Husqvarna 550XPG, 545 How to avoid kickback, What is kickback?, Cutting the trunk into logs

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WORKING TECHNIQUES

Continue to cut deeper until tree/limb bends and tension is released.

Cut tree/limb from outside the bend, after tension has been released.

How to avoid kickback

WARNING! Kickback can happen very

! suddenly and violently; kicking the chain saw, bar and chain back at the user. If this happens when the chain is moving it can cause very serious, even fatal injuries. It is vital you understand what causes kickback and that you can avoid it by taking care and using the right working technique.

What is kickback?

The word kickback is used to describe the sudden reaction that causes the chain saw and bar to jump off an object when the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar, known as the kickback zone, touches an object.

Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the bar. Normally the chain saw and bar are thrown backwards and upwards towards the user. However, the chain saw may move in a different direction depending on the way it was being used when the kickback zone of the bar touched the object.

Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the bar touches an object.

Limbing

WARNING! A majority of kickback

! accidents occur during limbing. Do not use the kickback zone of the guide bar. Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting the log, other limbs or objects with the nose of the guide bar. Be extremely cautious of limbs under tension. They can spring back toward you and cause loss of control resulting in injury.

Make sure that you can stand and move about safely. Work on the left side of the trunk. Work as close as possible to the chain saw for maximum control. If possible, let the weight of the chain saw rest on the trunk.

Keep the trunk between you and the chain saw as you move along the trunk.

Cutting the trunk into logs

See instructions under the heading Basic cutting technique.

28 – English

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Contents Operator′s manual Symbols on the machine KEY to SymbolsDecompression valve Symbols in the operator’s manual Contents Introduction Dear CustomerWhat is WHAT? What is what on the chain saw?General Safety Precautions Before using a new chain sawMachine′s safety equipment Always use common sensePersonal protective equipment Chain brake and front hand guardGeneral Safety Precautions Throttle lockout Chain catcherRight hand guard Vibration damping systemStop switch Cutting equipmentMufﬂer General rulesCutting equipment designed to reduce kickback Sharpening your chain and adjusting depth gauge setting Adjustment of depth gauge setting Tensioning the chainLubricating cutting equipment Cause serious or even fatal injuryFilling with chain oil Checking chain lubricationChain drive sprocket Needle bearing lubricationChecking wear on cutting equipment Assembly Fitting the bar and chainFitting a spike bumper Working with the chainFuel Handling FuelFuel safety FuelingTransport and storage Long-term storageStarting and Stopping Starting and stoppingStarting Cold engineStopping Basic safety rules Working TechniquesBefore use General working instructionsWorking Techniques Terms Basic cutting techniqueLimbing Safe distance Tree felling techniqueFelling direction Clearing the trunk and preparing your retreat Felling cutFelling Training we advise you not to fell trees Your sawGeneral advice Freeing a tree that has fallen badlyFreeing a trapped tree Cutting trees and branches that are in tensionWhat is kickback? How to avoid kickbackCutting the trunk into logs Carburettor adjustment MaintenanceGeneral Checking the brake trigger Checking the inertia brake releaseImmediately Mufﬂer Changing a broken or worn starter cord StarterTensioning the recoil spring Air ﬁlter Spark plugChanging a broken recoil spring Fitting the starterAdjustment of the oil pump Running when making adjustmentsLubricating the bar tip sprocket Needle bearing lubricationAir Injection centrifugal cleaning Temperature 0C or colderWinter use Heated handlesMaintenance schedule Daily maintenance Weekly maintenance Monthly maintenanceTechnical Data Technical data550XP TrioBrake 550XPG Guide bar and chain combinations Saw chain ﬁling and ﬁle gaugesApplies to Europe only EC-declaration of conformityEN ISO 12100-2/A12009, Cispr 122007, EN ISO Page Page