WARNING: Avoidkickbackwhich
can resultin seriousinjury. Kickback
is the backward,upwardor suddenfor-
wardmotionofthe guidebar occurring
whenthe saw chainnearthe uppertip
of the guidebar contactsany object
suchas a logor branch,or whenthe
woodclosesin andpinchesthe saw
chain inthe cut. Contactinga foreign
objectin the woodcan alsoresultin
lossof chainsawcontrol.
•
Rotational
Kickback
can occur
when the moving chain contacts an
object at the upper tip of the guide
bar. This contact can cause the
chain to diginto the object, which
stops the chain for an instant. The
result is a lightning fast, reverse
reaction which kicks the guide bar
up and back toward the operator.
•
Pinch-Kickback
can occur when
the the wood closes in and pinches
the moving saw chain in the cut
along the
top
of the guide bar and
the saw cha,n is suddenly stopped.
This sudden stopping of the chain
results in a reversal of the chain
force used to cut wood and causes
the saw to move in the opposite di-
rection of the chain rotation. The
saw is driven straight back toward
the operator.
•
Pull-In can occur when the moving
chain contacts a foreign object in
the wood in the cut along the bot-
tom of the guide bar and the saw
chain is suddenly stopped. This
sudden stoppingpulls
the saw for-
ward and away from the operator
and could easily cause the opera-
tor to lose control of the saw.
REDUCE
THE CHANCE
OF
KICKBACK
• Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kick-
back, you can reduce the element of
surpdse which contdbutes to acci-
dents.
_ Never let the moving chain contact
any object at the tip of the guide bar.
Keep working area free from obstruc-
tions such as other trees, branches,
rocks, fences, etump6, etc. Eliminate
or avoid any obstruction that your saw
chain could hit while cutting.
• When cuffing a branch, do not let the
guide bar contact another branch or
other objects around it
• Keep saw chain sharp and propedy
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can
increase the chance of kickb_lck. Fol-
low manufacturer's chain sharpening
and maintenance instructions. Check
tension at regular intervals, but never
with engine running. Make su[e chain
brake nuts are securely tightened.
• Begin and continue cuttin_ at ful!
speed. If the chain is moving at a
slower speed, there is greate_ chance
of kickback occurring.
• Use extreme caution when repntering
a cut.
• Do not attempt cuts starting with the
tip of the bar (plunge cuts).
• Watch for shifting logs or other forces
that could close a cut and pinph or fall
into chain.
• Use the specified Reduced-Kickback
Guide Bar and Low-Kickback Chain.
Avoid Pinch-Kickback:
• Be extremely aware of situations or
obstructions that can cause Ftaterial
to pinch the top of or otherwise stop
the chain.
• Do not cut more than one log at a
time.
• Do not twist saw as bar is withdrawn
from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull-In:
• Always begin cutting with the engine
at full speed and the saw housing
against wood.
• Use wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never use metal to hold the cpt open.
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Stand to the left of the saw
Never reverse
hand positions
_
Im_"_
Elbow
""Thumb on
underside
of handlebar
• A good firm gdp on the saw with both
hands will help you maintain contro.
Don't let go. Gdp the rear handle with
your dght hand whether you are right
or left handed. Wrap the fingers of
_our left hand over and arounf:Jthe
ont handlebar, and your left _humb
under the front handlebar. Keep your
left arm straight with the elbow locked.
• Position your left hand on the front
handlebar so it is in a straight line with
YwheOur
right hand on the rear handle
n making bucking cuts. Stand
s ghtly to the left side of the sew to
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