Portland 62896 - User Manual

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Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
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2015 by Harbor Freight Tools
®
. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
REV 15g

Summary

Warning Symbols and Definitions

Important Safety Instructions

Power Cord Safety

Guidance on using extension cords safely with the electric pole saw, including proper gauge and condition.

Personal Safety

Dress Properly

Recommendations on appropriate clothing and footwear for safe operation of the pole saw.

Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles

Mandatory safety gear including goggles, hard hat, and gloves to protect against debris.

Avoid Unintentional Starting

Precautions to prevent accidental activation of the pole saw, especially during handling.

Do not Overreach

Advice on maintaining proper footing and balance for safe operation.

Stay Alert

Emphasizes the importance of focus, common sense, and avoiding operation when tired.

Pacemaker Warning

Critical warning for individuals with pacemakers regarding electromagnetic fields.

Gardening Appliance Use and Care

Avoid Dangerous Environment

Prohibits using the appliance in damp or wet locations to prevent electric shock.

Do Not Use In Rain

Specific instruction to avoid operating the pole saw during rainfall.

Keep Children Away

Ensuring bystanders, especially children, are kept at a safe distance from the work area.

Use Right Appliance

Stresses using the appliance only for its intended purpose.

Do Not Force Appliance

Advises letting the tool work at its designed rate for efficiency and safety.

Store Idle Appliances Indoors

Guidance on storing the appliance safely when not in use, out of children's reach.

Disconnect Appliance

Instruction to disconnect power before servicing, changing accessories, or storage.

Vibration Hazard

Medical Advice for Vibration

Recommends medical checks for regular users and advises those with specific conditions.

Smoking and Vibration

Warns that nicotine reduces blood supply, increasing vibration injury risk.

Wear Suitable Gloves

Suggests wearing gloves to mitigate the effects of vibration on the user.

Low Vibration Appliances

Recommends using appliances with the lowest vibration levels when options exist.

Vibration-Free Periods

Advises incorporating periods free from vibration into the workday.

Light Grip for Vibration Control

Suggests gripping the appliance lightly while maintaining control to reduce vibration.

Let Appliance Do Work

Encourages allowing the tool to perform the work to minimize vibration exposure.

Maintain Appliance

Highlights the importance of proper maintenance for reducing abnormal vibration.

General Safety

Stop When Tired

Advise to stop working and rest when feeling tired or exhausted.

Keep Body Away From Chain

Instruction to keep all body parts clear of the moving saw chain.

Insulated Gripping Surfaces

Use only insulated surfaces to hold the pole saw to avoid electric shock.

Keep Power Cord Away

Route the power cord away from the cutting area to prevent accidental damage.

Check Chain Before Use

Ensure the saw chain is not contacting anything before starting operation.

Hold With Both Hands

Proper handling technique requiring both hands on the pole saw handles.

Do Not Operate From Tree

Warning against operating the pole saw while positioned inside a tree.

Proper Footing and Surface

Emphasizes stable footing and level surfaces for safe operation.

Cutting Under Tension

Caution when cutting limbs under tension due to potential spring back.

Cutting Brush and Saplings

Advise extreme caution when cutting slender materials that can whip.

Carry Saw Safely

Proper handling technique for carrying the pole saw to avoid accidental contact.

Assembly Instructions

Saw Chain Assembly

Tensioning Saw Chain

Lubricating Pole Saw

Operating Instructions

Power Cord Routing

Instructions on how to route the power cord safely away from the cutting area.

Adjusting Cutting Length

Procedure for adjusting the pole saw's length for different cutting heights.

Activating;Deactivating Pole Saw

Steps for starting and stopping the pole saw using its lock button and trigger.

Avoiding Kickback During Use

To Avoid Kickback

Key practices and techniques to prevent kickback incidents while operating the saw.

Handling Pole Saw

Firm Grip and Body Position

Guidance on maintaining a firm grip and proper body positioning for control.

Cutting Angle and Limb Safety

Advice on cutting angles, limb fall, and maintaining distance from hazards.

Safe Operation Practices

Instructions on safe handling, avoiding ladders, and managing the power cord during use.

Cutting Thin Branches

Cutting Thick Branches

Maintenance And Servicing

Cleaning, Maintenance and Lubrication

Procedures for inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating the pole saw.

Replacing;Changing Saw Chain and Guide Bar

Instructions on checking and replacing the saw chain and guide bar.

Lubricating Drive Sprocket

Cleaning Guide Bar Rails

Sharpening Saw Chain

Troubleshooting

Parts List and Diagram

Limited 90 Day Warranty

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document is an owner's manual and safety instructions for an Electric Pole Saw, branded "PORTLAND™".

Function Description:

The PORTLAND™ Electric Pole Saw is a gardening appliance designed for cutting wood, specifically branches and saplings. It is intended for use in outdoor environments and features an extendable pole for reaching higher limbs. The pole saw operates electrically, requiring an extension cord for power. It incorporates an automatic oiling system to lubricate the bar and chain during operation, enhancing cutting efficiency and extending component life. The device is equipped with a lock button feature for safe activation, preventing accidental start-up. It is designed for two-handed operation to ensure proper control and safety.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Electrical Rating: 120VAC / 60Hz / 6.5A
• Reach: 6' to 8'10" (adjustable cutting length)
• Bar Length: 9.5"
• Oiling System: Automatic, with an oil tank capacity of 110ml, providing lubrication for 20-25 minutes of cutting.
• Chain Tensioning: Adjustable, with a recommended lift of 2-4 mm from the center of the chain bar.
• Saw Chain Type: Requires specific replacement bars and chains as specified by the manufacturer to prevent breakage and kickback.
• Extension Cord Requirements: Must be an outdoor type extension cord (e.g., SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A) with appropriate wire gauge based on cord length and ampere rating (refer to Table A in the manual for specifics). A polarized extension cord and outlet are required.
• Safety Features: Lock button, insulated gripping surfaces, and a design that emphasizes two-handed operation.

Usage Features:

• Adjustable Cutting Length: The pole saw's length can be adjusted by unscrewing a locking sleeve, adjusting the pole bar, and then tightening the sleeve.
• Starting Procedure: To start, the lock button must be depressed, followed by fully pressing and holding the trigger. The lock button can then be released. The pole saw stops automatically when the trigger is released.
• Power Cord Routing: The power cord should be routed away from the work area and secured using a knot method or a retaining strap to prevent accidental disconnection or cutting.
• Cutting Techniques:
  • Thin Branches: Can be cut with a single cut, or in several pieces to prevent slivering and buckling.
  • Thick Branches: Requires a four-cut method to prevent splintering and control the fall of the limb. This involves an initial undercut, a top cut further out on the branch, a stub undercut, and a final clean cut from top to bottom.
• Kickback Prevention: Users are advised to maintain a firm grip with both hands, avoid overreaching, use the correct replacement bars and chains, and follow sharpening and maintenance instructions. Cutting with the guide bar at a flat angle and avoiding the tip of the guide bar are also crucial.
• Lubrication: The pole saw has an automatic oiling system. The oil tank should be filled with SAE30 or SAE10 lubrication oil before use, and the oil level gauge should be checked regularly.
• Safety Precautions: Always wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, a hard hat, and heavy-duty rubber work gloves. Avoid operating in damp or wet conditions, rain, or from within a tree. Maintain proper footing and balance. Keep children and bystanders at a safe distance (minimum thirty feet). Do not force the appliance; let the chain do the work.

Maintenance Features:

• Regular Inspection: Before each use, inspect the appliance for loose screws, misalignment, binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, and damaged electrical wiring. After use, clean external surfaces with a moist cloth.
• Chain Tensioning: Check saw chain tension before use, after initial cuts, and periodically (about every 5 cuts). Adjust tension by turning the chain tension screw clockwise until the chain tie straps just touch the bottom edge of the guide bar.
• Lubrication:
  • Saw Chain: The automatic oiling system lubricates the chain during operation. Ensure the oil tank is filled.
  • Drive Sprocket: Lubricate the guide bar sprocket tip after about every ten uses using a disposable lube gun and grease. Rotate the saw chain by hand to ensure complete lubrication.
• Cleaning Guide Bar Rails: After every ten regular uses, remove the side cover, guide bar, and saw chain. Clear residue from the rails using a screwdriver or putty knife to keep oil passages open.
• Saw Chain and Guide Bar Replacement/Sharpening:
  • Replace or sharpen worn or blunt saw chains immediately.
  • If the pole saw vibrates excessively, the chain or guide bar may be unbalanced or deformed and needs repair or replacement.
  • When replacing the chain, turn the chain bar 180° to ensure even wear and extend its life.
  • Sharpen the saw chain using a round file with a diameter 1.1 times the cutting tooth depth, filing at a 25-degree angle to the direction of travel, from the inside towards the outside. Ensure all cutter lengths are equal.
  • If depth gauges are trimmed, restore their original profile using a depth gauge measuring instrument.
• Storage: Store the appliance indoors in a dry, secure, and locked-up place, out of reach of children.
• Damaged Parts: Any damaged guards or other parts must be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. The supply cord, if damaged, must be replaced by a qualified service technician.

Portland 62896 Specifications