Shindaiwa 446s Manuel De L'opérateur page 3

Kickback Safety
This saw is equipped with the following
safety equipment:
1. Inertia chain brake.
n Activating the chain brake tightens
a brake band around the chain drive
mechanism, stopping all chain
rotation. When sudden kickback
occurs, the chain break is automati-
cally actuated and the chain stops
instantly. The chain brake can also be
activated manually.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of
kickback, all of the above
devices must be properly installed
and in good repair!
WARNING!
Brake engagement and
operation depend upon
proper chain break condition! For
proper chain brake testing and
adjustment procedures, refer to
Page 11.
Kickback Safety Precautions
Either of the following reactions could
cause you to lose control of your saw
while cutting, possibly resulting in
serious injury!
1. Kickback can occur whenever the
guide bar nose or tip contact an object
while the saw is running. Tip contact
may cause the guide bar to kick
upward and back toward the operator
with a lightning-fast reaction!
2. Pinching the saw along the top of the
guide bar may push the guide bar
rapidly back toward the operator!
Pinching can occur whenever wood
closes in around the moving chain!
Do not rely exclusively on the safety
devices incorporated with your saw. As a
chain saw user, observing the following
steps will also help you to avoid accident
or injury on the job:
n Sudden surprise can contribute to ac-
cidents! With a basic understanding of
kickback, you can reduce or eliminate
the element of surprise.
n Clear obstructions from the work
area before cutting. Remove any log,
branch, or other obstruction that
might contact the guide bar tip during
cutting operations.
n Grip the saw firmly with your right
hand on the rear handle and your left
hand on the front handle, thumbs
and fingers encircling the handles
whenever the saw is running. Don't
let go: A firm grip will help you to
reduce kickback while maintaining
control of the saw.
n Accelerate the saw before the
chain contacts the work area, and
always maintain high engine speeds
throughout the cut.
WARNING!
Kickback
can happen
lightning-fast!
n Do not overreach or attempt to cut
above shoulder height.
n Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for sharpening and
maintenance of the saw chain.
n Use only the replacement bar and
chain combinations specified by the
manufacturer.
n Never stand directly over the saw
while cutting!
n Use low-kickback chain, chain brakes,
or special guide bars to reduce the
risk of kickback.
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