dangerous.

Types of Cutting Used
Overbulking (crosscutting)

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 (crosscutting)

Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the saw against the log; exert light pressure upward. During underbucking, the saw will tend to push back at you. Be prepared for this reaction and hold the saw firmly to maintain control.

Limbing
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.
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.

• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning saw with a firm grip. Always make sure your foot- ing is secure and your weight 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 work area often to help keep the work area clean and safe.
• Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the pruning saw.
• Keep the tree between you and the pruning saw while limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you are cutting.

Pruning
WARNING
If the limbs to be pruned are above shoulder height, hire a professional to perform the pruning. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.

Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.

• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning saw with a firm grip. Always make sure your footing is secure and 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.
• 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.
• Your second cut should overbuck 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 wound.

TROUBLESHOOTING

MAINTENANCE

WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, always unplug the charger and remove the battery pack from the charger or tool before performing any maintenance. Never disassemble the tool, battery pack or  charger. Contact a MILWAUKEE service facility for ALL repairs.

Maintaining Tool
Keep your tool, battery pack and charger in good repair by adopting a regular maintenance program.
Inspect your tool for issues such as undue noise, misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, or any other condition that may affect the tool operation. Return the tool, battery  pack, and charger to a MILWAUKEE service facility for repair. After six months to one year, depending on use, return the tool, battery pack and charger to a MILWAUKEE service facility for inspection.
If the tool does not start or operate at full power with a fully charged battery pack, clean the contacts on the battery pack. If the tool still does not work properly, return the tool, charger and battery pack, to a MILWAUKEE service facility for repairs.
Chain and Bar
After every few hours of use, remove the chain cover, guide bar and chain and clean thoroughly using a soft bristle brush. Ensure oiling hole on bar is clear of debris. When replacing dull  chains with sharp chains it is good practice to flip the guide bar from bottom to top.

Sharpening the Saw Chain
WARNING
Improper chain sharpening increases the potential of kickback. Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can cause serious injury.
The saw chain is very sharp, always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain.

Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and to the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained only when all cutters are uniform.

• Wear gloves for protection.

• Properly tension the chain prior to sharpening.

• Refer to Step 12 in the Replacing/Adjusting the Saw Chain and Bar section.

• Do all of your filing at the mid-point of the bar.
  

• Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.

• Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do not let the file dip or rock.

• Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front corner of the tooth.

• Lift file away from the steel on each return stroke.

• Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand cutters in one direction. Then move to the other side and file the right hand cutters in the opposite direction. Occasionally remove  filings from the file with a wire brush.

• CORRECT 30° – File holders are marked with guide marks to align file properly to produce correct top plate angle.

• LESS THAN 30° – For cross cutting.

• MORE THAN 30° – Feathered edge dulls quickly.

Side Plate Angle

• CORRECT – 80° Produced automatically if correct diameter file is used in file holder.
• HOOK – “Grabs” and dulls quickly. Increases potential of KICKBACK. Results from using a file with diameter too small, or file held too low.
• BACKWARD SLOPE – Needs too much feed pressure, causes excessive wear to bar and chain. Results from using a file with diameter too large, or file held too high. Depth Gauge Clearance
• The depth gauge should be maintained at a clearance of .025 in. Use a depth  gauge tool for checking the depth gauge clearances.
• Every time the chain is filed, check the depth gauge clearance.

Use a flat file and a depth gauge jointer to lower all gauges uniformly. Depth gauge jointers are available in .020 in. to .035 in. Use a .025 in. depth gauge jointer. After lowering each depth  gauge, restore original shape by rounding the front.
Be careful not to damage adjoining drive links with the edge of the file. Depth gauges must be adjusted with the flat file in the same direction the adjoining cutter was filed with the round file. Use care not to contact cutter face with flat file when adjusting depth gauges.
Guide Bar Maintenance
When the guide bar shows signs of wear, flip 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 file as soon as they occur.
A bar with any of the following faults should be replaced.

• Wear inside the bar rails/groove which permits the chain to lay over sideways.
• Bent guide bar.
• Cracked or broken rails/guide bar groove.
• Spread rails.
  Lubricate guide bars with a sprocket at their tip weekly. Using a grease syringe, lubricate weekly in the lubricating hole, located under chain cover. Turn the guide bar and check that the  lubrication holes and bar rails are free from impurities.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury and damage,  never immerse your tool, battery pack or charger in liquid or allow a liquid to flow inside them.

Cleaning
Clean dust and debris from any vents. Keep tool 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 deter- gents containing ammonia. Never use flammable or combustible solvents around tools.

Repairs
For repairs, return the tool, battery pack and charger to the nearest authorized service center.

ACCESSORIES

WARNING
Use only recommended accessories. Others may be hazardous.
For a complete listing of accessories, go online to www.milwaukeetool.com or contact a distributor.

SERVICE – UNITED STATES
1-800-SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878)
Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM CST
or visit www.milwaukeetool.com
Contact Corporate After Sales Service Technical Support with technical, service/repair, or warranty questions.
Email: metproductsupport@milwaukeetool.com
Become a Heavy Duty Club Member at www.milwaukeetool.com to receive important notifications regarding your tool purchases.

SERVICE – CANADA
Milwaukee Tool (Canada) Ltd
1.800.268.4015
Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST or visit www.milwaukeetool.ca

LIMITED WARRANTY USA & CANADA

Every MILWAUKEE power tool* (see exceptions below) is warranted to the original purchaser only to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Subject to certain exceptions, MILWAUKEE will repair or replace any part on an electric power tool which, after examination, is determined by MILWAUKEE to be defective in material or workman­ship for a period of five (5) years* after the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Return of the power tool to a MILWAUKEE factory Service Center location or MILWAUKEE Authorized Service Station, freight prepaid and insured, is required. Acopy of the proof of purchase should be included with the return product. This warranty does not apply to damage that MILWAUKEE determines to be from repairs made or attempted by anyone other than MILWAUKEE authorized personnel, misuse, alterations, abuse, normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or accidents.
Normal Wear: Many power tools need periodic parts replacement and service to achieve best performance. This warranty does not cover repair when normal use has exhausted the life of a part including, but not limited to, chucks, brushes, cords, saw shoes, blade clamps, o-rings, seals, bumpers, driver blades, pistons, strikers, lifters, and bumper cover washers.
This warranty does not cover Air Nailers & Staplers; Airless Paint Sprayer, Cordless Battery Packs; Gasoline Driven Portable Power Gen­erators; Hand Tools; Hoist — Electric, Lever & Hand Chain; M12T” Heat­ed Gear; Reconditioned Product; and Test & Measurement Products. There are separate and distinct warranties available for these products. **The warranty period for Job Site Radios, M12Tm Power Port, M1811” Power Source, Jobsite Fan and Trade –Mann” Industrial Work Carts is one (1) year from the date of purchase. The warranty period for the M18 FUELTM 1″ D-Handle High Torque Impact Wrenches, Drain Cleaning Cables, AIRSNAKET” Drain Cleaning Air Gun Accessories, REDLITHIUMTM USB Laser Levels, TRAPSNAKEn” 25′ Auger w/ CABLE DRIVETM, FORCE LOGIC Press Tool Accessories and Green Cross Line Laser is two (2) years from the date of purchase. The war­ranty period for the M18171 Compact Heat Gun, 8 Gallon Dust Extrac­tor, M1811” Framing Nailers, M18 FUELTM 1/2″ Ext. Anvil Controlled Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEYTM, M18 FUELTM 1″ High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEYTM, M18 FUELTM 2 Gal. Compact Quiet Compressor, M1211” Laser Levels, 165′ Laser Detector, M121m 23GA Pin Nailer, M18 FUELTM 1/4″ Blind Rivet Tool w/ ONE-KEYTM, M12 FUELTM Low Speed Tire Buffer, M18 FUELTM Random Orbital Polish­ers, M181‘d Utility Fencing Stapler, and the 72″ Laser Tripod is three (3) years from the date of purchase. The warranty period for the LED in the LED Work Light and the LED Upgrade Bulb for the Work Light is the lifetime of the product subject to the limitations above. If during normal use the LED or LED Bulb fails, the part will be replaced free of charge. Warranty Registration is not necessary to obtain the applicable war­ranty on a MILWAUKEE power tool product. The manufacturing date of the product will be used to determine the warranty period if no proof of purchase is provided at the time warranty service is requested.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE EXCLUSIVE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT REMEDIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS A CONDITION OF THE CON­TRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EVERY MILWAUKEE PRODUCT. IF YOU DO NOTAGREE TO THIS CONDITION, YOU SHOULD NOT PURCHASE THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL MILWAUKEE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY COSTS, ATTORNEY FEES, EXPENSES, LOSSES OR DELAYS ALLEGED TO BE AS A CON­SEQUENCE OF ANY DAMAGE TO, FAILURE OF, OR DEFECT IN ANY PRODUCT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY CLAIMS FOR LOSS OF PROFITS. SOME STATES DO NOTALLOW THE EX­CLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, MILWAUKEE DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE; TO THE EXTENT SUCH DISCLAIMER IS NOT PERMITTED BY LAW, SUCH IMPLIED WAR­RANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WAR­RANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU, THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
This warranty applies to product sold in the U.S.A. and Canada only. Please consult the ‘Service Center Search’ in the Parts & Service sec­tion of
MILWAUKEE’s website www.milwaukeetool.com or call 1.800. SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878) to locate your nearest service facility for warranty and non-warranty service on a Milwaukee electric power tool.

MILWAUKEE TOOL
13135 West Lisbon Road
Brookfield, WI 53005 USA

Documents / Resources

| milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet 8 Pruning Saw [pdf] Instruction Manual
M18 Fuel Hatchet 8 Pruning Saw, M18 Fuel, Hatchet 8 Pruning Saw, 8 Pruning Saw, Pruning Saw
---|---

References

• Milwaukee® Tool Official Site | Nothing but HEAVY DUTY®
• Milwaukee® Tool Official Site | Nothing but HEAVY DUTY®

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>