Stihl 038 - Kickback

001BA035 LA
Kickback occurs when
the upper quadrant of the
bar nose contacts a solid
object or is pinched.
The reaction of the cutting
force of the chain causes
a rotational force on the chainsaw in the
direction opposite to the chain movement.
This may fling the bar up and back in an
uncontrolled arc mainly in the plane of the
bar. Under some cutting circumstances
the bar moves towards the operator, who
may suffer severe or fatal injury.
Kickback may occur when the nose of
the guide bar is pinched unexpectedly,
unintentionally contacts solid material in
the wood or is incorrectly used to begin a
plunge or boring cut.
It may also occur during limbing.
The greater the force of the kickback
reaction, the more difficult it is for the
operator to control the saw.
Many factors influence the occurrence and
force of the kickback reaction. These
include chain speed, the speed at which
the bar and chain contact the object, the
angle of contact, the condition of the chain
and other factors.
The type of bar and saw chain you use is
an important factor in the occurrence
and force of the kickback reaction.
Some STIHL bar and chain types are
designed to reduce kickback forces.
STIHL recommends the use of reduced
kickback bars and low kickback chains.
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