BOOK: Blue Book II SECTION: Stihl 044 Chain Saw (SGT) Page 1 of 9

STIHL 044 CHAIN SAW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REACTIVE FORCES

KICKBACK

PUSHBACK

PULL-IN

SAFETY TIPS

MASTER CONTROL

STARTING

SPECIFICATIONS

PARTS OF THE CHAIN SAW

DEFINITIONS

CHAIN SAW TIPS

MEMORANDUM

STIHL 044 CHAIN SAW

ANSI is the abbreviation for the American National Standards Institute. ANSI standards are voluntary in theory, but considered as mandatory in practice. A chain saw with a displacement of 3.8 cubic inches or more must be equipped with at least one device designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury such as a chain brake, low kickback chain, reduced kickback bar, etc. The 3/8" carbide chain and the hard tipped bar used by the fire departmentdoes not comply with the reduced kickback standard. Saws for fire department use must have a chain brake to comply with ANSI 175.1-1985. The Stihl 044 Chain Saw has two (2) brakes. They are a manual brake and an inertia brake. This saw must be used with skill and care as it is a potentially dangerous tool but safe when used properly.

The fire-department use of chain saws for ventilation is not new to the fire service. Some fire departments have been using them for 20-30. years with excellent results. The chain saw should decrease the time firefighters spend on a roof opening up.

The 20" hard tipped bar, with a 3/8" carbide chain is recommended for fire department use. The engine must be at least 4 cubic inches.

With the carbide chain, 3 cutters in a row may be missing, or 6 cutters on the whole chain, before it needs repair. The advantages of the chain saw are numerous. The firefighter can cut through roofs covered with tar and gravel, wood shingles, composition shingles, and light metal. Trees, fiberglass, plaster, and floors around floor furnaces may also be cut.

When using the carbide chain, you can feel penetration through the roof easier than with the K-12, and you can feel the rafters and joists to avoid cutting them. The carbide chain does not bind likethe K-12 will and it also cuts faster. Cutting with the chain saw does not require you to stand over the cut as does the K-12. Now the firefighter will be cutting by their side.

The axe and pike pole will still be needed in roof ventilation but the chain saw will be much more efficient. Most axes could stand a little attention from a file to increase their effectiveness.

SAFETYis of the utmost importance in the use of chain saws.TRAININGcannot be overlooked or downplayed. TRAININGand PRACTICE, with SAFETYin mind, must be accomplished to be a successful user and less of a threat to yourself and others.

REACTIVE FORCES

may occur any time the chain is rotating.Reactive forces can be dangerous! In any chain. saw, the powerful force used to cut can be reversed and work against the operator. If the rotating chain is suddenly stopped by contact with any solid object or is pinched, the reactive forces may result in loss of control which may, in turn, cause serious or fatal injury. The most common reactive forces are: 1) KICKBACK 2) PUSHBACK 3) PULL-IN

Pushback / Pull-In / Kickback / Proper Cut

KICKBACK

occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts a solid object or is pinched. The reaction of the cutting force on the chain causes a rotational force on the chain saw in the direction opposite to the chain movement. This may fling the bar up and back in an uncontrolled are mainly in the plane of the bar. Under some cutting circumstances the bar moves towards the operator, who may suffer severe or fatal injury. Kickback may occur when the nose of the guide bar is pinched unexpectedly, unintentionally contacts solid material in the roof or floor, or is incorrectly used to begin a plunge cut. Many forces influence the occurrence and force of the kickback reaction. These include chain speed, the speed at which the bar and chain contact the object, the angle of contact, the condition of the chain and other factors.

PUSHBACK

occurs when the chain on the top of the bar is suddenly stopped, when it is pinched, caught, or encounters a foreign object in the floor or roof. The reaction of the chain drives the saw straight back toward the operator and may cause loss of saw control. Pushback frequently occurs when the top of the bar is used for cutting. Be alert to situations that may cause material to pinch the top of the chain.

PULL-IN

occurs when the chain on the bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped. The chain on the bottom of the bar stops when it is pinched, caught, or encounters a foreign object in the roof or floor. The reaction of the chain pulls the saw forward and may cause the operator to lose control. Pull-in frequently occurs when the chainis not rotating at full speed before it contacts the roof. Always start a cut with the chain rotating at full speed.

WARNING!The hand guard is an integral part of the chain braking system. It must not be modified in any way, otherwise it will be deactivated. The great advantage of the inertia chain brake is that the brake is activated after severe kickback even if the operator'sleft hand is not behind the front hand guard. When the hand guard is moved towards the nose of the guide bar (either manually or by inertia), the brake lever is unlatched and the brake band is clamped round the clutch drum at the same instant. This causes the saw chain to be brought to a standstill and locked in position. Apart from starting and emergencies, the chain brake may be engaged only when the saw is idling. To release the brake, pull the hand guard back toward the handlebar.

Proper tension of the chain is extremely important. In order to avoid improper setting, the tensioning procedure must be followedas described. Always make sure the hexagonal nut for the sprocket cover is tightened securely after tensioning the chain. Never start the saw with the sprocket cover loose. Check chain tension once more after having tightened. the nut and thereafter at regularintervals. If the chain becomes loose while cutting, shut off theengine and then tighten the chain. Never try to tighten the chain while the engine is running!

Listed below are

SAFETY TIPS

that must be studied and practiced for safe and efficient use of the chain saws.

  1. As with any power tool you must use HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION.
  2. Full protective gear must be worn including gloves.
  3. Stand with feet apart for comfortable balance.
  4. If using the Leg Lock Device on the roof ladder two firefighters must be employed.
  5. Hold the saw FIRMLY with BOTH hands.
  6. Let the saw do the work.
  7. NEVER PLUNGE THE NOSE OF THE BAR STRAIGHT INTO THE ROOF. THIS WILL CAUSE THE SAW TO KICK-BACK.
  8. DONOT DROP START THE CHAIN SAW. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.
  9. The chain saw is operated at approximately 13,000 RPM.
  10. Watch out for by-standers when using the saw.
  11. If you are using the Leg Lock Device, carry the saw in the device.
  12. DO NOT CARRY THE CHAIN SAW UP A LADDER WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.
  13. Shut off the engine before setting the saw down on the roof, floor or ground.
  14. This is a ONE person saw.
  15. NEVER USE THE SAW WITH ONE HAND.
  16. Do not operate the saw with the starting throttle lock engaged.
  17. NEVER TOUCH THE CHAIN.WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.
  18. Cut at full throttle.
  19. When cutting watch out for loose objects.
  20. Never operate a chain saw thatis in need of repair.

DO NOT DROP START

MASTER CONTROL

The master controllever (1) controls thevariousengine functions.Depending on its position, it acts either on the carburetor's chokeshutter, the throttle trigger (2) or the stop contact (for stopping the engine).

A / B / C / D
  1. When the master control lever is moved to STOP (A), this position can only be selected from (B), the stop contact engages the contact spring -this cuts out the ignition system.
  2. Press down the safety throttle lock (3) before you move the master control lever (1) from "Run" (B) to (C) or (D). Do not squeeze the throttle trigger at the same time.
  3. When the master control lever (1) is moved to "warm start" (C), the choke shutter is opened and the throttle trigger (2) set to the starting-throttle position.
  4. When in the "warm start" position (C), the master control lever (1) is locked by the throttle trigger (2) and must not be forced into the "run" position (B). It returns automatically to "run" (B) when the throttle trigger (2) is squeezed.
  5. When the master control lever (1) is moved to "cold start" (D), the choke shutter is closed and the throttle trigger (2) set to the starting-throttle position.
  6. It is possible to move the master control lever (1) from (C) to (D) or vice versa without touching any other controls.

STARTING

PREPARATIONS:
/
  1. Engage the chain brakeby pushing the hand guard (1) towards the bar nose. You willhear a definite click when the brake engages.
  2. Adjust the controls
  3. If cold: press down safety throttle lock (2) and move master control lever (3) to "cold start"
  4. If warm: press down safety throttle lock (2) and move master control lever (3) to "warm start"
NOTE:select this position if engine has been running but is still cold
STARTING:

DO NOT DROP START /
  1. On flat roof or roof that does not require a roof ladder, placesaw on roof with your left hand on the front handle (5). put your right foot into the rear handle and press down
  2. On roof ladder, place saw firmly on the roof and hold with your left hand on the front handle
  3. Pull starter rope (7) slowly until you feel the starter engage, then give a brisk strongpull (the engine will kick back if pulled too slowly)
  4. Do not let the starter rope snap back in. Let it in slowly.
  5. If you use the cold start, move the master control to warm start as soon as engine begins to fire and then continue cranking until started.

ENGINE RUNNING:
/
  1. Immediately blip the throttle trigger (8) so that the master control lever moves to “run” position and engine settles down to idle speed.
  2. Disengage the chain brake before starting work: pull hand guard (1) back towards the front handle.
WARNING: The clutch can be damaged if the engine is not immediately returned to idle speed.
STOPPING ENGINE:
/
  1. Move master control lever (3) to stop.

Chain tension is correct in the cold condition when the chain fits snugly against the underside of the bar and can still be pulled along the bar by hand (wear gloves). When warm the chain expands and sags noticeably. The saw chain must be retensioned when the drive links begin to come out of the groove on the underside of the bar.

TO RETENSION THE CHAIN:
  1. slack off the hexagon nuts (1)
  2. hold guide bar by the nose and turn screwdriver (2) clockwise until the chain is aclose fit against the underside of the guide bar
  3. still holding the bar nose up, tighten the hexagon nuts (1)
/

Remove and clean the air filter as needed. Basic settings for the carburetor are as follows:

  1. HIGH SPEED (screw H) back off 1 complete turn
  2. LOW SPEED (screw L) back off 1 complete turn
  3. FINE TUNE ENGINE: clockwise is lean and counter clockwise is richer

The capacities of the oil and fuel tanks are balanced in such a way that, a certain amount of oil is always left in the oil tank when the fuel tank is empty. The oil pump is controlled by the chain speed. Oil flow adjustments can be made if necessary. Always refill the oil tank when refueling. If the oil tank is full and the fuel tank is empty something is wrong.

DO NOT RUN THE SAW WITHOUT OIL.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Stihl 1 cylinder - 2 stroke engine
  • 4.31 cubic inches
  • Breakerless ignition
  • Fuel tank - 1.69 pints
  • Fuel mixture - Stihl Oil 50:11 gallon gasoline to 2.56 ounces
  • Chain lubrication - fully automatic
  • Oil tank capacity - .7 pint14-50 deg.F SAE 20

50-104 deg F SAE 30

  • Weight - 12.8 pounds

PARTS OF THE CHAIN SAW


/
  1. Front handle
  2. Spark plug terminal
  3. Twist lock
  4. Carburetor adjusting screws
  5. Handle healing switch
  6. Rear handle
  7. Rear hand guard
  8. Front hand guard
  9. Chain brake
  10. Bumper spike
  11. Guide bar
  12. Guide bar nose
  13. Oilomatic saw chain
  14. Chain tensioner
  15. Chain catcher
  16. Chain sprocket
  17. Chain sprocket cover
  18. Oil quantity control
  19. Chain guard
  20. Muffler
  21. Oil filler cap
  22. Starter grip
  23. Throttle trigger interlock
  24. Throttle trigger
  25. Master control lever
  26. Fuel filler cap
  27. Serial number

DEFINITIONS

  1. FrontHandleHandle bar for the left hand at front of saw.
  2. Spark Plug TerminalConnects the spark plug with the ignition wire.
  3. Twist LockLock for carburetor box cover.
  4. Carburetor Adjusting ScrewsFor tuning carburetor.
  5. Handle Heating Switch For switching the electric handle heating on and off.
  6. Rear HandleThe support handle for the right hand, located at or toward the rear of the saw.
  7. Rear Hand GuardGives added protection to operator's right hand.
  8. Front Hand GuardProvides protection against projecting branches and helps prevent the left hand from touching the chain if it slips off the handle bar.
  9. Chain BrakeA deviceto stop the rotation of the chain if activated in a kickback situation by the operator's hand or by inertia.
  10. Bumper SpikeToothed stop for holding saw steady against wood.
  11. GuideBar NoseThe exposed end of the guide bar.
  12. Guide Bar Supports and guides the saw chain.
  13. Oilomatic Saw ChainA loop of chain having cutters, tie straps and drive links.
  14. ChainTensionerPermits precise adjustment of chain tension.
  15. Chain Catcher Helps to reduce the risk of operatorcontact by a chain when it breaks or comes off the bar.
  16. ChainSprocketThe toothed wheel that drives the saw chain.

DEFINITIONS– continued

  1. Chain Sprocket Cover. Covers the clutch and the sprocket.
  2. Oil Quantity Control. Adjusting screw for matching chain oil feed rate to cutting conditions.
  3. Chain Guard (Scabbard). Covers the bar and the chain when the saw is not in use.
  4. Muffler. Reduces engine exhaust noise and directs the exhaust gases.
  5. Oil Filler Cap. For closing the oil tank.
  6. Starter Grip. The grip of the starter for starting the engine.
  7. Safety Throttle Lock. Must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be activated.
  8. Throttle Trigger. Controls the speed of the engine.
  9. Master Control Lever. Lever for choke control, starting throttle and stop switch.
  10. Fuel FillerCap. For closing the fuel tank.
  11. Clutch.Couples engine to chain sprocket when engine is accelerated beyond idle speed (not illustrated).

CHAIN SAW TIPS

  • DO NOT DROP START
  • Always keep a tight grip
  • Be careful of the 3 reactive forces: kickback, pull-in, and pushback
  • Always fill oil when filling with gas
  • At the correct idle speed the chain should not rotate.
  • Do not use the saw with one hand
  • Do not stick the nose of the bar in to start the cut.
  • Do not carry saw up ladder with the engine running.
  • Keep the chain at the proper tension
  • The choke is operated by the master control lever
  • Every time chain is replaced, turn bar over for evenwear.
  • Chain tension is very important, should be set cold
  • If wear marks on sprocket are more than 0.02 inches deep, it should be replaced
  • Stop engine before setting the saw down on the ground or roof or floor

BE CAREFUL WITH THIS TOOL

MEMORANDUM

/ The City of
OKLAHOMA CITY
Fire Department

TO:All Deputy Chiefs and District Chiefs

FROM:Jim Conner, Training Officer

DATE:July 10, 1990

SUBJECT:Chain Saw Brake Use

Some problems have developed with the manual chain brake on two ofour saws. The problem seems to be caused by accidental engagementof the brake manually while cutting or using the brake to stop the chain when the cut has been made.

The brake system on the saw is an important safety feature. In theevent anything happens while the saw is in use such as kick-back,push-back, or pull-in, the inertia brake or the manual brake will be applied to stop the chain.

The brake should be applied manually when starting the saw. Whenthe engine starts, the throttle is immediately blipped to returnthe engine speed to idle. The brake is disengaged before work is started. Do not rev the engine speed with the brake engaged.

The only other time that the manual brake should be applied is whenthe saw needs to be handed to another firefighter. This should not occur except in unusual circumstances and the chain is stopped.