Zenoah GZ381 Manuel D'utilisation page 27

• To cut from below = To cut on the push stroke. This
means that the saw chain tries to push the product
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
product can be pushed against you. You
must prevent this force or there is a risk
that the kickback area of the guide bar
touches the tree. This will lead to a
kickback.
(Fig. 52)
(Fig. 14)
• Cutting = General term for when you cut through
wood.
• Limbing = When you cut branches off a fallen tree.
• Splitting = When the object breaks off before your
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.
(Fig. 53)
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
on the way it was being used when the kickback zone of
the guide bar touched the object.
(Fig. 54)
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the guide
bar touches an object.
(Fig. 55)
To consider before making a cut
• Make sure to always use full throttle when cutting!
• Make sure to reduce the speed to idle after every
cut.
CAUTION: Running the engine for too
long at full throttle without any load, for
instance without any resistance from the
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saw chain during cutting, can lead to
serious engine damage.
• Be careful so that the cutting equipment does not
jam in the cut. Two factors decide whether the saw
chain will jam or the object that you are cutting will
split: the first is how the object is supported before
and after cutting, and the second is whether it is in
tension. (Fig. 56)
WARNING: If the saw chain jams in the
cut: Stop the engine! Don't try to pull the
chainsaw free. If you do you may be
injured by the saw chain when the
chainsaw suddenly breaks free. Use a
lever to open up the cut and free the
chainsaw.
• Make sure the object you are cutting will not split.
(Fig. 57)
• Make sure the saw chain will not strike the ground or
any other object during or after cutting. (Fig. 58)
• Consider whether there is a risk of kickback. (Fig.
59)
• Examine if the conditions and surrounding terrain
affect how safely you can stand and move about
safely. Check the area around you for possible
obstacles such as roots, rocks, branches, ditches
etcetera. Take great care when working on sloping
ground.
In most cases you can avoid problems by cutting in two
stages; from the top and from the bottom. You need to
support the object so that it will not trap the saw chain or
split during cutting.
To use the limbing technique
When limbing thick branches you should use the same
approach as for cutting.
1. Make sure that you can stand and move about
safely.
2. Cut difficult branches piece by piece. (Fig. 60)
WARNING: Take great care when
removing small branches and avoid
cutting bushes, for instance when you
cut many small branches at the same
time. Small and light branches can be
grabbed by the saw chain and thrown
back at you. Even if this does not need
to be a danger, you may be surprised
and lose control of the chainsaw which
can cause serious injury.
3. Work on the left side of the trunk. Work as close as
possible to the chainsaw for maximum control. If
possible, let the weight of the chainsaw rest on the
trunk.
WARNING: A majority of kickback
accidents occur during limbing. Do not
use the kickback zone of the guide bar.
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