4
the wood. This sudden stopping of the chain
results in a reversal of the chain force used to
cut wood and causes the saw to move in the
opposite direction of the chain rotation.
Pinch-Kickback drives the saw straight back
toward the operator. Pull-In pulls the saw
away from the operator. Either reaction can
result in loss of control and serious injury.
Avoid Pinch--Kickback:
S
Be extremely aware of situations or ob-
structions that can cause material to
pinch the top of or otherwise stop the
chain.
S
Do not cut more than one log at a time.
S
Do not twist the saw as the bar is with-
drawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull--In:
S
Always begin cutting with the engine at
full speed and the saw housing against
wood.
S
Use wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never use metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
Avoid Obstructions
Clear The Working Area
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
S
Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
S
Never let the moving chain contact any
object at the tip of the guide bar.
S
Keep the working area free from ob-
structions
such
as
other
trees,
branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc.
Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that
your saw chain could hit while you are
cutting through a particular log or
branch.
S
Keep your saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in-
crease the chance of kickback occur-
ring. Follow manufacturer ’s chain sharp-
ening and maintenance instructions.
Check tension at regular intervals with
the engine stopped, never with the en-
gine running. Make sure the bar clamp
nuts are securely tightened after ten-
sioning the chain.
S
Begin and continue cutting at full speed.
If the chain is moving at a slower speed,
there is greater chance of kickback oc-
curring.
S
Cut one log at a time.
S
Use extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
S
Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip
of the bar (plunge cuts).
S
Watch for shifting logs or other forces
that could close a cut and pinch or fall
into chain.
S
Use the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar
and Low--Kickback Chain specified for
your saw.
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Never reverse hand positions
Stand to the left of
the saw
Thumb on underside of
handlebar
Elbow locked
S
Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with
both hands when the engine is running
and don’t let go. A firm grip will help you
reduce kickback and maintain control of
the saw. Keep the fingers of your left
hand encircling and your left thumb un-
der the front handlebar. Keep your right
hand completely around the rear handle
whether your are right handed or left
handed. Keep your left arm straight with
the elbow locked.
S
Position your left hand on the front han-
dlebar so it is in a straight line with your
right hand on the rear handle when mak-
ing bucking cuts. Never reverse right
and left hand positions for any type of
cutting.
