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4
the wood. This sudden stopping of the chain
results ina 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.
A v oid Pinch--Kickback:
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Be extremely aware of situations or ob-
structions that can cause material to
pinch the top of or otherwise stop the
chain.
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Do not cut more than one log at a time.
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Do not twist the saw as the bar is with-
drawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull-- I n:
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Always begin cutting with the engine at
full speed and the saw housing against
wood.
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Use wedges made of plastic or wood.
Never use metal t o hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
Avoid Obstructions
Clear The Working Area
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
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Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
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Never let the moving chain contact any
object at the tip of the guide bar.
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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.
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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.
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Begin and continue cutting at full speed.
If the chain is moving at a slower speed,
there is greater chance of kickback oc-
curring.
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Cut one log at a time.
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Use extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
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Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip
of the bar (plunge cuts).
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Watch for shifting logs or other forces
that could close a cut and pinch or fall
into chain.
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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
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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 y our right
hand completely around the rear handle
whether your are right handed or left
handed. Keep your left arm straight with
the elbow locked.
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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.