castle-docs/content/equipment/farm-machinery/chainsaws/index.md

title	description	tags	aliases
Chainsaws	Chainsaw safety guide and overview of available chainsaws	equipment machinery chainsaw safety	chainsaws

Chainsaws

[!danger] High Risk Equipment - Training Required Chainsaws are extremely dangerous. Proper training is mandatory before use. Always wear full PPE. Read the complete manual for your specific saw before operating.

Available Chainsaws

Chainsaw	Type	Best For	Engine	Weight
husqvarna-t435	Top-handle	Tree work (arborists)	35.2 cc	3.4 kg
parkside	Rear-handle	Ground-level cutting	53 cc	5.7 kg

Both chainsaws use 50:1 fuel mix (petrol:2-stroke oil).

---

Required PPE

[!warning] Mandatory Safety Equipment Most chainsaw accidents occur when the chain contacts the operator. PPE significantly reduces injury severity. No exceptions.

Item	Requirement
Legs	Chainsaw chaps or trousers with cut protection
Feet	Steel-capped chainsaw-rated boots with non-slip sole
Head	Approved protective helmet with mesh visor and ear defenders
Hands	Chainsaw gloves with cut protection
Visibility	High-vis vest (when working near others)
First Aid	First-aid kit nearby
Fire	Fire extinguisher and shovel nearby

---

Critical Safety Rules

These rules apply to all chainsaw operation, regardless of model:

1. Never use with one hand - always maintain a firm two-handed grip
2. Never cut above shoulder height
3. Correct hand position: Right hand on rear/top handle, left hand on front handle (regardless of handedness)
4. Maintain firm footing at all times
5. Be aware of the kickback zone - the top quarter of the bar tip
6. Never cut with the tip of the bar
7. Engage chain brake when walking between cuts
8. Observe surroundings - check for people, animals, and hazards
9. Never operate when impaired - fatigue, alcohol, or medication
10. Maintain 15-meter safety distance from bystanders

---

Kickback Prevention

[!danger] Kickback Warning Kickback occurs when the chain at the bar tip catches an object, causing a lightning-fast reverse reaction that rotates the bar upward toward the operator. This is the most common cause of serious chainsaw injuries.

Prevent Kickback By:

• Never letting the bar tip contact anything - be aware of tip position at all times
• Keeping chain sharp and properly tensioned
• Not overreaching - maintain stable, balanced stance
• Using low-kickback chain if available
• Maintaining focus - lack of concentration is a major cause
• Never cutting with the upper quadrant of the bar tip

---

Reactive Forces

Be aware of these forces when cutting:

Force	What Happens	When It Occurs
Pushback	Saw pushes backward toward you	Chain on bottom of bar stops suddenly
Pull-in	Saw pulls forward away from you	Chain on top of bar stops suddenly
Kickback	Bar rotates upward rapidly toward your head/face	Bar tip contacts object

Always anticipate these forces and maintain a secure grip and stance.

---

Emergency Procedures

Kickback Injury

1. Stop the chainsaw immediately
2. Apply direct pressure to wound / call for help
3. Seek medical attention - chainsaw wounds are always serious
4. Do not remove embedded objects

Fire

• Keep fire extinguisher nearby during all operation
• Hot muffler and sparks can ignite dry materials
• Clear work area of dry leaves and debris
• If clothing catches fire: STOP, DROP, ROLL

Chain Jams in Cut

1. Stop the engine immediately
2. Never try to free the bar while engine is running
3. Use a wedge or lever to open the cut and free the bar
4. Check chain and bar for damage before restarting

Carbon Monoxide

• Never operate indoors or in enclosed spaces
• Exhaust fumes are toxic and can be fatal
• If feeling dizzy or nauseous, move to fresh air immediately

---

Fuelling

[!warning] Fuel Safety

• Never refuel while engine is running or hot
• Use approved fuel containers only
• No smoking or open flames nearby
• Wipe up any spills before starting
• Refuel outdoors only

Fuel Mix

Both chainsaws use 50:1 ratio (2% oil):

Petrol	2-Stroke Oil
1 litre	20 ml
5 litres	100 ml

[!tip] Fuel Freshness Only mix enough fuel for 30 days of use. Stale fuel causes starting problems and engine damage.

Chain Oil

Use quality bar and chain oil. Check oil level before each use - the chain requires constant lubrication during operation.

---

Chain Maintenance

Signs of a Dull Chain

Sharp Chain	Dull Chain
Produces long, thick wood chips	Produces fine sawdust
Cuts with light pressure	Requires excessive pressure
Cuts straight	Pulls to one side
No smoke	Smoke when cutting

Sharpening Basics

• Use correct round file size for your chain
• File from inside of cutting tooth outward
• Maintain correct filing angle (check manual)
• Keep all teeth the same length
• Adjust depth gauges after every 3rd sharpening

[!warning] Sharpening Affects Safety Incorrect sharpening significantly increases kickback risk. If unsure, have chain professionally sharpened or replaced.

Chain Tension

Correct tension: chain can be pulled slightly away from bar (~3mm) but snaps back into the groove.

• Too loose: Chain can derail or whip
• Too tight: Excessive wear, can break

Check tension frequently - new chains stretch quickly.

---

Storage

Short-term Storage

• Engage chain brake
• Clean saw body and bar
• Store in dry location away from direct sunlight
• Use bar cover/scabbard if available

Long-term Storage (Over 3 Months)

1. Run engine until fuel tank is empty (prevents fuel system damage)
2. Remove and clean chain and guide bar
3. Apply light oil to chain to prevent rust
4. Clean the entire saw
5. Store in dry location

[!tip] Storage Location TBD - Add chainsaw storage location

---

Model-Specific Guides

For starting procedures, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and specifications, see the individual chainsaw guides:

• husqvarna-t435 - Top-handle chainsaw for tree work
• parkside - Rear-handle chainsaw for ground-level work

---

Training

Contact	Details
Training requests	TBD