Stihl MS 461 Instruction Manual page 15

removed. To reduce the risk of personal
injury, do not operate a chain saw with a
damaged or missing chain catcher.
WARNING
Inspect antivibration elements
periodically. Replace damaged, broken
or excessively worn antivibration
elements immediately, since they may
result in loss of control of the saw. A
"sponginess" in the feel of the saw,
increased vibration or increased
"bottoming" during normal operation
may indicate damage, breakage or
excessive wear. Antivibration elements
should always be replaced in sets. If you
have any questions as to whether the
antivibration elements should be
replaced, consult your STIHL servicing
dealer.
If this chain saw is subjected to
unusually high loads for which it was not
designed (e. g. heavy impact or a fall),
always check that it is in good condition
before continuing work. Check in
particular that the fuel system is tight (no
leaks) and that the controls and safety
devices are working properly. Do not
continue operating this chain saw if it is
damaged. In case of doubt, have it
checked by your STIHL servicing dealer.
Your chain saw is not designed for
prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or
other objects. Such use could damage
the cutting attachment or AV system.
Unlike a conventional chain saw,
however, this Rescue Saw may also be
used in an emergency situation to cut
through materials other than pure wood
– if it is equipped with the carbide-tipped
saw chain specially authorized by STIHL
for this purpose. Generally, the specially
MS 461 R
designed and hardened cutters of such
a saw chain can penetrate most wooden
doors (even if nails are encountered),
thin metal sheets, glass (e.g., train
windows), insulating materials, as well
as frame, stucco and even some
lightweight masonry walls.
WARNING
If the saw chain strikes a solid metal or
other very hard object in the material
being cut (such as a nail), the carbide
tips or other saw chain parts may break
off and be propelled at a high velocity
away from the chain saw. Try to avoid
striking such objects where possible,
and always stand to the left of the plane
of the cutting attachment.
WARNING
When making a forced entry through a
wall, be aware of the possibility of
encountering electrical wiring and pipes.
Cutting into such objects will increase
the risk of serious or fatal injury from
electrocution, fire and/or explosion. To
the extent possible, make sure no live
electrical wires or pipes carrying
flammable or toxic substances are in or
on the other side of the wall you intend
to cut. Follow all applicable rules and
guidelines in this regard.
The extraordinary cutting capabilities of
the STIHL carbide-tipped rescue saw
chain may result in higher vibration
levels. Consequently, a STIHL Rescue
Saw equipped with rescue saw chain
should be limited to occasional use only,
i.e. short emergency and rescue cutting
operations (max. 2 tank fillings daily). If
daylong use for woodcutting is
anticipated, such as clearing windfalls,
natural disasters, etc., replace the
carbide-tipped rescue saw chain with a
normal woodcutting saw chain as listed
in this manual, which reduces vibrations
to a level that allows for such extended
chain saw operation.
WARNING
When sawing, make sure that the saw
chain does not touch any foreign
materials such as rocks, fences, nails
and the like. Such objects may be flung
off, damage the saw chain or cause the
chain saw to kickback.
WARNING
If the rotating saw chain strikes a rock or
other hard object, sparks may be
created, which can ignite flammabale
materials under certain circumstances.
Flammable materials can include dry
vegetation and brush, particularly when
weather conditions are hot and dry. Do
not use your chain saw around
flammable materials or around dry
vegetation or brush when there is a risk
of fire or wildfire. Contact your local fire
authorities or the U.S. Forestry Service if
you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are
suitable for the use of a chain saw.
WARNING
Take special care when cutting
shattered wood because of the risk of
injury from slivers being caught and
thrown in your direction.
English
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