When the first electric chain saw was developed in 1926, professional woodsmen were about the only users of the new innovation. Today, chain saw use extends far beyond the logging industry. A variety of individuals employ these machines in their professions and for their every day needs — farmers need them for clearing land and trimming trees; contractors use them for cutting large timbers, crossties and landscaping ties; and homeowners use them to cut firewood or to clear storm damage.
When operated by an experienced and trained user, a chain saw is an efficient tool that can cut through wood with ease. However, in the hands of a careless, inexperienced, or tired operator, the chain saw can be a hazardous machine. As a rental dealer, you can't know the skill level or experience of your customers. Therefore, proper use and safe operation must be emphasized with everyone.
Individuals who rent chain saws may use them for bucking, felling and limbing trees. While these projects are somewhat similar in nature, it is important for the rental dealer to provide the type of saw that fits the application. How can the dealer know?
Just ask.
Prior to operation
Always hand out the proper owner's manual with each rental and explain the correct operation of the machine. Even experienced operators need to review the manual. Should the renter have any questions, he or she should contact the rental center or manufacturer prior to operation of the machine.
It is the rental center's responsibility to make sure the saw is in good mechanical working order. Make sure the saw idles properly prior to each use; when the throttle is in the idle position, the chain should not rotate. Be prepared to check for such things as:
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Proper tension of the saw chain. An improperly tensioned chain may increase the reactive forces involved in cutting, which could result in injury. In order to avoid improper setting, follow the tensioning procedure in the owner's manual.
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The chain should be properly sharpened and maintained. In addition to reducing the load on the saw, a sharp chain provides a smoother and less fatiguing experience for the operator. Do not attempt to repair broken chains, and discard chains with broken or missing cutters or with excessive wear. Better yet, equip each rental saw with a new chain on each rental. The cost of this new chain is usually not much different from the total labor cost of properly reconditioning an old or dull chain. Furthermore, any arguments with the customer over the take-out condition of the chain are avoided.
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The rental operator must check the operation of the chain brake prior to each rental. Demonstrate this operation to the rental customer.
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The operator should equip every rental saw with a low kickback style of chain and, if available, a bar with reduced kickback characteristics. Contact your saw supplier for information on these combinations.
- A broken, damaged or missing chain catching device. When the chain catching feature is in proper working order, it can reduce the risk of injury from a chain coming off the bar.
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The proper ratio of fuel to oil. To ensure the maximum performance of the engine, make sure to use the fuel/oil ratio recommended by the manufacturer.
Important features
It is advisable to stock chain saws that have built-in features for added operator control. For example, chain brakes are designed to halt the rotation of the chain when activated. Most can be engaged either manually by pushing the front hand guard forward or by inertia action if there is sufficient force generated in situations such as kickbacks. Not all saw brands come complete with such chain brakes, but they are highly recommended to reduce the risk of serious injury.
Several additional features are important to consider when stocking chain saws. Front and rear hand guards are designed to reduce the risk of the user's hands coming in contact with the moving chain. Many saws also come equipped with a chain catcher designed to catch a broken chain. Many saws also position the stop switch by the user's right thumb. While these attributes cannot take the place of proper training, they can help reduce the risk of injury.
Kickback
Every rental customer must understand the causes of kickbacks in order to avoid them. Kickback may occur when a moving saw chain near the forward, upper quarter of the bar nose contacts a solid object or is pinched. The reaction of the moving chain causes a rotational pull on the saw in the direction opposite to the chain movement. This force can push the bar up and back in an arc generally in the plane of the bar. Under some circumstances, the bar could move towards the operator with uncontrolled speed or force. Therefore, individuals must be instructed to concentrate the saw's use on the middle third of the bar, to understand the role of the chain brake, and to always keep the bar tip away from any objects.
It will be helpful to remind renters of some of these points to avoid kickback situations:
- Never cut above shoulder height, because it can reduce one's control of the saw.
- Cut one log at a time.
- Always start and finish the cut at full throttle to prevent the saw from bucking out.
- Watch for signs of timber shifting, or anything else that could cause the kerf (cut) to close or pinch the bar.
- Take special care when cutting saplings and small branches; a twig catching the chain can cause kickback or other reactive force.
- Remember, even if the saw is equipped with an inertia-activated chain brake, the brake does not prevent kickback.
Protective gear
Proper clothing and protective equipment are imperative for the safe operation of any chain saw. Check clothing for dangling strings and ragged edges, and avoid loose fitting garments that could become entangled in the saw.
Chain saw users should be outfitted in protective gear in order to further reduce the risk of injury. Hard hats must be properly fitted to the user's head and should be replaced once they become cracked or discolored. A good pair of earplugs or muff-type hearing protectors will help protect one's ears from the noise level of modern saws. Protective eyeglasses that comply with ANSI Z87.1 can reduce the risk of injury from flying wood chips, sawdust or twigs. In addition, gloves, safety boots and cut-retardant pants or chaps should be used to protect designated areas of the body while operating a chain saw.
Rental operators should note that the provision of these added apparel and equipment items do not represent added costs. In addition to the customer protection and the operator's peace of mind, these products represent added opportunities for sales or rental revenue — everyone wins. The rental of chain saws can be a very profitable part of the rental operator's business. However, these rentals should not be taken lightly. When the basic rules for safe operation are heeded, the dealer is more likely to have a satisfied customer, one who returns to the store to rent or purchase other products.
Terry Richards is the strategic accounts manager for Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.
