Craftsman C944.411364 Instruction Manual page 5

• Keep w orking area f ree from obstruc-
tions s uch as other trees, branches,
rocks, fences, stumps, etc. E liminate
oravoid a ny obstruction that y our
saw chain c ould h itwhile c utting.
• When c utting a branch, donot l etthe
guide bar c ontact another branch or
other objects around it.
• Keep s aw chain s harp and propedy
tensioned. Aloose o rdull c hain c an
increase the chance ofkickback. Fol-
low manufacturer's chain s harpening
and maintenance instructions. Check
tension atregular intervals, but n ever
with engine running. Make sure chain
brake nuts a re securely tightened.
• Begin a nd continue cutting atfull
speed. Ifthe chain i smoving ata
slower speed, there isgreater
chance ofkickback occurring.
• Use extreme caution when r eenter-
ing acut.
• Donot a ttempt cuts starting with the
tipofthebar ( plunge cuts).
• Watch forshifting logs orother forces
that c ould c lose a cut a nd pinch o r
fallinto chain.
• Use the specified Reduced-Kickback
Guide B ar a nd Low-Kickback Chain.
Avoid Pinch-Kickback:
• Be extremely aware of situations or
obstructions that can cause material
to pinch the top of or otherwise stop
the chain.
• Do not cut more than one log at a
time.
• Do not twist saw as bar is withdrawn
from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull-In:
• Always begin cutting with the engine
at full speed and the saw housing
against wood.
• Use wedges made of plastic or
wood. Never use metal to hold the
cut open.
MAINTAIN CONTROL
Stand to the left of the saw
Thumb on ill,j>
underside
_-_-_ t Elbow
ed
Never reverse hand positions
• A good, firm grip on the saw with
both hands will help you maintain
control. Don't let go. Grip the rear
handle with your right hand whether
you are right or left handed. Wrap the
fingers of your left hand over and
around the front handlebar, and your
left thumb under the front handlebar.
Keep your left arm straight with the
elbow locked.
• Position your left hand on the front
handlebar so it is in a straight line
with your right hand on the rear han-
dle when making bucking cuts.
Stand slightly to the left side of the
saw to keep your body from being in
a direct line with the cutting chain.
• Stand with your weight evenly bal-
anced on both feet.
• Do not overreach. You could be
drawn or thrown off balance and lose
control.
• Do not cut above shoulder height. It
is difficult to maintain control of saw
above shoulder height.
KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES
zt _
4m WARNING: The following fea-
tures are included on your saw to help
reduce hazard of kickback; however,
such features will not totally eliminate
this dangen Do not rely only on safety
devices. Follow all safety rules to help
avoid kickback and other forces which
can result in serious injury.
• Front Hand Guard: designed to re-
duce the chance of your left hand
contacting the chain if your hand
slips off the front handlebar.
• Position of front and rear handlebars:
designed with distance between han-
dles and "in-line" with each other. The
spread and "in-line" position of the
hands provided by this design work
together to give balance and resis-
tance in controlling the pivot of the
saw back toward the operator if kick-
back occurs.
• Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar: de-
signed with a small radius tip which
reduces the size of the kickback dan-
ger zone. This type bar has been
demonstrated to significantly reduce
the number and seriousness of kick-
backs.
_ Small Radius
Tip Guide Bar
Large Radius [ ._
Tip Guide Bar