Echo ECCS-58V Original Instructions Manual page 30

Cut wood only. Do not use chainsaw for purposes not
intended. For example: do not use 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 saw which could result in serious personal injury. Do
not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your
saw. 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:
Maintain a fi rm grip, with thumbs and fi ngers encircling
the chainsaw handles, with both hands on the saw
and 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.
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.
Only use replacement bars and chains specifi ed by the
manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chains may
cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
Follow the manufacturer's
maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing
the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
ADDITIONAL CHAINSAW SAFETY WARNINGS
It is recommended to cut logs on a saw-horse or cradle
when operating the product for the fi rst time.
Ensure all guards, handles, and spiked bumper are
properly fi tted and are in good condition.
Persons using the product should be in good health. The
product is heavy, so the operator must be physically fi t.
The operator should be alert, have a good vision, mobility,
balance, and manual dexterity. If there is any doubt, do not
operate the product.
Do not start using the product until you have a clear work
area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path away from
a falling tree.
Beware of the emission of lubricant mist and saw dust.
Wear a mask or respirator, if required.
30
English
Do not cut vines and/or small undergrowth (less than 75
mm in diameter).
Always hold the chainsaw with both hands during operation.
Use a fi rm grip with thumbs and fi ngers encircling the
chainsaw handles. Right hand must be on the rear handle
and left hand on the front handle.
Before starting the product, make sure the saw chain is not
contacting any object.
Do not modify the product in any way or use it to power
any attachments or devices not recommended by the
manufacturer for your saw.
There should be a fi rst-aid kit containing large wound
dressings and a means to summon attention (e.g., whistle)
close to the operator. A larger more comprehensive kit
should be reasonably nearby.
Wear a helmet at all times when operating the product. A
helmet, equipped with mesh visor, can help reduce the risk
of injury to the face and the head if kickback occurs.
An incorrectly tensioned chain can jump off the guide bar
and could result in serious injury or fatality. The length of
the chain depends on the temperature. Check the tension
frequently.
You should get used to your new chainsaw by making
simple cuts on securely supported wood. Do this whenever
you have not operated the saw for some time.
To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting
moving parts, always stop the motor, apply the chain brake,
remove the battery pack and make sure all moving parts
have come to a stop before:
■ cleaning or clearing a blockage
■ leaving the product unattended
■ installing or removing attachments
■ checking, conducting maintenance or working on the
product
sharpening and
The size of the work area depends on the job being
performed as well as the size of the tree or work piece
involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger work
area than making other cuts, i.e., bucking cuts, etc. The
operator needs to be aware and in control of everything
happening in the work area.
Do not cut with your body in line with the guide bar and
chain. If you experience kickback, this will help prevent the
chain coming into contact with your head or body.
Do not use a back-and-forward sawing motion, let the chain
do the work. Keep the chain sharp and do not try to push
the chain through the cut.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut. Be
ready to take on the weight of the saw as it cuts free from
the wood. Failure to do so could result in possible serious
personal injury.
Do not stop the saw in the middle of a cutting operation.
Keep the saw running until it is already removed from the
cut.