SAFETY INFORMATION
UNDERSTANDING KICKBACK
DANGER:
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches
an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. In some cases,
tip contact may cause a lightening-fast reverse action, kicking the guide bar rapidly back
towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the
guide bar rapidly back towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause a loss of
control over the saw, which could result in serious injury to the user. Contact with foreign
objects within the wood can also induce a loss of chain saw control.
• Rotational Kickback can happen when the upper tip of
the guide bar contacts an object while the chain is
moving (Fig. 1 & 2). This can cause the chain to dig into
the object and momentarily stop moving. The guide bar
is then kicked up and back toward the operator in a
lightning-fast reverse reaction.
• Pinch Kickback can happen when the wood on either
side of a cut closes in and pinches the moving saw chain
along the top of the guide bar. This can cause the chain
to instantly stop. The chain force is then reversed,
causing the saw to move in the opposite direction,
sending the saw straight back toward the operator.
• Pull-In can happen when the moving chain on the bottom
of the guide bar hits a foreign object inside the wood. This
can cause the chain to suddenly stop. The saw is then
pulled forward and away from the operator, which could
potentially result in the loss of control of the saw.
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT make cuts with the tip of the guide bar (Fig. 1).
• DO NOT let the tip of the guide bar contact any object,
such as a log, branch, ground or other obstruction.
Remove or avoid any obstructions that might impact the
tip of the guide bar while cutting.
• DO NOT cut more than one branch at a time.
• DO NOT twist the saw when removing the guide bar
from an undercut.
• Stand slightly to the left of the unit to avoid being in the direct line of the saw chain. Follow all the
Proper Grip on Handles instructions in the Operating Instructions section.
• Never start the saw when the guide bar is inside an existing cut. Be extremely careful when re-
entering a cut.
• Always begin a cut with the motor running at full speed. Fully squeeze the switch trigger and
maintain a steady cutting speed. Slower speeds increase the chance of kickback. Keep the saw
housing pressed firmly against the wood.
• Watch for shifting logs, branches, or other objects that might pinch, or fall onto, the chain while cutting.
• If using wedges, only use wedges made of plastic or wood. Do not use metal to hold a cut open.
• Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
• Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the equivalent. These are
available from authorized service dealers. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead
to serious injury to the operator or damage to the unit and will void the warranty.
• Use devices, such as low-kickback chains, guide bar nose guards, chain brakes and special guide
bars, which reduce the risks associated with kickback. There are no other replacement
components for achieving kickback protection in accordance with CSA Z62.3.
• Low-kickback saw chain is chain that has met the kickback performance requirements of ANSI
B175.1-1991 and is in accordance with CSA Z62.3. Do not use a replacement chain unless it has met
these requirements for the specific model. As saw chains are sharpened, some of the low kickback
qualities are lost and extra caution should be used.
POLE SAW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT cut near electrical cables or power lines.
• DO NOT use a pole saw to fell a tree. Use a standard chain saw for this application.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back, which may cause the operator to
be struck when the tension of the wood fibers is released.
• Use extreme caution when cutting small-sized brush and saplings, as slender material may catch
the saw chain and be whipped toward the operator or pull the operator off balance.
• This saw is classified by UL as a Class 2C saw. It is intended for infrequent use by homeowners,
cottagers and campers, and for general applications such as clearing, pruning, cutting firewood,
etc. It is not intended for prolonged use. If the intended use involves prolonged periods of
operation, this may cause circulatory problems in the user's hands due to vibration. It may be
appropriate to use a saw having an anti-vibration feature.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT handle the unit, plug or cord with wet hands.
• DO NOT over reach.
• DO NOT operate the unit on unstable surfaces, such as in trees or on ladders, slopes or rooftops.
Be very careful when using the unit on stairs.
• DO NOT expose the unit to rain. Do not use the unit in damp or wet locations or conditions.
• DO NOT operate the unit on wet surfaces.
• DO NOT use the unit in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
• DO NOT operate a unit that is damaged, improperly adjusted or not completely and securely
assembled. Be sure that the unit stops when the trigger is released. Do not use the unit if the
trigger does not turn the unit on and off properly. Have defective triggers replaced by an authorized
service center.
• DO NOT attempt operations beyond the operator's capacity or experience.
• DO NOT operate the unit with one hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers or bystanders may
result from one-handed operation. This unit is intended for two-handed use. Grip the unit firmly with
both hands when the motor is running. Keep the left hand on the D-handle and the right hand on
the shaft grip. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the handles. Do not let go!
• DO NOT force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at the intended rate.
• DO NOT leave the unit unattended while the unit is connected to the power source. Unplug the unit
from the power source when not in use.
• Adjust the D-handle to provide the best grip.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all other body parts away from moving parts. Do not try to
touch or stop moving parts (cutting attachment or pole saw chain) when they rotate.
• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Make sure the cutting attachment/pole saw chain is not in contact with anything before starting the unit.
• Always stop the motor when operation is delayed, before setting down the unit or when walking
from one location to another. Make sure the unit comes to a complete stop.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with fingers on the trigger.
• Always make sure the trigger is released before connecting or disconnecting the unit from the
power source.
• Always carry the unit with both hands, with the unit disconnected from the power source and finger off
the trigger. When used as a pole saw, always carry the unit with the guide bar and chain sheathed in the
scabbard and positioned to the rear.
• If the unit strikes or becomes entangled with a foreign object, stop the motor immediately,
disconnect the unit from the power source and check for damage. Do not restart or operate the unit
before repairing damage.
2
ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT abuse the extension cord. Never pull or carry the unit by the cord, use the cord as a
• DO NOT modify the extension cord, plug or wall outlet in any way.
• DO NOT use multiple extension cords.
• Keep the cord away from oil, water, sharp objects and heated surfaces.
• Keep the cord away from the cutting area and position the cord so that it will not be caught on
• Keep the cord away from the operator's feet to prevent tripping.
• Make sure the cord is in good condition. Inspect the extension cord periodically. Look closely for
Rotational
• If the extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged in, disconnect the extension cord
Kickback
• Since the unit is double-insulated, a 2-wire extension cord (one without a ground) may be used.
• Make sure the extension cord is heavy enough to carry the current drawn by the unit. An
Fig. 1
Kickback Danger Zone
CORD LENGTH (FEET)
WIRE SIZE (AWG)
Fig. 2
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this unit has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
• A nameplate on your unit indicates the voltage used. Never connect the unit to an AC voltage that
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) that
• To reduce the likelihood of disconnecting the extension cord from the unit, be sure to use the cord
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, avoid body contact with grounded conductors, such as metal
SERVICING A DOUBLE-INSULATED UNIT
• This is a double-insulated unit. Two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. There is
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE SAFETY
• If the unit is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into
• All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in this manual, should be performed
• Follow all maintenance instructions in this manual.
• Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting, replacing parts or changing
• Never remove, modify or make inoperative any safety device furnished with the unit.
• For safer, more effective performance, make sure the bar and chain are properly cleaned, lubricated,
• Frequently inspect the unit for damage. Before further use, any damaged part should be carefully
• If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the motor, disconnect the unit from the power source and
• Use only original manufacturer replacement parts and accessories, which are designed specifically to
• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Always use the scabbard on the bar and chain during transportation and storage.
• When not in use, store the unit indoors in a locked-up and dry, or high and dry, place to prevent
• Keep the handles dry, clean and free from debris, oil and grease. Clean the unit after each use. Never
SAFETY INFORMATION
handle, close a door on a cord, pull the cord around sharp edges or corners or yank the cord to
disconnect the unit. Grasp the plug, not the cord, to disconnect the unit.
branches or other obstacles that may bind or entangle the cord during operation.
deterioration, cuts or cracks in the insulation. If the extension cord is damaged, replace it. Do not
use a damaged cord or plug.
from the receptacle.
However, a 3-wire extension cord (one with a ground) that uses a NEMA-type connector (parallel
blade, U ground) is recommended. Extension cords are available from local retailers. Use only
round-jacketed extension cords approved for outdoor use.
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. If in
doubt, use the next heavier gauge cord. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 0-12 AMPS
25
16
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, only use extension cords
suitable for outdoor use, such as SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A,
SJTW-A or SJTOW-A cord types.
other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The recessed plug will fit into a
polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse
the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain another polarized extension cord. A polarized extension
cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not
fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet.
differs from this voltage.
will be used with the unit. For an extra measure of safety, use receptacles with built-in GFCI protection.
retainer provided.
pipes or wire fences.
no grounding provided and no means of grounding should be added to the unit. Servicing a double-
insulated unit requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should only be done by
qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated unit must be identical to the
parts they replace. Failure to have a double-insulated unit repaired by an authorized service
technician with identical replacement parts could result in serious injury.
water, do not use the unit. Have the unit serviced by an authorized service center.
by an authorized service center. Do not attempt to repair; there are no user serviceable parts inside.
accessories on the unit:
1. Stop the motor. Make sure the trigger is released.
2. Make sure all moving parts have stopped.
3. Disconnect the unit from the power source.
4. Allow the unit to cool.
tightened and sharpened. Check the bar and chain at frequent intervals for proper adjustment.
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. Damaged parts should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center, unless otherwise indicated in this manual.
allow the unit to cool. Then inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is generally an
indicator of trouble.
enhance the performance and maximize the safe operation of the product. Failure to do so may cause
poor performance and possible injury. Use only the chain and guide bar supplied with this product.
unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
douse or spray the unit with water or any other liquid. Do not wash the unit with a hose; avoid getting
water in the motor and electrical connections. Do not use solvents or strong detergents.
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