MS 200 T
English
12
Reactive Forces Including Kickback
The powerful force used to cut wood can
be reversed and work against the
operator. If the rotating chain is suddenly
stopped by contact with any solid object
such as a log or branch or is pinched, the
reactive forces may occur instantly.
These reactive forces may result in loss
of control, which, in turn, may cause
serious or fatal injury. An understanding
of the causes of these reactive forces
may help you avoid the element of
surprise and loss of control. Surprise
contributes to accidents.
The most common reactive forces are:
–
kickback,
–
pushback,
–
pull-in.
Kickback
The reaction of the cutting force of the
chain causes a rotational force on the
chain saw in the direction opposite to the
chain movement. This may fling the bar
up and back in a lightning fast reaction in
an uncontrolled arc mainly in the plane
of the bar. Under some cutting
circumstances the bar moves towards
the operator, who may suffer severe or
fatal injury.
Warning!
When sawing, make sure that the saw
chain does not touch any foreign mate-
rials such as rocks, fences, nails and the
like. Such objects may be flung off,
damage the saw chain or cause the saw
to kickback.
Warning!
Take special care when cutting shat-
tered wood because of the risk of injury
from slivers being caught and thrown in
your direction.
Warning!
The muffler and other parts of the
engine (e. g. fins of the cylinder, spark
plug) become hot during operation and
remain hot for a while after stopping the
engine. To reduce the risk of burns do
not touch the muffler and other parts
while they are hot.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn injury,
keep the area around the muffler clean.
Remove excess lubricant and all debris
such as pine needles, branches or
leaves. Let the engine cool down sitting
on concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood (e. g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
Warning!
Never modify your muffler. A modified or
damaged muffler could cause an
increase in heat radiation or sparks,
thereby increasing the risk of fire and
burn injury. You may also permanently
damage the engine. Have your muffler
serviced and repaired by your STIHL
servicing dealer only.
Warning!
Reactive forces may occur any time the
chain is rotating. Reactive forces can
cause serious personal injury.
001BA093 LÄ
Kickback may occur
when the moving saw
chain near the upper
quadrant of the bar nose
contacts a solid object or
is pinched.
001BA035 KN
