ENGLISH
KICKBACK PREVENTION
DANGER!
Kickbacks occur suddenly and without warning. A kickback may be violent enough to throw a chainsaw back at the user. A running chain can inflict severe and even fatal injury. It is imperative for users to be familiar with the causes of kickbacks in order to exercise the proper care and use working techniques to prevent kickback.
CAUTION!
Improperly sharpened cutters or the wrong chain and guide bar combination will increase the risk of kickback. See «Technical Specifications» on page 3.
CAUTION!
Do not let the chain come in contact with the ground or any objects. Chain link and wire fencing materials present a particular kickback hazard.
Observe all safety rules in order to avoid kickbacks and other accidents which may cause injury.
•A kickback is a sudden reaction in which a chain saw is thrown back as a result from contact with the upper part of the bar nose known as the kickback danger zone.
•The direction of a kickback is always in the same plane as the guide bar. The most common reaction is that the guide bar and saw are thrown up and back towards the operator. The saw can be thrown in other directions, depending on the position of the saw at the moment of kickback.
Basic rules
•Knowing the cause and nature of a kickback helps reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Surprise increases the danger of an accident. Most kickbacks are small, but some are violent, and all are
•Always grip the chain saw firmly with thumb and fingers wrapped around the handles, right hand on the rear handle and left hand on the front handle. All users, whether right or
Do not let go of the chain saw handles!
•Most accidents caused by kickbacks take place in con- nection with limbing. Make certain your footing is secure and that there are no objects nearby which may trip you or make you lose your balance. If you are not careful, the kickback danger zone could make contact with a branch, a nearby tree or some other object which could cause a kickback.
•Never use a chain saw to cut above shoulder height, and do not cut with the guide bar nose. Never operate a chain saw while holding it with only one hand!
•Maintain full speed while cutting.
•Take extreme care when cutting with the top chain (on the underside of a log). The force of the chain action pushes the saw backwards, and if the operator does not maintain firm control, the kickback danger zone may move far enough back into the kerf to produce a kickback. Cutting with the bottom chain (on the top side of the log) pulls the saw for- ward. This presses the power head firmly against the tree, providing a steady support and giving the operator added control over the saw and consequently over the kickback danger zone.
•Follow the maintenance and sharpening instructions for the chain and guide bar. When replacing chains and guide bars, use only combinations recommended by us. See «Technical Specifications».
•The smaller the bar nose radius, the smaller the kickback danger zone and thus
the kickback tendency.
• By using
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