Cub Cadet CS5720 manual Kickback Safety Precautions, Other Safety Precautions

Safety (continued)

•Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. See Starting/Stopping Instructions.

•Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw’s chain is not contacting anything. Do not cut near electrical cables or power lines.

•Keep all parts of your body away from the chain when the engine is running.

•Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree.

•Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted, or not completely and securely assembled. Be sure that the saw’s chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released.

•Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.

•Use extreme caution when cutting small-sized brush and saplings because slender material may catch the chain saw and whip towards you or pull you off balance.

•When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for springback so that you will not be struck when the tension in the wood fibers is released

•Do not cut through nails, rods in the tree, railroad ties or pallates. Inspect a tree that you are going to cut for foreign objects that could cause injury or damage to your chain saw.

•After striking a foreign object, stop the engine and thoroughly inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.

•Keep the handles dry, clean and free of the oil/fuel mixture

•We do not recommend using the chain saw in a tree or on a ladder.

•All chain saw service, other that the items listed in this instruction manual maintenance instructions, should be performed by competent chain saw service personnel.

•Use the right tool. Only use this chain saw for its intended purpose, to cut wood.

•Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.

•Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on all handles or grips.

•Apply chain brake prior to any repositioning of the operator in the cutting area. As an additional safety precaution, apply the chain brake prior to setting down the saw.

•Never touch the chain or attempt to service the saw while the engine is running. Make sure all moving parts have stopped. Allow the chain saw to cool, as the chain can be hot.

•Check the bar and chain at frequent intervals for proper adjustment. Make sure the bar and chain are properly tightened and sharpened. Visually inspect for damage. Repair any damage before restarting or operating the chain saw.

Kickback Safety Precautions

KICKBACK may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact in some cases may cause a lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw, which could result in serious personal injury.

Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

•With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents. Be alert to the potential for kickback at all times.

•Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands, the right hand on the rear handle and the left hand on the front handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw. Don’t let go.

•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 engine running at full speed. Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady cutting speed.

•Use only the correct original equipment manufacturer replacement bars, chains and other parts and accessories. These are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and will void your warranty.

•Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.

•Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback chains specified for your saw to avoid injury.

Other Safety Precautions

•Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any combination of these persons may result from one- handed operation. A chain saw is intended for two- handed use.

•Do not operate a chain saw if you are fatigued.

•Use safety footwear; snug-fitted clothing; protective gloves; and eye, hearing, and head protection devices.

4