Echo ECS-2000 Saw Maintenance and Kickback Safety, Pushback and PULL-IN, Chain SAW Operation

SAFETY WARNINGS

Continued

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.

PUSHBACK AND PULL-IN

WARNING

Avoid pushback and pull-in. These hazards can cause you to lose control of chain saw. Pushback or pull-in can cause severe injury.

Cause Of Pushback and Pull-In

Pushback may occur while cutting with top of guide bar. Pushback will force saw back towards you. Pull-in may occur while cutting with bottom of guide bar. Pull-in will force saw in towards wood you are cutting. These hazards can occur if chain is pinched, caught, or contacts a non-wood object.

The following steps will reduce the risk of pushback or pull-in:

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

•Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.

•Keep solid footing and balance.

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

•Have saw running at full speed before starting a cut.

•When cutting, make sure spike of saw is against wood (pull- in only). See Product Identification, page 5, to locate spike.

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

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

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

•Do not twist saw when removing guide bar from undercut.

•Use wedges made of plastic, wood, or light alloy (never steel or iron) to hold cut open.

CHAIN SAW OPERATION

1.Stay alert. Use common sense while operating chain saw.

2.Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.

3.Be aware of extension cord while operating chain saw. Be careful not to trip over cord.

4.Keep children, animals, and bystanders away from chain saw and extension cord. Only chain saw user should be in work area.

5.Do not cut down a tree unless you are trained or have expert help.

6.If two or more persons perform bucking and felling opera- tions at the same time, provide plenty of distance between operations. Provide distance of at least twice the height of tree being felled.

7.Secure wood you are cutting by using clamps or chocks.

8.Grip chain saw firmly with both hands. Never operate chain saw with one hand. Never use hand guard as handle.

9.Keep finger off trigger until ready to make cut.

10.Before starting chain saw, make sure chain is not touching anything.

11.Avoid body contact with grounded objects such as pipes, wire fences, and metal posts.

12.Keep all parts of body away from chain when saw is running.

13.Do not force chain saw while cutting. Apply light pressure.

14.Cut small brush and saplings with extreme care. Slender material may catch in chain and be whipped toward you. This could also pull you off balance.

15.When cutting limb or tree trunk that is under tension, use extreme caution. Be alert for wood springing back. When wood tension is released, limb could spring back and strike operator causing severe injury or death.

16.Do not activate the chain brake to stop saw. Always release trigger to stop saw.

17.Carry chain saw from one place to another

•with chain saw unplugged

•by holding front handle (never use front hand guard as handle)

•with finger off trigger

•with guide bar and chain to rear

•with scabbard in place

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

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 that switch turns motor on and off. Check chain brake. Check for broken or damaged parts. Do not use chain saw if damage affects safety or operation. Have damage repaired by authorized service person.

3.Maintain chain saw with care.

•Never expose saw to rain.

•Keep chain sharp, clean, and lubricated.

•Follow steps outlined in this manual to sharpen chain.

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

•Keep all screws and nuts tight.

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

•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.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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