18
English / USA
MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C
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 and may cause the operator to 
lose control. 
Pull-in frequently occurs when the 
bumper spike of the saw is not held 
securely against the tree or limb and 
when the chain is not rotating at full 
speed before it contacts the wood.
!Warning! 
Use extreme caution when cutting small 
size brush and saplings which may 
easily catch the chain, be whipped 
towards you or pull you off balance.
To avoid pull-in
1. Always start a cut with the chain 
rotating at full speed and the 
bumper spike in contact with the 
wood.
2. The risk of pull-in may also be 
reduced by using  wedges to open 
the kerf or cut.
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 rapidely 
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
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.
Cutting Techniques
Felling
Felling is cutting down a tree. 
Before felling a tree, consider carefully 
all conditions which may affect the 
direction of fall.
!Warning!
There are a number of factors that may 
affect and change the intended direction 
of fall, e.g. wind direction and speed, 
lean of tree, surrounding trees and 
obstacles, sloping ground, one-sided 
limb structure, wood structure, decay, 
snow load, etc. To reduce the risk of 
severe or fatal injury to yourself or 
others, look for these conditions prior to 
beginning the cut, and be alert for a 
change in direction while the tree is 
falling.
!Warning! 
Always observe the general condition of 
the tree. Inexperienced users should 
never attempt to cut trees that are 
decayed or rotted inside or that are 
leaning or otherwise under tension. 
There is an increased risk that such 
trees could snap or split while being cut 
and cause serious or fatal injury to the 
operator or bystanders.  Also look  for 
broken or dead branches which could 
vibrate loose and fall on the operator. 
When felling on a slope, the operator 
should stand on the uphill side if 
possible.
001BA037 KN
A
001BA038 KN
B