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 ofthe
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 suddenly stopped. This sudden
stopping pulls the saw forward and away
fromthe operator andcould eas ily cause the
operator to lose control of the saw.
Avoid Pinch--Kickback:
SBe extremely aware of situations or ob-
structions that can cause material topinch
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 housingagainst wood.
SUse wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never use metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
A
void Obstructions
ClearTh e Working Area
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 othertrees, 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 loos e or dull chain can in-
crease the chance of kickback occurring.
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening
andmaintenance instruc tions. Checkten-
sion at regular intervals with the engine
stopped, never with the engine running.
Make sure the chain brake nuts are se-
curelytightened after tensioningthe 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 cuts 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 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. A firm grip will help you reduce k ick-
back and maintain control of the saw. Keep
the fingers of your left hand encircling and
your left thumb under the front handlebar.
Keep your right hand completely around the
rearhandle w hether your are right handed or
left handed. Keep your left arm straight w ith
the elbow locked.
SPositiony our left hand on the front handlebar
so it is in a straight line with your right hand
on the rear handle when making buck ing
cuts. Never reverse right and left handposi-
tions for any type of cutting.
SStand with your weight evenly balanced on
both feet.
SStand slightly to the left side of the saw to
keep your body from being in a direct line
with the cutting chain.
SDo not overreach. Youcould be draw n or
thrown off balance and lose control of the
saw.
SDo not cut above shoulder height. It is diffi-
cult to maintain control of saw above shoul-
der height.