Troy-Bilt TB25PS Operator'S Manual Download Page 5

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Fig. B

Rotational

Kickback

Danger Zone

Saw Chain

Direction

KICKBACK SAFETY

Understanding Kickback
A basic understanding of kickback can help reduce or eliminate the

element of surprise and the chance of kickback-related injury.

Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
•

Rotational Kickback can happen when the upper tip of the

guide bar contacts an object while the chain is moving (Fig. B).

This can cause the chain to dig into the object and momentarily

stop moving. The guide bar is then kicked up and back toward

the operator in a lightning-fast reverse reaction.

•

Linear Kickback can happen when the wood on either side of a

cut closes in and pinches the moving saw chain along the top of

the guide bar (Fig. C). This can cause the chain to instantly stop.

The chain force is then reversed, causing the saw to move in the

opposite direction, sending the saw straight back toward the

operator.

•

Pull-In can happen when the moving chain on the bottom of the

guide bar hits a foreign object inside the wood. This can cause

the chain to suddenly stop. The saw is then pulled forward and

away from the operator, which could potentially result in the loss

of control of the saw.

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. In

some cases, tip contact may cause a lightening-fast

reverse action, kicking the guide bar rapidly back to wards

the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the

guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the

operator. Either of these reactions may cause a loss of

control over the saw, which could result in serious injury to

the user. Contact with foreign objects within the wood can

also induce a loss of chain saw control.

Fig. C

Linear

Kickback

Pinch

Kickback Safety Precautions
Take the following steps to reduce the chance of accident or injury:
• Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the unit.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take

extra care when working on stairs, steep slopes or inclines. Do

not extend arms above shoulder height.

• Do not make cuts with the tip of the guide bar.
• Make sure the area of operation is free from obstructions. Do not

let the tip of the guide bar contact any object, such as a log,

branch, the ground or other obstruction.

• Always inspect the wood before cutting. Foreign objects could

damage the unit or cause serious personal injury. Never cut

through nails, metal rods, railroad ties or pallets.

• Do not operate the unit with one hand! Serious injury to the

operator, helpers or bystanders may result from one-handed

operation. This unit is intended for two-handed use. Always grip

the unit firmly with both hands when the unit is running. Do not

let go. A firm grip will help maintain control of the unit and

reduce the chance of kickback.

• Stand slightly to the left of the unit to avoid being in the direct

line of the saw chain.

• Hold the shaft grip with the right hand. Keep the right arm

slightly bent.

• Hold the handle with the left hand. Keep the left arm straight.

• Never start the saw when the guide bar is inside an existing cut.

Be extremely careful when re-entering a cut.

• Always begin a cut with the unit running at full speed. Maintain a

steady cutting speed. Slower speeds increase the chance of

kickback.

• Keep the saw housing pressed firmly against the wood.
• Do not cut more than one branch at a time.
• Do not twist the unit when removing the guide bar from a cut.
• Watch out for shifting objects (branches, etc.) that might pinch

or fall onto the saw chain during operation.

• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance

instructions for the saw chain.

• Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the

manufacturer or the equivalent. These are available from

authorized service centers. Use of any unauthorized parts or

accessories could lead to serious injury to the operator or

damage to the unit and will void the warranty.

• Use devices that reduce the risks associated with kickback,

such as low-kickback chains, guide bar nose guards, chain

brakes and low-kickback guide bars. There are no other

replacement components for achieving kickback protection in