HomeMy WebLinkAbout309.002 - STIHL TS 400 Cutting SawEffective Date: March 2009 Evan Sutliff, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 9/22/2022 Section 309.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/22/2024 Page 1 of 7
300 Training and Equipment Manual
SECTION 309.002 STIHL TS 400 CUTTING SAW
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide instruction to Fresno Fire Department (FFD
or Department) members on the proper use and maintenance of the Stihl TS 400
cutting saw.
APPLICATION
The Stihl TS 400 cutting saw, when equipped with the proper blade, can be used
for a variety of tasks on an emergency scene, including cutting most metals,
masonry, wood-based materials, plastics, rubber, and glass.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Safety Precautions:
Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when
using the saw. This includes full turnouts, helmet, gloves, and eye
protection.
Never set the saw down, shift hands, or hand it to another person until
the saw is at idle speed.
Ensure all personnel not in control of the saw place themselves a
significant distance away while in use. The Stihl TS 400 cutting saw is
capable of dislodging and throwing objects such as nails, small rocks,
and blade teeth a considerable distance, especially to the front of the
saw.
Fresno City Fire Department
Effective Date: March 2009 Evan Sutliff, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 9/22/2022 Section 309.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/22/2024 Page 2 of 7
(Figure 1)
PROCESS
Maximum cutting efficiency is obtained by pulling rather than pushing the saw
through the material to be cut.
1. Drive Belt Tensioning:
The Stihl TS 400 saw is driven by a two-cycle gas engine through a
centrifugal clutch and V-belt drive. This drive system prevents blade
breakage by allowing the belt to slip should the blade become bound
in the cut. Proper belt tensioning is critical to smooth operation.
This saw is equipped with an automatic spring-loaded V-belt
tensioning device. This feature is engaged whenever the tensioning
nut arrow (towards the rear of the cast arm) points away from the “O”
printed on the cast arm. By twisting the nut counter-clockwise,
pointing the arrow towards the “O”, tension on the arm is relieved.
(Figure 2)
Effective Date: March 2009 Evan Sutliff, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 9/22/2022 Section 309.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/22/2024 Page 3 of 7
a. Checking the Belt Tension:
i. Rotate the blade in the direction of travel. If the
blade “kicks back”, the belt is tensioned correctly.
b. Adjusting the Belt Tension:
i. Loosen the three hexagon bolts on the V-belt guard.
ii. Relieve pressure on the arm using the tension nut (Rotate
counterclockwise).
iii. Re-apply the pressure by turning the tension nut clockwise
away from the “O”.
iv. The V-belt is automatically tensioned by the force of the spring.
v. Retighten the hexagon bolts.
vi. Adjust the blade guard.
2. Fueling:
The 2-cycle engine requires TruFuel from the 50:1 fuel-oil mix
container.
3. Care and Maintenance:
a. Weekly Check:
i. Check the fuel level. (See Figure 3).
ii. Check the blade for security and proper rotation.
iii. Check the belt tension.
iv. Check for cleanliness.
v. Start the engine and check for smooth operation at all
speeds.
Effective Date: March 2009 Evan Sutliff, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 9/22/2022 Section 309.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/22/2024 Page 4 of 7
(Figure 3)
b. After Use Check:
i. Clean dust and debris from saw.
ii. Check the blade.
iii. Check the blade belt tension.
iv. Check the blade guard for security and proper positioning.
v. Refusal as necessary.
4. Saw Blades:
The Stihl saw should be equipped with a Klingspor DT900 All Cut Rescue
Diamond blade. This blade is a directional blade and should be installed with
the label facing the blade guard. The all cut rescue blade has the capabilities
of cutting most metal, masonry, wood-based materials, plastics, rubber, and
glass.
The Stihl TS400 should not be equipped with a carbide tooth blade.
5. Arbor Size:
The Stihl TS 400 has a 20mm arbor. A brass spacer should be stored in the
saw box to allow a blade to be adapted for 1-inch to 20mm, these arbor
spacers can be procured from the Fire Shop parts. The spacer allows the
saw to be equipped with 1-inch and 20mm blades.
6. Blade Care and Replacement:
a. Klingspor DT900 All Cut Rescue Blade:
i. Clean with soap and water.
ii. Monitor for stress cracks.
Effective Date: March 2009 Evan Sutliff, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 9/22/2022 Section 309.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/22/2024 Page 5 of 7
Note: For prolonged cuts, use fine water spray to keep
the blade cool.
iii. Check to make sure blade is flat (not twisted) by removing
and placing on a flat surface.
iv. Blades can be procured through PS Trax, Fire Shop parts.
7. Starting/Stopping:
This saw is equipped with a three-position control lever (Off/Run/Start) and
a throttle trigger interlock. The “Start” position on the control lever and the
trigger lock are used in conjunction to aid in starting the saw. With the
trigger interlock set, the control lever can remain in the “Start” position and
then spring to “Run” once started.
(Figure 4)
The saw also has a three-position choke lever and a decompression valve.
The decompression valve automatically disengages upon starting. The
choke lever needs to be manually disengaged.
(Figure 5)
8. Cutting:
Be aware of reactive forces, especially when cutting with the
front portion of the wheel.
Throttle up to full rpm, begin cutting and continue at full speed.
Effective Date: March 2009 Evan Sutliff, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 9/22/2022 Section 309.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/22/2024 Page 6 of 7
If possible, avoid standing in direct line with the blade.
Be aware of pinching or twisting the blade.
9. Changing the Mounting – Inboard Versus Outboard:
This saw can be changed from an inboard mount to an outboard
mount in the field using the supplied wrench tool. The saw is to be
kept in service in the outboard configuration.
a. Steps to Switch Mounting:
i. Turn the tension nut to “0”.
ii. Remove the three hexagon bolts. (See Figure 6).
iii. Remove the V-belt pulley and guard assembly with
blade. (See Figure 7).
(Figure 6)
(Figure 7)
iv. Reposition the handle by removing the two handle
screws.
Effective Date: March 2009 Evan Sutliff, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 9/22/2022 Section 309.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 9/22/2024 Page 7 of 7
v. Fit the guard and pulley assembly in new position.
vi. Loosely screw in the three hexagon bolts.
vii. Turn the tension nut to re-apply tension.
viii. Tighten the three hexagon bolts.
INFORMATION
Specifications:
Engine: 2-Stroke, 4.4 hp, 3.9 Cu. Inch
Blade Speed: (Max. Spindle Speed) 5,350 rpm
Weight: 20 Pounds
Fuel Capacity: 1.39 US Pints
Depth of Cut: 4 to 4.5 Inches
Arbor Size: 20 mm
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
STIHL TS 400 Instruction Manual
https://s3.amazonaws.com/tsresources.targetsolutions.com/D98C4688-BE40-F643-
7F26-81253BE3654F.pdf