How to use a pole saw | Pole saw safety tips | Gas pole saw safety tips (2018)

To get tree limbs safely to the ground with your pole saw, here are a few things to remember:

Before You Start Your Pole Saw

• Gear up: wear heavy duty, snug-fitting clothes, boots, gloves, eye and ear protection, and a hard hat.
• Check your pole saw chain oil level – should be at least halfway up the chain oil window.
• Keep people and pets clear of your work area.
• Ensure your extension cord is for outdoor use and plugged in. Loop the cords so that if one gets snagged you won’t lose power.

Pole Saw Cutting Basics

• Stand in a stable position, feet apart.
• Hold the pole with your left hand, thumb wrapped around and arm straight.
• To start up, press and hold the throttle lockout and squeeze the throttle control.
• With the saw running at full speed, press against the wood with light, steady pressure.
• Don’t force it. Let the chain do the cutting.
• Stay in control, and never raise your arms over your head. Keep them at waist level for stability.
• Always stand at an angle to the limb you’re working on so you’re not under it when it falls.
• Press the chain oil bulb every 10 to 30 seconds while cutting to lube your bar and chain. This makes cutting easier and extends the life of your equipment.
• Release the throttle control as soon as you’re done, and let the saw come to a complete stop.
• When you’re done limbing, detach the chainsaw from the pole to turn cut limbs into firewood. 

Pole Saw Safety Tips

• Only operate during the day, when you can see.
• Avoid using in wet or rainy conditions.
• Keep your cord untangled and know where it’s at at all times.
• Watch out for electrical wires and any other objects besides tree limbs.
• Only cut one limb or branch at a time.
• When cutting a limb under tension, watch for spring back – when the limb is freed and springs back or down at you.
• Do not attempt to cut branches thicker than 8 inches – call a professional.
• When cutting downed limbs with your pole saw, watch out for kickback.