4
SPinch-Kickback can occur when the the
wood closes in and pinches the moving
saw chain in the cut along the top of the
guide bar and the saw chain is suddenly
stopped. This sudden stopping of the
chain results in a revers al of the chain
force used to cut wood and causes the
sawto move in the opposite direction of the
chain rotation. The saw is driven straight
back toward the operator.
SPull-In can occur when the moving chain
contacts a foreign object in the woodin the
cutalong the bot tom of the guide bar and the
sawc hainis s uddenly stopped. This sudden
stopping pulls the saw forward and away
fromthe operator and could e asily cause the
operator to lose control of the saw.
Avoid Pinch--Kickback:
SBe 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.
SDo not twist the saw as the bar is with-
drawn from an undercut when bucking.
AvoidPu ll--In:
SAlways begin cutting with the engine at full
speedand the saw housing against w ood.
SUse wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never use metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
Clear The Working Area
AvoidO bstructions
REDUCE THE CHANCE OFKICKBACK
SRecognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
SNeverlet t he moving chain contac t any ob-
ject at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeep the working area free from obstruc-
tionssuch as other trees, branches , rocks,
fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid
anyobs truction that your saw chain could
hit while you are cutting. When cutting a
branch, do not let the guide bar contact
branch or other objects around it.
SKeep your saw chain sharp and pr operly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain c an in-
crease the chance of kickback occurring.
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening
andmaintenance instruc tions. Check ten-
sion at regular intervals with the engine
stopped, never with the engine running.
Makes ure the bar nuts are securely tight-
enedaft er tensioning the chain.
SBeginand continue cut ting at full speed. If
the chain is moving at a slower speed,
thereis greater c hance of kickback occur -
ring.
SCut one log at a time.
SUse extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
SDo notattempt c uts starting with the tip of
the bar (plunge cuts).
SWatchfor s hifting logs or other forces that
could close a cut and pinch or fall into
chain.
SUse the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
and Low--Kickback Chain specified for
your saw.
MAINTAINCONTROL
Never reverse
handpos itions
Standto the
left of the saw
Thumbon
underside of
handlebar
Thumbon unders ide of
handlebar
Elbow locked
SKeepa good, firm grip on the saw with both
hands when the engine is running and
don’tlet go. Afirm grip will help you reduc e
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 com-
pletely around the rear handle whether
yourare right handed or left handed. Keep
your left arm straight with the elbow
locked.
SPositionyour 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
handpos itions for any type of cutting.
SStandwith your weight ev enly balanced on
bothf eet.
SStand slightly to the left side of the saw to
keep your body from being in a direct line
with the cutting chain.
SDonot ov erreach. Youcould be drawn or
thrown off balance and lose control of the
saw.
SDonot cut above shoulder height. Itis diffi-
cult to maintain control of saw above
shoulder height.