Husqvarna 3120 XP Owners Manual - Page 17

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS General rules 1 If you understand what kickback is and how it happens then you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. By being prepared you reduce the risk. Kickback is usually quite mild, but it can sometimes be very sudden and violent. 2 Always hold the saw firmly with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle. Wrap your fingers and thumb around the handles. You should use this grip whether you are right-handed or lefthanded. This grip minimises the effect of kickback and lets you keep the saw under control. 7 Take great care when you cut with the top edge of the bar, i.e. when cutting from the underside of the object. This is known as cutting on the push stroke. The chain tries to push the saw back towards the user. Unless the user resists this pushing force there is a risk that the saw will move so far backwards that only the kickback zone of the bar is in contact with the tree. This will cause kickback. Do not let go of the handles! 3 Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make sure you are standing firmly and that there is nothing in the way that might make you trip or lose your balance. Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the kickback zone of the bar accidentally touches a branch, nearby tree or some other object. 4 Never use the saw above shoulder height and try not to cut with the tip of the bar. Never use the saw onehanded! Cutting with the bottom edge of the bar, i.e. from the top of the object downwards, is known as cutting on the pull stroke. In this case the saw pulls itself towards the tree and the front edge of the saw provides a natural rest when cutting. Cutting on the pull stroke gives you better control over the saw and the position of the kickback zone. 8 Follow the instructions on sharpening and maintaining your bar and chain. When you replace the bar and chain use only combinations that are recommended by us. See the sections on "Cutting equipment" and "Technical data". 5 In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain a firm foothold. Never work on a ladder, in a tree or any other insecure support. The risk of kickback is increased if you use the wrong cutting equipment or a chain that is not sharpened correctly. The wrong combination of bar and chain can increase the risk of kickback! 6 Always use a fast cutting speed, i.e. full throttle. English - 17