Stihl HTE 60 Instruction Manual page 63

– Always keep proper footing and
operate the chain saw only when
standing on fixed, secure and
level surface. Slippery or unstable
surfaces such as ladders may
cause a loss of balance or control of
the chain saw.
– When cutting a limb that is under
tension be alert for spring back.
When the tension in the wood fibres
is released the spring loaded limb
may strike the operator and/or throw
the chain saw out of control.
– Use extreme caution when
cutting brush and saplings. The
slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or
pull you off balance.
– Carry the chain saw by the front
handle with the chain saw
switched off and away from your
body. When transporting or
storing the hedge trimmer always
fit the guide bar cover. Proper
handling of the chain saw will
reduce the likelihood of accidental
contact with the moving saw chain.
– Follow instructions for
lubricating, chain tensioning and
changing accessories. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain may
either break or increase the chance
for kickback.
HTE 60
– Keep handles dry, clean and free
from oil and grease. Greasy, oily
handles are slippery causing loss of
control.
– Cut wood only. Do not use chain
saw for purposes not intended.
For example: do not use chain
saw for cutting plastic, masonry
or non-wood building materials.
Use of the chain saw for operations
different than intended could result
in a hazardous situation.
Causes and operator prevention of
kickback:
– Kickback may occur when the nose
or tip of the guide bar touches an
object, or when the wood closes in
and pinches the saw chain in the
cut.
– Tip contact in some cases may
cause a sudden reverse reaction,
kicking the guide bar up and back
towards the operator.
– Pinching the saw chain along the
top of the guide bar may push the
guide bar rapidly back towards the
operator.
– Either of these reactions may cause
you to lose control of the saw which
could result in serious personal
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon
the safety devices built into your
saw. As a chain saw user, you
should take several steps to keep
your cutting jobs free from accident
or injury.
– Kickback is the result of tool misuse
and/or incorrect operating
procedures and can be avoided by
taking proper precautions as given
below:
– Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs
and fingers encircling the chain
saw handles, with both hands on
the saw and position your body
and arm to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Kickback forces
can be controlled by the operator, if
proper precautions are taken. Do
not let go of the chain saw.
– Do not overreach and do not cut
above shoulder height. This helps
prevent unintended tip contact and
enables better control of the chain
saw in unexpected situations.
– Only use replacement bars and
chains specified by the
manufacturer. Incorrect
replacement bars and chains may
cause chain breakage and/or
kickback.
– Follow the manufacturer's
sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height
can lead to increased kickback.
English
61