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4
KICKBACK
See Figures 1 and 2.
■ WARNING: Kickback may occur when the moving
chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the
tip of the guide bar or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contact at the
upper portion of the tip of the guide bar can cause
the chain to dig into the object and stop the chain
for an instant. The result is a lightning fast, reverse
reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back
toward the operator. If the saw chain is pinched
along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be
driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either of
these reactions can cause loss of saw control
which can result in serious 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.
■ The following precautions should be followed
to minimize kickback:
1. Always grip the saw firmly with both hands. Hold
the saw firmly with both hands when the unit is
running. Place your right hand on the rear
handle and the left hand on the front handle with
your thumbs and fingers encircling the chain
saw handles. A firm grip together with a stiff left
arm will help you maintain control of the saw if
kickback occurs.
2. 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.
3. Always cut with the unit running at full speed.
Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a
steady cutting speed.
4. Use replacement parts such as low kickback
chain, SAFE-T-TIP anti-kickback nose guards,
chain brakes and special guide bars that reduce
the risks associated with rotational kickback.
Use only the replacement guide bars and low
kickback chains specified by the manufacturer
for your saw.
■ With a basic understanding of kickback, you can
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sud-
den surprise contributes to accidents.
■ Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
Fig. 2
■ Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach
when cutting.
■ Keep the SAFE-T-TIP anti-kickback nose guard
properly mounted on the guide bar to prevent
rotational kickback.
■ Follow the sharpening and maintenance instruc-
tions for the saw chain.
BAR SHOWN WITHOUT SAFE-T-TIP® NOSE GUARD
FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.
Fig. 1