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 chain brake nuts are se-
curely tightened 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
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
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.
KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES
WARNING: The following features are included on your saw to help reduce the hazard of kickback; however, such features will not totally eliminate this danger. As a chain saw user, do not rely only on safety de- vices. You must follow all safety precau- tions, instructions, and maintenance in this manual to help avoid kickback and other forces which can result in serious injury.
S
chain saws as set by ANSI B175.1.
Reduced Kickback Symmetrical Guide Bar
Small Radius Tip
4