6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
■ The muffler and other parts of the engine (e.g. fins of the
cylinder, spark plug) become hot during operation and
remain hot for a while after stopping the engine. To reduce
the risk of burn injury:
– Allow the engine to cool before inspecting,
transporting or storing the chain saw. Avoid
contacting the muffler while it is still hot following
operation.
– Keep the area around the muffler clean. Remove
excess lubricant and all debris such as pine needles,
branches or leaves.
– Allow the chain saw to cool on concrete, metal, bare
ground or solid wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
– Do not continue work with a damaged or improperly
mounted cylinder housing or a damaged/deformed
muffler shell. It may interfere with the cooling
process of the muffler.
■ The muffler of this chain saw is furnished with a spark
arresting screen. If your gas/oil mix ratio is correct (i.e.,
not too rich), this screen will normally stay clean as a
result of the heat from the muffler and need no service or
maintenance. To reduce the risk of fire from the emission
of hot particles:
– Never operate your chain saw with a missing or
damaged spark arresting screen.
– If you experience loss of performance and suspect a
clogged screen, have your muffler serviced. Some
state or federal laws or regulations may require a
properly maintained spark arrester for certain uses.
■ In California, it is a violation of § 4442 or § 4443 of the
Public Resources Code to use or operate gasoline-
powered tools on forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-
covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is
equipped with a complying spark arrester that is
maintained in effective working order. The owner/operator
of this product is responsible for properly maintaining the
0458-790-8621-A
spark arrester. Other states or governmental entities/
agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, may have
similar requirements.
– Do not use your chain saw around flammable
materials or around vegetation or brush when there
is a risk of fire or wildfire.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about laws or
regulations relating to fire protection requirements.
DANGER
■ To reduce the risk of electrocution:
– Never operate this chain saw in the
vicinity of any wires or cables that may
be carrying electric current.
– Never cut near power lines.
– Do not rely on the chain saw's insulation
against electric shock.
6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
6.1
Reactive Forces
WARNING
■ Reactive forces may occur any time the chain is rotating.
Reactive forces can cause serious or fatal personal injury.
■ The powerful forces used to cut wood can be reversed and
work against the operator. If the rotating saw chain is
suddenly and significantly slowed or stopped by contact
with any solid object such as a log or branch or is pinched,
the reactive forces may occur instantly.
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