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7 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
￭ The saw chain continues to move for a short period after
the trigger switch is fully released.
– Wait for the chain to stop and engage the chain
brake before putting the chain saw down.
￭ In the event of an emergency:
– Switch off the motor immediately, engage the chain
brake and remove the battery.
￭ Your chain saw is equipped with a chain catcher. It is
designed to reduce the risk of personal injury in the event
of a thrown or broken chain.
– Never operate the chain saw with a damaged or
missing chain catcher.
￭ Contacting foreign objects while sawing might cause the
chain to break or be thrown, or cause the chain saw to
propel dangerous debris or kick back in the direction of the
operator. To reduce the risk of severe or fatal personal
injury caused by contact with foreign objects:
– Inspect the tree, log or branch before cutting.
– Remove any foreign objects to ensure that the wood
is free of materials such as nails, spikes, cables, or
wires.
– Before starting a cut, ensure that it can be completed
without contacting surrounding objects or structures
such as fencing or stonework.
￭ If the rotating saw chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– Do not use your chain saw around flammable
materials or around vegetation or brush when there
is a risk of fire or wildfire.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a chain saw.
￭ Check the saw chain and guide bar at regular short
intervals during operation, or immediately if there is a
change in cutting behavior:
– Switch off the motor, activate the chain brake and
remove the battery.
– Check the condition and tension of the saw chain.
Look for damage to the chain or guide bar.
– If the condition persists, stop work immediately and
take your chain saw to an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer for inspection, repair or
maintenance.
DANGER
￭ To reduce the risk of electrocution:
7.1 Reactive Forces
WARNING
￭ Reactive forces may occur any time the chain is rotating.
Reactive forces can cause serious or fatal personal injury.
￭ The powerful forces used to cut wood can be reversed and
work against the operator. If the rotating saw chain is
suddenly and significantly slowed or stopped by contact
with any solid object such as a log or branch or is pinched,
the reactive forces may occur instantly.
– Never operate this chain saw in the
vicinity of any wires or cables that may
be carrying electric current.
– Never cut near power lines.
– Do not rely on the chain saw's insulation
against electric shock.
7 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
