Black & Decker Alligator NLP1800 - Manual (Page 2)

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Intended use
Your Black & Decker Alligator Lopper TM has been designed for
pruning trees and cutting small logs up to 4 inches (100mm) in
diameter. This tool is intended for consumer use only.
Important Safety Instructions
WARNING: When using a battery operated chain saw, basic
safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire,
electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Safety Instructions and Warnings for Chain Saws
• Keep Work Area Clean
Cluttered areas invite injuries. Do not start cutting until you
have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat
path from the falling tree.
• Consider Work Area Environment
Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and
saplings because the slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance. When
cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for spring back so that
you will not be struck when the tension in the wood fibers is
released. Do not expose chain saw to rain or snow. Do not use
chain saw in damp or wet locations or while it is raining or snowing.
Do not use chain saw in the presence of flammable liquids or gases
or enclosed concentrations of dust. Cut only when visibility and light
are sufficient to see clearly
• Keep Children, Bystanders, Visitors and Animals Away
Do not let visitors contact chain saw. All visitors should be kept
away from work area.
• Store Idle Chain Saw
When not in use, chain saws should be stored in a dry, and high or
locked-up place - out of the reach of children. When storing saw,
always remove battery and use a scabbard or carrying case.
• Don't Grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when
picking up or holding the appliance.
• Don't Force Chain Saw
It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
intended.
• Use Right Tool
Cut wood only. Don't use chain saw for purpose not intended - for
example - Don't use chain saw for cutting plastic, metal, masonry,
non-wood building materials.
• Dress Properly
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair
can be caught in moving parts. Wear protective hair covering to
contain long hair. Air vents cover moving parts and should be
avoided. Protective non-slip gloves and non-skid footwear are
recommended when working outdoors. Always wear heavy, long
pants or other protection for your legs.
• Use Safety Glasses
Also use safety footwear; snug fitting clothing; protective gloves;
proper hearing, respiratory, and head protection.
• Carrying Saw
Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the saw stopped, finger
off the switch, the guide bar and saw chain to the rear. Remove
battery and secure latch when transporting saw.
• Maintain Chain Saw With Care
Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Keep handles
dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• Disconnect Battery
Disconnect battery from chain saw when not in use, before
servicing, when tensioning chain, and when changing accessories
and attachments, such as saw chain.
• Stay Alert
Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate
chain saw when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or medication. Keep all parts of the body away from the saw
chain when the motor is operating. Before you start the saw, make
sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. When cutting through
wood, remember the chain saw cuts quickly and will continue its
downward or upward path. Stay out of its path.
• Check Damaged Parts
Before further use of the chain saw, any part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate
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properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of
moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting,
and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or
other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorized service center unless otherwise indicated
elsewhere in this instruction manual. Have defective switches
replaced by authorized service center. Do not use chain saw if
switch does not turn it on and off. Do not operate a chain saw that is
damaged, improperly adjusted, or is not completely and securely
assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when the
trigger is released.
• Guard Against Kickback
WARNING: 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, kicking 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
rapidly back towards the operator. Either of these reactions
may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in
serious injury to user.
The following precautions should be followed to minimize
kickback:
(1.) Grip Saw Firmly. Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands
when the motor is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles. Chain saw will pull forward when
cutting on the bottom edge of the bar, and push backward when
cutting along the top edge of the bar.
(2.) Do not over reach.
(3.) Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
(4.) Don't let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch, ground
or other obstruction.
(5.) Don't cut above shoulder height.
(6.) Use devices such as low kickback chain and reduced kickback
guide bars that reduce the risks associated with kickback.
(7.) Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the
manufacturer or the equivalent.
(8.) Never let the moving chain contact any object at the tip of the
guide bar.
(9.) Keep the working area free from obstructions such as other
trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any
obstruction that your saw chain could hit while you are cutting
through a particular log or branch.
(10.) Keep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or
dull chain can increase the chance of kickback. Check tension at
regular intervals with the motor stopped and battery removed, never
with the motor running.
(11.) Begin and continue cutting only with the chain moving at full
speed. If the chain is moving at a slower speed, there is a greater
chance for kickback to occur.
(12.) Cut one log at a time.
(13.) Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut. Engage
ribbed bumpers into wood and allow chain to reach full speed before
proceeding with cut.
(14.) Do not attempt plunge cuts or bore cuts.
(15.) Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could close a cut
and pinch or fall into chain.
• Power Supply
Connect chain saw battery charger to correct voltage, that is, be
sure that the voltage supplied is the same as that specified on the
nameplate of the tool.
Additional safety instructions for the
Alligator TM Lopper
WARNING: Never use the tool above shoulder height. Always
position yourself out of the path of falling branches and debris.
WARNING: Do not use this tool to fell trees.
- Pre-plan a safe exit from falling branches and debris. Ensure the
exit route is clear of obstacles that would prevent or hinder
movement. Remember wet grass and freshly cut bark is slippery.
- Be aware of the direction that a branch may fall. Consider all
conditions that may affect the direction of fall, including:
- The intended direction of fall.
- The natural lean of the branch.
90561226 Lopper w batt revised.qxd: chainsaw booklet new 2/12/10 10:23 AM Page 2