To Minimize Kickback - Homelite UT43123 Operator's Manual

KICKBACK
See Figures 1 - 3.
WARNING:
Kickback may occur when the moving chain
contacts an object at the upper portion of the
tip of the guide bar or when the wood closes in
and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contact at
the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar can
cause the chain to dig into the object and stop
the chain for an instant. The result is a lightning
fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar
up and back toward the operator. If the saw
chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar,
the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward
the operator. Either of these reactions can cause
loss of saw control which can result in serious
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety
devices built into the saw. As a chain saw user,
you should take several steps to keep your cut-
ting jobs free from accident or injury.
 The following precautions should be followed

to minimize kickback:

1. Always grip the saw firmly with both hands.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands when the
unit is running. Place your right hand on the
rear handle and your left hand on the front
handle with your thumbs and fingers encircling
the chain saw handles. A firm grip together
with a stiff left arm will help you maintain
control of the saw if kickback occurs.
2. Make sure that the area in which you are cut-
ting is free from obstructions. Do not let the
nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch,
fence, or any other obstruction that could be
hit while you are operating the saw.
3. Always cut with the unit running. Fully
squeeze the switch trigger and maintain cut-
ting speed.
4. Use replacement parts such as low kickback
chain, SAFE-T-TIP
guards and special guide bars that reduce
the risks associated with rotational kickback.
Use only the replacement guide bars and low
kickback chains specified by the manufac-
turer for the saw.
CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
anti-kickback nose
®
Page 8 — English
 With a basic understanding of kickback, you
can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
 Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
 Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach
when cutting. Do not let nose of guide bar con-
tact log, branch, ground, or other obstruction.
 Keep the SAFE-T-TIP
properly mounted on the guide bar to prevent
rotational kickback.
 Follow the sharpening and maintenance instruc-
tions for the saw chain.
 Push and Pull - This reaction force is always
opposite to the direction the chain is moving
where wood contact is made. Thus, the operator
must be ready to control the PULL when cutting
on the bottom edge of the bar, and PUSH when
cutting along the top edge. See Figure 3.
ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
BAR SHOWN WITHOUT
SAFE-T-TIP NOSE GUARD
®
FOR ILLUSTRATION
PURPOSES ONLY
Fig. 1
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
Fig. 2
anti-kickback nose guard
®