Makita Ridgeline EA5600FREG User Manual

Operator’s and Safety Manual
for Gasoline Chain Saws
WARNING!
Read and understand this Manual. Always follow safety precautions in the Operator’s and Safety Manual.
Improper use can cause serious injury! Preserve this Manual carefully!
WARNING!
FUELS WITH MORE THAN 10% ETHANOL ARE NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN MAKITA 2-STROKE ENGINES!
Use of alternative fuels, such as E-20 (20% ethanol), E-85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting MAKITA
requirements are not approved for use in MAKITA 2-stroke gasoline engines!
USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS CAN CAUSE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS:
Poor engine performance, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, improper clutch engagement, premature
deterioration of fuel lines, premature deterioration of gaskets, premature deterioration of carburetors.
USING ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND/OR 2-STROKE OILS NOT ACCORDING TO JASO FD OR ISO-L-EGD IN
MAKITA 2-STROKE ENGINES WILL VOID YOUR ENGINE WARRANTY!
EA5600F

Makita Ridgeline EA5600FREG Specifications

General

Engine Type	2-Stroke
Power Output/Rating	3.0 kW / 4.1 HP
Bar Length	45 cm (18 inches)
Weight	6.0 kg
Chain Oil Capacity	0.30 L
Chain Pitch	0.325"
Chain Gauge	1.5 mm

Summary

Delivery Inventory

Included Components

List of items included in the chainsaw delivery package.

Safety Symbols and Operation Indicators

Mandatory Protective Gear Symbols

Symbols indicating mandatory protective equipment like helmets, eye, and hand protection.

General and Operational Safety Symbols

Symbols for general safety warnings, kickback, forbidden actions, and operational modes.

Chain Saw Operator Safety

Operator Safety Rules

Rules to follow while operating the chain saw, emphasizing safe handling.

Kickback Safety Precautions

Detailed precautions to avoid kickback hazards and maintain control of the saw.

Additional Safety Precautions

Safe Operation Practices

Additional safety measures for operators, including personal protective clothing and fuel handling.

General Safety Precautions

Operator Requirements

Physical and mental condition requirements for operating the chain saw.

Kickback Angle and Vibration Effects

Definitions of kickback angles and information on vibration exposure risks.

Proper Clothing and Saw Handling

Protective Clothing Guidelines

Recommendations for appropriate clothing and footwear for chain saw operation.

Saw Modifications and Transport

Warnings against modifications and instructions for safely transporting the chain saw.

Chain Saw Operating Instructions

Assembly and Chain Tension

Guidance on chain tensioning and ensuring proper assembly.

Fueling and Starting Procedures

Safety guidelines for fueling and instructions for safely starting the engine.

Important Adjustments and Cutting Rules

Idle Speed and Chain Tension Adjustments

Instructions for adjusting idle speed and checking chain tension.

Safe Cutting Practices

Proper grip, stance, and rules for safe cutting operations.

Understanding Reactive Forces

Safe Cutting Stance and Kickback Causes

Maintaining control and foothold during operation and understanding kickback triggers.

Kickback Prevention and Reduction

Factors Influencing Kickback

Factors influencing kickback force, such as bar nose contact and depth gauges.

Kickback Avoidance Steps

Step-by-step guide on how to avoid kickback situations during operation.

Pushback, Pull-in, and Felling Basics

Avoiding Pushback and Pull-in

Precautions to prevent pushback and pull-in hazards during cutting.

Felling a Tree Considerations

Considerations before felling a tree, including obstacles and tree structure.

Felling Instructions

Work Area and Escape Path Preparation

Clearing the work area and preparing escape paths before felling.

Felling Notch and Hinge Cutting

Instructions for cutting the felling notch and maintaining the hinge for controlled tree fall.

Advanced Felling Techniques

Plunge-Cut and Sectioning Methods

Techniques for cutting trees larger than the guide bar, requiring professional training.

Bucking and Limbing Safety

Bucking Log Sections Safely

Safety rules for bucking, including log stability and avoiding cutting on the downhill side.

Limbing Fallen Branches Safely

Precautions for limbing, including avoiding kickback and cutting tensioned limbs.

Maintenance and Repair Guidelines

General Maintenance and Repair Rules

General warnings and guidelines for maintenance and repair work.

Blowdown Area Safety

Specific hazards and safety measures for working in tangled blowdown areas.

Technical Data and Packing

Chainsaw Specifications

Detailed specifications for the EA5600F chainsaw, including engine and performance data.

Packaging Information

Details about the chainsaw's packaging for shipping and recycling.

Chainsaw Component Identification

Main Parts Diagram

Diagram and list identifying all parts of the Makita EA5600F chainsaw.

Putting Into Operation

Mounting Guide Bar and Saw Chain

Step-by-step instructions for mounting the guide bar and saw chain.

Saw Chain Tensioning

Tightening the Saw Chain

Procedure for correctly tensioning the saw chain.

Chain Tension and Brake Checks

Checking Chain Tension

How to check if the chain tension is correct and how often to check it.

Chain Brake Operation

Instructions on how the chain brake works and how to engage or release it.

Fuel and Chain Oil Management

Fuel Mixture and Storage

Information on the correct fuel-to-oil mixture ratio, storage, and handling.

Chain Oil Use and Recommendations

Information on using adhesive chain oil, including bio-degradable options.

Refueling and Oil Handling

Bio-degradable and Waste Oil Precautions

Advice on using and storing bio-degradable oil and warnings against waste oil.

Refueling and Chain Lubrication

Instructions for safely refueling and ensuring sufficient chain oil for operation.

Chain Lubrication Checks and Adjustments

Checking Chain Lubrication Rate

How to check if the chain lubrication is adequate and the oil feed rate.

Adjusting Chain Oil Feed

Procedure for adjusting the oil pump feed rate for optimal chain lubrication.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Cold and Warm Starting Procedures

Step-by-step guides for starting the engine from cold or warm states.

Engine Stopping Procedure

How to properly shut down the engine.

Chain Brake Test and Winter Operation

Checking Chain Brake Functionality

Procedure for testing the chain brake before each use.

Winter Operation Adjustments

Adjustments for winter operation to prevent carburetor icing and engine damage.

Carburetor Idle Speed Adjustment

Adjusting the Idle Speed Screw

Instructions for adjusting the carburetor's idle speed screw.

Saw Chain Sharpening

When and How to Sharpen

Guidelines for when and how to sharpen the saw chain for optimal performance.

Proper Sharpening Techniques

Detailed instructions on sharpening angles, depth, and cutter length.

Chain Sharpening Tools and Depth Limiter

Files and File Holder Usage

Information on choosing and using the correct files and file holders for chain sharpening.

Depth Limiter Checking and Adjustment

How to check and adjust the depth limiter after sharpening.

Cleaning Saw Components

Sprocket Guard Interior Cleaning

Procedure for cleaning the interior of the sprocket guard.

Guide Bar Maintenance

Instructions for cleaning and inspecting the guide bar, including oiling holes.

Saw Chain Replacement

Sprocket Check and Chain Replacement

Checking the sprocket for wear and detailed steps for replacing the saw chain.

Air Filter Cleaning

Air Filter Cleaning Procedure

Step-by-step guide for cleaning the air filter, including precautions.

Spark Plug and Ignition System Checks

Spark Plug Replacement

Instructions for replacing the spark plug, including gap setting.

Ignition Spark Test

How to check for a visible ignition spark to diagnose starting issues.

Starter System Maintenance

Replacing Starter Cable and Spring

Steps to replace the starter cable and return spring pack.

Fan Housing and Starter Spring

Mounting the Fan Housing

Procedure for fitting and installing the fan housing correctly.

Starter Spring Replacement Note

Notes on checking and replacing the starter spring in the Featherlight-Starting system.

Engine Component Cleaning and Replacement

Cleaning Air Filter and Fan Compartments

Instructions for cleaning the air filter compartment and fan housing.

Replacing the Suction Head

Procedure for replacing the suction head to ensure unimpeded fuel flow.

Periodic Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task Frequency

Overview of maintenance tasks and their recommended frequency (daily, weekly, etc.).

Storage Maintenance Procedures

Maintenance procedures for storing the chainsaw.

Service, Spare Parts, and Guarantee

Authorized Service and Repairs

Information on authorized service centers and repair work.

Using Original Spare Parts and Guarantee

Importance of using original parts and details about the MAKITA product guarantee.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Engine Starting and Power Problems

Diagnosing and resolving engine starting, power, and stalling issues.

Chain Operation and Lubrication Issues

Troubleshooting chain not running and lubrication problems.

Spare Parts List Diagram

Illustrated Spare Parts Identification

Illustrated list of spare parts for the EA5600F chainsaw.

Spare Parts Catalog

Part Numbers and Accessories

Detailed catalog of Makita part numbers for the EA5600F chainsaw and accessories.

Manufacturer and Regulatory Information

California Proposition 65 Warning

State of California warning regarding engine exhaust chemicals.