MS 251 C-Q
English
9
Kickback occurs if, for example,
– The saw chain in the area of the
upper quarter of the guide bar nose
unintentionally comes into contact
with wood or a solid object – e. g.,
unintentionally touches another limb
during limbing
– The saw chain at the nose of the
guide bar is briefly pinched in the cut
QuickStop chain brake:
This device reduces the risk of injury in
certain situations – it cannot prevent
kickback. If activated, the brake stops
the saw chain within a fraction of a
second –
refer to chapter "Chain brake" in this
Instruction Manual.
Reducing the risk of kickback
– Work cautiously and methodically
– Hold the chain saw firmly with both
hands and maintain a secure grip
– Always cut at full throttle
– Be aware of the location of the guide
bar nose
– Do not cut with the guide bar nose
– Be especially careful with small,
tough limbs, undergrowth and
offshoots – the saw chain may
become caught in them
– Never cut several limbs at once
– Do not lean too far forward
– Do not cut above shoulder height
– Use extreme caution when re-
entering a previous cut
– Do not attempt plunge cuts if you
are not experienced in this cutting
technique
– Be alert for shifting of the log or
other forces that may cause the cut
to close and pinch the chain
– Always cut with a correctly
sharpened, properly tensioned saw
chain – the depth gauge setting
must not be too large
– Use low-kickback saw chains as
well as narrow-radius guide bars
Pull-in (A)
When the chain on the bottom of the bar
– overbucking – is suddenly pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in
the wood, the chain saw may suddenly
be drawn forward toward the log – to
avoid this, engage the bumper spike
firmly in the wood.
Pushback (B)
When the chain on the top of the bar –
underbucking – is suddenly pinched,
caught or encounters a foreign object in
the wood, the chain saw may suddenly
be driven straight back toward the
operator – to avoid this:
– Do not allow the top of the guide bar
to become jammed
– Do not twist the guide bar in the cut
Be very careful
– With freely hanging limbs
– With trunks that are under tension
between other trees because they
fell unfavourably
– When working in windbreaks
In these cases, do not use a chain saw –
use a hoist, winch or dragline instead.
Pull out trunks that are lying about and
have been cut free. Whenever possible,
deal with them in open areas.