13
Cut-off-Machine Safety Manual
English
2. Make certain water does not flow on
a wheel that is not running, since the
wheel will absorb water, which will
affect wheel balance.
3. Shut water off before the wheel
stops so that excess water will be
dissipated.
4. Be certain water is applied to both
sides of wheel, since uneven
distribution can cause "one sided"
wear.
Important Adjustments
At correct idle speed, the wheel should
not turn. For directions to adjust idle
speed, see the appropriate section of
your instruction manual.
!
Warning!
Do not use a cut-off machine with
incorrect idle speed adjustment. The
rotating wheel may cause injury. Have
your STIHL dealer check your cut-off
machine and make proper adjustments
or repairs.
Never touch a rotating wheel with your
hand or any part of your body.
Reactive Forces including Kickback
!
Warning!
Reactive forces may occur at any time
the cutting wheel on a cut-off machine is
rotating. If the wheel is slowed or
stopped by frictional contact with any
solid object or by a pinch, reactive forces
may occur instantly and with great force.
These reactive forces may result in the
operator losing control of the cut-off
machine, which may, in turn, result in
serious or fatal injury.
An understanding of the causes of these
reactive forces may help you avoid loss
of control. Reactive forces are exerted in
a direction opposite to the direction in
which the wheel is moving at the point of
contact or pinch.
Pull-away, climbing, pinching and
rotational kickback forces
The most common reactive forces are
pull-away and climbing. If the contact is
at the bottom of the wheel, a cut-off
machine will try to pull away from the
operator (pull-away). If the contact is at
the front of the wheel, the wheel may
attempt to climb the object being cut
(climbing). Pinching occurs when the
piece being cut closes on the wheel. If
the wheel is severely pinched at the
front, especially in the upper quadrant,
the wheel may be instantly thrown up
and back towards the operator with
great force in a rotational kickback
motion.
The greater the force generated, the
more difficult it will be for the operator to
control the cut-off machine. Any of the
reactive forces can, in some
circumstances, cause the operator to
lose control of a cut-off machine,
allowing the rotating wheel to come into
contact with the operator. Severe
personal injury or death can result.
