Chain Brake - Shindaiwa 490 Owner's/Operator's Manual

Chain Brake

Chain Brake Operation
This saw is equipped with a dual func-
tion chain brake designed to stop the
saw chain from rotating whenever
kickback occurs.
WARNING!
The chain brake is
installed only to reduce
the risk from kickback! The chain
brake is not a substitute for careful
operation!
Chain Brake Testing
WARNING!
Both of the following testing
procedures must cause the
chain brake to engage and prevent
the saw chain from moving! If the
chain brake does not fully engage
and prevent the saw chain from
moving during either test, DO NOT
OPERATE THE SAW! Return the
saw to your dealer for repairs!
Step 1: Inertia Chain Brake
Function (engine "OFF")
Use the following procedure to test for
proper operation:
1. Turn the engine "OFF," and verify
that the ignition switch is in the "O"
or "OFF" position.
2. Hold the chain saw normally, grip-
ping the rear handle with the right
hand and the front handle with the
left hand. While keeping the chain
saw level, hold the nose of the guide
bar approximately 14" (35 cm) above
a solid wood block. Release the front
handle only and allow the guide
bar nose to drop onto the wood.
The chain brake lever should move
forward to position 2 and activate the
brake as soon as the nose strikes the
wood block. Wearing gloves, make
sure that the saw chain cannot be
pulled around the guide bar.
Chain Brake Maintenance
CAUTION!
Never start or operate this saw while
the chain brake is activated!
n Periodically clean the brake
mechanism of sawdust or debris.
WARNING!
The chain brake system
for this unit type 490 is not
adjustable! If the chain brake fails
to stop the chain when activated,
DO NOT USE THE SAW! Return
the saw to your dealer for repairs.
IMPORTANT!
Release the throttle whenever the chain
brake is activated!
Step 1
Step 2: Manual Chain Brake
Function (engine running)
Use the following procedure to test for
proper operation:
1. Start the saw and warm the engine to
operating temperature.
2. With the saw on a flat stable surface,
maintain a firm grip on the rear han-
dle with the right hand and the top of
the front handle with the left hand.
The left hand should be centered with
the front hand guard.
n If the chain brake becomes damaged
or worn, or fails to completely engage
or release the clutch drum, return the
saw to your dealer for repairs.
n Never carry the saw by the brake
lever! Carry the saw by the front
handle.
n Engaging the brake lever causes a
brake band to tighten around the
clutch drum, stopping the saw chain.
n The chain brake is designed to
engage whenever the brake lever
strikes the operator's hand or from
the inertial effects of kickback.
n The chain brake can also be activated
by pushing the brake lever forward
manually.
To release (disengage) the chain brake,
pull the brake lever rearward, towards
the front handle until a positive stop is
felt.
CAUTION!
Operating the saw at wide open
throttle for longer than 5 seconds
without a load could result in engine
damage.
3. Accelerate engine to full throttle,
then, without releasing the front han-
dle, roll the left wrist forward against
the front hand guard/chain brake
lever to push the brake lever for-
ward until the chain brake activates
(position 2). The saw chain must stop
immediately. If either of step 1 or
step 2 tests fail, contact an authorized
Shindaiwa dealer for repairs.
Step 2
1 Chain Can Move
n Always stop the saw and disengage
the chain brake before removing or
replacing the clutch cover!
n Never make carburetor adjustments
while the chain brake is engaged!
Chain
2
Stopped
11