How To Avoid Kickback - Husqvarna 445 EPA II, 445e EPA II, 450e EPA II Operator's Manual

Freeing a tree that has fallen badly
Freeing a "trapped tree"
It is very dangerous to remove a trapped tree and there is high
accident risk.
Never try to fell the tree that is trapped.
Never work in the risk zone of the hanging trapped tree.
The safest method is to use a winch.
• Tractor-mounted
• Portable
Cutting trees and branches that are in tension
Preparations: Work out which side is in tension and where the
point of maximum tension is (i.e. where it would break if it was
bent even more).
Decide which is the safest way to release the tension and
whether you are able to do it safely. In complicated situations
the only safe method is to put aside your chain saw and use
a winch.
General advice:
Position yourself so that you will be clear of the tree or branch
when the tension is released.
Make one or more cuts at or near the point of maximum
tension. Make as many cuts of sufficient depth as necessary
to reduce the tension and make the tree or branch break at
the point of maximum tension.
Never cut straight through a tree or branch that is in
tension!
WORKING TECHNIQUES
If you must cut across tree/limb, make two to three cuts, one
inch apart, one to two inches deep.
Continue to cut deeper until tree/limb bends and tension is
released.
Cut tree/limb from outside the bend, after tension has been
released.

How to avoid kickback

WARNING! Kickback can happen very
!
suddenly and violently; kicking the chain
saw, bar and chain back at the user. If this
happens when the chain is moving it can
cause very serious, even fatal injuries. It is
vital you understand what causes kickback
and that you can avoid it by taking care and
using the right working technique.
What is kickback?
The word kickback is used to describe the sudden reaction
that causes the chain saw and bar to jump off an object when
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar, known as the kickback
zone, touches an object.
Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the bar.
Normally the chain saw and bar are thrown backwards and
upwards towards the user. However, the chain saw may move
in a different direction depending on the way it was being used
when the kickback zone of the bar touched the object.
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the bar touches
an object.
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English