4
AvoidObstr uctions
Clear The Working Area
REDUCETHE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
SRecognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understandingof kickback,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
SNeverlet the moving chain contact any ob-
ject at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeepthe wor king area free from obstruc-
tionssuch as othertrees, branches,rocks,
fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid
anyobstruc tion that your saw chain could
hit while you are cutting. Whencutting a
branch, do not let the guide bar contact
branchor other obj ects around it.
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
andmaintenance instructions. Checkten-
sion at regular intervals with the engine
stopped, never with the engine running.
Make sure the chain brake nuts are se-
curelytightened after tensioning the chain.
SBeginand continue cutting at full speed. If
the chain is moving at a slower speed,
thereis greater chance of kickback occur-
ring.
SCutone log at a time.
SUse extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
SDonot attempt cuts starting w ith the tip of
thebar (plunge cuts) .
SWatchfor shifting l ogs or otherfor cesthat
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
handpositi ons
Standto the
left of the saw
Thumbon
underside of
handlebar
Thumbon undersi de of
handlebar
Elbowlocked
SKeepa good, firm grip on thesaw with both
hands when the engine is running and
don’tlet go. A fi rm grip will helpyou reduce
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-
barso it is ina straight line with your right
hand on the rear handle when making
buckingc uts. Neverreverse right and l eft
handpositions for any type of cutting.
SStandwith yourw eightevenly balanc edon
bothfeet.
SStandslightl y to the left side of the saw to
keepy ourbody from being in a dir ectl ine
with the cutting chain.
SDonot overreach. Youcould be drawn or
thrownoff balance and l ose control of the
saw.
SDonot cut above shoulder height. It is diffi-
cult to maintain control of saw above
shoulder height.
KICKBACKSAFETY FEATURES
WARNING: Thefollowing featur es
areincluded on your saw to help r educethe
hazardof kickback; how ever,such features
will not totally eliminate this danger. As a
chainsaw user, do not rely only on safety de-
vices. You must follow all safety precau-
tions, instructions, and maintenance in this
manual to help avoid kickback and other
forceswhich can result in serious injury.
SReduced--Kickback Guide Bar,des igned
with a small radius tip which reduces the
size of the kickback danger zone on the
bar tip. A Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
hasbeen demonstrated to signific antly re-
ducethe number and seriousness of kick-
backs when tested in accordance with
safetyrequir ements for gasoline powered
chain saws as set by ANSI B175.1.