Kickback
WARNING
contacts an object at the upper portion
of the tip of the guide bar or when the
wood closes in and pinches the saw
chain in the cut. Contact at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar can cause the chain
to dig into the object and stop the chain for an instant.
The result is a lightning fast, reverse reaction which
kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator.
If the saw chain is pinched along the top of the guide
bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward
the operator. Either of these reactions can cause loss
of saw control which can result in serious injury. Do
not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into
the saw. As a chainsaw user, you should take sev-
eral steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident
or injury.
The following precautions should be followed to
minimize kickback:
•
Always grip the saw firmly with both
hands. Hold the saw firmly with both
hands when the unit is running. Place
your right hand on the rear handle
and your left hand on the front handle
with your thumbs and fingers encir-
cling the chainsaw handles. A firm grip together with
a stiff left arm will help you maintain control of the
saw if kickback occurs.
• Make sure that the area in which you are cutting
is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of
the guide bar contact a log, branch, fence, or any
other obstruction that could be hit while you are
operating the saw.
• Always cut with the unit running at full speed. Fully
squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady
cutting speed.
• Use replacement parts such as low kickback chain,
chain brakes and special guide bars that reduce
the risks associated with rotational kickback. Use
only the replacement guide bars and low kickback
chains specified by the manufacturer for the saw.
With a basic understanding of kickback, you can
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sud-
den surprise contributes to accidents.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach
when cutting.
• Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions
for the saw chain.
Kickback may occur
when the moving chain
• Push and Pull - This reaction force is always op-
posite to the direction the chain is moving where
wood contact is made. Thus, the operator must
be ready to control the PULL when cutting on the
bottom edge of the bar, and PUSH when cutting
along the top edge.
Direction
of rotation
Chain Brake
To reduce the risk of accidents, the chain brake will
stop the chain if kickback occurs. When the brake is
pushed forward, toward the tip of the guide bar, the
saw will not run. Use the chain brake when transport-
ing or storing the saw.
STOP
Turning the Tool On / Off
Always be sure of your
WARNING
footing and grip the
chainsaw firmly with both hands. The
fingers should encircle the handle
and the thumb should be wrapped
under the handlebar to resist kick-
back. Keep body to the left of the chain line. Always
keep your left hand on the front handle and your
right hand on the rear handle so that your body is
to the left of the chain line. Never straddle the saw
or chain, or lean over past the chain line.
Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and
protection.
1. Pull the chain brake lever to UNLOCKED
(toward the tool handle)
2. Insert the battery pack.
3. Grip both handles securely, keeping body out of
line with the chain.
4. Press in the lock-off button and pull the trigger.
5. Allow tool to come to full speed before contacting
workpiece.
6. To stop, release the trigger. Hold saw still until
chain comes to a complete stop.
7. Push the chain brake lever to LOCKED
the chain bar)
Never attempt to lock the trigger in
WARNING
the ON position.
8
Reaction
.
.
Direction of
rotation
Reaction
(toward