ENGLISH
20
General Working Instructions
Chain brake
One safety feature of the chain saw is the chain brake.
It will not prevent a kickback, but is designed to reduce
the severity of certain kickbacks. When the chain brake
is triggered, a mechanism which locks the clutch drum
is activated and stops the saw chain almost instantly.
The mechanism can be reset by moving the hand
guard back against the front handle (B).
The chain brake is triggered when the hand guard is
moved forward (A). This may occur when your left
hand/wrist touches the hand guard during a kickback.
Will My Hand Always Activate the Saw Chain Brake
During a Kickback?
No. It takes a certain amount of force to move the handle
forward. If your hand only lightly touches the front guard
or slips over it, the force may not be enough to trigger
the chain brake. It is important that you maintain a firm
grip on the chain saw handles while working. If you do
and experience a kickback, your hand might not leave
the front handle to activate the chain brake or the chain
brake will be activated by your wrist only after the saw
has swung around a considerable distance. In such
instances, it might not be enough time for the chain
brake to stop the chain before it touches you.
Does a Chain Brake Work in All Situations and
Positions?
No. First, the chainbrake must be properly maintained
to work. Second, there are certain positions in which
the chain may not activate. Third, the chain brake must
be activated to stop the chain. If it is not activated, the
chain will continue to run. Fourth, the chain brake might
not have enough time to bring the chain to a standstill
before it reaches your body if you are too close to the
cutting bar due to improper working technique.
CAUTION!
A chain brake may not always activate during a
kickback. A chain brake can provide its intended
protection only if it is properly maintained.
A neglected and abused chain brake might not work
when you need it most. Test the chain brake periodically
to be sure it will work for you if you have a kickback.
We recommend that you test the chain brake after each
work breake. If the chain brake does not activate, clean
it and check that the mechanism is not damaged. If the
chain brake still does not work, take your chain saw to
your service dealer for repair.
Please refer to your Operator’s Manual for the proper
testing procedure for your saw’s chain brake.
IMPORTANT!
Kickback and its possible consequences can be avoided:
•
Use proper working techniques.
•
Do not use the kickback danger zone of the bar.
•
Avoid unsafe positions.
•
Use proper grip.
•
Cut at high speed.
•
Maintain control over your work piece.
•
Be alert.
A
B
