Stihl MSA 160 C Instruction Manual page 51

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.
MSA 160 C, MSA 200 C
Kickback is the result of tool misuse
and/or incorrect operating procedures or
conditions 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
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