Kickback Safety Features - Poulan Pro PL3816 Quick Start Manual

• Cut one log at a time.
• Use extreme caution when re‐entering a
previous cut.
• Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the
bar (plunge cuts).
• Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could
close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
• Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn
from an undercut when bucking.
• Use the reduced-kickback guide bar and low-
kickback chain specified for your saw.
MAINTAINING CONTROL
• 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 kickback 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 you
are right handed or left handed. Keep your left
arm straight with the elbow locked.
• 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.
• Stand with your weight evenly balanced on both
feet.
• Stand slightly to the left side of the saw to keep
your body from being in a direct line with the
cutting chain.
• Do not
overreach. You
could be drawn
or thrown off
balance and
lose control of
the saw.
• Do not cut
above shoulder
height. It is
difficult to
maintain
control of saw
above shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

WARNING! The following features are
included on your saw to help reduce the
hazard of kickback; however, such features
will not totally eliminate this danger. As a
chainsaw user, do not rely only on safety
devices. You must follow all safety
precautions, instructions, and maintenance
in this manual to help avoid kickback and
other forces which can result in serious
injury.
REDUCED KICKBACK GUIDE BAR
The reduced-kickback guide bar is designed with a
small radius tip which reduces the size of the
kickback danger zone on the bar tip. A reduced-
kickback guide bar has been demonstrated to
significantly reduce the number and seriousness of
kickbacks when tested in accordance with safety
requirements for gasoline powered chainsaws as
set by ANSI B175.1.
LOW-KICKBACK CHAIN
A low-kickback chain is designed with a contoured
depth gauge and guard link which deflect kickback
force and allow wood to gradually ride into the
cutter. Low-kickback chain has met kickback
performance requirements when tested on a
representative sample of chainsaws below 3.8
cubic inch displacement specified in ANSI B175.1.
FRONT HAND GUARD
The front hand guard is designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting the chain if
your hand slips off the front handlebar.
The distance and "in‐line" position of the hands
provided by the front and rear handles work
together to give balance and resistance in
controlling the pivot of the saw back toward the
operator if kickback occurs.
CHAIN BRAKE
The chain brake is designed to stop the chain in
the event of kickback.
NOTE: We do not represent and you should
not assume that the chain brake will protect
you in the event of a kickback. Do not rely upon
any of the devices built into your saw. You
should use the saw properly and carefully to
avoid kickback.
Repairs on a chain brake should be made by an
authorized servicing dealer. Take your unit to the
place of purchase if purchased from a servicing
dealer, or to the nearest authorized master service
dealer.
NOTE: If this saw is to be used for commercial
logging, a chain brake is required and shall not
be removed or otherwise disabled to comply
with Federal OSHA Regulations for
Commercial Logging.
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