padreug
01d6541251
New structure: - chainsaws/index.md: Shared safety guide (PPE, critical rules, kickback prevention, reactive forces, emergency procedures, fuelling, chain maintenance, storage) - chainsaws/husqvarna-t435.md: Model-specific (specs, starting, maintenance, troubleshooting, tree work section) - chainsaws/parkside.md: Model-specific (specs, starting, maintenance, troubleshooting, chain tension adjustment) - chainsaws/manuals/: PDF manuals for both saws Benefits: - Safety info in one authoritative place - ~40% less duplicated content - Cleaner model pages focused on operation - Easier to add future chainsaws 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code) Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
219 lines
6.5 KiB
Markdown
219 lines
6.5 KiB
Markdown
---
|
|
title: Chainsaws
|
|
description: Chainsaw safety guide and overview of available chainsaws
|
|
tags:
|
|
- equipment
|
|
- machinery
|
|
- chainsaw
|
|
- safety
|
|
aliases:
|
|
- 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\|Husqvarna T435]] | Top-handle | Tree work (arborists) | 35.2 cc | 3.4 kg |
|
|
| [[parkside\|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|Husqvarna T435]] - Top-handle chainsaw for tree work
|
|
- [[parkside|Parkside]] - Rear-handle chainsaw for ground-level work
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## Training
|
|
|
|
| Contact | Details |
|
|
|---------|---------|
|
|
| Training requests | *TBD* |
|