The most common reactive forces are:
•
kickback,
•
pushback,
•
pull-in.
Kickback
Kickback may occur when the moving saw chain near the
upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts a solid object or
is pinched.
The reaction of the cutting force of the chain causes a
rotational force on the chainsaw in the direction opposite
to the chain movement. This may cause the bar to move
upward.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from kickback is to avoid kickback
situations:
1. Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at all
times.
2. Never let the nose of the guide bar contact any object.
Do not cut limbs with the nose of the guide bar. Be
especially careful near wire fences and when cutting
small, tough limbs, which may easily catch the chain.
3. Cut only one limb at a time.
A = Pull-in
Pull-in occurs when the chain on the bottom of the bar
is suddenly stopped when it is pinched, caught or en-
counters a foreign object in the wood. The reaction of
the chain pulls the saw forward. Pull-in frequently occurs
when the chain is not rotating at full speed before it con-
tacts the wood.
To avoid pull-in
1. Be alert to forces or situations that may cause material
to pinch the chain at the bottom of the bar.
2. Always start a cut with the chain rotating at full speed.
B = Pushback
Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of the bar
is suddenly stopped when it is pinched, caught or en-
counters a foreign object in the wood. The reaction of the
chain may drive the saw rapidly straight back toward the
operator. 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 chain at the top of the bar.
2. Do not cut more than one limb at a time.
3. Do not twist the bar when withdrawing it from an un-
derbuck cut because the chain can pinch.
THE POLE HEDGE TRIMMER
Intended use
This hedge trimmer is only intended to be used to trim
shrubs, bushes, ornamental plants and hedges. It is de-
signed to cut branches with a diameter of no more than
24 mm. The hedge trimmer is not intended for commer-
cial use. The user of the hedge trimmer must make sure
that the protective equipment specified in the operating
instructions and by the warning label on the trimmer is
attached whenever the trimmer is in use. The hedge trim-
mer must be checked for mechanical damage before it is
used or while it is being used.
Stop working and contact a specialist workshop if you find
any damage.
Improper use
Any use not identified in the chapter „Intended use" is an
improper use.
The user of the hedge trimmer is solely liable for any
property damage or personal injury arising from improper
use of the hedge trimmer.
The manufacturer's obligation to honour the warranty is
voided if the hedge trimmer is used with non-original parts
Residual dangers
Residual risks always remain even if the hedge trimmer
is used properly. The hedge trimmer's design can entail
the following hazards:
• Contact can be made with the unprotected blade (re-
sulting in cutting injuries)
• Reaching into or grabbing the hedge trimmer while it is
in operation (resulting in cutting injuries)
GB-12