Makita 5014B, Instruction Manual

9

that the cover cannot come loose during saw operation. A 
loose cover can cause a loose - dangerous - chain. 

(Fig. 6)

 CAUTION:

When breaking in a new chain, adjust the tension often, 
since it tends to “stretch”. 

Switch action 

To start the tool, simply pull the trigger. Release the 
trigger to stop. 

(Fig. 7)

 CAUTION:

Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that the 
switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the “OFF” 
position when released. 

Lubrication 

Friction from running the saw at high speed causes 
considerable heat-up of the chain. Unless the chain is 
tensioned properly and there is sufficient lubrication, the 
performance and life of the tool will be adversely affected. 
By depressing the oil button in front of the grip, you can 
lubricate the guide bar. Switch on the saw, then press the 
button 4 or 5 times. Let the oil get around the bar groove 
and penetrate before you start cutting. Oil the saw with 5 - 
6 presses of the button for every 2 - 3 minutes of 
continuous cutting. 
Depress the oil button after the button returns to the 
original position completely. 

(Fig. 8)

Be sure there is enough oil in the oil tank before 
operation. There is an oil tank inspection window on the 
side opposite the chain cover. Replenish with oil if the 
level is low. 

(Fig. 9)

To replenish the oil, take off the cap on the tank and fill 
with the oil supply. 

(Fig. 10)

 CAUTION:

Turbine oil #200 or machine oil is recommended. A 
special oil or one of high viscosity is neither needed nor 
advisable, since the aim is to lubricate the chain and the 
guide bar. Do not use dirty oil nor volatile oil. 

Cutting operation 

Turn the tool on and allow the chain to reach full speed 
before it contacts the wood. Be sure the chain is 
adequately lubricated. 
Use the spike as a pivot point and ease the tool into the 
wood, rocking it in gently. Do not force the guide bar in. 
Whenever heavy work is prolonged, the overload 
protector will cut out to stop the motor. 

(Fig. 11)

 CAUTION:

If you notice that the guide bar is too hot to touch, stop 
operation and let the tool cool off. Check the chain 
tension. Make sure the oil is feeding properly. 

Holding the chain saw 

Always grip each handle with the thumb and fingers 
encircling the handle as shown in 

Fig. 12

.

Using the chain saw 

Always be sure of your footing and hold the chain saw 
firmly with both hands while the motor is running. 

Felling a tree 

When bucking and felling operations are being performed 
by two or more persons, at the same time, the felling 
operation should be separated from the bucking operation 
by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being 
felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would 
endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any 
property damage. If the tree does make contact with any 
utility line, the utility company should be notified 
immediately. 
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of 
the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after 
it is felled. 
A retreat path should be planned and cleared as 
necessary before cuts are started. The retreat path should 
extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected 
line of fall as shown in 

Fig. 13

.

Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the 
tree, the location of larger branches and the wind direction 
to judge which way the tree will fall. Remove dirt, stones, 
loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where 
felling cuts are to be made. 

Notching undercut 

Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular 
to the direction of fall as shown in 

Fig. 14

. Make the lower 

horizontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid 
pinching of either the saw chain or the guide bar when the 
second notch is being made. 

Felling back cut 

Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches (50.8 mm) 
higher than the horizontal notching cut as shown in 

Fig. 14

. Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal 

notching cut. Make the felling back cut so enough wood is 
left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from 
twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut 
through the hinge.
As the felling cut gets close to the hinge the tree should 
begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not 
fall in the desired direction or it may rock back and bind 
the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is 
complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminum to 
open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of 
fall. When the tree begins to fall remove the chain saw 
from the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then 
use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs 
falling and watch your footing. 

Limbing a tree 

Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. 
When limbing, leave larger lower limbs to support the log 
off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as 
shown in 

Fig. 15

. Branches under tension should be cut 

from the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw.

Bucking a log 

Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is important to 
make sure your footing is firm and your weight is evenly 
distributed on both feet. When possible, the log should be 
raised and supported by the use of limbs, logs or chocks. 
Follow the simple directions for easy cutting.