SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
REDUCING KICKBACK
Kickback can occur when the tip of the guide bar
touches an object or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain inside of the cut. Tip contact can
kick the guide bar up and back towards the operator.
WARNING:
The danger of a kickback is greatest when attempting
to cut near or with the guide bar tip. Always apply the
saw as flatly as possible in order avoid a loss of control
during operation.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar
can push the bar rapidly towards the operator. Either of
these reactions may cause a loss in control of the saw,
increasing the chances of serious personal injury. Do
not rely on the safety devices built into the saw.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures. These conditions can be
minimized with the following steps:
1. Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the pole saw handles. Both hands should
be on the saw with your body and arms in a position
to resist kickback forces.
2. Do not overreach and keep the work area free from
obstructions.
3. Only use replacement bars and chains specified by
Senix. Replace dull blades as necessary.
4. Do not let the tip of the guide bar contact any
surfaces.
5. Keep proper tension on the blade at all times. Check
the tension at regular intervals.
6. Cuts should only take place while the chain is moving
at full speed. Do not turn the saw ON or OFF in
the middle of a cut. Use extreme caution when re-
entering a previous cut.
7. Cut one branch at a time. Do not attempt plunge or
bore cuts. Watch for shifting logs or other external
forces that could close a cut and pinch the chain.
8. Make a precut on the opposite side of the log to
avoid the blade from being pinched during operation
as another safeguard against kickback.
SAWING TECHNIQUES
WARNING:
When removing branches, hold the pole saw at an
angle ranging from 0 to 60° in order to avoid being
struck by a falling branch. The saw should never be
operated directly above head.
• Saw off the lower branches on the tree first. By doing
so, it is easier for the cut branches to fall to the
ground.
• At the end of the cut, the weight of the saw suddenly
increases for the user since it is no longer being
supported by a branch. There is a risk of losing
control of the saw, so make sure to stay alert during
the entire sawing operation.
• Only pull the saw out of a cut while the saw is running.
By doing so, you prevent the chain from jamming in
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the wood.
• Do not saw with the tip of the guide bar. Do not saw
into the branch formations (where the tree branches
outwards). This will impede the tree's ability to heal.
• For sawing off smaller branches, place the stop face
of the saw on the branch. This prevents unwanted
movements of the saw at the beginning of the cut.
While applying light pressure, guide the saw through
the branch from top to bottom.
• For sawing off larger branches, first make a relief
cut. Saw through 1/3 of the branch diameter from the
bottom to top using the top side of the guide bar. Then
saw from top to bottom for the other 2/3 using the
bottom side of the guide bar.
• Saw off longer branches in sections in order to
maintain control over the location of impact.
• When working on an incline, always stand above or
to the side of the branch being sawed. Hold the tool
as close as possible to your body. By doing so, you
maximize your balance.
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