Life could be much simpler if using a power tool like a cordless pole saw involves nothing more than powering it on and pointing it at the target branch. There are so many variables to keep in mind when using your saw. Most of them are about safety precautions to prevent accidents.
The following are the correct procedures to stick to when cutting tree branches with a battery-powered saw
Clear the area: The workspace must free of other people and property that could be destroyed by filing branches. Look around and make sure the area is not littered with anything that could trip you.
Falling while holding a saw is something that must be avoided at all costs.
Create a cutting plan: Before starting, you should know the branches you want to cut so you can plan where to start and where to end.
Cutting without a plan might lead to branches blocking your pathway to other branches that need your attention. Then you’ll have to spend quite a bit of time clearing a path.
Pick a safe spot: There is always that small risk that you’ll get hit by a falling branch. Pick a safe spot to stand to prevent that from happening while cutting the branches.
Since not all branches fall the same, keep evaluating and adjusting your safe position for each tree branch. Generally, it is recommended that you stand off to one side of the target branch instead of underneath it.
Holding the pole saw: Proper cutting of branches is also tied to how the pole saw is held. The best technique is to hold the end of the pole saw at chest level. If you want to cut higher branches, simply adjust the length of the pole. Adjusting or stretching your body to reach higher branches is not recommended.
Position the blade: After adjusting the pole length, use both hands to move the pole saw until the blade is resting where you want to cut. Before proceeding, ensure the weight of the saw is under your full control.
Start cutting: You can now power on the same to start cutting the branch. For the first few cuts though, you should begin at a slow speed to create grooves on the branch. This is to give the blade traction and ensures it doesn’t slip on the branch potentially leading to serious injury.
With the saw secured in the grooves, you can now operate the saw at a higher speed. Ensure your eyes are constantly on the branch in case it unexpectedly veers in your direction while falling; this gives you a fair bit of warning to get out of the way.
Start with lower branches: By cutting the lowest branches first, you have effectively cleared a path to access the branches that are higher up.
Move felled branches: Always keep your workspace free of felled branches. This ensures you can move freely without any danger of tripping over a branch.
Cordless Saw for Cutting Branches: Before and After Use Tips
Before turning on your saw, there are a few things you should do or check. Apart from ensuring optimum performance, the checks are also for your safety.
- Make sure all screws, nuts, and bolts are as tight as possible to prevent loose components from flying off and causing serious injury.
- Check the chain in the saw to make sure there are no broken or damaged links. Repair the damaged part or replace it if it can’t be repaired before using the saw.
- Check the trigger and the lock and ensure they are both working. It could be dangerous to start working only to discover later that the trigger is jammed in the ‘on’ position.
After using the saw, do the following:
- Clean all the external parts of the machine with a damp rag or cloth.
- Carefully look for and remove all dirt and particles while cleaning.
- Remember to also clean the blade’s protective cover
- From time to time, preferably weekly, check the oil reservoir to make sure there is enough oil. Refill the oil reservoir if necessary
- Inspect the elements that help to dampen vibrations for damage weekly. A damaged element would lead to more noise and vibrations.
- If you work with the saw regularly, sharpen the blade at least once a month to keep it in top condition
And the following are the recommended storage tips:
- Store the saw in a cool and dry place.
- Wherever you choose to store it, make sure it is secured fully. For instance, never leave it lying on a place where it can get knocked down to the ground like a short fence or table for instance. The saws are very sensitive to impact especially with hard surfaces.
- Since a bit of oil might seep off the chain, avoid keeping them in places you don’t want to be tainted by oil. To prevent the surface it is resting on from getting messy, rest it on a rag.
Cordless Saw for Branches Safety Tips
- Always use protective equipment and clothing such as safety goggles, ear muffs if you can’t stand the noise, hand gloves, and helmet or hard hat
- Always turn it off when you are not cutting any branch
- Never try to bypass the safety features
- Always be aware of what is on the ground to avoid tripping while cutting
- Make sure you schedule the cutting job during the day when you can see clearly
- Don’t use the saw in wet conditions since wet wood is incredibly slippery.
- Take it one branch at a time no matter how close the branches are. Trying to cut more than one at a time increases the chances of accidents or injury
- Be on the lookout for branch spring back. This happens when too much branch tension causes it to snap back in unpredictable ways. Consider cutting the branch starting from the bottom part before finishing it off from the top to minimize the tension.
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