Sears C944.414460 Avoid Pinch-Kickback, Avoid Pull-In, Maintain Control, Kickback Safety Features

increase the chance of kickback. Follow manufacturer’s chain sharp- ening and maintenance instructions. Check tension at regular intervals, but never with engine running. Make sure chain brake nuts are securely tightened.

SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If the chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback occurring.

SUse extreme caution when reenter- ing a cut.

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 the specified Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar and Low-Kickback Chain.

Avoid Pinch-Kickback:

SBe extremely aware of situations or obstructions 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SDo not twist saw as bar is withdrawn from an undercut when bucking.

Avoid Pull-In:

SAlways begin cutting with the engine

at full speed and the saw housing against wood.

SUse wedges made of plastic or wood. Never use metal to hold the cut open.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Stand to the left of the saw

Thumb on underside of handlebar

Elbow locked

Never reverse hand positions

SA good, firm grip on the saw with both hands will help you maintain control. Don’t let go. Grip the rear handle with your right hand whether you are right or left handed. Wrap the fingers of your left hand over and around the front handlebar, and your left thumb under the front handlebar. Keep your left arm straight with the elbow locked.

SPosition your left hand on the front handlebar so it is in a straight line with your right hand on the rear han- dle when making bucking cuts. Stand slightly to the left side of the

saw to keep your body from being in a direct line with the cutting chain.

SStand with your weight evenly bal- anced on both feet.

SDo not overreach. You could be drawn or thrown off balance and lose

control.

SDo not cut above shoulder height. It is difficult to maintain control of saw above shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

WARNING: The following fea- tures are included on your saw to help reduce hazard of kickback; however, such features will not totally eliminate this danger. Do not rely only on safety devices. Follow all safety rules to help avoid kickback and other forces which can result in serious injury.

SFront Hand Guard: designed to re- duce the chance of your left hand contacting the chain if your hand

slips off the front handlebar.

SPosition of front and rear handlebars: designed with distance between han- dles and “in-line” with each other. The spread and “in-line” position of the hands provided by this design work together to give balance and resis- tance in controlling the pivot of the

saw back toward the operator if kick- back occurs.

SReduced-Kickback Guide Bar: de- signed with a small radius tip which reduces the size of the kickback dan- ger zone. This type bar has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the number and seriousness of kick- backs.

Small Radius

Tip Guide Bar

Large Radius

Tip Guide Bar

SLow-Kickback Chain: has met kick- back performance requirements when tested on a representative sample of chain saws below 3.8 cubic inch dis- placement.

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