Stihl 038 - Reduced kickback bar; Low kickback chain; To avoid kickback

Warning!
An improperly maintained chain brake
may increase the time needed to stop
the chain after activation, or may not
activate at all.
Reduced kickback bar
STIHL green labeled reduced kickback
bars are designed to reduce the risk of
kickback injury when used with STIHL
green labeled low kickback chains.
Warning!
When used with other, more aggressive
chains, these bars may be less effective
in reducing kickback, and may result in
higher kickback forces.
Low kickback chain
Some types of saw chain have specially
designed components to reduce the
force of nose contact kickback. STIHL
has developed low kickback chain for
your powerhead.
Warning!
A dull or improperly sharpened chain
may reduce or negate the effects of the
design features intended to reduce
kickback energy. Improper lowering or
sharpening of the depth gauges or
shaping of the cutters may increase the
chance and the potential energy of a
kickback. Always cut with a properly
sharpened chain.
Warning! 8.
Reduced kickback bars and low kickback
chains do not prevent kickback, but they 9.
are designed to reduce the risk of kick-
back injury. They are available from your
STIHL dealer. 10.
Warning!
Even if your saw is equipped with a 11.
Quickstop, a reduced kickback bar
and/or low kickback chain, this does not
eliminate the risk of injury by kickback. 12.
Therefore, always observe all safety
precautions to avoid kickback situations.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal injury
that may result from kickback is to avoid
kickback situations:
1. Hold the chainsaw 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 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 brush
and saplings which may easily catch
the chain.
Don't overreach.
Don't cut above shoulder height.
Begin cutting and continue at full
throttle.
7. Cut only one tog at a time.
oor
Use extreme caution when re-entering
a previous cut.
Do not attempt to plunge cut if you
are not experienced with these
cutting techniques.
Be alert for shifting of the log or other
forces that may cause the cut to
close and pinch the chain.
Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with
a correctly sharpened, properly
tensioned chain at all times.
Stand to the side of the cutting path
of the chainsaw.
13
ay