TS 440
English
18
being cut and generate substantially 
greater reactive forces, including 
rotational kickback.
Cut-off machines are designed for use 
with abrasive cutting wheels in good 
condition only. Machines designed for 
use with wood-cutting or other toothed 
blades use different types of guarding 
systems that provide the protection 
necessary for those types of blades. 
Machines, such as a cut-off machine, 
that are designed for use with abrasive 
cutting wheels require a different 
guarding system, which is not designed 
to provide protection against all dangers 
presented by circular saw blades, 
carbide-tipped blades, rescue blades or 
wood-cutting or toothed blades of any 
nature.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of 
control from reactive forces, including 
kickback, when cutting:
1. Hold the cut-off machine firmly with 
both hands, left hand on the front 
handle, right hand on the rear 
handle.
2. Maintain good balance and footing 
at all times. Never cut while 
standing on a ladder or other 
unsecure platform.
3. Position the cut-off machine in such 
a way that your body is clear of the 
cutting attachment and outside the 
plane of the cutting attachment. 
That means the operator must avoid 
standing in direct line with the wheel 
(see illustration). Never bend over 
the cutting attachment or position 
your head and upper body forward 
of the front handle, especially when 
the guard is pulled back exposing 
the top of the wheel. Always 
maintain at least a 45° angle 
between the top of an exposed 
wheel and the operator’s head, 
neck and body. Ensure sufficient 
freedom of movement, especially in 
trenches. Make sure there is 
sufficient space for the user and the 
fall of the severed portion of the 
workpiece.
4. STIHL recommends using only 
STIHL branded abrasive cutting 
wheels properly rated for the 
material to be cut.
5. Never work with a diamond cutting 
wheel that wobbles or that has ever 
wobbled or that is manufactured 
with abrasive material on its sides.
6. Do not cut wood, plastic or any other 
material for which the abrasive 
cutting wheel is not authorized.
7. Begin cutting and continue cutting 
at full throttle. Do not overreach. 
Never cut above shoulder height.
8. Never sideload, jam or twist a wheel 
in the cut.
9. Be especially alert for reactive 
forces, including kickback, when 
cutting with the front and upper 
quadrant of the wheel.
10. Be alert to shifting of the workpiece 
or anything that could cause the cut 
to close and pinch the wheel, 
especially in the upper quadrant. 
Support the workpiece in such a 
way that the cut remains open. 
Never make a cut that results in a 
binding, pinching or clamping of the 
wheel. Finish a separating cut in the 
top portion of the workpiece using 
the bottom section of the wheel and 
the guard adjusted fully forward 
covering the top of the wheel.
11. Use wet-cutting whenever feasible. 
In a pinch situation the water can act 
as a lubricant and reduce the 
energy of reactive forces. It also 
helps control dust. Do not wet cut 
when using a composite wheel on 
the TS 440.
12. Use extreme caution when 
reentering a cut and do not twist the 
wheel in the cut, turn it at an angle 
or jam it into the cut as this may 
result in a binding or pinching of the 
wheel.
Gyroscopic Forces
Be alert for gyroscopic forces that are 
caused by the rapid spinning of the cut-
off wheel. These forces result in 
opposition to directional change, e.g., 
002BA554 AM