Homelite EL14 Maintenance and Storage of Chain SAW, Kickback Safety Devices On This Saw

OWNER’S MANUAL

KICKBACK

WARNING: 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 towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in serious injury to user.

Kickback Safety Devices On This Saw

This saw has a low-kickback chain and reduced kickback guide bar. Both items reduce the chance of kickback. Kickback can still occur with this saw.

Properly install front hand guard. This item can reduce injuries from kickback. Follow assembly instructions on page 6. Do not remove front hand guard. Do not replace front hand guard with substitute.

The following steps will reduce the risk of kickback.

•Use both hands to grip saw while saw is running. Use firm grip. Thumbs and fingers must wrap around saw handles.

•Keep all safety items in place on saw. Make sure they work properly.

•Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.

•Keep solid footing and balance at all times

•Stand slightly to left side of saw. This keeps your body from being in direct line with chain.

•Do not let guide bar nose touch anything when chain is moving (see Figure 1).

Direction

Do Not Let

Guide Bar

Touch Here

90° Quadrant

Figure 1 - Kickback Hazard Example: Do Not Let Nose of Guide Bar Touch Object While Chain is Moving

•Never try cutting through two logs at same time. Only cut one log at a time.

•Do not bury guide bar nose or try plunge cut (boring into wood using guide bar nose).

•Watch for shifting of wood or other forces that may pinch chain.

•Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut.

•Use low-kickback chain and guide bar supplied with this chain saw. Only replace these parts with chains and guide bars listed in this manual.

•Never use dull or loose chain. Keep chain sharp with proper tension.

•Do not hand sharpen chain on automatic chain sharpening (Fast Sharp) models.

Saw Maintenance and Kickback Safety

Follow maintenance instructions in this manual. Proper cleaning of saw and chain and guide bar maintenance can reduce chances of kickback. Inspect and maintain saw after each use. This will increase the service life of your saw. Note: Even with proper sharpening, risk of kickback can increase with each sharpening.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF CHAIN SAW

1.Unplug chain saw from power source

•when not in use

•before moving from one place to another

•before servicing

•before changing accessories or attachments, such as saw chain and guard

2.Inspect chain saw before and after each use. Check saw closely if guard or other part has been damaged. Check for any damage that may affect operator safety or operation of saw. Check for alignment or binding of moving parts. Check for broken or damaged parts. Do not use chain saw if damage affects safety or operation. Have damage repaired by authorized service center.

3.Maintain chain saw with care.

•Never expose saw to rain.

•Keep chain sharp, clean, and lubricated for better and safer performance.

•Follow steps outlined in this manual to sharpen chain.

•Keep handles dry, clean, and free of oil and grease.

•Keep all screws and nuts tight.

•Inspect power cord often. If damaged, have repaired by authorized service center.

•Never carry chain saw by power cord.

•Never yank power cord to unplug it.

•Keep power cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

•Inspect extension cords often and replace if damaged.

4.When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.

5.When not in use, always store chain saw

•in a high or locked place, out of children’s reach

•in a dry place

•in a carrying case or with scabbard over guide bar

Keep this manual for reference. It is your guide to safe and proper operation of this chain saw.

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