The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the more
difficult it becomes for the operator to control the saw.
Many factors influence the occurence and force of the
kickback reaction. The type of bar and saw chain you use
is
a factor
in
t'he
force of the kickback reaction.
The radius of the guide bar nose.
Kickback tendency increase
as
the radius or size of the
guide bar nose increases.
The speed of contact at which the cutter contacts the
object.
Kickback forces increase with the rate of impact.
The contact angle between the nose of the bar and the
foreign object (see ill.
12).
Kickback is most pronounced
in
the upper quadrant of the
bar nose.
The saw chain.
Some STIHL chain types are designed to reduce kickback
forces.
The depth gauges:
Improper lowering of the depth gauges also increases the
chance of a kickback.
The sharpening condition:
An
improperly sharpened chain increases the risk of a
kickback.
To
avoid kickback
The best protection from personal injury that may result
from kickback is to avoid kickback situations:
1.
Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands and maintain
a secure grip.
2.
Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at all
times.
3.
Never
briO.g
the nose of the guide bar
in
contact with any
object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of the guide
bar.
Be especially careful with small, tough limbs, small size
brush and saplings which may easil'y catch the chain.
4. Don't overreach.
5.
Don't cut above shoulder height.
6.
Begin culling and continue
at
ful/throttle.
7.
Cut only one log
at
a time.
8. Use extreme caution when
re.:..,entering
a previous cut.
9.
Do
not attempt plunge cuts (see page
16)
if you are not
experienced with these culling 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 shar-
pened, properly tensioned chain at aI/times.
12.
Stand to the side of the culling path of the chain saw.
11
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