6
Kickback
m
WARNING!
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip
of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes
in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
AVOID CONTACTING THE GUIDE BAR TIP WITH ANY
OBJECT. In some cases, when the tip makes contact with an
object, it may cause a fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide
bar up and back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain
along the top of the guide bar may also push the guide bar
rapidly back towards the operator. Either of these reactions
may cause you to lose control of the saw, which could result in
serious personal injury.
• Maintain a firm grip (right hand on the rear handle and
left hand on the front handle with thumbs and fingers
encircling the respective handles) and position your body
and arms to allow you to resist kickback forces. Kickback
forces can be controlled by the operator if proper
precautions are taken. Do not let go of the chain saw.
• Keep all guards in place on the machine. Make sure they
are in proper working order.
• Do not overreach. Do not cut above shoulder height. This
helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better
control of the unit in unexpected situations.
• Keep solid footing and balance at all times.
• Never try cutting through two branches at the same time.
Only cut one at a time.
• Do not bury the guide bar nose or try to cut by boring the
guide bar nose into the wood.
• Watch for shifting of wood or other forces that may pinch
the chain.
• Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut.
• Use the low-kickback chain and guide bar supplied with
this cordless chain saw. Only use genuine Snow Joe
®
+
Sun Joe
®
replacement parts designed specifically for use
with this cordless chain saw.
• Never use a dull or loose chain. Keep the chain sharp and
properly tensioned.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth
gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
• Always observe the safety regulations and follow the
correct sawing techniques.
•
Ensure safe carrying of the unit. Whenever the machine is
to be handled or transported, you must:
–
Switch off the motor and wait for the chain to come to
a complete stop;
–
Mount the guide bar cover;
– Hold the machine using the hand grips and
position the bar in the opposite direction to that used
during operation.
When using a vehicle to transport the machine, fasten
the tool firmly and position it so that it is not a danger to
any passengers.
• Before cutting, pruning, or delimbing for the first time,
make sure:
–
You have been specifically trained to use this type
of equipment;
– You have carefully read the safety regulations and
user instructions contained in this manual;
–
You practice first on logs on the ground or attached
to trestles/saw horses, in order to get familiar with the
machine and the proper cutting techniques.
R
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
