Stihl MS 261 Instruction Manual page 17

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ Accelerating the engine while the chain brake is engaged
or the chain is otherwise blocked (i.e., not able to turn)
increases the load and will cause the clutch to slip
continuously. This may occur if the throttle is depressed
for more than a few seconds when the chain is pinched in
the cut or the chain brake is engaged. To reduce the risk
of overheating and damage to important components
(e.g., clutch, polymer housing components):
– Always disengage chain brake before accelerating
engine and before starting cutting work. The only
exception to this rule is when you check operation of
the chain brake.
5.6.3 Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw
WARNING
￭ To maintain a firm grip and properly control your chain
saw:
– Keep the handles clean and dry at all times. Keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease and resin.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control:
– Avoid contacting any object with the
upper quadrant of the tip of the guide
bar. It may cause kickback to occur.
0458-573-8621-C
– Always hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands when you are working.
– Place your left hand on the front handle and your
right hand on the rear handle (see illustration
above). Left-handers must follow these instructions
too.
– Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles,
keeping the handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger.
– Position the chain saw in such a way that all parts of
your body are clear of the cutting attachment
whenever the engine is running. Stand to the left of
the cut while bucking, outside of the cutting plane
(see illustration above).
– Read and follow all warnings and instructions in the
chapter Kickback and Reactive Forces, @ 6.
￭ Operating the chain saw with one hand is extremely
dangerous. One-handed operation makes it difficult to
oppose and absorb reactive forces (pushback, pull-in,
kickback) without losing control of the chain saw. It also
makes it difficult to prevent the bar and chain from skating
or bouncing along a limb or log. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders from
loss of control:
– Never attempt to operate the chain saw
with one hand.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control, keep proper
footing and balance at all times:
– Take special care in overgrown or wet terrain and
always watch for hidden obstacles such as tree
stumps, roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid
stumbling or falling.
– Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground.
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