Stiga CS 700 Li 48 Operator's Manual page 177

• Keep proper footing and balance at all
times, and only use the chainsaw on
fixed, secure and flat surfaces. Slippery or
unstable surfaces such as ladders, can cause
loss of balance or control of the chainsaw.
• When cutting a branch that is under
tension, be alert for spring back. When
the tension of the wood fibres is released, the
branch can spring back and injure the operator
and/or kick the chainsaw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting
small size brush and saplings.
The slender material may catch in the
chainsaw and be whipped towards
you and/or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chainsaw by the front grip
when it is switched off and keep it
away from your body. When storing or
transporting a chainsaw always use
the guide bar cover. Correct handling of
the chainsaw will reduce the probability of
unintended contact with the moving chain.
• Follow the instructions concerning
lubrication, chain tension and
replacement parts. Chains with incorrect
tension and lubrication can break and
increase the risk of kickback.
• Keep handles dry, clean and free from
oil and grease. Greasy and oily handles
are slippery and can cause loss of control.
• Use the chainsaw to cut wood only. Do not
use the chainsaw for purposes for which
it is not intended. For example: do not use
an chainsaw for cutting plastic, masonry
or other non-wood materials. Using the
chainsaw for operations other than those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
2.3 CAUSES OF KICKBACK AND
OPERATOR PROTECTION
Kickback can occur when the nose or tip of the
guide bar touches an object, or when the wood
closes in and pinches the chain in the cut.
Contact of the tip can, in certain cases, cause a
sudden fast reverse action, pushing the guide bar
upwards and backwards towards the operator.
Pinching of the chain along the top
of the guide bar can rapidly push the
chain back towards the operator.
Both the above reactions may cause loss of
control of the saw, which could result in serious
injury for operators. Do not rely exclusively
on the chainsaw built-in safety devices
Chainsaw users should take additional
precautions to eliminate accident or injury risks
during cutting operations. Kickback is the result
of poor use of the tool and/or incorrect operating
procedures or conditions and can be avoided by
taking the specific precautions provided below:
• Hold the saw firmly with both hands,
with the thumbs and fingers around the
chainsaw grips, and position your body
and arms so that you can resist the force
of a kickback. Kickback can be controlled by
the operator if all appropriate precautions have
been taken. Do not allow the chainsaw to start.
• Do not fully extend the arms and do
not saw above shoulder height. This
helps avoid undesired contact with the
ends and allows for more control over the
chainsaw in unexpected situations.
• Only use the guide bar and chains
recommended by the manufacturer.
Unsuitable guides and chains can cause
the chain to break and/or kickbacks.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions
regarding sharpening and maintenance
of the chainsaw. A decrease in the level of
depth can cause an increase in kickbacks.
• Techniques for using the electric
chainsaw (battery-operated)
Always observe the safety regulations
and use the most suitable cutting
techniques according to the work to be
performed, following the instructions and
examples in the user instructions.
• Safe carrying of the electric
chainsaw (battery-operated)
Whenever the machine is to be
handled or transported you must:
– turn off the motor, wait for the chain to stop
and unplug the machine from the mains;
– apply the protection bar cover;
– only hold the machine using the handles
and position the bar in the opposite
direction to that used during operation.
When using a vehicle to transport the machine,
position it so that it can cause no danger
to persons and fasten it firmly in place.
• Recommendations for first-time users
Before felling or delimbing for
the first time, make sure:
– to have been specifically trained
to use this type of equipment;
– to have carefully read the safety
regulations and user instructions
contained in this manual;
– you practise first on logs on the ground
or attached to trestles, in order to
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