Black & Decker GK1740 Instruction Manual page 22

22 • ENGLISH
is released the spring loaded limb may strike the
operator and/or throw the chainsaw out of control.
f Use extreme caution when cu tting brush and
saplings. The slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.
f Carry the chainsaw by the front handle with the
chainsaw switched off and away from your body.
When transporting or storing the chainsaw always
fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the
chainsaw will reduce the likelihood of accidental
contact with the moving saw chain.
f Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or
increase the chance for kickback.
f Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss
of control.
f Cut wood only. Do not use chainsaw for purposes
not intended. For example: do not use the
chainsaw for cutting plastic, masonry or non-
wood building materials. Use of the chainsaw
for operations different than intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
Causes and operator prevention of kickback:
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide
bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the
operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may
push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control
of the chainsaw which could resultin serious personal
injury.Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built
into your chainsaw. As a chainsaw user, you should take
several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident
or injury. Kickback is the result of tool misuse and / or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
f Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the chainsaw handles. With both
hands on the chainsaw, position your body and
arm to allow you to resist kickback forces.
Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator,
if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the
chainsaw.
f Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and
enables better control of the chainsaw in unexpected
situations.
f Only use replacement guide bars and chains
specified by themanufacturer. Incorrect
replacement guide bars and chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
f Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the sawchain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR THE CHAINSAW
f We strongly recommend that first time users obtain
practical instruction in the use of the chainsaw and
protective equipment from an experienced user. Initial
practice should be completed sawing logs on a saw
horse or cradle.
f We recommend that when carrying the chainsaw that
you make sure that the brake is engaged
f Maintain your chainsaw when not in use. Do not store
your chainsaw for any length of time without first
removing the saw chain and guide bar which should
be kept immersed in oil. Store all parts of your
chainsaw in a dry, secure place out of reach of
children.
f We recommend you drain the oil reservoir prior to
storage. Be sure of your footing and pre-plan a safe
exit from a falling tree or branches.
f Use wedges to help control felling and prevent binding
the guide bar and saw chain in the cut.
f Saw chain care. Keep the saw chain sharp and snug
on the guide bar. Ensure the saw chain and guide bar
are clean and well oiled. Keep handles dry, clean and
free from oil and grease.
Kickback can be caused by:
f Striking branches or other objects accidentally with a
tip of the saw while the saw chain is moving.
f Striking metal, cement or any other hard material near
the wood, or buried in the wood.
f A dull or loose chain.
f Cutting above shoulder height.
f Lack of attention when holding or guiding the
chainsaw while cutting.
f Over-reaching. Keep proper footing and balance at all
times and do not overreach.
f Do not try to insert into a previous cut. As this could
cause kickback. Make a fresh cut every time.
f We strongly recommend you do not attempt to operate
your chainsaw while in a tree, on a ladder or on any
other unstable surface. If you decide to do so, be
advised that these positions are extremely dangerous.
f When cutting a branch that is under tension, be alert
for spring back so that you will not be struck when the
tension is released.