4
Kickback Safety Precautions
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. Tip
contact in some cases may cause a lightning-fast
reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back
towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along
the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar
rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these
reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw,
which could result in serious personal injury.
Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices
built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you
should take several steps to keep your cutting
jobs free from accident or injury.
• With a basic understanding of kickback, you can
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden
surprise contributes to accidents. Be alert to the
potential for kickback at all times.
• Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands, the
right hand on the rear handle and the left hand on the
front handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm grip
with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw
handles. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and
maintain control of the saw. Don’t let go.
• Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free
from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide
bar contact a log, branch, fence, or any other
obstruction that could be hit while you are operating
the saw.
• Always cut with the engine running at full speed. Fully
squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady
cutting speed.
• Use only the correct original equipment manufacturer
replacement bars, chains and other parts and
accessories. These are available from your authorized
service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or
accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or
damage to the unit, and will void your warranty.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
• Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback
chains specified for your saw to avoid injury.
Other Safety Precautions
• Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Serious
injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any
combination of these persons may result from one-
handed operation. A chain saw is intended for two-
handed use.
• Do not operate a chain saw if you are fatigued.
• Use safety footwear; snug-fitted clothing; protective
gloves; and eye, hearing, and head protection devices.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions
.
• Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw’s
chain is not contacting anything. Do not cut near
electrical cables or power lines.
• Keep all parts of your body away from the chain when
the engine is running.
• Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area,
secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the
falling tree.
• Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged,
improperly adjusted, or not completely and securely
assembled. Be sure that the saw’s chain stops moving
when the throttle control trigger is released.
• Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.
• Use extreme caution when cutting small-sized brush
and saplings because slender material may catch the
chain saw and whip towards you or pull you off
balance.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for
springback so that you will not be struck when the
tension in the wood fibers is released
• Do not cut through nails, rods in the tree, railroad ties
or pallates. Inspect a tree that you are going to cut for
foreign objects that could cause injury or damage to
your chain saw.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine and
thoroughly inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.
• Keep the handles dry, clean and free of the oil/fuel
mixture
• We do not recommend using the chain saw in a tree or
on a ladder.
• All chain saw service, other that the items listed in this
instruction manual maintenance instructions, should
be performed by competent chain saw service
personnel.
• Use the right tool. Only use this chain saw for its
intended purpose, to cut wood.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on all handles or grips.
• Apply chain brake prior to any repositioning of the
operator in the cutting area. As an additional safety
precaution, apply the chain brake prior to setting down
the saw.
• Never touch the chain or attempt to service the saw
while the engine is running. Make sure all moving parts
have stopped. Allow the chain saw to cool, as the
chain can be hot.
• Check the bar and chain at frequent intervals for
proper adjustment. Make sure the bar and chain are
properly tightened and sharpened. Visually inspect for
damage. Repair any damage before restarting or
operating the chain saw.
Safety (continued)