Blade Thrust (Kickback); Operating Tips; Scything; Operation(Continued) - Honda UMK431 Owner's Manual

OPERATION
Blade Thrust (Kickback)
Blade thrust (kickback) is the sudden, forceful,
and uncontrolled movement of a blade-equipped
trimmer that may occur if the blade binds in the
cut or strikes a solid object.
n
Blade thrust (kickback) throws the trimmer in the
direction opposite blade rotation at the point of
contact, and the jolt received by the operator can
result in further loss of control.
To reduce the risk of loss of control, use blades
on trimmers equipped with a U-type handlebar, or
install the barrier bar (optional part) on trimmers
equipped with a loop handle.
Replace or resharpen dull blades. Dull blades are more likely to bind in the cut and cause blade thrust.
Watch out for hidden obstacles, such as rocks, stumps, roots, etc., that could cause the blade to kick
back if struck. Blade thrust is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see what is being cut.
Understand the reaction forces of the blade. When using a brush blade to saw through heavy brush and
small saplings, saw with the side of the brush blade that is moving toward you and tends to pull the
trimmer away from you.
Blades on Honda UMK422 and UMK431 trimmers rotate counterclockwise, as viewed from the
operator's position. Therefore, the left side of the blade is moving toward you. With these trimmers,
sawing with the left side of a brush blade will give you better control and less risk of kickback, though it
will throw the sawdust toward you.
Cut from the side of saplings that will cause them to fall away from the trimmer. This will help to prevent
the blade from binding in the cut and kicking back.
Accelerate the engine to maximum speed before starting the cut, and saw through with uniform
pressure.
OPERATING TIPS
Scything
Swing the trimmer in a level arc by rotating your
body with a smooth, easy motion, rather than
moving the trimmer with your arms. Do not chop
at tough weeds and brush; let the cutting line or
blade work through tough growths gradually.
To direct thrown debris away from you, tilt the
cutting attachment to the right side, scythe from
left
to
right, then return without cutting.
SCYTHING
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