Echo X52000020 Operating SAW with the Kick Guard Device, Kick Guard Applications

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OPERATING SAW WITH THE KICK GUARD® DEVICE

WARNING! Study your safety and instruction manuals, and be sure you understand how to keep control of the chain saw either with or without the Kick Guard ® device.

WARNING! The Kick Guard ® device prevents rotational kickback when properly installed, but it cannot prevent other chain saw mishaps. Always wear protective articles such as cut-resistant boots, gloves, and leg chaps, and proper attire for chain sawing. Use the correct two-handed grip on the saw handles at all times. Position the saw properly with the cutting plane away from the body, and maintain a balanced body position to the left of the saw.

Check that the Kick Guard ® is correctly installed before each use, and is fastened securely to the guide bar.

Illustrations below show various applications, which can be performed effectively and safely when the Kick Guard ® device is in place on the bar nose. Notice that the device is often used to protect the saw chain, as well as adjacent objects such as walls, fences and trees. The Kick Guard ® often can be used against an obstruction as a bumper plate.

Using the Kick Guard® when cutting in a brush pile eliminates the threat of kickback and helps speed up brush removal. Cutting brush requires that you be alert for brush and branches that may be whipped back at you.

Even when using the Kick Guard ® device, you must be alert to control the saw against the forces of gravity, push, pull and “skating.” Maintain good footing and balance. Reaching above chest height is extremely hazardous. Twisting and falling limbs are a hazard, which must always be anticipated.

Before buying a new guide bar or new saw chain, check first with your ECHO dealer to be sure the new configuration can be mounted to your

ECHO chain saw. Be sure ECHO’s Kick Guard® device can be mounted onto the new guide bar. The tip of the bar must be equipped with the proper Kick Guard ® device mounting holes.

KICK GUARD® APPLICATIONS

KICK GUARD® ALLOWS KICK-BACK

FREE CUTTING NEAR MASONRY, FENCES, ETC.

KICK GUARD® PROTECTS CHAIN FROM

GROUND WHEN FLUSH CUTTING.

KICK GUARD® AS A BUMPER

AGAINST OBSTRUCTION.

KICK GUARD® ALLOWS SAFE

KICK GUARD® ALLOWS SCYTHING

KICK GUARD® ALLOWS SAFE CUTTING

CUTTING NEAR OTHER TREES

ACTION TO REMOVE BRUSH

IN BRUSH PILE.

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Contents Chain SAW Safety Manual CIRCLE/SLASH Symbol KEY Safety Symbols and WarningsImportant Safety Warnings Important Safety Warnings Page Introduction Table of ContentsForces YOU Must Control Do not Over -REACH to Make a CUT Beware of Skating Kick Guard Kick Guard InstallationConditions Which MAY Require Removal of Kick Guard Kick Guard Applications Operating SAW with the Kick Guard DeviceCommon Causes of Kickback Operating SAW Without the Kick Guard DeviceGood Control Chain Brake Lever Reduced Kickback Chain Guide BAR Rail DAMAGE- Time to Replace Operator Safety Vital Safety Gear to Wear When Cutting KEY Safety and Risk Prevention Rules Beware of High Tension BRANCHES. Stay OUT of the Path General Safety Instructions KEY Safety and Risk Prevention Rules Rules for Safe Fueling No Lighting Up Or Smoking When Handling GasolineSafe Wood Cutting Practices Hinge PINCHING, Binding & SplittingPruning Shade Trees and Cutting Saplings Felling Trees Path not this WAY Limbing and Bucking Be Alert for Felling Very Large Trees BOW SAW Warning Electric Chain SAW SafetyMinimum Wire Gauge Recommendations Volts Glossary of Chain SAW Terms Gasoline Powered Unit TermsGlossary of Chain SAW Terms ECHO, Incorporated