Flex-Force Power System™ 41cm (16in) 60V MAX Chainsaw

Important: Use only bar and chain oil (sold separately).

Fill the chain saw with bar and chain oil; refer to Checking the Oil Level and Adding Bar and Chain Oil.

Before using the chain saw, do the following:

• Check the chain tension; refer to Adjusting the Chain Tension.

• Clean the chain saw components, inspect them for excessive wear or damage, and replace them as needed; refer to Servicing the Guide Bar, Chain, and Drive Sprocket.

• Check the chain for sharpness and damage, and sharpen or replace as needed; refer to Sharpening the Chain.

• Check the oil level; refer to Checking the Oil Level and Adding Bar and Chain Oil.

• Check the chain brake; refer to Checking the Chain Brake.

• Check the chain saw for damage, general appearance, and performance; ensure that the switches move freely, the vents and handles are clean, and the bar is not bent or damaged.

1. Ensure that the vents on the chain saw are free from dust and debris (Figure 6).

   

   Figure 6

   1. Side vent
   2. Bottom vent

2. Set the chain saw down on a level surface.

3. Align the tongue of the battery pack with the battery cavity in the chain saw (Figure 7).

   

   Figure 7

4. Push the battery pack into the battery cavity until the battery pack locks into place.

5. Remove the protective cover from the chain.

6. Ensure that the chain brake is in the OPERATING position (Figure 8).

   

   Figure 8

   1. Chain brake (OPERATING position)
   2. Chain brake (STOP position)

7. With your left hand on the front handle and your right hand on the rear handle, press the trigger lock, then squeeze the trigger (Figure 9).

   

   Figure 9

   1. Front handle
   2. Chain brake
   3. Trigger lock
   4. Trigger
   5. Rear handle

To shut off the chain saw, release the trigger.

Whenever you are not using the saw or are transporting the saw to or from the work area, move the chain brake to the STOP position (Figure 8) and remove the battery pack.

There are 2 types of kickback:

• A fast upward motion of the chain saw that results when the chain at the nose or top of the bar contacts an object

• A fast backward motion of the chain saw that results when the chain at the nose or top of the bar is pinched by the object being cut

Figure 10 shows the area of the bar to avoid contacting an object to prevent kickback.

Figure 10

1. Kickback area (nose, top of the bar)
2. Nose

1. Grip the chain saw with 2 hands, with your left hand on the front handle and your right hand on the rear handle as shown in Figure 11.

   Important: Keep your left arm straight with your elbow locked to help reduce kickback.

   

   Figure 11

2. Stand on solid, even ground in front of the wood to be cut.

3. Stand to the left side of the chain saw, not in line with the chain, and position yourself for balanced, stable footing while cutting.

   Important: Do not stand on the wood that you are cutting.

4. Ensure that you only cut the wood that you intend to cut; do not allow the saw chain to contact the earth, other logs, or any other objects when cutting.

5. Ensure that the saw chain is rotating at full speed before starting a cut.

6. Cut with the wood near the rear of the guide bar, close to the bucking teeth; press the chain saw lightly against the wood and allow the weight of the chain saw to drive the cutting.

   Note: You can use the bucking teeth (Figure 12) to apply light pressure.

   

   Figure 12

   1. Bucking teeth

7. Keep steady pressure on the chain saw, cutting in a straight line, and release pressure only near the end of the cut.

1. Grip the chain saw as shown in Figure 11.

2. While cutting small branches, apply light pressure to the branch to be cut.

3. While cutting larger branches, make a shallow undercut and then complete the cut from the topside of the branch.

   1. Cut from the underside of the limb about 15 cm (6 inches) from the trunk. Cut a third of the way through the limb.

   2. Cut 5.0 to 10.0 cm (2 to 4 inches) farther out on the limb and from above. Cut the limb until it falls.

   3. Cut the limb stub at the branch collar (Figure 13).

      Important: Do not cut the limb past the collar, flush to the trunk, or leave a large limb stub; this damages the tree.

      

      Figure 13

      1. First relief undercut
      2. Second through cut
      3. Final pruning cut to remove the limb stub
      4. Branch collar (where the trunk transitions to the limb)

The proper operator stance for felling a tree is shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14

1. Determine the direction that the tree will fall. Take the following variables into consideration:

   • Wind direction

   • Heavier limbs on 1 side of the tree

   • Natural tilt of the tree (if any)

2. Determine a clear, safe retreat path away from the danger area; refer to Figure 15.

   

   Figure 15

   1. Retreat path (at a 45° angle opposite from the planned direction of fall)
   2. Planned direction of fall
   3. Danger area

3. Grip the chain saw as shown in (Figure 11).

4. Make the first cut a third of the way through the tree diameter on the side where you want the tree to fall (Figure 16).

   Note: Making this cut prevents the chain saw from being pinched while making the next cut.

   

   Figure 16

   1. First cut
   2. Second cut
   3. Hinge
   4. Back cut

5. Make a second cut to form a notch, starting the cut at least 5 cm (2 inches) above and away from the first cut (Figure 16).

   Important: Ensure that the first cut and the second cut meet at the same point, forming a clean notch.

6. Make the back cut from the opposite side of the notch and about 5 cm (2 inches) higher than the bottom of the notch as shown in Figure 16.

   Important: Stop the third cut 2.5 to 5.0 cm (1 to 2 inches) from the notch to form a hinge between the cuts (Figure 16), which keeps the tree from falling in the wrong direction or twisting as it falls.

   Note: As the back cut nears the hinge (Figure 16), the tree should begin to fall.

7. When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw, shut it off, put it down, and retreat along the path you determined in step 2.

   Important: If the tree begins to fall in an undesired direction, immediately stop the cut, shut off the chain saw, put the chain saw down, and use a non-metallic wedge to open the back cut and push the tree in the desired direction.

1. Grip the chain saw as shown in Figure 11.

2. Moving from the base of the tree up, cut off the smaller limbs from the tree that are not supporting its weight off the ground (Figure 17).

3. Cut the larger limbs that support the weight of the tree from the bottom upward so that the limbs do not pinch the saw blade (Figure 18).

   

   Figure 17

   

   Figure 18

When bucking a log, note where the log is supported and where there is a load on the log. Cut the log so that when the ends fall, your guide bar will not be pinched between them.

Important: If the chain saw binds in the cut, do not attempt to free it by running the motor. Shut off the saw, then use a wedge to pry open the cut and release the saw.

If you are cutting branches from a fallen tree or cutting a log into lengths, support the log off the ground (preferably on a sawbuck).

• If the log is supported on both ends, but not in the middle, the load is on the center of the log.

  • Start from the top and cut about a third of the way through the log (Figure 19A).

  • Make a second cut from the underside to meet the first cut (Figure 19B). This keeps the log from pinching the saw.

  

  Figure 19

• If the log is supported on a single end, the load is on the free end of the log.

  • Start from the underside and cut about a third of the way through the log.

  • Make a second cut from the top to meet the first cut. This keeps the log from pinching the saw.

• If the log is supported off the ground along its entire length, without a heavy load on the log at any point, cut all the way through the log from the top.

• If the log is on a hill, always stand on the uphill side of the log (Figure 20).

  

  Figure 20

  1. Direction of slope

• If the whole length of the log is supported on flat, level ground, cut a third of the diameter from the top, then roll the log over and make another cut to meet the first cut (Figure 21).

  

  Figure 21

1. Set the chain saw down on a level surface.

2. Align the tongue of the battery pack with the battery cavity in the chain saw (Figure 22).

   

   Figure 22

3. Push the battery pack into the battery cavity until the battery pack locks into place.

1. Place the chain saw on a flat surface.

2. Press down on the latch and remove the battery pack from the cavity.

   

   Figure 23

   1. Latch

Important: Use only bar and chain oil (sold separately).

1. Shut off the chain saw and remove the battery pack; refer to Removing the Battery Pack.

2. Check the oil level in the window. If the oil does not fill the window, add bar and chain oil as needed (Figure 24).

   

   Figure 24

   1. Oil window
   2. Oil cap

3. Place the chain saw on a flat surface with the oil cap facing up.

4. Clean the area around the oil cap (Figure 24).

   Note: Ensure that you do not allow debris/wood chips to enter the oil tank.

5. Unfold the wing-nut tab on the oil cap tab, remove the cap, and pour bar and chain oil into the chain saw until the oil fills the tank (Figure 24).

   Important: Do not fill the chain saw higher than the bottom of the fill neck.

6. Clean up any spilled oil, secure the oil cap, and fold the wing-nut tab down.

7. Ensure that oil is flowing to the chain; refer to Checking the Flow of Bar and Chain Oil.

1. Place the chain saw on a flat surface and remove the battery pack; refer to Removing the Battery Pack.

2. Engage the chain brake by moving the chain brake forward to the STOP position (Figure 25).

   

   Figure 25

   1. Chain brake (OPERATING position)
   2. Chain brake (STOP position)

3. Grip the chain with a gloved hand and attempt to pull it around the guide bar; the chain should not move around the guide bar. If it does, take the chain saw to an Authorized Service Dealer for repair.

4. Disengage the chain brake by moving the chain brake rearward to the OPERATING position (Figure 25).

5. Grip the chain with a gloved hand and attempt to pull it around the guide bar; the chain should move around the guide bar. If it does not, take the chain saw to an Authorized Service Dealer for repair.

1. Prepare to use the chain saw; refer to Before Using the Chain Saw.

2. To ensure that oil is flowing to the chain, point the nose of the chain saw a few inches from a surface (e.g. paper, cardboard, a stump) and run the chain saw; you should be able to see a light spray of oil on the surface (Figure 26).

   

   Figure 26

   1. Run the chain saw a few inches from a surface.
   2. If the oil is flowing, it will spray off the chain and accumulate.

3. If oil is not flowing, ensure that there is oil in the tank and that the area under the side cover is clean; refer to Checking the Oil Level and Adding Bar and Chain Oil and Servicing the Guide Bar, Chain, and Drive Sprocket.

Ensure that the chain is properly tensioned.

A loose chain shortens the life of the drive sprocket and the guide bar and may cause the chain to fall off.

An overtightened chain overheats the guide bar and chain, causing rapid wear, and may burn out the motor or break the chain.

The chain tension is correct when you are able to use a gloved hand to pull the chain smoothly around the guide bar. The chain should remain in contact with the bottom edge of the guide bar.

Also, check the chain tension of a new chain after a few cuts; a new chain usually stretches and requires adjustment after a few cuts.

1. Place the chain saw on a level surface and remove the battery pack; refer to Removing the Battery Pack.

2. Allow the saw chain to cool.

   Important: Do not tension a hot chain; it may contract as it cools, resulting in an overtightened chain.

3. Inspect the guide bar for bends or damage, replace if necessary.

4. Ensure that the chain brake is in the OPERATING position (Figure 25).

5. Using the onboard multitool, loosen the captive nuts on the side cover, but do not remove it (Figure 28).

6. Hold up the tip of the guide bar (Figure 27).

   

   Figure 27

7. Using the onboard multitool, adjust the chain tension, and then secure the side cover to the chain saw by tightening the captive nuts (Figure 28).

   • To tighten the chain, turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise (Figure 27).

   • To loosen the chain, turn the chain tensioning screw counterclockwise

   Adjust the chain tension until the chain touches the bottom edge of the guide bar, then pull the chain away from the bottom edge of the guide bar; a properly adjusted chain can only be pulled 3.2 to 6.4 mm (1/8 to 1/4 inch) away from the guide bar, and snaps back on release.

   If the chain is not properly tensioned, loosen the side cover and repeat steps 5 through 8.

8. Use a gloved hand to pull the chain around the guide bar. A properly tensioned chain should move smoothly and remain in contact with the bottom edge of the guide bar.

9. Check the chain tension again and repeat this procedure if necessary.

1. Place the chain saw on a flat surface and remove the battery pack; refer to Removing the Battery Pack.

2. Remove the side cover by loosening the 2 captive nuts that secure the cover (Figure 28).

   Note: The captive nuts do not separate from the side cover; loosen them until the cover can be removed.

   

   Figure 28

   1. Cover
   2. Captive nut
   3. Chain tensioning screw
   4. Multitool

3. Loosen the chain by turning the chain-tightening screw counterclockwise (Figure 28).

4. Separate the chain from the guide bar and set them aside.

5. Remove the clip and drive sprocket from the chain saw (Figure 29).

6. Clean any debris from the area under the side cover.

7. Inspect the drive sprocket; if it is excessively worn or damaged, replace it.

8. Install the drive sprocket and clip.

9. Check the oil outlet (Figure 29) for debris and clean the area if necessary.

   

   Figure 29

   1. Drive sprocket
   2. Clip
   3. Oil outlet

10. Clean the guide bar and chain; use a wire or a small flat-head screwdriver to remove dirt and debris from the groove along the edge of the guide bar, starting from the sprocket on the front end and moving rearward.

    Ensure that the oil channel in the bar that aligns with the oil outlet on the chain saw is clean so that oil can flow freely to the chain (Figure 30).

    

    Figure 30

    Internal sections of the guide bar shown

    1. Ensure that this channel connecting to the oil outlet is clean.
    2. Ensure that the bar sprocket is clean and rotates freely.

11. Inspect the guide bar and chain; if the bar is bent, the grooves are damaged, or if the sprocket on the front end does not rotate freely, replace the guide bar; if the chain is excessively worn or damaged, replace it.

12. Install the guide bar and chain; refer to Installing the Guide Bar and Chain.

13. Ensure that oil is flowing to the chain; refer to Checking the Flow of Bar and Chain Oil.

1. If the side cover is installed to the machine, loosen the 2 captive nuts securing the side cover to the machine and remove it (Figure 31A and Figure 31B).

2. Place the chain around the drive sprocket on the front end of the guide bar, with the cutting edge of the chain teeth on the top of the bar facing forward as shown in the diagram on the side cover of the chain saw (Figure 31C).

   

   Figure 31

3. Feed the chain around the guide bar and align the chain teeth into the groove of the bar.

   Note: If you are installing a new chain, flip the guide bar to avoid uneven wear.

4. Position the open loop of the chain (not on the guide bar) around the drive sprocket on the chain saw and install the guide bar and attached chain onto the chain saw as shown in Figure 31C.

   Important: Ensure that the chain adjusting stud is inserted into the hole indicated by the arrow in Figure 31C. You may need to rotate the chain tensioning knob to fit the stud into the hole in the guide bar.

5. Install the side cover, but do not fully tighten the captive nuts (Figure 31D).

6. Adjust the chain tension; refer to Adjusting the Chain Tension.

A sharp chain ensures better cutting performance and longer battery life.

The chain needs to be sharpened or replaced if you must force it onto the wood, or if it produces sawdust instead of full wood chips.

Contact an Authorized Service Dealer to have the chain sharpened or replaced.

Should the chain saw need service, take the tool to your Authorized Service Dealer.