Alpina PR270 Operator's Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

1. For Safe Operation

EN 1

Dear Customer,

Firstly, we wish to thank you for having chosen our products and hope that the use of this machine will
be extremely satisfying for you and fully meet your expectations. This manual has been drawn up to
allow your to get to know your machine well and use it in safe and efficient conditions; please do not
forget that it is an integral part of the machine and keep it to hand to be consulted at all times and con-
sign it with the machine if you should sell or lend it to others.

Your new machine has been designed and manufactured to current standards and is safe and reliable
if used in full respect of the instructions contained in this manual (forecast use); any other use or failu-
re to comply with the instructions for safe use, maintenance and repair shall be considered as “improp-
er use”, cause the warranty to become null and void and relieve the Manufacturer from all responsi-
bility, with the user becoming responsible for charges for damages or personal or third party injury.

If any slight differences are found between the description herein and the machine you own, please
bear in mind that due to continual product improvement, the information contained in this manual is
subject to modification without prior notice or obligatory updating, although the essential features for
the purposes of safety and operation remain unchanged. In the event of doubt, please contact your
dealer. Enjoy your work!

This chainsaw has been espe-
cially designed for tree mainte-
nance and should therefore
only be used by trained opera-
tors when working on trees.

WARNING!

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
AND SAFETY WARNINGS

1. Read, understand and follow all warnings.
2. Warning! Danger of kickback.
3. Use the chain saw with two hands.
4. Read operator's instruction book before operating

this machine.

5. Wear head, eye and ear protection.
6. Wear strong working gloves.
7. Wear boots or protective shoes with grippy soles and steel

toecaps.

8. Use appropriate protections for foot-leg and hand-arm .
9. This saw is for trained tree service operators only.

WARNING!!!

RISK OF DAMAGING HEARING

IN NORMAL CONDITIONS OF USE, THIS

MACHINE MAY INVOLVE A DAILY LEVEL

OF PERSONAL EXPOSURE TO NOISE FOR THE

OPERATOR EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN

85 dB(A)

For Safe Operation ......................................................... 1

Explanation of Symbols on the Machine ....................... 6

Installing Guide Bar and Saw Chain .............................. 7

Fuel and Chain Oil ......................................................... 8

Operating the Engine ................................................... 10

Sawing .......................................................................... 13

Maintenance ................................................................. 15

Maintenance of Saw Chain and Guide Bar ................. 17

Troubleshooting Guide ................................................. 18

10. Accesories ................................................................... 18

Contents

1. For Safe Operation

Maximum noise and vibration levels PR 270 - 280

Operator ear noise pressure level
(ISO 22868) ....................................................................... db(A) 108
- Measurement uncertainty (2006/42/CE - EN 27574) .... db(A)

1,3

Measured acoustic output level (ISO 22868) ................... db(A) 108
- Measurement uncertainty (2006/42/CE - EN 27574) ..... db(A)

1,6

Vibration level (ISO 22867) ................................................ m/s

10,8

- Measurement uncertainty (2006/42/CE - EN 12096) ..... m/s

1,1

TRANSLATION OF THE ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS (ISTRUZIONI ORIGINALI)

EN 2

1. For Safe Operation

1. Never operate a chain saw
when you are fatigued, ill, or up-
set, or under the influence of me-
dication that may make you drow-
sy, or if you are under the influen-
ce of alcohol or drugs.

2. Use safety footwear, snug fit-
ting clothing and eye, hearing and
head protection devices.
Use the vibration-proof glove.

3. Keep the saw chain sharp and
the saw, including the AV system,
well maintained. A dull chain will
increase cutting time, and press-
ing a dull chain through wood will
increase the vibrations transmit-
ted to your hands. A saw with loo-
se components or with damaged
or worn AV buffers will also tend
to have higher vibration levels.

4. All the above mentioned pre-
cautions do not guarantee that
you will not sustain whitefinger di-
seaseor carpal tunnel syndrome.
Therefore, continual and regular
users should monitor closely the
condition of their hands and fin-
gers. If any of the above symp-
toms appear, seek medical advice
immediately.

5. Always use caution when han-
dling fuel. Wipe up all spills and
then move the chain saw at least 3
m from the fueling point before
starting the engine.

6. Eliminate all sources of sparks
or flame (i.e. smoking, open fla-
mes, or work that can cause
sparks) in the areas where fuel is
mixed, poured, or stored.

7. Do not smoke while handling
fuel or while operating the chain
saw.

8. Do not allow other persons to
be near the chain saw when start-
ing or cutting. Keep bystanders
and animals out of the work area.
Children, pets and bystanders
should be a minimum of 10 m
away when you start or operate
the chain saw.

9. Never start cutting until you
have a clear work area, secure
footing, and a planned retreat
path from the falling tree.

10. Always hold the chain saw
firmly with both hands when the
engine is running. Use a firm grip
with thumb and fingers encircling
the chain saw handles.

11. Keep all parts of your body a-
way from the saw chain when the
engine is running.

12. Before you start the engine,
make sure the saw chain is not
contacting anything.

13. Always carry the chain saw
with the engine stopped, the gui-
de bar and saw chain to the rear,
and the muffler away from your
body.

14. Always carry the chain saw
with the engine stopped, the
guide bar and saw chain to the
rear, and the muffler away from
your body.

15. All chain saw service, other
than the items listed in the
Owner’s Manual, should be per-
formed by competent chain saw
service personnel. (E.g., if improp-
er tools are used to remove the
flywheel, or if an improper tool is
used to hold the flywheel in order
to remove the clutch, structural

1. For Safe Operation

EN 3

damage to the flywheel could
occur which could subsequently
cause the flywheel to disinte-
grate.)

16. Always shut off the engine be-
fore setting it down.

17. Use extreme caution when
cutting small size brush and sa-
plings because slender material
may catch the saw chain and be
whipped toward you or pull you
off balance.

18. When cutting a limb that is un-
der tension, be alert for spring-
back so that you will not be struck
when the tension in the wood
fibers is released.

19. Never cut in high wind, bad
weather, when visibility is poor or
in very high or low temperatures.
Always check the tree for dead
branches which could fall during
the felling operation.

20. Keep the handles dry, clean
and free of oil or fuel mixture.

21. Operate the chain saw only in
well ventilated areas. Never start
or run the engine inside a closed
room or building. Exhaust fumes
contain dangerous carbon mono-
xide.

22. Do not operate the chain saw
in a tree unless specially trained to
do so.

23.

Guard against kickback.

Kickback is the upward motion of
the guide bar which occurs when
the saw chain at the nose of the
guide bar contacts an object.
Kickback can lead to dangerous
loss of control of the chain saw.

24. When transporting your chain
saw, make sure the appropriate
guide bar scabbard is in place.

1.1 KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

FOR CHAIN SAW USERS

Kickback may occur

when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches
an object, or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact
in some cases may cause a lightning fast

reverse reaction, kick-
ing the guide bar up
and back towards the
operator.
Pinching the saw
chain along the top of
the guide bar may
push the guide bar ra-

pidly back towards the operator. Either of
these reactions may cause you to lose control
of the saw, which could result in serious per-
sonal injury.

• Do not rely exclusively on the safety devices
built into your saw. As a chain saw user you
should take several steps to keep cutting
jobs free from accident or injury.

1. With a basic understanding of kickback you
can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.

2. Keep a good grip on the saw
with both hands, the right hand on
the rear handle, and the left hand
on the front handle, when the
engine is running. Use a firm grip
with thumbs and fingers encircling
the chain saw handles. A firm grip
will help you reduce kickback and
maintain control of the saw.

3. Make certain that the area in
which you are cutting is free from
obstructions. Do not let the nose
of the guide bar contact a log,
branch, or any other obstruction
which could be hit while you are
operating the saw.

4. Cut at high engine speeds.

5. Do not overreach or cut above
shoulder height.

6. Follow the manufacturer’s
sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain.

7. Only use replacement bars and
chains specified by the manufac-
turer or the equivalent.

WARNING!

1.2 WORKING WITH TREE SERVICE

CHAIN-SAWS FROM A ROPE AND
HARNESS

This chapter sets out working practices to redu-
ce the risk of injury from tree service chainsaws
when working at height from a rope and harness.

While it may form the basis of guidance and
training literature, it should not be regarded as a
substitute for formal training.

General requirements working at height

Operators of tree service chainsaws working at
height from a rope and harness should never
work alone.
A competent ground worker trained in appropri-
ate emergency procedures should assist them.

Operators of tree service chainsaws for this work
should be trained in general safe climbing and
work positioning techniques and shall properly
equipped with harnesses, ropes, strops, kara-
biners and other equipment for maintaining se-
cure and safe working positions for both
themselves and the saw.

Preparing to use the saw in the tree

The chainsaw should checked,
fuelled, started and warmed up
by the ground worker before it is
sent up to the operator in the
tree.

The chainsaw should be fitted
with a suitable strop for attach-
ing to the operator’s harness:

a) choke the strop around the attachment point

on the rear of the saw (A);

b) provide suitable karabiners to allow indirect

(i.e. via the strop) and direct attachment (i.e.

at the attachment point on the saw) of saw to
the operators harness;

c) ensure the saw is securely attached when it is

being sent up to the operator;

d) ensure the saw it secured to the harness

before it is disconnected from the means of
ascent.

The saw should only be attached to the recom-
mended attachment points on the harness.
These may be at mid-point (front or rear) or at
the sides.

Where possible attaching the saw to centre rear
mid-point will keep it clear of climbing lines and
support its weight centrally down the operator’s
spine.

When moving the saw from
any attachment point to ano-
ther, operators should ensure
it is secured in the new posi-
tion before releasing it from
the previous attachment
point.

Using the chainsaw in the tree

An analysis of accidents with these saws during
tree service operations shows the primary cause
as being inappropriate one-handed use of the
saw. In the vast majority of accidents, operators
fail to adopt a secure work position witch allows
them to hold both handles of the saw.

This results in an increased risk of injury due to:

• not having a firm grip on the saw if it kicks

back;

• a lack of control of the saw such that it is

more liable to contact climbing lines and
operators body (particularly the left hand and
arm)

• losing control from insecure work position

resulting in contact with the saw (unexpected
movement during operation of the saw)

EN 4

1. For Safe Operation

(A)

Securing the work position for two-handed
use

To allow the operator to hold the saw with both
hands, they should as general rule, aim for se-
cure work position where they are operating the
saw at:

• hip level when cutting horizontal sections;
• solar plexus level when cutting vertical sec-

tions.

Where the operator is working close into vertical
stems with a low lateral forces on their work
position, then a good footing may be all that is
needed to maintain a secure work position.

However as operators
move away from the
stem, they will need to ta-
ke steps to remove or
counteract the increasing
lateral forces by, for
example, a re-direct of
the main line via a sup-
plementary anchor point
or using an adjustable
strop direct from the har-
ness to a supplementary
anchor point.

Gaining a good footing at
the working position can
be assisted by use of a
temporary foot stirrup
created from an endless
sling.

Starting the saw in the tree

When starting the saw in the tree, the operator
should:

a) apply the chain brake before starting;
b) hold saw on either the left or right of the

body when starting:

1) on the left side hold the saw with either the

left hand on the front handle or the right hand
on the rear handle and thrust the saw away
from the body while holding the pull starter
cord in the other hand;

2) on the right side, hold the saw with the right

hand on either handle and thrust the saw
away from the body while holding the pull
starter cord in the left hand.

The chain brake should always be engaged be-
fore lowering a running saw onto its strop.
Operators should always check the saw has suf-
ficient fuel before undertaking critical cuts.

One-hand use of the chainsaw

Operators should not use tree service chainsaws
onehanded in place of unstable work positioning
or in preference to a handsaw when cutting small
diameter wood at the branch tips.

Tree service chainsaws should only be used
one-handed where:

• the operator cannot

gain a work posi-
tion enabling two-
handed use; and

• they need to sup-

port their working
position with one
hand; and

• the saw is being

used at full stretch,
at right angles to
and out of line with the operator’s body.

Operators should never:

• cut with the kickback zone at the tip of the

chainsaw guide bar

• ‘hold and cut’ sections
• attempt to catch falling sections.

Freeing a trapped saw

If the saw should become trapped during cut-
ting, operators should:

• switch off the saw and attach it securely to the

tree inboard (i.e. towards the truck side) of the
cut or to a separate tool line;

• pull the saw from the kerf whilst lifting the

branch as necessary;

• if necessary, use a handsaw or second chain

saw to release the trapped saw by cutting a
minimum of 30 cm away from the trapped
saw.

Whether a handsaw or a chainsaw is used to free
a stuck saw, the release cuts should always be
outboard (toward the tips of the branch), in order
to prevent the saw being taken with the section
and further complicating the situation.

1. For Safe Operation

EN 5

EN 6

2. Explanation of Symbols on the Machine

For safe operation and

maintenance, symbols are carved in relief on
the machine.
According to these indications, please be
careful not to make any mistake.

The port to refuel “MIX GASO-
LINE”
Position: Fuel cap

The port to top up chain oil
Position: Oil cap

Setting the switch to the “I”
position, the engine starts.
Setting the switch to the “O”
position, the engine stops
immediately.
Position: Front at the top of
the rear handle

Starting the engine. If you pull
out the choke knob (at the
back-right of the rear handle)
to the point of the arrow, you
can set the starting mode as
follows:
• First-stage position – start-

ing mode when the engine is
warm.

• Second-stage position –

starting mode when the
engine is cold.

Position: Upper-right of the
aircleaner cover

WARNING!

The screw under the “H”
stamp is The High-speed
adjustment screw.

The screw under the “L” stamp
is The Slow-speed adjustment
screw.

The screw at the left of the “T”
stamp is the Idle adjustment
screw.
Position: Left side of the rear
handle

Shows the directions that the
chain brake is released (white
arrow) and activated (black
arrow).
Position: Front of the chain
cover

If you turn the rod by screw-
driver follow the arrow to the
"MAX" position, the chain oil
flow more, and if you turn to
the "MIN" position, less.
Position: Bottom of the power
unit

2. Explanation of Symbols on the Machine

3. Installing Guide Bar and Saw Chain

EN 7

Unpacking and complet-

ing the assembly should be done on a flat and
stable surface, with enough space for machi-
ne handling and its packaging, always mak-
ing use of suitable equipment.
Disposal of the packaging should be done in
accordance with the local regulations in
force.

A standard saw unit package contains the items
as illustrated.

Open the box and install the guide bar and the
saw chain on the power unit as follows:

The saw chain has very

sharp edges. Use thick protective gloves for
safety.

1. Pull the guard towards the front handle to

check that the chain brake is not engaged.

2. Loosen the nuts and remove the chain cover.
3. Fix the hanger on the rear of power unit by

screw.

WARNING!

4. Mount the guide bar then fit the saw chain

around the bar and sprocket.

Pay attention to the correct

direction of the saw chain.

5. Fit the chain tensioner nut into the lower hole

of the guide bar, then install the chain cover,
and fasten the mounting nut to finger tight-
ness.

When installing the
chain cover, be
sure to fit the hook
completely at the
rear end of the
cover.

6. While holding up the tip of the bar, adjust the

chain tension by turning the tensioner screw
until the tie straps just touch the bottom side
of the bar rail.

7. Tighten the nuts securely with the bar tip held

up (12 ~ 15 Nm). Then check the chain for
smooth rotation and proper tension while
moving it by hand. If necessary, readjust with
the chain cover loose.

WARNING!

NOTE

3. Installing Guide Bar and Saw Chain

1) Chain cover
(2) Chain Tensioner

nut

(3) Hole

(1)

(1) Hanger

(1) Moving

direction

(1) Loosen
(2) Tighten
(3) Tensioner

screw

(1) Power unit
(2) Bar protector
(3) Guide bar
(4) Saw chain
(5) Plug wrench
(6) Screwdriver for carburetor adjustment

EN 8

3. Installing Guide Bar and Saw Chain / 4. Fuel and Chain Oil

• FUEL

Gasoline is very flamma-

ble. Avoid smoking or bringing any flame or
sparks near fuel.

Make sure to stop the engine and allow it cool
before refueling the unit.

Select outdoor bare ground for fueling and
move at least 3 m (10 ft) away from the fuel-
ing point before starting the engine.

• The engines are lubricated by oil specially for-

mulated for air-cooled 2-cycle gasoline engine
use. Use an anti-oxidant added quality oil
expressly labeled for air-cooled 2-cycle engine
use (JASO FC GRADE OIL or ISO EGC GRA-
DE).

• Do not use BIA or TCW (2-stroke water-cool-

ing type) mixed oil.

• RECOMMENDED MIXING RATIO

GASOLINE 50: OIL 1

WARNING!

• Exhaust emission are controlled by the funda-

mental engine parameters and components
(eq., carburation, ignition timing and port tim-
ing) without addition of any major hardware or
the introduction of an inert material during
combustion.

• These engines are certified to operate on

unleaded gasoline.

• Make sure to use gasoline with a minimum

octane number of 89RON (USA/Canada:
87AL).

• If you use a gasoline of a lower octane value

than prescribed, there is a danger that the
engine temperature may rise and an engine
problem such as piston seizing may conse-
quently occur.

• Unleaded gasoline is recommended to reduce

the contamination of the air for the sake of
your health and the environment.

• Poor quality gasolines or oils may damage

sealing rings, fuel lines or fuel tank of the en-
gine.

• HOW TO MIX FUEL

Pay attention to agitation.

1. Measure out the quantities of gasoline and oil

to be mixed.

2. Put some of the gasoline into a clean,

approved fuel container.

3. Pour in all of the oil and agitate well.

4. Pour in the rest of gasoline and agitate again

for at least one minute. As some oils may be

WARNING!

4. Fuel and Chain Oil

8. Tighten the tensioner screw.

A new chain will expand its

length in the beginning of use. Check and read-
just the tension frequently as a loose chain can
easily derail or cause rapid wear of itself and the
guide bar.

NOTE

(1) Tighten

4. Fuel and Chain Oil

EN 9

difficult to agitate depending on oil ingredi-
ents, sufficient agitation is necessary for the
engine to last long. Be careful that, if the agi-
tation is insufficient, there is an increased
danger of early piston seizing due to abnor-
mally lean mixture.

5. Put a clear indication on the outside of the

container to avoid mixing up with gasoline or
other containers.

6. Indicate the contents on outside of container

for easy identification.

• FUELING THE UNIT

1. Untwist and remove the fuel cap. Rest the

cap on a dustless place..

2. Put fuel into the fuel tank to 80% of the full

capacity.

3. Fasten the fuel cap securely and wipe up any

fuel spillage around the unit.

1. Select flat and bare ground for fueling.
2. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from

the fueling point before starting the
engine.

3. Stop the engine before refueling the unit.

At that time, be sure to sufficiently agitate
the mixed gasoline in the container.

• FOR YOUR ENGINE LIFE, AVOID:

1. FUEL WITH NO OIL (RAW GASOLINE) – It will

cause severe damage to the internal engine
parts very quickly.

2. GASOHOL – It can cause deterioration of

rubber and/or plastic parts and disruption of
engine lubrication.

3. OIL FOR 4-CYCLE ENGINE USE – It can

cause spark plug fouling, exhaust port block-
ing, or piston ring sticking.

4. Mixed fuels which have been left unused

for a period of one month or more may clog
the carburetor and result in the engine failing
to operate properly.

5. In the case of storing the product for a long

period of time, clean the fuel tank after ren-
dering it empty. Next, activate the engine and
empty the carburetor of the composite fuel.

WARNING!

6. In the case of scrapping the used mixed oil

container, scrap it only at an authorized
repository site.

Moreover, normal wear and

change in product with no functional influence
are not covered by the warranty. Also, be careful
that, if the usage in the instruction manual is not
observed as to the mixed gasoline, etc.
described therein, it may not be covered by the
warranty.

• CHAIN OIL

Only use special oil for

chain saws or adhesive oil for chain saws. Do
not use oil containing impurities so as not to
block the oil filter and to prevent irreparable da-
mage to the oil pump.

The special oil for lubricat-

ing the chain is biodegradable. Use of a mineral
oil or engine oil causes serious damage to the
environment.

It is essential that you use good quality oil to
lubricate the cutting parts effectively. Used or
poor quality oil does not guarantee good lubri-
cation and reduces the duration of the chain and
bar.

It is always worth topping up the oil tank com-
pletely (using a funnel) every time you refuel.
Since the oil tank capacity is enough to guaran-
tee that the fuel runs out first, you will avoid the
risk of operating the machine without lubricant.

IMPORTANT

NOTE

EN 10

5. Operating the Engine

It is very dangerous to

run a chainsaw that mounts broken parts or
lacks any parts. Before starting engine, make
sure that all the parts including bar and chain
are installed properly.

• STARTING THE ENGINE

• Before starting the engine

1. Fill fuel and chain oil tanks respectively, and

tighten the caps securely.

2. Continuously push the priming bulb until fuel

comes in the bulb.

3. Set the switch to “I” position.

4. Pull out the choke knob to the second-stage
position. The choke will close and the throttle
lever will then be set in the starting position.

When restarting immedi-

ately after stopping the engine, set the Choke

NOTE

WARNING!

knob in the first-stage position (choke open and
throttle lever in the starting position).

Once the choke knob has

been pulled out, it will not return to the operating
position even if you press down on it with your
finger. When you wish to return the choke knob
to the operating position, pull out the throttle
lever instead.

Before you start the engi-

ne, make sure the saw chain is not contacting
anything.

• Starting the engine on the ground

Do not start the engine

while the chain saw hangs in one hand. The
saw chain may touch your body. This in very
dangerous.

Keep clear of the saw

chain as it will start rotating upon starting of
engine.

5. While holding the saw unit securely on the

ground, pull the starter rope vigorously.

6. When engine has ignited, first push in the

choke knob to the first-stage position and
then pull the starter again to start the engine.

7. Allow the engine to warm up with the throttle

lever pulled slightly.

WARNING!

NOTE

5. Operating the Engine

(1) Chain oil
(2) Fuel

(1) Throttle interlock
(2) Throttle lever

Choke knob:

(1) When the engine is

cool

(2) When the engine is

warm up

(3) After the engine

starts

(1) Switch

5. Operating the Engine

EN 11

• Starting the engine on a tree

Carefully follow the in-

structions under “For your safety” (1.2).

• CHECKING THE OIL SUPPLY

Make sure to set up the

bar and the chain when checking the oil sup-
ply.
If not, the rotating parts may be exposed. It is
very dangerous.

After starting the engine, run the chain at me-
dium speed and see if chain oil is scattered off
as shown in the figure.

The chain oil flow can be changed by inserting a
screwdriver in the hole on bottom of the clutch
side. Adjust according to your work conditions.

The oil tank should become

nearly empty by the time fuel is used up. Be sure
to refill the oil tank every time when refueling the
saw.

• ADJUSTING THE CARBURETOR

The carburetor on your unit has been factory
adjusted, but may require fine tuning due to a
change in operating conditions.
Before adjusting the carburetor, make sure that
the provided air/fuel filters are clean and fresh
and the fuel properly mixed.

NOTE

WARNING!

When adjusting, take the following steps:

Be sure to adjust the car-

buretor with the bar chain attached.

1. “H” and “L” needles are restricted within the

number of turn as shown below.

“H” needle: -1/4
“L” needle: -1/4

2. Start the engine and allow it to warm up in

low speed for a few minutes.

3. Turn the idle adjusting screw (T) counter-

clockwise so that the saw chain does not
turn. If the idling speed is too slow, turn the
screw clockwise.

4. Make a test cut and adjust the “H” needle for

best cutting power, not for maximum speed.

• CHAIN BRAKE

The chain brake is a device which stops the
chain instantaneously if the chain saw recoils
due to kickback.

Normally, the brake is activated automatically by
inertial force. It can also be activated manually
by pushing the brake lever (left-hand guard)
down toward the front.

When the brake operates, a yellow cone pops up
from the base of the brake lever.

Releasing the Brake

Pull the brake lever up toward the left-hand han-
dle until it clicks into place.

When the brake operates,

release the throttle lever to slow down the
engine speed. Continuous operation with the
brake engaged will generate heat from the
clutch and may cause trouble.
At machine inspection prior to each job,
check the operating condition of the brake
following the steps.

WARNING!

NOTE

(1) Chain oil flow

adjusting shaft

(2) Rich
(3) Lean

(1) “L” needle
(2) “H” needle
(3) Idle adjusting

screw

(1) Chain oil

EN 12

5. Operating the Engine

1. Start the engine and grasp the handle secure-

ly with both hands.

2. Pulling the throttle lever to maintain the chain

operation, push the brake lever (left-hand
guard) down toward the front using the back
of your left hand.

3. When the brake operates and the chain is

stopped, release the throttle lever.

4. Release the brake.

• STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Release the throttle lever to allow the engine

to idle for a few minutes

2. Set the switch to the “O” (STOP) position.

(1) Switch

(1) Release
(2) Activate the brake.

6. Sawing

EN 13

• Before proceeding to
your job, read the section
“For Safe Operation”. It is
recommended to first
practice sawing easy
logs. This also helps you
get accustomed to your
unit.

• Only use the machine
for the purpose for which
it was designed, that is
for “felling, bucking and
delimbing trees with di-
mensions suitable for the
length of the bar” or woo-
den objects with the sa-
me characteristics. Any
other use may be danger-

ous and damage the machine. Examples of
improper use may include, but are not limited
to:
– trimming hedges;
– intaglio carving;
– sectioning pallets, crates and various pa-

cking materials;

– sectioning furniture or other materials with

nails, screws or other metal components;

– butchering meat;
– using the machine to lift, move or split ob-

jects;

– using the machine while fastened to fixed

supports. Do not lock it over fixed stands. It
is forbidden to hitch tools or applications to
the PTO other than those specified by the
manufacturer.

• It is not necessary to force the saw into the

cut. Apply only light pressure while running the
engine at full throttle.

• When the saw chain is caught in the cut, do

not attempt to pull it out by force, but use a
wedge or a lever to open the way.

• GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK

WARNING!

• This saw is equipped
with a chain brake that will
stop the chain in the event
of kickback if operating
properly. You must check
the chain brake operation
before each usage by run-
ning the saw at full the
throttle for 1-2 seconds
and pushing the front hand
guard forward. The chain

should stop immediately with the engine at full
speed. If the chain is slow to stop or does not
stop, replace the brake band and clutch drum
before use.

• It is extremely important
that the chain brake be
checked for proper opera-
tion before each use and
that the chain be sharp in

order to maintain the kickback safety level of this
saw. Removal of the safety devices, inadequate
maintenance, or incorrect replacement of the bar
or chain may increase the risk to serious person-
al injury due to kickback.

• To respect people and the environment:
– Try not to cause any disturbance.
– Scrupulously comply with local regulations and

provisions for the disposal of waste materials
after sawing.

– Scrupulously comply with local regulations and

provisions for the disposal of oils, petrol, dam-
aged parts or any elements which have a
strong impact on the environment.

• FELLING A TREE

1. Decide the felling direction considering the

wind, lean of the tree, location of heavy bran-
ches, ease of completing the task after felling
and other factors.

2. While clearing the area around the tree, arran-

ge a good foothold and retreat path.

6. Sawing

(1) Notch cut
(2) Felling cut
(3) Felling direction

EN 14

6. Sawing

3. Make a notch cut one-third of the way into

the tree on the felling side.

4. Make a felling cut from the opposite side of

the notch and at a level slightly higher than
the bottom of the notch.

When you fell a tree, be

sure to warn neighboring workers of the dan-
ger.

Bucking and Limbing

• Always ensure your foothold. Do not stand

on the log.

• Be alert to the rolling over of a cut log.

Especially when working on a slope, stand
on the uphill side of the log.

• Follow the instructions in “For Safe Ope-

ration” to avoid kickback of the saw.

Before starting work, check the direction of
bending force inside the log to be cut. Always
finish cutting from the opposite side of the bend-
ing direction to prevent the guide bar from being
caught in the cut.

A log lying on the ground

Saw down halfway, then roll the log over and cut
from the opposite side.

A log hanging off the ground

In area “A”, saw up from the bottom one-third
and finish by sawing down from the top. In area
“B”, saw down from the top one-third and finish
by sawing up from the bottom.

WARNING!

Cutting the limbs of Fallen Tree

First check to which side the limb is bent. Then
make the initial cut from the bent side and finish
by sawing from the opposite side.

Be alert to the springing

back of a cut limb.

Pruning of Standing Tree

For pruning high up using

a rope and a belt slings, carefully follow the
instructions under “For your safety” (1.2).

Cut up from the bottom, finish down from the
top.

• Do not work standing on unstable bases or

rung ladders.

• Do not overreach.
• Do not cut above shoulder height.

WARNING!

7. Maintenance

EN 15

Before cleaning, the in-

specting or repairing the unit, make sure that
engine has stopped and is cool. Disconnect
the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• MAINTENANCE AFTER EACH USE

1. Air filter

Loosen the knob and remove the air cleaner
cover.

Take off the filter elements and tap off attached
sawdust. When they are extremely dirty, shake-
wash with gasoline. Dry them completely before
reinstalling.

2. Oiling port

Dismount the guide bar and check the oiling port
for clogging.

3. Guide bar

When the guide bar is dismounted, remove saw-
dust in the bar groove and the oiling port.

• Sprocket nose
Grease the nose sprocket from the feeding port
on the tip of the bar.

WARNING!

4. Others

Check for fuel leakage and loose fastenings and
damage to major parts, especially handle joints
and guide bar mounting.
If any defects are found, make sure to have them
repaired before operating the saw again.

• PERIODICAL SERVICE POINTS

1. Cylinder fins

1. Remove the starter case.

2. Remove sawdust between the cylinder fins.

3. Clean the valute area.

2. Fuel filter

1. Using a wire hook, take out the filter from the

filler port.

2. Wash the filter with gasoline. Replace with

new one if clogged with dirt completely.

When returning the filter,

use a pinch not to be folded the suction pipe.

WARNING!

7. Maintenance

(1) Fuel filter

(1) Oiling port
(2) Grease port
(3) Sprocket

(1) Oiling port

EN 16

7. Maintenance

3. Oil filter

1. With a wire hook, take out the oil filter from

the feeding port.

2. Wash the filter with gasoline.

When returning the filter,

use a pinch not to be folded the suction pipe.

4. Spark plug

Clean the electrodes with a wire brush and reset
the gap to 0.65 mm as necessary.

5. Sprocket

Check for cracks and for excessive wear inter-
fering with the chain drive. If the wear is consid-
erable, replace it with new one. Never fit a new
chain on a worn sprocket, or a worn chain on a
new sprocket.

6. Way of the cooling air

• The engine metal parts can burn your skin.

Never touch the cylinder, muffler or ignition
plug etc. during operation or right after stop-
ping the engine.

• Before starting the engine, check around the

muffler and take off sawdust. If you do not, it

WARNING!

will cause the overheating and a fire. For pre-
venting the trouble, please keep clean around
the muffler.

This engine is air-cooled. Dust clogging between
the inlet port of the cooling air and cylinder fins
will cause overheating of the engine. Periodically
check and clean the cylinder fins after removing
the air cleaner and the cylinder cover.

When installing the cylinder

cover, make sure that switch wires and grom-
mets are positioned correctly in place.

7. Muffler

If you do not attach the

muffler correctly, after engine starts, the muf-
fler will be loosen and the hightemperature
exhaust gas spout. After cleaning the muffler,
pay attention to fit up the muffler according to
the explanation as follows.

1. Muffler body, muf-

fler cover and baffle
will be combined
correctly.

2. Be sure the gasket

is not broken. If it is
broken, change to
the new one.

3. Before tightening

the screw, rub the
gross on it.

4. After making a test

run, re-tighten the screw (TORQUE: 7-8 Nm).)

Right after stopping the

engine, do not touch the muffler with one's
bare hands. It will cause to burn your hands.

If carbon clogs between the muffler, it will cause
the poor-output and the trouble in starting. After
each 100 hours, check and clean inside the muf-
fler.

WARNING!

IMPORTANT

Champion
RCJ-7Y

(1) Oil filter

(1) Inlet port of the

cooling air

7. Maintenance of Saw Chain and Guide Bar

EN 17

1. Saw Chain

It is very important for

smooth and safe operation to always keep
the cutters sharp.

The cutters need to be sharpened when:

• Sawdust becomes powder-like.
• You need extra force to saw in.
• The cut path does not go straight.
• Vibration increases.
• Fuel consumption increases.

Cutter setting standards

Be sure to wear safety

gloves.

Before filing:

• Make sure the saw chain is held securely.
• Make sure the engine is stopped.
• Use a round file of proper size for the chain

(5/32 in. - 4.0 mm).

Place the file on the cutter and push straight for-
ward.
Keep the file position as illustrated.

After each cutter has been filed, check the depth
gauge and file it to the proper level as illustrated.

Be sure to round off the

front edge to reduce the chance of kickback
or tie-strap breakage.

WARNING!

Make sure every cutter has the same length and
edge angles as illustrated.

2. Guide Bar

• Reverse the bar occasionally to prevent partial

wear.

• The bar rail should always be square.

Check for wear of the bar rail. Apply a ruler to the
bar and the outside of a cutter. If a gap is
observed between them, the rail is normal.
Otherwise, the bar rail is worn. Such a bar needs
to be corrected or replaced.

(1) Appropriate

gauge checker

(2) Depth gauge

standard

(3) Make the shoul-

der round: 0.25”
- 0.64 mm

(A)

Cutter length

(30°) Filing angle
(85°) Side plate angle
(60°) Top plate cutting

angle

(1) Ruler
(2) Gap
(3) No gap
(4) Chain tilts

8. Maintenance of Saw Chain and Guide Bar

EN 18

9. Troubleshooting Guide / 10. Accesories

9. Troubleshooting Guide

PROBLEME

CAUSE

REMEDY

1) Starting failure

2) Lack of
power/Poor
acceleration/Rough
idling

3) Oil does not
come out

– Check fuel for water

or substandard mixture.

– Check for engine flooding.

– Check spark ignition.

– Check fuel for water

or substandard mixture.

– Check air filter and fuel filter

for clogging.

– Check carburetor for inadequate

adjustment.

– Check oil for substandard quality.

– Check oil passage and ports

for clogging.

– Replace with proper fuel.

– Remove and dry the spark plug.

– Then pull the starter again

with no choke.

– Replace with a new plug.

– Replace with proper fuel.

– Clean.

– Readjust speed needles.

– Replace.

– Clean.

If the unit seems to need further serv-
ice, please consult with an authorized
service shop in your area.

The table contains a list of all possible combina-
tions between bar and chain, indicating those
which may be used on each machine, marked
with the symbol “

”.

In consideration that the

selection, application and usage of bar and

WARNING!

chain are actions made solely by the user, the
latter assumes responsibility for damages of
any kind due to such actions. When in doubt
or if lacking knowledge of the specificity of
each bar or chain, contact your retailer or
specialised gardening centre.

10. ACCESSORIES

Bar and chain combinations

BAR

Model

Groove

CHAIN

Length

width

Inches

Inches / cm

Inches / mm

Code

PR 270

PR 270 C

PR 280

1/4 " Mini

10" / 25 cm

0,050" / 1,3mm

23900301/0

4113760

"carving"

3/8 " Mini

12" / 30 cm

0,050" / 1,3mm

23900114/0

4113281

3/8 " Mini

10" / 25 cm

0,050" / 1,3mm

23900300/0

4113709

PDF User Manual

PR280

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual