Echo PPF-225 - Manual (Page 6)

6
WARNING
Kickback can lead to dangerous loss of control of the Power Pruner TM and result in serious injury to the operator
or any one standing close by. Hold the Power Pruner TM firmly with both hands with thumbs and fingers encircling
the front and rear handles. Be aware of the down and outward path the pruner will take after the cut is made.
Keep A solid stance
• Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery,
uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions or on
ladders. Do not overreach.
• Operate the Power Pruner TM only from the ground or out of an ap-
proved bucket lift.
• Always evaluate the branches to be pruned for hazards such as loose
dead branches which may fall and strike the operator or helpers.
Remove hazards before pruning.
• Plan retreat path from falling objects.
• Cut branches bounce when striking ground.
• Check that shoulder harness is adjusted for safe, comfortable opera-
tion. See picture at right for proper adjustment.
• Turn the Power Pruner TM off when moving from tree to tree.
• Avoid any contact with saw chain.
Avoid hot surfaces
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact during
and immediately after operation.
kIckback
Kickback may occur when the moving saw chain at 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 this may cause a lightning-fast
reverse action, kicking the guide bar and saw chain up and back or
down and back towards the operator. Either of these reactions may
cause the operator to lose control of the Power Pruner TM which could
result in serious personal injury.
With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate
the element of surprise which contributes to accidents.
Avoid contact of the guide bar tip with any object while the saw chain
is moving.
Cut only wood. Avoid striking concrete, metal, wire, or other obstruc-
tions which could cause kickback or damage to the saw chain.
If the saw chain does strike a foreign object, immediately stop the en-
gine, inspect and repair the Power Pruner TM if necessary.