HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English
12
Because of the design of the pole 
pruner, the reactive forces experienced 
when working with it are generally not as 
severe as those encountered with a 
chainsaw. Nevertheless, you should 
always maintain a proper grip and good 
footing to control the power tool when 
you experience such forces.
The most common reactive forces are:
– kickback,
– pushback,
– pull-in.
Kickback
Kickback may occur when the moving 
saw chain near 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 cause the 
bar to move upward.
To Avoid Kickback
The best protection from kickback is to 
avoid kickback situations:
1. Be aware of the location of the guide 
bar nose at all times.
2. 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 near wire fences 
and when cutting small, tough 
limbs, which may easily catch the 
chain.
3. Cut only one limb at a time.
A = Pull-in
Pull-in occurs when the chain on the 
bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped 
when it is pinched, caught or encounters 
a foreign object in the wood. The 
reaction of the chain pulls the saw 
forward.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the chain 
is not rotating at full speed before it 
contacts the wood.
To Avoid Pull-in
1. Be alert to forces or situations that 
may cause material to pinch the 
chain at the bottom of the bar.
2. Always start a cut with the chain 
rotating at full speed.
B = Pushback
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 may drive the saw rapidly 
straight back toward the operator. 
Pushback frequently occurs when the 
top of the bar is used for cutting.
To Avoid Pushback
1. Be alert to forces or situations that 
may cause material to pinch the 
chain at the top of the bar.
2. Do not cut more than one limb at a 
time.
3. Do not twist the bar when 
withdrawing it from an underbuck 
cut because the chain can pinch.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND 
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of 
the emission control devices and 
systems may be performed by any 
nonroad engine repair establishment or 
individual. However, if you make a 
warranty claim for a component which 
has not been serviced or maintained