English / USA

001BA174 KN

When a kickback occurs, the guide bar may rotate around the front handle. If the cutting position is such that the operator's left hand is gripping the front handle behind the hand guard, and if the left hand rotates around the front handle and makes a sufficiently forceful contact with the front hand guard, which is the Quickstop activating lever, this contact will activate a properly maintained Quickstop chain brake. The chain brake on newer STIHL chainsaws can also be activated by inertia. If the kickback forces are sufficiently high, the hand guard is accelerated towards the bar nose even without hand contact. See the chapter entitled "Chain Brake" of your instruction manual.

!Warning!

Never operate your chainsaw without a front hand guard. In a kickback situation this guard helps protect your left hand and other parts of your body. In addition, removal of the hand guard on a saw equipped with a Quickstop chain brake will deactivate the chain brake.

!Warning!

No Quickstop or other chain brake device prevents kickback. These devices are designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury, if activated, in certain kickback situations. In order for the Quickstop to reduce the risk of kickback injury, it must be properly maintained and in good working order. See the chapter of your instruction manual entitled "Chain Brake" and the section "Maintenance, Repair and Storing" at the end of these Safety Precautions. In addition, there must be enough distance between the bar and the operator to ensure that the Quickstop has sufficient time to activate and stop the chain before potential contact with the operator.

!Warning!

An improperly maintained chain brake may increase the time needed to stop the chain after activation, or may not activate at all.

!Warning!

Never run the chainsaw above idle speed for more than 3 seconds when the chain brake is engaged or when the chain is pinched or otherwise caught in the cut. Clutch slippage can cause excessive heat, leading to severe damage of the motor housing, clutch and oiler component and may interfere with the operation of the chain brake. If clutch slippage in excess of 3 seconds has occurred, allow the motor housing to cool before proceeding and check the operation of your chain brake as described in the chapter entitled "Chain Brake" of your instruction manual. Also make sure that the chain is not turning at idle speed (see above at "Important Adjustments").

MS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C

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