Zenoah GZ4350 Manuel D'utilisation page 17

Basic cutting technique
Below we describe some general terms that are
applicable to basic cutting technique:
• To cut from above = To cut on the pull stroke. This
means that the saw chain pulls through the tree and
that the chainsaw body lies on the trunk when you
cut. To cut on the pull stroke gives the operator
better control of the chainsaw and the position of the
kickback zone.
• To cut from below = To cut on the push stroke. This
means that the saw chain tries to push the chainsaw
against the operator.
WARNING: Be careful when you cut with
the top edge of the guide bar. If the saw
chain gets caught in the trunk, the
chainsaw can be pushed against you.
Unless you prevent this force there is a
risk that the only the kickback zone of
the guide bar touches the tree, which will
lead to a kickback.
320 - 005 - 27.09.2017
• Cutting = General term for cutting through wood.
• Limbing = Cutting branches off a felled tree.
• Splitting = When the object you are cutting breaks off
before the cut is complete.
What is kickback?
WARNING: Kickback can happen very
suddenly and violently; kicking the
chainsaw, guide bar and saw chain back at
the user. If this happens when the saw chain
is moving it can cause very serious, even
fatal injuries. It is vital you understand what
causes kickback and that you can avoid it by
taking care and using the correct working
technique. By being prepared you reduce
the risk.
The word kickback is used to describe the sudden
reaction that causes the chainsaw and guide bar to jump
off an object when the upper quadrant of the tip of the
bar, known as the kickback zone, touches an object.
Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the guide
bar. Normally the chainsaw and guide bar are thrown
backwards and upwards towards the user. However, the
chainsaw may move in a different direction depending
17