Poulan 1999-12 User Manual - Page 3

ventilated place; and use an approved, marked container for all fuel purposes. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw. S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fueling site before starting engine. S Turn the engine off and let saw cool in a non-combustible area, not on dry leaves, straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap and refuel unit. S Store the unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc. KICKBACK WARNING: Kickback can occur when the moving chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or when the wood closes in and pinches 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, reverse reaction which kicks the guide 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 driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause loss of saw control which can result in serious injury. Guard against kickback Rotational Kickback is the rapid upward and backward motion of the chain saw that can occur when the moving saw chain near the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar contacts an object such as a log or a branch. Pinch-Kickback and Pull-In occur when the chain is suddenly stopped by being pinched, caught, or by contacting a foreign object in the wood. This sudden stopping of the chain results in a reversal of the chain force used to cut wood and causes the saw to move in the opposite direction of the chain rotation. Pinch-Kickback drives the saw straight back toward the operator. PullIn pulls the saw away from the operator. Either reaction can result in loss of control and serious injury. Avoid Pinch---Kickback: S Be extremely aware of situations or ob- structions that can cause material to pinch the top of or otherwise stop the chain. S Do not cut more than one log at a time. S Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn from an undercut when bucking. Avoid Pull---In: S Always begin cutting with engine at full speed and saw housing against wood. S Use wedges made of plastic or wood. Never use metal to hold the cut open. Kickback Path Clear the work area; avoid obstructions. REDUCE THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK S Recognize that kickback can happen. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the element of surprise which contributes to accidents. S Never let the moving chain contact any object at the tip of the guide bar. S Keep the working area free from obstructions such as other trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that your saw chain could hit while you are cutting through a particular log or branch. S Keep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or dull chain can increase the chance of kickback occurring. Follow manufacturer's chain sharpening and maintenance instructions. Check tension at regular intervals with the engine stopped, never with engine running. Make sure the bar clamp nuts are securely tightened after tensioning the chain. S Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback occurring. S Cut one log at a time. S Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut. S Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the bar (plunge cuts). S Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain. S Use Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar and Low-Kickback Chain specified for your saw. MAINTAIN CONTROL S Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with both hands when the engine is running and don't let go. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw. Keep the fingers of your left hand encircling and your left thumb under the front handlebar. Keep your right hand completely around the rear handle whether your are right handed or left handed. Keep your left arm straight with the elbow locked. Elbow locked Thumb on underside of handlebar 3