Maintain Control - McCulloch CS 330 Manuel D'utilisation

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
which stops the chain for an instant. The re-
sult is a lightning fast, reverse reaction which
kicks the guide bar up and back toward the
operator.
S Pinch-Kickback can occur when the the
wood closes in and pinches the moving saw
chain in the cut along the top of the guide bar
and the saw chain is suddenly stopped. This
sudden stopping of the chain results in a re-
versal of the chain force used to cut wood
and causes the saw to move in the opposite
direction of the chain rotation. The saw is
driven straight back toward the operator.
S Pull-In can occur when the moving chain con-
tacts a foreign object in the wood in the cut
along the bottom of the guide bar and the saw
chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden
stopping pulls the saw forward and away
from the operator and could easily cause the
operator to lose control of the saw.
Avoid Pinch-Kickback:
S Be extremely aware of situations or obstruc-
tions that can cause material to pinch the top
of or otherwise stop the chain.
S Do not cut more than one log at a time.
S Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn
from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull-In:
S Always begin cutting with the engine at full
speed and the saw housing against wood.
S Use wedges made of plastic or wood. Never
use metal to hold the cut open.
Clear The
Working Area
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
S Recognize that kickback can happen. With a
basic understanding of kickback, you can re-
duce the element of surprise which contrib-
utes to accidents.
S Never let the moving chain contact any ob-
ject at the tip of the guide bar.
S Keep the working area free from obstructions
such as other trees, branches, rocks,
fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any
obstruction that your saw chain could hit
while you are cutting through a particular log
or branch.
S Keep your saw chain sharp and properly ten-
sioned. A loose or dull chain can increase
the chance of kickback occurring. Follow
manufacturer's chain sharpening and main-
tenance instructions. Check tension at regu-
lar intervals with the engine stopped, never
Kickback Path
Avoid Obstructions
with the engine running. Make sure the bar
clamp nuts are securely tightened after ten-
sioning the chain.
S Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If
the chain is moving at a slower speed, there
is greater chance of kickback occurring.
S Cut one log at a time.
S Use extreme caution when re-entering a pre-
vious cut.
S Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the
bar (plunge cuts).
S Watch for shifting logs or other forces that
could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
S Use the Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar and
Low-Kickback Chain specified for your saw.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Stand to the left of
the saw
Never reverse
hand positions
Thumb on underside of
handlebar
S Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with both
hands when the engine is running and don't
let go. A firm grip will help you reduce kick-
back and maintain control of the saw. Keep
the fingers of your left hand encircling and
your left thumb under the front handlebar.
Keep your right hand completely around the
rear handle whether your are right handed or
left handed. Keep your left arm straight with
the elbow locked.
S Position your left hand on the front handlebar
so it is in a straight line with your right hand on
the rear handle when making bucking cuts.
Never reverse right and left hand positions
for any type of cutting.
S Stand with your weight evenly balanced on
both feet.
S Stand slightly to the left side of the saw to
keep your body from being in a direct line with
the cutting chain.
S Do not overreach. You could be drawn or
thrown off balance and lose control of the
saw.
Elbow locked