How to Use a Pole Chain Saw

Pole chain saws are awesome. It consists of a chain saw and a long pole. It can reach branches that are high up in a tree. The newest pole chain saws are cordless. The power comes from a battery pack. If you don’t yet have a pole saw you can read this review of electric pole saws. Here's more information about this magnificent cutting tool. Assembling the Pole Chain Saw Image Credit: Andrewa from Wikimedia Commons under CC - Changes: cropped and reduced image size There are three pieces that make up most types of pole chain saws. There's the handle portion, the cutting saw head, and the center extension module. Connect each piece securely. For a short pole chain saw, only connect the head and the handle. This will create a pole chain saw that is at least six feet in length. This size is great for cutting various types of shrubs and bushes. For a long pole chain saw, connect the handle to the center extension module, and then connect the cutting saw head to the other end of the center extension pole. This will create a pole chain saw that is at least nine feet in length. This is long enough to cut branches on a tree. Charge the Battery Pack Before Cutting A pole chain saw with a lithium-ion battery pack should be charged before it is used. Some models have quick charging batteries that only take one hour to charge. A common voltage for the battery pack is 18 volts. After the battery has been charged, install it in the pole chain saw and turn it on. The saw runs on an in-line motor. The battery pack is installed at the bottom of the pole chain saw, near the hand grip. It should run continuously until the battery is depleted. The run time depends on the amp-hours. A typical amp-hour rating for a battery pack designed for a pole chain saw is 1.6. This means that the battery will supply a current of 1.6 amps every hour to the load. Connecting the Battery Most pole chain saws are electric. It runs on a battery pack. After the battery pack is charged, slide it into the handle. It should click in place. To remove the battery pack, press the release button and slide it out. Turning the Pole Chain Saw On Most pole chain saws have a trigger-locked on switch. To turn the saw on, you have to depress the trigger lock or pull the lock back, and then press the trigger. After the saw turns on, release the lock, but continue pressing the trigger. The saw will remain on as long as the trigger is pressed. To turn the saw off, release the trigger. Cutting Directions for Pole Chain Saw Image Credit: ParentingPatch Wikimedia under CC - Changes: cropped and reduced image size A pole chain saw is designed to cut things that are high off the ground. The average cutting height is 6.5 feet to 9.5 feet. At this level, a pole chain saw will cut branches. Place moving chainsaw against branch. Hold firmly while the saw cuts the branches. Place one hand in the handle. Place the other hand a couple of feet away on the pole. Keep your feet apart and divide your weight evenly on both feet. The pole chain saw is designed to cut branches that are relatively thick. The cutting head might be angled. This helps the user cut the branch easily. Expect to cut a branch that is 6 inches in diameter without much effort. Cut the underside of the limb first. It should penetrate 1/3 of the way through the bottom of the limb. Finish the cut from the top of the limb. If you are cutting hedges, stand firmly and move the pole from one part of the hedge to another. This will produce a level, even hedgeline. If you get tired, take a break. Cut Branches without Adjusting the Chain A pole chain saw uses a low-maintenance chain to cut. It can cut repeatedly without needing adjustments. The chain rotates quickly. A typical speed for a pole chain saw is 5.3 mps. It is kept efficient with oil. Some models have an automatic oiler that protects the bar and chain from wear. It also protects against the effects of low temperatures. Some types of oil that are designed for pole chain saws have tackiness agents in the formula. Tackiness agents keep oil on the chain when the conditions become harsh. For example, during high speed cutting, the chain becomes susceptible to wear. The generation of high temperatures during cutting also affects the chain. With tackiness agents, the chain is protected. Most chains have oil-ways on drive links. This allows oil to flow through the drive links to the rivets. The advantages of oil-ways is that friction is reduced and chain stretch is avoided. Chains with chromed cutters are the best. This type of chain cuts smoothly and reduces kick-back. Adjust the Tension of the Chain If the chain is loose, tighten it before cutting. On a typical pole chain saw, loosen the alien head screws and rotate the screw in the front of the housing. After the right tension is achieved, tighten alien head screws to clamp bar. The best way to identify a loose chain saw is by pulling the chain away from the bar 3 mm, then releasing it. If the chain returns back to its previous tension, then it has enough tension. If the chain sags, then it isn't tight enough. Avoid over-tensioning the chain. This will lead to wear and reduce the number of cuts per battery charge. How to Transport Pole Chain Saws Since pole chain saws are long, it might be difficult to transport. The best way to transport a pole chain saw it is by removing the battery pack and covering the saw with a scabbard. Disassembling it is also recommended.rnRead more about how to use an electric pole saw