Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback; Important Safety Instructions; Intended Use - Stihl MSA 220 C Instruction Manual

6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

m)Follow all instructions when clearing jammed material,
storing or servicing the chain saw. Make sure the switch
is off and the battery pack is removed. Unexpected
actuation of the chain saw while clearing jammed material
or servicing may result in serious personal injury.
5.9

Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback

a) 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.
b) Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the
operator.
c) Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may
push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
d) 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 chain saw user, you should take several steps
to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
e) Kickback is the result of chain saw misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by
taking proper precautions as given below:
1) Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling
the chain saw 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 chain saw.
2) Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height.
This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables
better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
3) Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains
specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement
guide bars and saw chains may cause chain breakage
and/or kickback.
4) Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth
gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
0458-795-8621-B
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
6.1

Intended Use

WARNING
￭ This chain saw is designed for cutting small and medium
diameter trees, branches and limbs. It is not designed for
felling large trees or cutting large diameter logs. Use of the
chain saw for operations different than intended could
result in serious injury or death.
– Cut wood only. For example, do not use chain saw
for cutting metal, plastic or masonry.
– Use this chain saw only for light-duty or moderate-
duty cutting tasks.
￭ For cutting larger trees, logs or branches, a more
powerful, faster saw may be necessary to reduce the risk
of binding, stalling or other risks caused by a change in
conditions during longer cutting times. This battery-
operated chain saw is not suitable for cutting larger trees
and logs, and its use could lead to a loss of control of the
object being cut and serious personal injury or death.
– Before starting any felling operation, fully charge
your STIHL AP or AR battery.
￭ Before starting any bucking, limbing, pruning or felling
operation, ensure that all necessary cuts can be
completed using the charge remaining in the STIHL AP or
AR series battery. If you are unsure:
– Have multiple charged batteries available for use;
– Select a more powerful chain saw;
– Select a more powerful battery; or
– Consult a reputable tree removal professional.
￭ Read and follow the operating and use instructions in this
manual for approved applications and recommended
working techniques.
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