4
SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION!
- Blade coasts after being turned off.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
• Kickback is a dangerous reaction that can lead to serious injury. Kickback may 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 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 and stop the chain for an instant. The
result is a lightning-fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the
operator. If the chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven
rapidly back toward the operator, which can cause loss of control and may result in serious
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the product. With a basic
understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden
surprise contributes to accidents.
•
Use pole saw for cutting wood only. Do not use for cutting non-wood items.
•
Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose
of the guide bar contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction while you are operating
the unit. Have a planned retreat path.
•
Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the
product.
•
Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.
•
To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate within 50' (15 m) of overhead electrical
lines.
• Before starting the motor, make sure the chain is not contacting any object. To protect yourself
from falling branches, do not stand directly under the branch or limb being cut. This unit
should not be held at an angle over 60° from ground level.
•
Turn off the motor and make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before setting the unit
down.
•
Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
• Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback chains specified for the unit.
• Do not operate the saw with one hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or
any combination of these persons may results from one hand operation. This saw is intended
for two-handed use.
•
Use extreme caution when cutting small sized brush and saplings because slender material
may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
•
When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back so that you will not be struck
when tension in wood fibers are released.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry plugged in product with finger on switch. Be sure
switch is off when plugging in.
•
Maintain product with care. Keep cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to
reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect
cord periodically and, if damaged, have it repaired by an authorized service facility. Inspect
extension cords periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from
oil and grease.
