0458-790-8221-A
20
English 
6 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
location and angle of contact, the condition of the chain, 
and how quickly the chain is slowed or stopped, among 
other factors.
– The type of bar and 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.
6.2.2 Chain Saw Kickback Standards
The following standards apply with respect to kickback:
– CSA Z62.3
This standard, referred to as "the chain saw kickback 
standard" in this chapter, sets certain performance and 
design criteria related to chain saw kickback.
To comply with the chain saw kickback standard:
a)Chain saws with a displacement of less than 3.8 cu. in. 
(62 cm³):
– must, in their original condition, meet a 45° computer-
derived kickback angle when equipped with certain 
cutting attachments; and
– must be equipped with at least two devices to reduce 
the risk of kickback injury, such as a chain brake, low 
kickback chain, reduced kickback bar, etc.
b)Chain saws with a displacement of 3.8 cu. in. (62 cm³) and 
above:
– must be equipped with at least one device designed to 
reduce the risk of kickback injury, such as a chain brake, 
low kickback chain, reduced kickback bar, etc.
The computer derived angles for chain saws below 
3.8 cu. in. (62 cm³) displacement are measured by applying 
a computer program to test results from a kickback test 
machine.
WARNING
■ Compliance with the chain saw kickback standards does 
not mean that the bar and chain will rotate at most 45° in 
a real life kickback. 
■ The computer-derived angles of the chain saw standards 
may bear no relationship to actual kickback bar rotation 
angles that may occur in a real life cutting situation.
■ Devices designed to reduce the risk of kickback injuries 
may lose some of their effectiveness when they are no 
longer in their original condition, especially if they have 
been improperly maintained.
– Read and follow the safety precautions and 
instructions in this manual.
– When working, always position the chain saw such 
that your body is clear of the cutting attachment and 
outside of the cutting plane.
– Follow the maintenance and service instructions in 
this manual.
■ For the chain saw to meet the chain saw kickback 
standards, use only the following cutting attachments:
– Compliant bar and chain combinations listed in 
"Combinations of Guide Bars and Saw Chains," 
@ 26;
– Other replacement bar and chain combinations 
marked in accordance with the standards for use on 
the chain saw; or
– Replacement chain designated "low kickback chain."
6.2.3 Devices for Reducing the Risk of Kickback Injury
The STIHL Quickstop chain brake and STIHL's green-
labeled, reduced kickback bars and green-labeled, low 
kickback chains are designed to reduce the risk of kickback 
injury.