Operation; Working With The Chain Saw - Makita DUC252 Instruction Manual

Removing or installing saw chain
CAUTION:
• Always wear gloves when installing or removing the
saw chain.
• The saw chain and the guide bar are still hot just after
the operation. Let them cool down enough before
carrying out any work on the tool.
To remove the saw chain, perform the following steps:
1. Press and fully open the lever until it stops. (Fig. 11)
2. Turn the adjusting dial to "-" direction to release the
saw chain tension. (Fig. 12)
3. Turn the lever counterclockwise to loosen the sprocket
cover until it comes off.
4. Remove the sprocket cover.
5. Remove the saw chain and guide bar from the chain
saw.
To install the saw chain, perform the following steps:
6. Make sure the direction of the chain. The arrow mark
on the chain shows the direction of the chain. (Fig. 13)
7. Fit in one end of the saw chain on the top of the guide
bar and the other end of it around the sprocket.
8. Rest the guide bar in place on the chain saw.
9. Turn the adjusting dial to "-" direction to slide the
adjusting pin in the direction of arrow. (Fig. 14)
10. Place the sprocket cover on the chain saw so that the
adjusting pin is positioned in a small hole in the guide
bar. (Fig. 15)
11. Turn the lever clockwise fully and a quarter turn back
to keep looseness for adjusting chain tension.
12. Turn the adjusting dial, and adjust the chain tension.
13. Turn the lever clockwise to secure the sprocket cover.
(Fig. 16)
14. Press and return the lever to its original position.
Adjusting saw chain tension
The saw chain may become loose after many hours of
use. From time to time check the saw chain tension
before use.
1. Press and fully open the lever until it clicks. Turn it
counterclockwise a little to loosen sprocket cover
lightly. (Fig. 11)
2. Lift up the guide bar tip slightly. (Fig. 17)
3. Turn the adjusting dial to adjust the saw chain tension.
Tighten the saw chain until the lower side of the saw
chain fits in the guide bar rail (see circle in the figure).
4. Keep holding the guide bar lightly and tighten the
sprocket cover after adjusting the chain tension. Make
sure that the saw chain does not loose at lower side.
5. Press and return the lever to its original position.
(Fig. 16)
Make sure the saw chain fits snugly against the lower side
of the bar.
CAUTION:
• Do not tighten the saw chain too much. Excessively
high tension of saw chain may cause breakage of saw
chain, wear of the guide bar and breakage of the
adjusting dial.
• A chain which is too loose can jump off the bar, and
therefore presents an accident risk.
• Carry out the procedure of installing or removing saw
chain in a clean place free from sawdust and the like.
14
Spike bumper (optional accessory)
(Fig. 18)
To install spike bumper, perform the following steps:
1. Remove the sprocket cover, saw chain and guide bar
as described in this instruction manual.
2. Place the spike bumper, with the spikes facing
upwards, so that its holes line up with the holes
provided on the chain saw.
3. Tighten the spike bumper with the two screws
provided.

OPERATION

CAUTION:
Do not cover vents, or it may cause overheating and
damage to the tool.
Lubrication (Fig. 19)
Saw chain is automatically lubricated when the tool is in
operation.
Check the amount of remaining oil in the oil tank through
the oil inspection window.
To refill the tank, remove the cap from the oil tank
opening.
After refilling the tank, always screw the provided oil tank
cap on the chain saw.
CAUTION:
• When filling the chain saw with chain oil for the first
time, or refilling the tank after it has been completely
emptied, add oil up to the bottom edge of the filler neck.
The oil delivery may otherwise be impaired.
• As a saw chain oil, use oil exclusively for Makita chain
saws or oil available in market.
• Never use oil including dust and particles or volatile oil.
• When pruning trees, use botanical oil. Mineral oil may
harm trees.
• Never force the chain saw when pruning trees.
• Before cutting out, make sure that the provided oil tank
cap is screwed in place.
(Fig. 20)
Hold the chain saw away from the tree. Start it and wait
until lubrication on saw chain is adequate.
Bring the spike bumper into contact with the branch to be
cut before switching on. Otherwise it may cause the guide
bar to wobble, resulting in injury to operator.
Saw the wood to be cut by just moving it down.

WORKING WITH THE CHAIN SAW

CAUTION:
• The first time user should, as a minimum practice, do
cutting logs on a saw-horse or cradle.
• When sawing precut timber use a safe support (saw
horse or cradle). Do not steady the workpiece with your
foot, and do not allow anyone else to hold or steady it.
• Secure round pieces against rotation.
Pruning trees (Fig. 21)
CAUTION:
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain
when the motor is operating.