Martha Stewart MTS-PS10

This document is the Operator's Manual for the Martha Stewart Electric Pole Chain Saw, Model MTS-PS10. It provides comprehensive instructions for safe operation, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the device.

Function Description

The Martha Stewart Electric Pole Chain Saw is designed for trimming small branches and limbs up to 9.5 inches (24 cm) in diameter. It is an electric yard tool intended for residential and personal household use. The pole design allows for extended reach, making it suitable for pruning trees and removing branches from fallen trees (limbing). The saw features an automatic oil pump for bar and chain oiling, ensuring continuous lubrication during operation.

Important Technical Specifications

Model: MTS-PS10
Cutting Chain Length: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
Guide Bar Length: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
Rated Voltage: 120 V ~ 60 Hz
Power: 7 A
Telescopic Shaft Length: 5.6 ft to 8.7 ft (1.7 m to 2.7 m)
Overhead Reach (Max.): 15 ft (4.6 m)
Multi-angle Handle: -30°, 0°, 30°
Max. Cutting Thickness: 9.5 inches (24 cm) (Recommended: 8.5 inches / 22 cm)
Oil Tank Capacity: 2.0 fl oz (60 ml)
Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
Chain Pitch: 3/8 inches (9.5 mm)
Chain Gauge: 0.050 inches (1.3 mm)
File Diameter for Sharpening: 5/32 inches (4 mm)
Drive Links: 40

Usage Features

The pole chain saw incorporates several features to enhance usability and safety:

Telescoping Pole: The pole can be adjusted in length from 5.6 ft to 8.7 ft to reach limbs at various heights. It features a cam-lock mechanism for secure locking at the desired length.
Multi-angle Pivot Handle: The handle can be adjusted to three different angles (-30°, 0°, 30°) to optimize cutting position and user comfort.
Automatic Oil Pump: The saw is equipped with an automatic oil pump that lubricates the bar and chain during operation. An oil level indicator window allows users to monitor the oil supply.
Safety Lock Button: To prevent unintentional starting, the saw requires the safety lock button to be pressed and held before the On/Off trigger can be squeezed.
Low-Kickback Design: The saw includes kickback safety devices such as a skip chain and a low kickback guide bar to reduce the risk of kickback.
Proper Cutting Stance: The manual emphasizes maintaining balance, keeping the body to the left of the chain line, and positioning the unit at an angle of 60° or less for typical cutting applications.
Basic Cutting Procedure: Instructions are provided for taking a proper stance, allowing the chain to reach full speed before cutting, applying light downward pressure, and understanding push and pull forces.
Pruning and Limbing Techniques: Specific guidance is given for pruning live trees (removing long branches in stages, cutting lower branches first, making finishing cuts smoothly) and limbing fallen trees (cutting one limb at a time, removing cut limbs from the work area, cutting branches under tension from the bottom up).
Cord Restraint: The manual illustrates a method for securing the appliance cord to the extension cord using a knot or restraint hook to prevent disconnection during operation.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the pole chain saw:

Chain Tension Check: Users are instructed to check chain tension before each use when the chain is cold (no sag on the underside of the guide bar, snug but rotatable by hand). Warm chain tension should show drive links hanging approximately 0.050 inches (1.25 mm) out of the bar groove.
Chain Sharpening: The manual advises sharpening the chain when sawdust looks like dust, cutting becomes difficult, cuts are not straight, or vibrations increase. It recommends using special round-section files with the correct diameter (5/32 inches / 4 mm) and provides step-by-step instructions for sharpening, including securing the bar, filing at a constant angle, and checking depth limiter tooth projection.
Guide Bar Maintenance: Users are advised to turn the guide bar over regularly to distribute wear, smooth out feathering or burring with a file, and replace the bar if it shows signs of wear inside the rails, permitting the chain to lay sideways, or if it is bent.
Sprocket Inspection: The sprocket's condition should be checked regularly and replaced if wear exceeds 0.5 mm.
Nuts + Screws Check: All nuts, bolts, and screws should be periodically checked for tightness and security.
Motor Cooling: To prevent overheating, cooling air vents must be kept clean and free of sawdust and debris.
Oil Tank Management: The oil tank should be refilled with bar and chain oil when the level drops to 1/4 of a tank. The tank should be emptied after each use to prevent seepage, and the chain lightly lubricated for long-term storage to prevent rust.
Cleaning: The saw should be cleaned with mild soap and a damp cloth, ensuring no liquid enters the motor housing and no part of the saw housing is immersed in liquid.
Storage: The saw should be stored indoors in a dry, high, or locked-up place, out of reach of children. The guide bar cover should be in place, and the saw should not be stored near chemicals that could damage plastic parts.
Troubleshooting Table: A table is provided to help diagnose and resolve common issues such as the motor failing to start, low chain speed, hot/smoking bar and chain, or the chain not turning.
Daily Checklist: A checklist is provided for pre-operation checks, including inspecting for damage, cleaning oil ports and guide bar rails, checking chain tension and sharpness, and verifying bar and chain oil level.

The manual emphasizes the importance of using only authorized Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® replacement parts and accessories to ensure safety and maintain warranty validity. It also provides contact information for customer service for support and parts.