Use And Care Manual

6
Fig. B
Fig. C
Rotational
Kickback
Kickback
Danger Zone
Saw Chain
Direction
Linear
Kickback
Pinch
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.
• This saw is classified by UL as a Class 2C 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.
• Do not operate the unit 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 attempt operations beyond the operator’s capacity or
experience.
• Do not operate a unit that is damaged, improperly adjusted or
not completely and securely assembled. Make sure moving
parts stop when the unit is turned off. Do not use the unit if it
does not turn on and off properly. Have defective parts replaced
by an authorized service dealer.
• Avoid starting the unit unintentionally. Make sure the lock-off
button is in the locked position before connecting or
disconnecting the unit and the power source. Never carry the
unit with fingers on the throttle control.
• Do not use the unit if the lock-off button and throttle control do
not start and stop the unit.