Stihl TS 440 Instruction Manual page 20

English
being cut and generate substantially
greater reactive forces, including
rotational kickback.
Cut-off machines are designed for use
with abrasive cutting wheels in good
condition only. Machines designed for
use with wood-cutting or other toothed
blades use different types of guarding
systems that provide the protection
necessary for those types of blades.
Machines, such as a cut-off machine,
that are designed for use with abrasive
cutting wheels require a different
guarding system, which is not designed
to provide protection against all dangers
presented by circular saw blades,
carbide-tipped blades, rescue blades or
wood-cutting or toothed blades of any
nature.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control from reactive forces, including
kickback, when cutting:
1. Hold the cut-off machine firmly with
both hands, left hand on the front
handle, right hand on the rear
handle.
2. Maintain good balance and footing
at all times. Never cut while
standing on a ladder or other
unsecure platform.
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3. Position the cut-off machine in such
a way that your body is clear of the
cutting attachment and outside the
plane of the cutting attachment.
That means the operator must avoid
standing in direct line with the wheel
(see illustration). Never bend over
the cutting attachment or position
your head and upper body forward
of the front handle, especially when
the guard is pulled back exposing
the top of the wheel. Always
maintain at least a 45° angle
between the top of an exposed
wheel and the operator's head,
neck and body. Ensure sufficient
freedom of movement, especially in
trenches. Make sure there is
sufficient space for the user and the
fall of the severed portion of the
workpiece.
4. STIHL recommends using only
STIHL branded abrasive cutting
wheels properly rated for the
material to be cut.
5. Never work with a diamond cutting
wheel that wobbles or that has ever
wobbled or that is manufactured
with abrasive material on its sides.
6. Do not cut wood, plastic or any other
material for which the abrasive
cutting wheel is not authorized.
7. Begin cutting and continue cutting
at full throttle. Do not overreach.
Never cut above shoulder height.
8. Never sideload, jam or twist a wheel
in the cut.
9. Be especially alert for reactive
forces, including kickback, when
cutting with the front and upper
quadrant of the wheel.
10. Be alert to shifting of the workpiece
or anything that could cause the cut
to close and pinch the wheel,
especially in the upper quadrant.
Support the workpiece in such a
way that the cut remains open.
Never make a cut that results in a
binding, pinching or clamping of the
wheel. Finish a separating cut in the
top portion of the workpiece using
the bottom section of the wheel and
the guard adjusted fully forward
covering the top of the wheel.
11. Use wet-cutting whenever feasible.
In a pinch situation the water can act
as a lubricant and reduce the
energy of reactive forces. It also
helps control dust. Do not wet cut
when using a composite wheel on
the TS 440.
12. Use extreme caution when
reentering a cut and do not twist the
wheel in the cut, turn it at an angle
or jam it into the cut as this may
result in a binding or pinching of the
wheel.
Gyroscopic Forces
Be alert for gyroscopic forces that are
caused by the rapid spinning of the cut-
off wheel. These forces result in
opposition to directional change, e.g.,
TS 440