Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback - Echo DCS-2500T Operator's Manual

SAFETY
Unit includes safety devices that reduce the likelihood of
kickback:
Chain brake - brake actuated by kickback energy, not
◆
manual activation.
Reduced-kickback guide bar - reduced nose radius guide
◆
bar.
Low-kickback saw chain - saw chain that meets ANSI
◆
kickback performance requirements when configured with
the bar/chain recommendations in this manual.
Front hand guard - a structural barrier between the front
◆
handle of a chain saw and the guide bar.

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 firm grip, with thumbs and fingers 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 specified by the manufacturer.
Incorrect replacement bars and chains may cause chain breakage and/or
kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions for
the saw chain. Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased
kickback.
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DCS-2500T
X7508220200
© 10/21 ECHO Incorporated