4
thewood. This sudden stoppi ng of the chain
resultsi na reversal of the chain force used to
cut wood and causes the saw to move in the
opposite direction of the chain rotation.
Pinch-Kickback drives the saw s traight back
toward the operator. Pull-In pulls the saw
away from the operator. Either reaction can
result in loss of control and serious i njury.
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 t ime.
SDo not twist the saw as the bar is with-
drawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull--In:
SAlways begin cutting wi th the engine at
full speed and the saw housing against
wood.
SUse wedges made of plasti c or wood.
Never use metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
Avoid Obstructions
Clear The Working Area
REDUCE THE CHANCE OFKICKBACK
SRecognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding ofkick back,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
SNever let the moving chain cont act any
object at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeep the working area free from ob-
structions such as other trees,
branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc.
Eliminate or avoid any obstructi on that
your saw chain could hit while you are
cutting through a particular log or
branch.
SKeepy our saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dul l chain can in-
crease the chance of kickback occur-
ring.Follow manufacturer ’s chain s harp-
ening and maintenance instructions.
Check tension at regular interval s with
the engine stopped, never with the en-
gine running. Make sure the bar clam p
nuts are securely tightened aft er ten-
sioning the chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at ful l speed.
If the chain is moving at a slower speed,
there is greater chance of kickback oc-
curring.
SCut one log at a time.
SUseextreme cauti on when re-entering a
previous cut.
SDo not attempt cuts st arting with the tip
of the bar (plunge cuts).
SWatch for shifting logs or other forc es
that could close a c ut and pinch or fall
into chain.
SUse the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
and Low--Kickback Chain specified for
your saw.
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Never reverse hand positions
Stand to the left of
the saw
Thumb on underside of
handlebar
Elbow locked
SKeep a good, firm grip on the saw with
both hands when the engine is running
and don’t let go. Af irm grip will help you
reduce kickback and maintain control of
the saw. Keep the fingers of your left
hand encircling and your left thumb un-
der the front handlebar. Keep your right
hand completely around the rear handle
whether your are right handed or left
handed. K eep your left arm straight with
the elbow locked.
SPosition your left hand on the front han-
dlebar so it is in a straight line with your
right hand on the rearhandl e when mak-
ing bucking cuts. Never reverse right
and left hand positions for any ty pe of
cutting.