Safety Manual

13
ENGLISH
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARD
TM
• If you can’t see the tip of the saw and it may come in contact with another
object, such as in a log pile, brushy area, or dense leafy area.
• If you are limbing a tree and can’t see the tip due to leaves or other debris
blocking the view.
• If you have any concern that the cutting you will be doing may have an
increased risk of tip contact.
Conditions which may require not using optional Kick
Guard
TM
In any circumstance, it is your responsibility to learn how to minimize the
risk of kickback if you are using the saw without the optional Kick Guard
in place.
Even if you have prior experience with safe chain saw operation, or are trained
in the prevention of kickback, please use extreme caution if you choose not
to purchase the optional Kick Guard, or if you decide to remove it. If you plan
to use the saw without the
optional Kick Guard device
to facilitate cutting, refer to
the section “Operating Saw
Without optional Kick Guard
Device”.
The optional Kick Guard
is ideal for most cutting
applications, but should
not be installed in
situations such as:
• Felling trees that are larger in diameter than the working length of the guide bar.
• Cutting trees and logs that are larger in diameter than the effective cutting
length of the bar (dimension from engine to the inside of the optional Kick
Guard).
• To remove a bound saw out from a cut log.
• To draw the bar nose through a cut.
• Making a boring cut into a log or tree. (Professional Users Only)
• To remove a saw when a wedge is being used.
ECHO Incorporated has incorporated additional technology to help minimize
the risk of kickback, such as reduced kickback chain, reduced kickback guide
bar, and the chain brake system. These other devices only reduce kick back
forces, and do not guarantee the prevention of kickback or kickback injuries.
Only a properly installed optional Kick Guard absolutely prevents all
rotational kick back.
If you use the saw without the optional Kick Guard, you can prevent
injury from kickback by: avoiding contact with solid objects at the
upper tip of the guide bar; properly positioning yourself out of the line
of the guide bar; and using a rm, two-handed grip. It is solely your
responsibility to take these precautions.
Prevent Rotational Kickback!
Limit
imposed
by
kick
guard
MAXIMUM
DIAMETER
Limit
imposed
by saw
bumper