Guard Against Kickback, Maintain Control

GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK

Follow all safety rules to help avoid kick- back and other forces which can result in serious injury.

Kickback Path

Avoid Obstructions

Clear The Working Area

WARNING: Avoid kickback which can result in serious injury. Kickback is the backward, upward or sudden for- ward motion of the guide bar occurring when the saw chain near the upper tip of the guide bar contacts any object such as a log or branch, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contacting a foreign object in the wood can also result in loss of chain saw control.

S Rotational Kickback can occur when

the moving chain contacts an object at the upper tip of the guide bar. This con- tact can cause the chain to dig into the object, which stops the chain for an instant. The result is a lightning fast, re- verse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator.

S 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 chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden stop- ping of the chain results in a reversal of the chain force used to cut wood and causes the saw to move in the opposite direction of the chain rotation. The saw is driven straight back toward the opera- tor.

S Pull-Incan occur when the moving chain contacts a foreign object in the wood in the cut along the bottom of the guide bar and the saw chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden stopping pulls the saw forward and away from the opera- tor and could easily cause the operator to lose control of the saw.

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF

KICKBACK

The following precautions should be fol- lowed to minimize kickback:

S Recognize that kickback can happen. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the element of surprise which contributes to accidents.

SNever let the moving chain contact any

object at the tip of the guide bar.

S Keep working area free from obstruc- tions such as other trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that your saw chain could hit while cutting.

S When cutting a branch, do not let the guide bar contact another branch or oth- er objects around it.

S Keep saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in- crease the chance of kickback. Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening and maintenance instructions. Check ten- sion at regular intervals, but never with engine running. Make sure bar clamp nuts are securely tightened.

SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If the chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback oc- curring.

S Use extreme caution when re-entering a cut.

SDo not attempt cuts starting with the tip

of the bar (plunge cuts).

S Watch for shifting logs or other objects that could close a cut and pinch or fall onto chain.

S Use the specified Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar and Low Kickback Chain.

Avoid Pinch-Kickback:

SBe extremely aware of situations or ob-

structions that can cause material to pinch the top of or otherwise stop the chain.

SDo not cut more than one log at a time. S Do not twist the saw as the bar is with- drawn from an undercut when bucking.

Avoid Pull-In:

S Always begin cutting with the saw at full speed and the saw housing against wood.

S Use wedges made of plastic or wood. Never use metal to hold the cut open.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

S A good, firm grip on the saw with both hands will help you maintain control. Don’t let go. Grip the rear handle with your right hand whether you are right or left handed. Wrap the fingers of your left hand over and around the front handle- bar, and your left thumb under the front handlebar. Keep your left arm straight with the elbow locked.