Portland Electric Pole Saw

Save This Manual

Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product's serial number in the back of the manual (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.

PORTLAND

ELECTRIC POLE SAW

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.

AWARNING

Read this material before using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. SAVE THIS MANUAL.

Table of Contents

• Safety: 2
• Specifications: 5
• Assembly: 5
• Operation: 8
• Maintenance: 11
• Parts List and Diagram: 14
• Warranty: 16

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

A This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

A DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

A WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

A CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE CAUTION Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

AWARNING

When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Power Cord Safety

WARNING! - To reduce the risk of electric shock, use only with an extension cord intended for outdoor use, such as an extension cord of cord type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A. or SJTOW-A.

1. Extension Cord - Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.
2. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the gardening appliance. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.
3. Do not Abuse Cord - Do not carry appliance by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
4. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord.
5. A polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way. This design is referred to as double-insulated, indicated by [double-insulation symbol].

Extension Cord Size

The following table shows the correct cord size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Connecting Cords

To reduce the risk of the cords pulling apart during operation, do one of the following:

1. Make a knot as shown below then connect the cords:
   

   Figure: Diagram showing extension cord and appliance cord being knotted together.

2. Or, use a plug-receptacle retaining strap or connector designed to hold extension cords to appliance cords.

Personal Safety

1. Dress Properly - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
2. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, hard hat and heavy-duty rubber work gloves. Use face or dust mask if operation is dusty.
3. Avoid Unintentional Starting - Do not carry plugged-in appliance with finger on switch. Be sure switch is off when plugging in.
4. Do not Overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
5. Stay Alert - Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate appliance when you are tired.
6. DANGER! People with pacemakers should not use pole saws. Pole saws produce strong electromagnetic fields that can cause pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure. People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) for advice.

Gardening Appliance Use and Care

1. Avoid Dangerous Environment - Do not use appliances in damp or wet locations.
2. Do Not Use In Rain.
3. Keep Children Away - All visitors should be kept at a distance from work area.
4. When servicing use only identical replacement parts.
5. Use Right Appliance - Do not use appliance for any job except that for which it is intended.
6. Do Not Force Appliance - It will do the job better and with less likelihood of injury at the rate for which it was designed.
7. Store Idle Appliances Indoors - When not in use, appliances should be stored indoors in dry, and high or locked-up place - out of reach of children.
8. Disconnect Appliance - Disconnect the appliance from the power supply when not in use, before servicing, when changing accessories such as blades, and the like.
9. Check Damaged Parts - Before further use of the appliance, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician unless indicated elsewhere in this manual.
10. Carefully follow cutting procedures explained in this manual. They are specifically planned to reduce risk to the operator.
11. Lock pole in place securely before using Pole Saw.

Avoiding Kickback During Use

Kickback occurs when the chain (at the tip of the guide bar) comes in contact with a log or wood, or when the saw chain becomes jammed, often when sawing sideward, slanted or during lengthwise cuts.

WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: When kickback occurs, the Pole Saw can react unpredictably and cause severe injuries to the operator or bystanders.

To avoid kickback:

• Saw with guide bar at a flat angle.
• Do not work with a loose, overstretched or worn out chain.
• Ensure chain is sharpened correctly.
• Do not work with the tip of the guide bar.
• Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands.
• Use a low kickback chain.
• Ensure correct chain tension.

Handling Pole Saw

1. Hold the Pole Saw with both hands using the soft grip.
2. Fully grip both handles at all times during operation. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Do not operate Pole Saw using only one hand.
3. Hold the Pole Saw at a max. angle of 60° from the horizontal level.

   Figure 13: Diagram showing maximum angle for holding the pole saw.

4. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Do not stand directly under the limb you are sawing. Objects may fall different than expected. Position yourself well out of the path of falling limbs. Keep bystanders away from cutting end of garden power tool and a safe distance from the work area. Maintain a minimum distance of thirty feet to bystanders.
5. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Do not stand on a ladder or other support while using Pole Saw.
6. Make sure the power cord is located to the rear, away from the chain and wood, and kept free of branches during cutting.
7. Hold the Pole Saw to the side of your body. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Do not operate the Pole Saw with arms fully extended or attempt to saw areas that are difficult to reach.
8. Keep a firm, steady pressure on the Pole Saw while working. Do not try to force the Pole Saw through the wood, let the chain do the work. Use the gripping teeth to apply minimal leverage pressure.
9. Use caution when reaching end of cut. The Pole Saw's weight may change unexpectedly as it cuts free from the wood. Always remove the Pole Saw from a wood cut while it is running.

Cutting Thin Branches

1. Thin branches can be cut off with a single cut.
2. To prevent the branch from slivering and buckling, cut the branch off in several pieces. See Figure 14.

   Figure 14: Diagram illustrating cutting thin branches.

Cutting Thick Branches

When cutting larger branches, the following four cuts are necessary:

1. First cut into the branch from below, outside of the location where you intend to cut off the branch. The cut should go one third to halfway through the branch. See Cut 1 on Figure 15.
2. Cut into the branch from the top, making sure it's outside from where the branch is to be sawn. See Cut 2 on Figure 15.
3. To keep stump and branch from splintering, do a stub undercut below branch. See Cut 3, on Figure 15.
4. Cut off the stump with one clean cut from top to bottom. If desired, seal the cut with a suitable compound. See Cut 4 on Figure 15.

   Figure 15: Diagram illustrating the four cuts for thick branches.

When finished cutting, turn off the Pole Saw and disconnect its power supply after use.

Clean, then store the appliance indoors out of children's reach.

Maintenance And Servicing

Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must be performed only by a qualified technician.

AWARNING

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION OR ELECTRIC SHOCK: Release the Trigger and unplug the appliance from its electrical outlet before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL FAILURE: Do not use damaged equipment. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.

Cleaning, Maintenance and Lubrication

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the appliance. Check for loose screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, damaged electrical wiring, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, clean external surfaces of the appliance with clean, moist cloth.
3. REGULARLY check for loose, dislodged or damaged chain and guide bar, loose fixings and worn or damaged components.
4. Check that covers and guards are undamaged and correctly fitted. WARNING! Do not use Pole Saw if guards are damaged. Make sure that all repairs are handled by a qualified service technician.
5. Clean Pole Saw with a brush or cloth. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Do not clean the Pole Saw while it is running.
6. Do not use any solvents or water to remove dirt.
7. Ensure that all hardware (screws, nuts, etc.) is tight at all times so that you can safely work with the Pole Saw.
8. ACAUTION! If the supply cord of this appliance is damaged, it must be replaced only by a qualified service technician.
9. Store Pole Saw in a dry, secure location away from children.

Replacing/Changing Saw Chain and Guide Bar

1. Check the condition of the saw chain and its mounting at regular intervals.
   • If the saw chain is worn or blunt it must be replaced or sharpened immediately;
   • If the Pole Saw starts to suffer from excessive vibrations, this means that the saw chain or guide bar has not been balanced correctly or has suffered deformation due to impacts. In this case it must be repaired or replaced.
   • Assemble the chain and guide bar as described in "Saw Chain Assembly and Tensioning" sections on pages 6 and 7.
2. Over time, the circular groove of the guide bar will show wear on the lower edge. When replacing the chain, turn the chain bar 180° to allow even wear, extending chain bar life.
3. If the guide bar is worn out or damaged, replace it with an identical guide bar.

Lubricating Drive Sprocket

1. Unplug the chain saw from the power source.

   Note: It is not necessary to remove the saw chain to lubricate the guide bar sprocket tip.

2. After about every ten uses, clean the guide bar sprocket tip.
3. Using disposable lube gun (not included), insert needle nose into the lubrication hole and inject grease until it appears at the outside edge of the sprocket tip. See Figure 16.

   Figure 16: Diagram showing lubrication of the guide bar sprocket tip.

4. Make sure to switch Pole Saw off and rotate the saw chain by hand. Repeat the lubrication procedure until the entire sprocket tip has been greased.
5. Check drive sprocket. If it is worn out or damaged, have it replaced by a qualified service technician.

Cleaning Guide Bar Rails

1. Remove side cover, guide bar and saw chain.
2. After every ten regular uses, take a screwdriver or putty knife (not included) and clear residue from the rails on the guide bar. This will keep the oil passages open to provide proper lubrication to the bar and chain. See Figure 17.

   Figure 17: Diagram showing cleaning of guide bar rails.

3. Reinstall the bar, chain (adjust tension), sprocket cover and bar bolt retaining nuts.

Sharpening Saw Chain

1. Ensure the chain is correctly tensioned. See Figure 18.

   Figure 18: Diagram showing a correctly tensioned saw chain.

2. Use a round file (not included) with a diameter of 1.1 times the cutting tooth depth. Make sure 20 percent of the file diameter is above the cutter's top plate.
3. File at an angle perpendicular to the bar and at an angle of 25 degrees to the direction of travel. See Figure 19.

   Figure 19: Diagram showing file position for sharpening the saw chain.

4. File each tooth from the inside towards outside only. File one side of the chain first, then turn the Pole Saw around and repeat the process.
5. Sharpen each tooth equally by using the same number of strokes. See Figure 20.

   Figure 20: Diagram showing the direction of filing for sharpening.

6. Keep all cutter lengths equal.
7. If the depth gauges are also trimmed, make sure the original profile be restored. Use a depth gauge measuring instrument to check the height of the depth gauge.

Troubleshooting

! Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool. Disconnect power supply before service.

Parts List and Diagram

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

Parts List

Record Product's Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.

Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available individually as replacement parts. Specify UPC 193175471734 when ordering parts.

Assembly Diagram: Exploded view of the pole saw components.

Warranty

(Warranty information would typically be here, but was not present in the provided text.)