reaction can result in loss of control and seri- ous injury.
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.
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 engine at full speed and saw housing against wood.
SUse wedges made of plastic or wood. Nev- er 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 through a particu-
lar log or branch.
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 engine running. Make sure the bar clamp nuts are securely tight- ened after tensioning the chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If
chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback occurring.
SCut one log at a time.
S Use extreme caution when
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
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Stand to the left of the saw
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 complete- ly 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.
S Do not overreach. You could be drawn or thrown off balance and lose control of 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 dangerous reac- tion. As a chain saw user, do not rely only on safety devices. You must follow all safety precautions, instructions, and maintenance in this manual to help avoid kickback and other forces which can result in serious injury.
S
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