Poulan PRO 305 - Manual (Page 3)

WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
(See Additional Safety Instructions throug^hout this Manual)
GUARD AGAINST KICKBAGK
^ckback is a dangerous reaction that can lead to serious in­
jury. Do not rely only on the safety devices provided with
your saw. As a chain saw user, you must take special safety
§ recautions to help keep your cutting jobs free from acci-
ent or iniuiy._______ .... ___________________
A KICKBACK WARNING
!^cKback occur when the moving chain con­
tacts ^ olnect at the upper portion of the tip of
the goide bar or when the wood closes in and
pincnes the saw chain in the cut. Contact at the
upper portion of the tip of the guide bar can
cause the chain to dig into the object, which
stops the chain for an instant. The result is a
lightning fast j reverse reaction which kicks the
lide bar up and back toward the operator. If the
saw chain is pinched along the top of the guide
bar, the guide bar can be rapidly dnven back to­
ward the operator. Either of these reactions cap
cause loss of saw control which can result in seri­
ous injury
Clear The
Working Area
Figures
Never Reverse
Hand
Positions
Stand To
The Left
Of The Saw
Elbow
Locked
Thumb On
Under Side
Of Handlebar
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK
1.
2 .
3.
4.
Recognize that kickback can happen. With a
basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the
element of surprise which contributes to accidents.
Never let the moving chain contact any object
at the tip of the guide ban Figure 1.
Keep the working area free from obstructions
such as other trees, brandies, rocks, fences, stumps,
etc. Figure 2, Eliminate or avoid any obstruction
that your saw chain cotdd hit while you áre cutting
throu^ a particular log or branch,
^ep your saw chain sharp and properly ten­
sioned. A loose or dull chain can increase the chance
of kickback to occur. Follow manufacturer’s chain
shaipening and maintenance instructions. Check
tension at regular intervals with the engine stopped,
never with the engine running. Make sure the bar
clamp nuts are securely ti^tened after tensioning
the cnain.
5, Begin and continue cutting at full throttle. If
the chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater
chance for kickback to occur.
Cut one log at a time.
Use extreme caution when re-entering a pre­
vious cut.
Do not attempt plunge cuts.
Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could
close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
lO^Use the Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar and
Low-Kickback Chain specified for your saw;
MAEVTAIN CONTROL
6.
7.
8,
9.
Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with both
hands ^cmen the engine is running and don’t
let go. Figure 3 . A &m grip can neutralize kick-
1 .
. your
hand completely around the rear handle whether
your are right handed or left handed. Keepyourleft
arm straight with the elbow locked.
2. 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.
Figure 3 . Never reverse right ana left hand posi­
tions for any t 3 pe of cutting.
3. Stand with your weight evenly balanced on
both feet.
4i. Stand slightly to the left ride of the saw to
keep your body from being in a direct line
with the cutting chain. Figure 3 .
5. Do not overreach. You could be drawn or thrown
off balance and lose control of the saw.
6., Do not cut above shoulder height. It is difficult
to maintain control of the saw above shoulder height
^' places the moving chain dangerously close to
yoxu* upper body.