Instruction Manual

3
2. Safety Precautions and General Information
2.1 Safety Precautions for working with
mechanical timber harvesting
machines
Saw chain breakage and thrown parts of chain, called
"chain shot" (chain shot is the term commonly used by
manufacturers as well as forestry professionals to
describe the parts of the chain that are thrown through
the air when a chain breaks).
These harvester machines impose a very heavy load on
the cutting attachment. For this reason it is necessary to
observe the notes and instructions on reducing the risk of
chain breakage and possible injury.
It is important you read and understand the instruction
manual before using your machine for the first time and
keep it in a safe place for future reference. Non-
observance of the safety precautions may result in
serious or even fatal injury.
Observe all applicable safety regulations, standards and
ordinances.
The following information is intended to supplement the
machine-specific instruction manual, but not replace it:
 Position the guide bar and chain so that parts are not
thrown in the direction of the operator.
 The timber harvester's cab should be equipped with
appropriate safety windows.
 A chain speed of 40 m/s (131.23 ft./sec.) must not be
exceeded when using STIHL RAPID
™
Micro
™
Harvester saw chains (RMH, RMHS).
 The area around the chain sprocket must be fitted
with a suitable guard.
 Make sure that bystanders keep a minimum distance
of 70 m (230 ft.) from the harvester when it is in
cutting operations.
 Inspect the chain regularly for damage – do not
continue working with a damaged chain – replace a
damaged chain or replace chipped cutters and other
damaged parts of the chain.
 STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL
replacement parts for repairs – do not install used
parts. Repairing the chain with used or non-OEM parts
could cause a premature failure resulting in severe
injury or death and possible damage to the machine
components.
 STIHL recommends that the complete saw chain
must be replaced after it has broken twice.
 Always resharpen STIHL chains to factory
specifications.
 Make sure the chain is always properly tensioned.
 Replace the chain sprocket as soon as it shows any
visible signs of wear. A specific wear depth that can
be measuered to 0.6 mm (0.025 in.) indicates that the
sprocket needs replacement. It is recommended that
a sprocket should be replaced after the use of 10
chains.