Husqvarna 420 EL Operator's Manual page 90

Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the guide
bar. Usually, the product is thrown against the operator
but can also move in a different direction. It is how you
use the product when the kickback occurs that causes
the direction of the movement.
(Fig. 40)
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the guide
bar touches an object. Do not let the kickback zone
touch an object.
(Fig. 20)
A smaller bar tip radius decreases the force of the
kickback.
Use a low kickback saw chain to decrease the effects of
kickback. Do not let the kickback zone touch an object.
WARNING:
prevents kickback. Always obey the
instructions.
Common questions about kickback
• Will the hand always engage the chain brake during
a kickback?
No. It is necessary to use some force to push the
front hand guard forward. If you do not use the force
necessary, the chain brake will not be engaged. You
must also hold the handles of the product stable with
two hands during work. If a kickback occurs, it is
possible that the chain brake does not stop the saw
chain before it touches you. There are also some
positions in which your hand can not touch the front
hand guard to engage the chain brake.
• Will the inertia release mechanism always engage
the chain brake during kickback?
No. First, the chain brake must operate correctly.
Maintenance and checks of the safety
Refer to
devices on the product on page 94 for instructions
about how to do a check of the chain brake. We
recommend you to do this each time before you
use the product. Second, the force of the kickback
must be large to engage the chain brake. If the chain
brake is too sensitive, it can engage during rough
operation.
• Will the chain brake always protect me from injury
during a kickback?
No. The chain brake must operate correctly to give
protection. The chain brake must also be engaged
during a kickback to stop the saw chain. If you are
near the guide bar, it is possible that the chain brake
does not have time to stop the saw chain before it
hits you.
WARNING:
working technique can prevent kickbacks.
90
No saw chain fully
Only you and the correct
To start the product
1. Do a check of the power trigger and power trigger
Power trigger lockout on page 88 .
lockout. See
2. Push the front hand guard forward to engage the
chain brake. (Fig. 41)
3. Hold the front handle with your left hand.
4. Hold the rear handle with your right hand.
5. Press and hold the power trigger lockout and press
the power trigger. (Fig. 42)
To stop the product
1. Release the power trigger.
2. Push the front hand guard to engage the chin brake.
Pull stroke and push stroke
You can cut through wood with the product in 2 different
positions.
• To cut on the pull stroke is when you cut with the
bottom of the guide bar. The saw chain pulls through
the tree when you cut. In this position you have
better control of the product and the position of the
kickback zone.
(Fig. 43)
• To cut on the push stroke is when you cut with the
top of the guide bar. The saw chain pushes the
product in the direction of the operator.
(Fig. 44)
WARNING:
caught in the trunk, the product can be
pushed at you. Hold the product tightly
and make sure that the kickback zone
of the guide bar does not touch the tree
and causes a kickback.
(Fig. 45)
To use the cutting technique
WARNING:
cut and decrease the speed to idle speed
after each cut.
CAUTION:
for too long without load. This can cause
damage to the motor.
1. Put the trunk on a saw horse or runners. (Fig. 46)
WARNING:
pile. That increases the risk of kickback
and can cause serious injury or death.
2. Remove the cut pieces from the work area.
If the saw chain is
Use full power when you
Do not let the motor operate
Do not cut trunks in a
1782 - 003 - 04.04.2022