078Important adjustmentsWARNING!At correct idle speed, chain should not turn. For direc-tions to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate sectionof this operator’s manual.Do not use a saw with incorrect idle speed adjust-ment. Adjust the idle speed yourself according tothe appropriate section of this manual.Have your MAKITA dealer check your saw and makeproper adjustments or repairs.Check the saw chain tension frequently, especiallyjust after installing a new chain. New chains maystretch more during their initial use. A properly ad-justed saw chain can be pulled freely around theguide bar by hand without sagging. Always stopthe engine and wear gloves when checking or adjustingthe chain tension.Working conditionsOperate your chain saw only outdoors. Operate the sawunder good visibility and daylight conditions only.WARNING!Take extreme care in wet and freezing weather(rain, snow, ice). Put off the work when the weatheris windy, stormy or rainfall is heavy. Clear the areawhere you are working.WARNING!Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps, rootsor rocks and watch out for holes or ditches. Be ex-tremely cautious when working on slopes or unevenground. There is increased danger of slipping onfreshly debarked logs.Cutting instructionsAlways hold the saw firmly with both hands when the en-gine is running. Place your left hand on the tubular handleand your right hand on grip and throttle lever. Left-handersshould follow these instructions too.WARNING!Do not operate your chain saw in semi-throttle position.Cutting in this position does not permit the operatorproper control of the saw or chain speed.WARNING!Never come too close to a rotating chain with yourhands or body.WARNING!Do not cut any material other than wood orwooden objects.Use your chain saw for cutting only. It is not designedfor prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or otherobjects.When sawing, make sure that the saw chain doesnot touch any foreign materials such as rocks, nailsand the like (fig. 8). Such objects may be flungoff, damage the saw chain or cause the saw tokickback.Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping thehandles cradled between your thumb and forefinger (fig.7). With your hands in this position, you can best opposeand absorb the push, pull and kickback forces of yoursaw without having it slip out of your grip (see section ofreactive forces).Make sure your chain saw handle and grip are in goodcondition and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.Always start a cut with the chain running at full speedand the spike bar in contact with the wood.WARNING!Never use the saw with one hand. You cannot controlreactive forces (see pages to 3) and may losecontrol of the saw.