Husqvarna 120 Mark II Owner Manual - Page 14

serious injury or death to the operator or others. Do not do operate the product on a ladder or in a tree. (Fig. 28) Kickbacks, skating, bouncing and dropping Different forces can have an effect on the safe control of the product. • Skating is when the guide bar glides or moves quickly across the wood. • Bouncing is when the guide bar lifts off the wood and touches it again and again. • Dropping is when the product drops down after the cut is made. This can cause the moving chain to touch a part of the body or other objects, causing injury or damage. • Kickback is when the end of the guide bar touches objects and moves rearward, up or suddenly forward. Kickback also occurs when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain during the cut. Loss of control can result if the product touches an object in wood. (Fig. 29) • Rotational Kickback can occur when the moving chain touches an object at the top of the guide bar. This can cause the chain to bury into the object and cause the chain to stop immediately. The result is a very fast, reverse reaction that moves the guide bar up and rearward in the direction of the operator. (Fig. 30) (Fig. 31) • Pinch-Kickback can occur when the saw chain suddenly stops during the cut. The wood closes in and pinches the moving saw chain along the top of the guide bar. The sudden stop of the chain reverses the chain force and causes the product to move in the opposite direction of the turn of the chain. The product moves rearward in the direction of the operator. (Fig. 32) • Pull-In can occur when the saw chain suddenly stops when the moving chain touches an object in the wood along the bottom of the guide bar. The sudden stop pulls the product forward and away from the operator, which can easily cause the loss of control of the product by the operator. (Fig. 33) Make sure that you understand the different forces and how to prevent them before you operate the product. To prevent kickbacks, skating, bouncing and dropping • While the engine runs, make sure to hold the product tightly. Keep your right hand on the rear handle and the left hand on the front handle. Tightly hold with thumbs and fingers around the handles. Do not let go. • Keep control of the product during the cut and after the wood falls to the ground. Do not let the weight of the product drop down after the cut is made. (Fig. 34) • Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from blockage. Do not let the nose of the guide bar touch a log, branch or other blockages while you operate the product. • Cut at high engine speeds. • Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height. (Fig. 35) • Obey the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain. • Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains specified by the manufacturer. • The risk of kickback is increased if the depth gauge setting is too large. Personal protective equipment • Always use the correct personal protective equipment when you operate the product. The personal protective equipment does not erase the risk of injury. The personal protective equipment decreases the grade of injury if an accident occurs. • Generally, clothes should be close-fitting without restricting your freedom of movement. • Use an approved protective helmet. • Always use approved ear protection while you operate the product. Noise for a long period can cause hearing loss. • Use protective glasses or a face visor to reduce the risk of injury from thrown objects. The product is capable of throwing objects, such as wood chips, small pieces of wood, etc., at great force. This can result in serious injury, especially to the eyes. • Use gloves with chainsaw protection. • Use trousers with chainsaw protection. • Use boots with chainsaw protection, steel toe-cap and non-slip sole. • Make sure that you have a first aid kit near. • Sparks can come from the muffler, the guide bar and saw chain or other sources. Always have fire extinguishing tools and a shovel available to help prevent forest fires. Protective devices on the product • Make sure that you regularly do the maintenance to the product. • The life of the product increases. • The risk of accidents decreases. Let an approved dealer or an approved service center regularly examine the product to do adjustments or repairs. 14 654 - 007 - 05.05.2020