Mounting and Tensioning the Saw Chain

• Only connect the power tool to the mains supply once it has been fully assembled.

• Always wear protective gloves when handling the chain.

Assembling the Chain Bar and Saw Chain (see figures A–C)

• Carefully unpack all of the parts.
• Set down the power tool on a level surface.
• Insert the saw chain (8) into the circumferential groove of the chain bar (9). Ensure that the running direction is correct. To do this, compare the saw chain against the running direction symbol (16).
• Make sure that the tension wheel (13) is in the – position.
• Put the chain links around the sprocket wheel (17) and position the chain bar (9) on the fastening bolt (18).
  Note: During initial assembly, the bolt (21) must engage in the mounting hole on the chain bar (9) that is furthest away from the sprocket wheel (17) (see figure A).
• Check whether all of the parts are positioned correctly and hold the chain bar with the saw chain in this position. Then turn the tension wheel (13) in the + direction until the saw chain is partially tensioned and remains mounted on the chain bar.
• Replace the cover (12).
• Tighten the cover (12) slightly with the knob (11).
• The saw chain is not yet fully tensioned. The saw chain is tensioned as described in the "Tensioning the Saw Chain" section.

Tensioning the Saw Chain (see figure D)

Check the chain tension regularly every ten minutes, including before starting work, after the initial steps and during sawing. Particularly when using new saw chains, increased extension should be expected initially.

The service life of the saw chain relies heavily on it being tensioned correctly.

Do not tension the saw chain if it is strongly heated because it will tighten once it has cooled down and it will fit too tightly on the chain bar.

• Set down the power tool on a level surface.
• Turn the knob (11) in the  direction in order to release the fixed chain bar.
• Check whether the chain links are correctly positioned in the guide slot of the chain bar (9) and on the sprocket wheel (17).
• Turn the tension wheel (13) in the + direction until the correct chain tension has been reached. The latching mechanism stops the chain tension from being released. If the tension wheel (13) is hard to turn, you must continue to loosen the knob (11) in the  direction. The knob (11) can also rotate if the tension wheel (13) is set. Two hands may be required to hold the knob (11) in position while setting the tension wheel (13).
• The saw chain (8) is tensioned correctly if it can be lifted in the middle by approx. 3–4 mm. This should be done with one hand by pulling up the saw chain against the power tool's own weight.
• If the saw chain (8) is tensioned excessively, turn the tension wheel (13) in the – direction.
• When the saw chain (8) is tensioned, secure the chain bar (9) by turning the knob (11) in the  direction. Do not use a tool to do this.