Maintain Control - Craftsman 358.350380 Instruction Manual

2.6 cu.in./42cc 2-cycle 18 in. bar gasoline chain saw
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Z_
LI_ WARNING:
Avoid kickback
which
can result in serious
injury. Kickback
is the backward,
upward or sudden for-
ward motion of the guide bar occurring
when the saw chain near the upper tip
of the guide bar contacts
any object
such as a log or branch, or when the
wood closes in and pinches the saw
chain in the cut. Contacting
a foreign
object in the wood can also result in
loss of chain saw control.
Rotational
Kickback
can occur
when the moving chain contacts
an
object at the upper tip of the guide
bar. This contact can cause the
chain to dig into the object, which
stops the chain for an instant. The
result is a lightning fast, reverse
reaction which kicks the guide bar
up and back toward the operator.
Pinch-Kickback
can occur when
the the wood closes in and pinches
the moving saw chain in the cut
along the top of the guide bar and
the saw chain is suddenly
stopped.
This sudden stopping of the chain
results in a reversal of the chain
force used to cut wood and causes
the saw to move in the opposite
di-
rection of the chain rotation. The
saw is driven straight back toward
the operator.
Pull-In can occur when the moving
chain contacts a foreign object in
the wood in the cut along the bot-
tom of the guide bar and the saw
chain is suddenly
stopped. This
sudden stopping
pulls the saw for-
ward and away from the operator
and could easily cause the opera-
tor to lose control of the saw.
REDUCE
THE CHANCE
OF
KICKBACK
• Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding
of kick-
back, you can reduce the element of
surprise which contributes to acci-
dents.
• Never let the moving chain contact
any object at the tip of the guide bar.
• Keep working area free from obstruc-
tions such as other trees, branches,
rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate
or avoid any obstruction that your saw
chain could hit while cutting.
• When cutting a branch, do not let the
guide bar contact another branch or
other objects around it.
• Keep saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can
increase the chance of kickback. Fol-
low manufacturer's
chain sharpening
and maintenance
instructions. Check
tension at regular intervals, but never
with engine running. Make sure chain
brake nuts are securely tightened.
• Begin and continue cutting at full
speed. If the chain is moving at a
slower speed, there is greater chance
of kickback occurring.
• Use extreme caution when reentering
a cut.
• Do not attempt cuts starting with the
tip of the bar (plunge cuts).
• Watch for shifting logs or other forces
that could close a cut and pinch or fall
into chain.
• Use the specified Reduced-Kickback
Guide Bar and 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
\[
underside
t
\\
Elbow
locked
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 handle
when making bucking cuts. Stand
slightly to the left side of the saw to

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