ENGLISH
8
• Take extreme care when cutting with the top chain (on the
underside of a log). The force of the chain action pushes the
saw backwards, and if the operator does not maintain fi rm
control, the kickback danger zone may move far enough
back into the kerf to produce a kickback. Cutting with the
bottom chain (on the top side of the log) pulls the saw for-
ward. This presses the power head fi rmly against the tree,
providing a steady support and giving the operator added
control over the saw and consequently over the kickback
danger zone.
• Follow the maintenance and sharpening instructions for the
chain and guide bar. When replacing chains and guide bars,
use only combinations recommended by us. See «Technical
Specifi cations».
• The smaller the bar nose radius, the smaller the kickback
danger zone and thus
the kickback tendency.
• By using low-kickback
cutting equipment and
keeping the cutters
properly sharpened, the
strength of a
kickback
can be greatly reduced.
KICKBACK PREVENTION
DANGER!
Kickbacks occur suddenly and without warning. A kickback may be violent enough to throw a
chainsaw back at the user. A running chain can in
fl
ict severe and even fatal injury. It is imperative
for users to be familiar with the causes of kickbacks in order to exercise the proper care and use
working techniques to prevent kickback.
CAUTION!
Improperly sharpened cutters or the wrong chain and guide bar combination will
increase the risk of kickback. See «Technical Speci
fi
cations» on page 3.
CAUTION!
Do not let the chain come in contact with the ground or any objects. Chain link and wire fencing
materials present a particular kickback hazard.
Observe all safety rules in order to avoid kickbacks and other
accidents which may cause injury.
• A kickback is a sudden reaction in which a chain saw is
thrown back as a result from contact with the upper part of
the bar nose known as the kickback danger zone.
• The direction of a kickback is always in the same plane as
the guide bar. The most common reaction is that the guide
bar and saw are thrown up and back towards the operator.
The saw can be thrown in other directions, depending on
the position of the saw at the moment of kickback.
Basic rules
• Knowing the cause and nature of a kickback helps reduce
or eliminate the element of surprise. Surprise increases the
danger of an accident. Most kickbacks are small, but some
are violent, and all are lightning-fast.
• Always grip the chain saw fi rmly with thumb and fi ngers
wrapped around the handles, right hand on the rear handle
and left hand on the front handle. All users, whether right or
left-handed, must use this grip, which will reduce the effect
of a kickback and help keep the saw under control.
Do not let go of the chain saw handles!
• Most accidents caused by kickbacks take place in con-
nection with limbing. Make certain your footing is secure
and that there are no objects nearby which may trip you
or make you lose your balance. If you are not careful, the
kickback danger zone could make contact with a branch,
a nearby tree or some other object which could cause a
kickback.
• Never use a chain saw to cut above shoulder height, and
do not cut with the guide bar nose. Never operate a chain
saw while holding it with only one hand!
• Maintain full speed while cutting.