Direct power SCS5251 - Kickback and Pushback Prevention; Reducing Kickback Injury Risk; General Kickback Prevention

4
B
Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of
the bar is suddenly stopped when it is pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in the
wood. The reaction of the chain drives the saw
straight back toward the operator and may cause
loss of saw control. Pushback frequently occurs
when the top of the bar is used for cutting.
TO AVOID PUSHBACK (C)
1. Be alert to forces or situations that may cause
material to pinch the top of the chain.
2. Do not cut more than one log at a time.
3. Do not twist the saw when withdrawing the bar
from a plunge cut or underbuck cut because
the chain can pinch.
C
DEVICES FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF
KICKBACK INJURY
Quickstop chain brake
WARNING! To reduce the risk of injury,
stop using the saw immediately if the chain
brake does not function properly. Take the saw
to your local Service Centre! Do not use the saw
until the problem has been rectied.
Chain brake is designed to stop the chain in the
event of kickback. When the chain brake/hand
guard is pushed towards the bar, the chain should
stop immediately. A chain brake does not prevent
kick-back; the chain brake should be cleaned and
tested daily.
Low kickback chain
“Low kickback saw chain” is a chain which has
met the kickback performance requirements.
Low--Kickback Chain, designed with a contoured
depth gauge and guard link which deect
kickback force and allow wood to gradually ride
into the cutter.
Reduced kickback bar
Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar, designed with
a small radius tip which reduces the size of the
kickback danger zone on the bar tip. A Reduced-
-Kickback Guide Bar has been demonstrated to
signicantly reduce the number and seriousness
of kickbacks.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal injury that
may result from kickback is to avoid kickback
situations:
1. Hold the chainsaw rmly with both hands and
maintain a secure grip.
2. Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose
at all times.
3. Never let the nose of the guide bar contact
any object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of
the guide bar.
Be especially careful when cutting small,
tough limbs, small size bush and saplings
which may easily catch the chain.
4. Don’t overreach.
5. Don’t cut above shoulder height.
6. Cut only one log at a time.
7. Begin cutting and continue at full throttle.
8. Use extreme caution when reentering a
previous cut.
9. Do not attempt to plunge cut if you are not
experienced with these cutting techniques.
10. Be alert for shifting of the log or other forces
that may cause the cut to close and pinch the
chain.
11. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with a
correctly sharpened, properly tensioned chain
at all times.
12. Stand to the side of the cutting path of the
chainsaw.