SAFETY INFORMATION
2
UNDERSTANDING KICKBACK
•
Rotational Kickback
can happen when the upper tip of
the guide bar contacts an object while the chain is
moving (Fig. 1 & 2). 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.
•
Pinch 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. 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.
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•
DO NOT
over reach.
•
DO NOT
cut above shoulder height.
•
DO NOT
make cuts with the tip of the guide bar (Fig. 1).
•
DO NOT
let the tip of the guide bar contact any object,
such as a log, branch, ground or other obstruction.
Remove or avoid any obstructions that might impact the
tip of the guide bar while cutting (Fig. 3).
•
DO NOT
cut more than one log or branch at a time.
•
DO NOT
twist the saw when removing the guide bar
from an undercut while bucking.
•
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
engine is running. Keep the left hand on the front handle
and the right hand on the rear handle. Use a firm grip with
thumbs and fingers encircling the handles. A firm grip will
help maintain control of the unit and reduce kickback. Do
not let go! Stand slightly to the left of the unit to avoid
being in the direct line of the saw chain. Follow all the
Proper Grip on Handles
instructions in the
Operating Instructions
section.
•
DO NOT
install a bow guide on this unit. Bow guides have a larger kickback zone, which increases the
chance of kickback and serious injury. This increased risk is not significantly reduced by using a low
kickback saw chain. Using a bow guide on this unit is extremely dangerous.
• Never start the saw when the guide bar is inside an existing cut. Be extremely careful when re-entering
a cut.
• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Always begin a cut with the engine running at full speed. Fully squeeze the throttle control trigger
and maintain a steady cutting speed. Slower speeds increase the chance of kickback. Keep the
saw housing pressed firmly against the wood.
• Watch for shifting logs, branches, or other objects that might pinch, or fall onto, the chain while cutting.
• If using wedges, only use wedges made of plastic or wood. Do not use metal to hold a cut open.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
• Only use replacement guide bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
These are available from authorized service dealers. 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, such as low-kickback chains, guide bar nose guards, chain brakes and special guide
bars, which reduce the risks associated with kickback. There are no other replacement
components for achieving kickback protection in accordance with CSA Z62.3.
• Low-kickback saw chain is chain that has met the kickback performance requirements of ANSI
B175.1-1991 and is in accordance with CSA Z62.3. Do not use a replacement chain unless it has
met these requirements for the specific model. As saw chains are sharpened, some of the low
kickback qualities are lost and extra caution should be used.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•
DO NOT
handle the unit with wet hands.
•
DO NOT
operate a chain saw in a tree or on a ladder unless specifically trained to do so.
•
DO NOT
use the unit in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
•
DO NOT
operate a unit that is damaged, improperly adjusted or not completely and securely
assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released.
Do not use the unit if the stop switch does not turn the unit on and off properly or if the lockout
switch does not work. Have defective switches replaced by an authorized service center.
•
DO NOT
attempt operations beyond the operator’s capacity or experience.
•
DO NOT
cut near electrical cables or power lines.
•
DO NOT
force the chain saw, especially near the end of a cut. It will do a better, safer job when
used at the intended rate.
•
DO NOT
touch the engine or muffler. These parts can become extremely hot during operation and
remain hot for a short time after the unit is turned off.
• To reduce the risk of fire, keep the engine and muffler free from debris, excessive grease and carbon
build up.
• Before cutting, always inspect wood for foreign objects that could cause injury to the operator or
damage to the unit. Never cut through nails, metal rods, railroad ties or pallets. If a foreign object is
struck, stop the unit and inspect it for damage.
• Keep all body parts away from the saw chain when the engine is running. Before starting the saw,
make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything.
• Always stop the engine when operation is delayed, before setting down the unit or when walking
from one location to another. Make sure the chain comes to a complete stop. Do not leave the unit
unattended while the engine is running. Always stop the engine when not in use.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with fingers on the throttle control trigger. Only pull the
starter rope when in the starting position. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while
starting the engine. Refer to
Starting and Stopping Instructions
.
• Always carry the chain saw by the front handle with the engine off, finger off the throttle control trigger, the
muffler positioned away from the body and the guide bar and saw chain sheathed in the scabbard and
positioned to the rear.
• Always make sure the stop switch is in the STOP position before starting or stopping the engine.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back, which may cause the operator to
be struck when the tension of the wood fibers is released.
• Use extreme caution when cutting small-sized brush and saplings, as slender material may catch
the saw chain and be whipped toward the operator or pull the operator off balance.
• This saw is classified by UL as a Class 1C saw in accordance with CSA Z62.1-03. It is intended for
infrequent use by homeowners, cottagers and campers, and for general applications such as
clearing, pruning, cutting firewood, etc. It is not intended for prolonged use. If the intended use
involves prolonged periods of operation, this may cause circulatory problems in the user’s hands due
to vibration. It may be appropriate to use a saw having an anti-vibration feature.
Fig. 3
Kickback
GASOLINE SAFETY
•
DO NOT
smoke while handling fuel or while operating the unit.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby while operating the unit.
• Only store fuel in containers specifically designed and approved for the storage of such materials.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the
fuel tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in
place. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.
• Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Do
not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately. Always
wipe unit dry before using.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Do
not smoke or allow sparks and open flames near the area while adding fuel or operating the unit.
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Only
operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
• Always store the unit and fuel in a cool, dry and well-ventilated space where fuel vapors cannot
reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc. Never
store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE SAFETY
• If the unit is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into
water, do not use the unit. Have the unit serviced by an authorized service center.
• All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in this manual, should be performed
by an authorized service center.
• Follow all maintenance instructions in this manual.
• Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or replacing any parts on the unit:
1. Stop the engine. Make sure the stop switch is in the STOP position and the throttle control trigger
is released.
2. Make sure all moving parts have stopped.
3. Allow the unit to cool.
4. Make sure the chain brake is disengaged.
• Never remove, modify or make inoperative any safety device furnished with the unit.
• For safer, more effective performance, make sure the guide bar and chain are properly cleaned,
lubricated, tightened and sharpened. Check the guide bar and chain at frequent intervals for proper
adjustment.
• Frequently inspect the unit for damage. Before further use, any damaged part should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, fuel leaks and any other
conditions that may affect its operation. Damaged parts should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorized service center, unless otherwise indicated in this manual.
• Use only original manufacturer replacement parts and accessories, which are designed specifically to
enhance the performance and maximize the safe operation of the product. Failure to do so may cause
poor performance and possible injury. Use only the chain and guide bar supplied with this product.
• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Always use the scabbard on the guide bar and saw chain during transportation and storage.
• When not in use, store the unit in a locked-up and dry, or high and dry, place to prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep the handles dry, clean and free from debris, oil, fuel and grease. Clean the unit after each use.
Never douse or spray the unit with water or any other liquid. Do not use solvents or strong detergents.
Fig. 2
Kickback Danger Zone
Fig. 1
Rotational Kickback
WARNING:
Use caution when handling fuel. Gasoline is highly flammable,
and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
DANGER:
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 towards
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.
