How to Sharpen your Silky Saw
After a whole year at work tackling heavy growth, it is surely time for your brushcutter to take a break. To ensure you get off to a good start again after the winter, there are one or two points to bear in mind when putting it into storage.
We have put together some useful tips for you here:
Draining the tank
Before putting your machine into storage, clean it thoroughly and then drain the tank completely. To empty the carburettor, let the machine idle until the engine stops. Check the machine for any dirt and also allow it to dry completely.
Checking the spark plug
Remove the spark plug and examine it. If the spark plug electrodes are a light reddish brown, then it’s OK. If not, the spark plugs may need to be cleaned or replaced.
Checking the metal cutting blade
Remove the metal cutting blade and clean it. Check it for any damage and protect it from corrosion. If necessary you can take your metal cutting blades for sharpening.
Storing mowing lines wet
To keep a mowing line elastic, remove the spool from the mowing head and store it in a damp place. Two or three days before the start of the new season, place the line in water to keep it flexible and supple. Also put new rolls of Bulk reels in a bucket of water before the season starts. Trimmerline dries out, especially in dry areas like the Free State, and will go much further if you put it overnight in a bucket of water.
Space-saving storage
A brushcutter is best stored hanging up. You can fold in the handlebar to save space.
Starting shown
You have checked that your working area is safe and you are wearing full protective equipment. Before starting the machine, carefully read the Instruction Manual and observe the safety instructions and information in it. When you have done that you can get going with your brushcutter.
Step 1 of 14: Laying the brushcutter on the ground
Lay the brushcutter down in a safe position on the ground. It should rest on the support on the engine and the cutting attachment guard. Make sure that the cutting attachment is not touching the ground or any other object as it may start to rotate when you start the engine. Keep everyone else at least 15 m away from the machine. Make sure you have a steady footing
Step 2 of 14: Pressing the throttle trigger lockout and the throttle trigger
Press first the throttle trigger lockout and then the throttle trigger. Hold down both levers.
Step 3 of 14: Setting the switch to START
Push the switch on the multi-function control handle to the START position and keep it in that position.
Step 4 of 14: Starting throttle position
Release the throttle, slide control and throttle trigger lockout again one after other. The machine is now in the starting throttle position
Step 5 of 14: Setting the choke shutter knob to Choke
When the engine is cold the choke shutter must be closed. Move the choke lever into the corresponding position to close it.
Step 6 of 14: Pressing the primer bulb
Push the primer bulb down at least 5 times, even if it is still full of fuel. This reduces the number of pulls required to start the engine, making starting easier.
Step 7 of 14: Secure footing / pushing the brushcutter onto the ground
Make sure you have a secure footing and check once again that the brushcutter is lying in a secure position. Push the machine down onto the ground so that it cannot tilt when starting. Check that the cutting attachment is not touching anything.
Step 8 of 14: Pulling the starter rope
Slowly pull out the starter grip with your right hand until you feel it reach the first stop. Then pull the starter grip briskly and strongly upwards, keeping it as vertical as you can. Take care not to pull the rope all the way out. Do not allow the starter grip to spring back. Instead, guide it back in the opposite direction, to allow the starter rope to rewind correctly.
Step 9 of 14: Engine fires briefly
When the engine fires or after a few pulls, move the choke shutter lever to open the choke.
Step 10 of 14: Pulling the starter rope again
Pull the starter rope again. The engine will fire.
Note:
If your brushcutter fails to fire, refer to your Instruction Manual to make sure you are following the correct procedure. If the brushcutter still will not start, contact Makenda Sales. The team will be able to advise and assist and help you solve any problems that may arise.
Step 11 of 14: Pressing the throttle trigger
As soon as the engine is running, briefly touch the throttle trigger. The switch will move into the operating position (Position I). The engine idles. The tool stops rotating.
Step 12 of 14: Lifting up the brushcutter
Slowly lift up the brushcutter, taking care not to touch the throttle trigger, unintentionally accelerating the machine.
Step 13 of 14: Off you go!
The brushcutter is now ready for use
Step 14 of 14: Switching off the machine
Slide the switch on the multi-function control handle in the direction of the arrow on the stop symbol to STOP-O.
Fuel mixture
Your petrol-powered engine requires a mixture of petrol and engine oil. The quality of the petrol and oil is extremely important to the running and life of the engine. Each model might have different “mixes” Please check your Manual.
Unsuitable fuels or mix ratios that do not comply with the specification can seriously damage the engine (piston seizing, excessive wear.)
To mix the fuel, first pour the engine oil and then the petrol into a suitable can approved for use with fuel. Before pouring this mix into the fuel tank, first mix it thoroughly by shaking the can. Take care when opening the can as pressure may have built up inside.
engine stops. Check the machine for any dirt and also allow it to dry completely.
CHAIN SAW – Starting
Step 1 of 15
Before starting your chain saw, the chain brake should be activated by pushing it forward.
Step 2 of 15
Always remove the bar cover before starting your chain saw.
Step 3 of 15
If your chain saw is fitted with a decompression valve, press it now. It assists with firing the engine and starting your chain saw
Step 4 of 15
If your chain saw has a primer bulb, press it several times. This assists with starting and reduces the number of pulls needed to start.
Step 5 of 15
Setting the master control lever to Choke / Cold start. First press the throttle trigger lockout and the throttle trigger. Then press the master control lever all the way down.
Step 6 of 15
To start the chain saw, lay it on a flat surface. The cutting attachment must not be in contact with the ground to avoid blunting it when starting and putting yourself unnecessarily at risk.
Step 7 of 15
Leaving the chain saw on the ground, place your left hand on the handlebar and your right hand on the starter rope. Push your right toecap into the rear handle to stabilize the chain saw.
Step 8 of 15
Slowly pull the starter rope with your right hand until you feel resistance. Then pull the starter rope hard several times until the engine fires briefly. Pull it upward, keeping it as vertical as you can, without allowing the rope to chafe against the fan housing.
Step 9 of 15
The engine fires only briefly and dies again immediately. Move the Master Control lever up one notch (to the half throttle position) to open the choke.
Step 10 of 15
Pull the starter rope again until the engine fires again.
Step 11 of 15
As soon as the engine has fired and is running, touch the throttle trigger briefly with your index finger. The master control lever will move back to the normal idle setting.
Step 12 of 15
Then slowly lift up the chain saw, taking care not to touch the throttle trigger.
Step 13 of 15
Release the chain brake by pulling the chain brake handle toward you with your left hand. Keep hold of the handlebar with your left hand as you do this. When you hear a click sound, this means the chain has been released and can turn on the bar.
Step 14 of 15
Before getting started, check the chain lubrication. Hold up the saw against a light-coloured background, such as a tree trunk or a piece of paper on the ground and open the throttle fully. If some chain lubricant appears on the light-colored background, then you can start work.
Step 15 of 15
The saw is now ready for use. For safe working practices please refer to your Instruction Manual
Emptying the fuel tank
Empty the fuel tank in a well-ventilated place and then clean it. Remember to drain the carburettor first, to prevent the carburettor diaphragms from sticking together.
Dismantling chain saws
Remove the chain and guide bar, clean them and spray them with protective oil.
Store in a dry place
Your chain saw should be stored in a dry place. Choose a place which is well ventilated and protected from the weather. Keeping it outdoors is not advisable.
Protect from the sun
Store the machine away from the direct rays of the sun. Exposure to the sun’s rays causes UV embrittlement.
Staying dust free
Your chain saw should always be packed away in a dust-free environment.
Safe storage
Always store your chain saw out of reach of other people (e.g. children). The best place to store it is in a lockable room or cupboard.
