MAKITA UC3530A (01) PDF Document

The delivery inventory for the MAKITA UC3530A includes the following:

1. Electric chain saw

2. Guide bar

3. Saw chain

4. Cord grip for electric cord

5. Chain protection cover

6. Instruction manual (not shown)

In the case that one of the parts listed should not be included in the delivery inventory, please, consult your sales agent.

Packing/Disposal

The MAKITA UC3530A electric chain saw will be delivered in a protective cardboard box to prevent transport damages.

Cardboard is a basic raw material and is therefore consequently reusable or suitable for recycling (waste paper recycling).

Do not dispose of electrical appliances with the household trash. If the saw is no longer operable or repairable, ask the appropriate waste disposal authority about the proper means of disposal.

To preclude any hazard to other persons from a defective electrical appliance, cut off the power cord next to the housing. CAREFUL! Before cutting off the power cord, pull the plug. Otherwise you can be exposed to a life-threatening shock!

This electric saw may be used only for sawing wood. It is intended for occasional use in thin wood, caring for fruit trees, felling, removing limbs, and trimming to length.

Persons who may not use the saw:

This saw must not be used by persons who are not familiar with this instruction manual, children, young people, or anyone under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

To ensure correct operation the user has to read this instruction manual to make himself familiar with the characteristics of the electric chain saw. Users insufficiently informed will risk danger to themselves as well as others due to improper handling.

It is recommended only to lend the electric chain saw to people who have proven to be experienced with electric chain saws. Always hand over the instruction manual.

First users should ask the dealer for basic instructions to become familiarized with the characteristics of engine powered sawing.

Familiarize yourself with the use of an electric chain saw by cutting off lengths from a log on a sawhorse.

Children and young persons aged under 18 years must not be allowed to operate the electric chain saw. Persons over the age of 16 years may, however, use the chain saw for the purpose of being trained while under supervision of a qualified trainer.

Use electric chain saws always with the utmost care and attention.

Operate the electric chain saw only if you are in good physical condition. Perform all work calm and carefully. The user has to accept liability for others.

Never use the electric chain saw after the consumption of alcohol or drugs or medication.

In order to avoid head, eye, hand or foot injuries as well as to protect your hearing, the following protective equipment must be used during operation of the electric chain saw:

Clothing: Should be tight-fitting but not a hindrance. Do not wear jewelry or clothing which could become entangled with bushes or shrubs.

Protective helmet (1): Check for damage regularly and replace after 5 years at the latest. Use only approved protective helmets. Wear a hairnet if you have long hair.

Face shield (2) or goggles: To protect against sawdust and wood chips, always wear a goggle or a face shield to prevent eye injuries.

Noise protection equipment (3): Wear adequate noise protection like ear muffs or ear plugs.

Protective brace and bib overall (4): Made of a nylon structure with 22 layers, it protects against cuts. Its use is strongly recommended. In any case, wear a long pair of trousers made of solid material.

Protective gloves (5): Made of thick leather, these are part of the prescribed equipment and must always be worn.

Safety shoes or boots (6): Must be fitted with an anti-skid sole, steel toe caps, and protection for the leg. They provide protection against cuts and ensure secure footing.

Environment and Electrical Safety:

Do not operate the electric chain saw when it rains or in a wet or moist environment because the motor is not waterproof.

Avoid physical contact with grounded surfaces.

Do not operate the electric chain saw next to inflammable gases or dusts due to explosion hazard.

Always lead the power supply cable behind you. Ensure the cable is not clamped or cut by sharp-edged objects and laid out so nobody is endangered.

Insert the plug only into safety sockets with approved installation. Ensure the mains voltage corresponds to the identification plate. Use a back-up fuse of 16 A. If used outdoors, connect it to a fault-current (FI) circuit breaker with a max. 30 mA triggering current.

Pay attention to the diameter of the extension cable. When using a cable roll, completely unwind it. Use only extension cords that meet the specifications in “Technical data” and are approved for outdoor use if applicable.

Pre-Operation Checks:

Before starting work, check that the electric chain saw has perfect function and operating safety according to the prescriptions.

Check especially the function of the chain brake, the correct mounting of the guide bar, the correct sharpening and tightening of the saw chain, the firm mounting of the sprocket guard, the easy motion of the power switch, the function of the locking button, the good mechanical condition of cable and plug and the cleanliness and dryness of the handles.

Only put the electric chain saw into operation if it is completely assembled. Never use it when it is not completely assembled.

Remove the adjusting tool before switching the saw on.

General Operation:

Do not work on your own. There must be someone around in case of an emergency (within shouting distance).

During sawing, always hold the electric chain saw with both hands to guide it safely.

Only use the saw during good light and visibility. Be aware of slippery or wet areas, ice, and snow (risk of slipping), especially on recently peeled wood (bark).

Never work on unstable surfaces. Ensure the working area is free of obstacles to avoid stumbling. Always ensure you have a safe footing.

Never saw above your shoulder height.

Never saw while standing on a ladder.

Never climb up into trees to perform sawing with the electric chain saw.

Never bend forward by far to perform sawing.

Guide the electric chain saw so that no part of your body is within the elongated swiveling range of the saw.

Use the electric chain saw for sawing wood only.

Cutting Techniques:

Do not let the chain touch the ground when it is running. Clear the cut area of foreign objects like sand, stones, nails, etc., which can damage the blade and cause dangerous kickback.

When sawing precut timber or thin woods, use a stable support like a sawhorse. Do not saw stacked timber or have another person steady the timber.

Secure round timber.

When working on slopes, always work facing the slope.

For crosscuts, apply the toothed ledge (Z) to the timber first, then cut with the chain running. The toothed ledge serves as a center of rotation.

The sawing device must be running whenever you remove it from the timber. Switch it off between cuts.

For piercing or longitudinal cuts, it is recommended to have these works carried out by specially trained persons due to the high risk of kickbacks.

When cutting with the bottom edge of the bar, the saw may be pushed toward you if the chain is clamped. For this reason, use the top edge of the bar whenever possible, as the saw will then be pushed away from your body.

Cutting Wood Under Tension:

If the timber is not free of tension, first cut the pressure side (A), then perform the crosscut on the tension side (B). This avoids clamping of the bar.

Be very careful when cutting splintery wood, as pieces may be pulled along (risk of injuries).

Tension releasing works must be carried out by trained persons. High risk of injuries.

Be aware of branches under tension. Do not cut free branches from below.

Never perform tension releasing works standing on the trunk.

What is Kickback?

When working with the MAKITA UC3530A, dangerous kickbacks may occur. Kickback happens when the tip of the blade (especially the top quarter) inadvertently comes into contact with wood or other solid objects. In this case, the electric chain saw is thrown without any control and with high energy potentials in the direction of the user, posing a risk of injuries.

How to Prevent Kickbacks:

Follow these instructions to prevent kickbacks:

Never apply the end of the bar when starting to make a cut.

Always observe the end of the bar.

Never use the bar end for sawing. Be careful when continuing a cut.

When starting to perform a cut, the chain must be running.

Ensure that the chain is always sharpened correctly. Pay special attention to the height of the depth limiter.

Never cut several branches at the same time. When cutting a branch, ensure that no other branch is touched.

When crosscutting a trunk, be aware of the trunks next to it. It is recommended to use a saw jack.

CAUTION: Do not fell or debranch trees unless you are specially trained for it! There is a high risk of injury! Make sure to follow local regulations.

1. Preparation Before Felling:

a) Ensure only persons involved in the felling are within the working range.

b) All persons involved must have an unhindered retreat route (about 45° diagonally and to the rear, away from the direction of fall). Be aware of the risk of stumbling from electric cables.

c) The bottom of the trunk must be free from foreign bodies, underbrush, and branches. Ensure a safe footing.

d) The next working place must be at least 2 1/2 tree lengths away. Before felling, check the direction of fall and ensure no other persons or objects are within this distance.

2. Judging the Tree:

Assess the direction of hanging, loose or dry branches, tree height, natural hang over, and check if the tree is rotten.

Take into account wind direction and velocity. Do not perform felling in strong gusts.

3. Cutting the Roots:

Start with the strongest root. First perform the vertical cut, then the horizontal cut.

4. Notching the Trunk (A, 17):

The notch determines the direction of fall and guides the tree. The trunk is notched perpendicular to the direction of fall and penetrates 1/3 – 1/5 of the trunk diameter. Perform this cut near the ground. When correcting, do so over the whole width of the notch.

5. Felling Cut (B, 18):

Make the felling cut above the bottom edge of the notch (D). The cut must be exactly horizontal. The distance between the notch and the felling cut must be approx. 1/10 of the trunk diameter.

The material between both cuts (C) serves as a hinge. Never cut through the hinge, otherwise the tree will fall without control.

Insert felling wedges (made of plastic or aluminum, not iron) into the cut in good time to secure it.

6. During and After the Cut:

Always stay sideways of the falling tree.

When withdrawing after the cut, be aware of falling branches.

When working on a sloping ground, the user must stay above or sideways of the trunk to be cut or the already cut down tree.

Be aware of trunks which may roll towards you.

Transport:

Carry the electric chain saw with the tubular handle. The saw bar should indicate backwards. Never carry or transport the electric chain saw with the chain running.

Never carry the saw by the power cord. Do not disconnect the plug by pulling on the power cord.

When changing your position during work, switch off the electric chain saw and actuate the chain brake to prevent an inadvertent start.

When transporting over long distances, the power supply plug must be pulled out and the bar protection cover (included in delivery) must be applied.

Ensure safe positioning during car transportation to avoid oil leakage.

Storage:

Store the saw in a secure, dry, lockable room out of reach of children. It must not be stored outdoors.

For storing the electric chain saw over a long period of time or for shipping, the oil tank must be completely emptied.

Only use approved and marked containers for transporting and storing chain oil.

For performing maintenance works, switch off the electric chain saw, pull out the power supply plug, and secure it.

Before starting work, always make sure that the saw is in safe working order, in particular the chain brake and run-out brake. Make sure that the saw chain is always sharpened and tightened correctly.

Have the chain brake and run-out brake inspected regularly.

Regularly check the power supply cable for damage to the covering.

Regularly clean the electric chain saw.

If the plastic case is damaged, have it immediately repaired by a skilled person.

Regularly check the tank cap for tightness.

Do not use the saw if the ON/OFF switch is defective. Have it repaired by a qualified person.

Observe the accident prevention instructions issued by the competent trade federations and insurance companies.

Do not perform any modifications on the electric chain saw, as this will endanger your safety.

Perform only the maintenance and repair works described in the instruction manual. All other works must be carried out by a MAKITA service center.

Use only original MAKITA spare parts and accessories.

For the event of a possible accident, please, make sure that a first aid box is always immediately available close by. Immediately replace any items used from the first aid box.

Should you ask for help, please, give the following information:

– place of accident

– what happened

– number of injured persons

– kind of injuries

– your name.

NOTE: Individuals with poor circulation who are exposed to excessive vibration may experience injury to blood vessels or the nervous system. Vibration may cause symptoms like “Falling asleep” (numbness), tingling, pain, stabbing sensation, or alteration of skin color. If any of these symptoms occur, see a physician!

1. Tubular handle

2. Hand guard (release for chain brake)

3. Spike bar

4. Sprocket guard quick tightener

5. Sprocket guard, chain brake

6. Carbon brush cover

7. Back hand guard

8. Power cord with plug

9. Guide bar

10. Oil tank cap

11. Identification plate

12. Locking button

13. Rear handle

14. Power switch

15. Sightglass for oil level

16. Saw chain

17. Cord grip for electric cord (pull relief)

CAUTION: When working on the guide bar or saw chain always wear protective gloves and pull out the power supply plug. Switch on the electric chain saw only after having assembled it completely and inspected!

1. Put the electric chain saw on a stable surface.

2. Release the chain brake by pulling the hand guard (1) towards the handle.

3. Flip up the sprocket guard quick tightener (2).

4. Push in the sprocket guard quick tightener firmly against spring pressure and slowly turn it counter-clockwise until you feel it engage. Keep pushing in and turn it as far as possible counter-clockwise.

5. Release the tightener and turn it clockwise to its original position. Repeat this procedure until the sprocket guard (3) is unscrewed.

6. Pull the sprocket guard (3) up slightly, pull it out of the rear fittings (4) and remove it.

7. Position the guide bar (7) and push it against the sprocket (6).

8. Place the saw chain (9) on the sprocket (6). Using your right hand, guide the saw chain into the upper guide groove (8) of the guide bar. The cutting edges of the saw chain on the top of the guide bar must point in the direction of the arrow!

9. Using your left hand, lightly press the guide bar against the housing and guide the saw chain (9) around the nose sprocket (10) on the guide bar. While doing this, pull the saw chain slightly in the direction shown by the arrow.

10. Line up the hole in the sprocket guard with the threaded pin (11).

11. Turn the chain tensioning screw (H/14) to align the chain tensioning pin (12) with the hole in the guide bar.

12. First press the sprocket guard (3) into the mounting (13) and then push it onto the threaded pin (F/11).

1. Firmly push in and simultaneously turn the sprocket guard quick tightener (2, clockwise) to screw on the sprocket guard (3), but do not tighten it yet.

2. Lift the tip of the guide bar slightly and turn the chain tensioner (14) clockwise until the saw chain engages in the guide groove on the lower side of the guide bar.

3. Push in the sprocket guard quick tightener (2) again and tighten by turning clockwise.

4. Release the sprocket guard quick tightener (2) (remove pressure) until it turns freely, then fold it in as shown in the illustration.

The chain has the proper tension when it lies against the bottom edge of the guide bar and can be easily pulled by hand about 2-4 mm (about 1/8″) up from the guide bar.

Check the chain tension frequently, as new chains tend to get longer during use.

When checking the chain tension, the motor must be switched off and the power supply plug pulled out.

If the chain is too loose: Loosen the sprocket guard quick tightener by about a quarter turn. Tighten the chain as described under “Tightening the saw chain.”

HINT: Use 2 or 3 saw chains alternately for even wear of the chains, sprocket, and guide bar running surfaces. To guarantee uniform wear of the groove in the bar, the bar should be turned over whenever replacing the chain.

Chain Brake

The electric chain saw comes with an inertial chain brake. If kickback occurs due to contact of the guide-bar tip with wood, the chain brake will stop the chain through inertia if the kickback is sufficiently strong. The chain will stop within a fraction of a second.

Run-out Brake

The electric chain saw comes with a run-out brake. This brake ensures that the chain comes to a stop immediately when the ON/OFF switch is released, thus preventing the chain from continuing to run and presenting a hazard.

Brake Maintenance

The brake systems are very important safety features and are subject to wear. Regular inspection and maintenance are important for your personal safety and can be properly performed only by a MAKITA service center.

Engaging and Releasing the Chain Brake

Engaging (braking): If kickback is strong enough, the sudden acceleration of the guide bar combined with the inertia of the hand guard (1) will automatically actuate the chain brake. To engage it manually, push the hand guard (1) forward (towards the tip of the saw) with your left hand (arrow 2).

Releasing: Pull the hand guard (1) towards you (arrow 3) until you feel it catch. The brake is now released.

Note: When the chain brake is actuated, the power supply to the motor will be cut off.

Use a special oil with adhesive addition for lubricating the saw chain and bar. The adhesive addition prevents the oil from being centrifuged too fast from the sawing device.

Do not use mineral oils. To protect the environment, the use of biologically decomposable oil is prescribed. The saw chain oil sold by MAKITA, called BIOTOP, is made of special vegetable oils and is biologically decomposable to 100%.

Important note on bio-degradable chain oils:

If you are not planning to use the saw again for an extended period, empty the oil tank and put in a small amount of regular engine oil (SAE 30), then run the saw for a time. This is necessary to flush out all remaining bio-degradable oil from the oil tank, oil-feed system, chain, and guide bar, as many such oils tend to leave sticky residues over time, which can cause damage to the oil pump or other parts. The next time you use the saw, fill the tank with BIOTOP chain oil again.

NEVER USE WASTE OIL. Waste oil is very dangerous for the environment, contains high amounts of carcinogenic substances, and its residues result in a high degree of wear and tear on the oil pump and sawing device. Damage caused by using waste oil will void the product guarantee.

AVOID SKIN AND EYE CONTACTS. Mineral oil products degrease the skin and can cause desiccation or allergic reactions. If oil gets into your eyes, immediately wash them with clear water and see a doctor if irritation persists.

Refilling the Oil Tank

Only perform this when the motor is switched off and the power supply plug is pulled out!

1. Thoroughly clean the oil tank area around the cap to prevent dirt from entering.

2. Unscrew the tank cap (1) and fill in chain oil until it is level with the bottom edge of the filler socket.

3. Tightly screw on the tank cap.

4. Thoroughly remove any oil that has overflown.

Important! Before first use, the oil feed system must be completely filled until it lubricates the chain and bar. This can take up to two minutes. The oil level can be checked in the sight glass (2). Always ensure there is enough oil in the tank for sufficient lubrication.

Lubricating the Saw Chain / Cleaning the Oil Filter

Only perform this when the motor is switched off and the power supply plug is pulled out!

To guarantee trouble-free operation of the oil pump, the oil guide groove (3) and the oil inlet bore in the guide bar (4) must be cleaned at regular intervals.

Note: It is normal for residual chain oil to drip from the system after the saw is turned off. This is not a defect.

Chain oil filter:

If the chain is not getting enough lubrication, the chain oil filter (6) may need to be cleaned or replaced.

1. Remove the sprocket guard, chain, and guide bar (see PUTTING INTO OPERATION).

2. Carefully clean the area around the oil outlet hole (5).

3. Using a small screwdriver, carefully remove the serrated washer (7) and chain oil filter (6).

4. Clean the chain oil filter. If it is severely contaminated, replace it.

5. Plug in the chain saw and let it run until chain oil comes out of the oil outlet hole.

6. Switch off the saw and unplug the power cord.

7. Clean the area around the oil outlet hole (5) with a cloth.

8. Insert the chain oil filter (6) and serrated washer (7) as shown in the “Installation” diagram. If the filter cannot be secured, replace the serrated washer.

9. Put the guide bar, chain, and sprocket guard back on (see PUTTING INTO OPERATION).

Plugging in the Saw

CAREFUL! Before connecting the saw to a source of electricity, always check that when the ON/OFF switch (1) has been pressed in and released, it automatically comes back out to the “off” position. If it does not, do not connect the saw to a power source. Take the saw to a MAKITA service center.

1. Clip the extension cord and the saw’s power cord into the cord grip (2).

2. Plug the saw plug (3) into the socket of the extension cable (4).

Switching on the Motor

1. Plug in the saw (see above).

2. When switching on the saw, always hold it with both hands. Take the back handle with the right hand and the tubular handle with the left hand. Hold the handles tightly. The bar and chain must not be in contact with any object.

3. First depress the locking button (5) and then the power switch (1). Then release the locking button (5).

Attention: The chain starts running immediately. Keep the power switch depressed as long as the motor is to run.

CAUTION: Never lock the power switch in the ON position.

Switching off the Motor

Release the power switch (1).

NOTE: When the chain brake is actuated, the power supply to the motor will be cut off. If the saw does not start when the ON/OFF switch (1) is actuated, you will need to release the chain brake by pulling the hand guard (6) firmly towards you until you feel it catch.

Important: Excess current cutoff: If the electrical current exceeds the permissible level, the power supply is automatically cut off to prevent overheating. To restart the saw, release the ON/OFF switch and press it again. If the current cutoff repeatedly switches off the saw, consult a MAKITA service center.

Checking the Chain Brake

Do not work with the chain saw without first checking the chain brake!

1. Start the motor as described (ensure you have good footing and place the saw on the ground so the guide bar is free of contact).

2. Grasp the tubular handle firmly with one hand and hold the grip with the other.

3. Switch on the motor and press the hand guard (1) forward with the back of your hand until the chain brake engages. The chain should stop immediately.

4. Switch the motor off immediately and release the chain brake.

Important: If the saw chain does not stop instantly during this test, do not use the saw! Take it to a MAKITA service center.

Testing the Run-out Brake

Do not work with the saw without first testing the run-out brake!

1. Start the motor as described (ensure good footing and the guide bar is free of contact).

2. Grasp the tubular handle firmly with one hand and hold the grip with the other.

3. Switch the motor on and then back off. The chain should come to a full stop within two seconds of switching off the motor.

Important: If the saw chain does not stop within two seconds, do not use the saw! Inspect the carbon brushes.

Checking the Chain Lubrication

Never saw when a sufficient chain lubrication is not guaranteed. Before starting work, check the oil level in the tank and the oil feeding.

1. Start the electric chain saw.

2. Hold the running chain saw approx. 15 cm above a trunk or the ground (use an appropriate surface).

If the lubrication is sufficient, you will see a light oil trace as oil is centrifuged from the chain saw. Pay attention to the wind direction and avoid unnecessary exposure to oil spray.

When working on the saw chain you must always pull out the power supply plug and wear protective gloves.

The chain needs sharpening when:

the sawdust from sawing humid wood looks like wood flour.

the saw chain penetrates the wood only under great pressure.

the cutting edge is visibly damaged.

the sawing device is pulled to the left or the right, caused by uneven sharpening or damage.

Important: Sharpen frequently, but without removing too much metal! Generally, 2-3 strokes of the file will be enough. Have the chain resharpened at a service center after you have sharpened it yourself several times.

Proper Sharpening:

CAUTION: Use only chains and guide bars designed for this saw.

All cutters must be of the same length (dimension a). Different lengths result in rough running and can cause cracks in the chain.

Minimum cutter length is 3 mm (0.11″). Do not resharpen when this length is reached; the chain must be replaced.

The best results are obtained with a depth-limiter depth of 0.64 mm (.025″). CAUTION: Excessive depth increases the risk of kickback!

All cutters must be sharpened to the same angle, 30°. Different angles result in an irregularly running chain, increased wear, and chain breakage.

The 85° front rake of the cutter results from the cut depth of the round file. If the proper file is used correctly, the correct front rake will be obtained automatically.

Files and How to Work with Them:

Sharpen using a special file holder with a saw chain round file of dia. 4.0 mm. Normal round files are not appropriate.

The file should cut only when pushed forwards. Lift the file when leading it backwards.

First sharpen the shortest cutter. Its length is then the standard for all other cutters.

Always guide the file as shown in the diagrams (90° to the bar, 30° sharpening angle).

A file holder makes guidance easier. It is marked for the correct 30° angle and limits the cut depth to the correct 4/5 of the file diameter.

After sharpening, check the height of the depth limiter with a chain gauge. Correct any excess height with a special flat file and round off the front of the depth limiter.

CAUTION: Protective gloves must be worn.

Regularly inspect the bearing surfaces of the guide bar for damage, and clean them with a suitable tool.

If the saw is used intensively, it will be necessary to lubricate the return sprocket bearings regularly (once a week). To do this:

1. Thoroughly clean the 2 mm hole at the tip of the guide bar.

2. Press in a small amount of multi-purpose grease.

Multi-purpose grease and grease guns are available as accessories.

Important: Inspect the carbon brushes at regular intervals! A notch on the brush shows the limit of wear.

NOTE: The carbon brush is very delicate, so be careful not to let it drop. When taking it out, be sure to note the position it was installed in, since each brush is run in with the rotor.

1. Use a slotted bit screwdriver to unscrew the cover (1), and then pull out the brush (2).

2. If the wear limit has not yet been reached, put the brush back in the same position and screw the cover (1) back on.

3. Run the saw briefly (about a minute) so the brushes can run in again.

Important: Now test the run-out brake. If the saw chain does not come to a full stop within two seconds, run the saw again briefly and repeat the test until the brake functions properly.

NOTE: After installing new carbon brushes, run the saw about 5 minutes and then check the run-out brake.

Extract from the spare parts list

Accessories (not included in the delivery inventory)