marked container for all fuel purposes. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fuel- ing site before starting engine.
STurn the engine off and let saw cool in a
and refuel unit.
SStore the unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
KICKBACK
WARNING: Kickback can occur when the moving chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into the object, which stops the chain for an instant. The result is a light- ning fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause loss of saw control which can result in serious injury. Guard
against kickback
Rotational Kickback is the rapid upward and backward motion of the chain saw that can occur when the moving saw chain near the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar contacts an object such as a log or a branch.
Avoid Pinch-Kickback:
S Be 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.
S Do not twist the saw as the bar is with- drawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull-In:
S Always begin cutting with engine at full speed and saw housing against wood.
SUse wedges made of plastic or wood. Nev- er use metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
Avoid Obstructions
Clear The Working Area
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
S Recognize that kickback can happen. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the element of surprise which contributes to accidents.
SNever let the moving chain contact any ob- ject at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeep the working area free from obstruc- tions such as other trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that your saw chain could
hit while you are cutting through a particu- lar log or branch.
SKeep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in- crease the chance of kickback occurring. Follow manufacturer ’s chain sharpening and maintenance instructions. Check ten- sion at regular intervals with the engine stopped, never with engine running. Make sure the bar clamp nuts are securely tight-
ened after tensioning the chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If chain is moving at a slower speed, there is
greater chance of kickback occurring.
SCut one log at a time.
S Use extreme caution when
SDo not attempt cuts starting with the tip of
the bar (plunge cuts).
SWatch for shifting logs or other forces that could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
SUse
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Stand to the left of the saw
Never reverse hand positions
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