Instruction Manual

0458-787-8621-A
25
English 6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
12)Stand to the side of the cutting path of the chain saw.
13)Use only replacement bars and chains specified by
STIHL, or the equivalent.
6.3 Pull-in
WARNING
￭ Pull-in occurs when the chain on the bottom of the bar is
suddenly stopped or significantly slowed when it is
pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the
wood. The reaction of the chain pulls the saw forward and
may cause the operator to lose control, which, in turn, may
cause serious or fatal injury. If the tip contacts an object,
kickback may occur.
￭ Pull-in usually occurs when the bumper spike of the saw
is not held securely against the tree or limb and when the
chain is not rotating at full speed before it contacts the
wood.
￭ To reduce the risk of pull-in:
– Cut with a sharp, properly tensioned chain.
– Always start a cut with the chain rotating at full speed
and with the bumper spike in contact with the wood.
– Use wedges to open the kerf or cut, where possible.
– Use extreme caution when cutting small-size brush
and saplings which may easily catch the chain,
spring towards you or pull you off balance.
6.4 Pushback
WARNING
￭ Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of the bar is
suddenly stopped or significantly slowed when it is
pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the
wood. The reaction of the chain may drive the saw rapidly
straight back toward the operator, causing loss of control
which, in turn, may cause serious or fatal injury.
￭ Pushback usually occurs when the top of the bar is used
for cutting.
￭ To reduce the risk of pushback:
– Be alert to forces or situations that may cause
material to pinch or bind the top of the chain.
– Do not cut more than one log at a time.
– Do not twist the chain saw when withdrawing the bar
from an underbuck cut because the chain can pinch
or bind.
– Cut with a sharp, properly tensioned chain.
0000-GXX-1348-A0
0000-GXX-1349-A0