Reduce the Chance of Kickback, Maintain Control

SPinch-Kickbackcan 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 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 direction of the chain rotation. The saw is driven straight back toward the operator.

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 operator and could easily cause the operator to lose control of the saw.

Avoid Pinch-Kickback:

S Be 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.

SDo not twist the saw as the bar is with- drawn from an undercut when bucking.

Avoid Pull-In:

SAlways begin cutting with the engine 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.

Kickback Path

Avoid Obstructions

Clear The Working Area

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF 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 ob-

ject at the tip of the guide bar.

SKeep the 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 you are cutting. When cutting a branch, do not let the guide bar contact

branch or other objects around it.

SKeep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in- crease the chance of kickback occurring. Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening and maintenance instructions. Check ten- sion at regular intervals with the engine stopped, never with the engine running. Make sure the bar nuts are securely tight- ened after tensioning the chain.

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

ring.

SCut one log at a time.

SUse extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut.

SDo not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the bar (plunge cuts).

SWatch for shifting logs or other forces that could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.

SUse the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar and Low--Kickback Chain specified for your saw.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Stand to the left of the saw

Thumb on underside of handlebar

Never reverse hand positions

Elbow locked

Thumb on underside of handlebar

SKeep a good, firm grip on the saw with both hands when the engine is running and don’t let go. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw. Keep the fingers of your left hand encir- cling and your left thumb under the front handlebar. Keep your right hand com- pletely around the rear handle whether your are right handed or left handed. Keep your left arm straight with the elbow

locked.

SPosition your left hand on the front handle- bar so it is in a straight line with your right hand on the rear handle when making bucking cuts. Never reverse right and left

hand positions for any type of cutting.

SStand with your weight evenly balanced on

both feet.

SStand slightly to the left side of the saw to keep your body from being in a direct line

with the cutting chain.

SDo not overreach. You could be drawn or thrown off balance and lose control of the saw.

SDo not cut above shoulder height. It is diffi- cult to maintain control of saw above shoulder height.