MS 241 C-M
English
19
7. Cut only one log at a time.
8. Use extreme caution when 
reentering a previous cut.
9. Do not attempt to plunge cut if you 
are not experienced with these 
cutting techniques.
10. Be alert for shifting of the log or 
other forces that may cause the cut 
to close and pinch the saw chain.
11. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut 
with a correctly sharpened, properly 
tensioned saw chain at all times.
12. Stand to the side of the cutting path 
of the chain saw.
Bow Guides
WARNING
Do not mount a bow guide on any STIHL 
chain saw. Any chain saw equipped with 
a bow guide is potentially very 
dangerous. The risk of kickback is 
increased with a bow guide because of 
the increased kickback contact area. 
Low kickback saw chain will not 
significantly reduce the risk of kickback 
injury when used on a bow guide.
A=Pull-in
Pull-in occurs when the saw 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 saw chain pulls the chain 
saw forward and may cause the 
operator to lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the 
bumper spike of the chain saw is not 
held securely against the tree or limb 
and when the saw 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 saw chain, be whipped 
towards you or pull you off balance.
To avoid pull-in
1. Always start a cut with the saw 
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 saw 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 saw chain may drive the 
chain saw rapidly straight back toward 
the operator and may cause loss of 
chain saw control, which, in turn, may 
cause serious or fatal injury. 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 saw chain.
2. Do not cut more than one log at a 
time.
3. Do not twist the chain saw when 
withdrawing the bar from a plunge 
cut or underbuck cut because the 
saw chain can pinch.