Poulan 3450 User Manual - Page 4

Avoid Obstructions Clear The Working Area 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. When cutting a branch, do not let the guide bar contact branch or other objects around it. 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 chain brake 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 LowKickback Chain specified for your saw. MAINTAIN CONTROL Stand to the left of the saw Never reverse hand positions Thumb on underside of handlebar Elbow locked Thumb on underside of handlebar 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. S 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. Never reverse right and left hand positions for any type of cutting. S Stand with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. S Stand slightly to the left side of the saw to keep your body from being in a direct line with the cutting chain. S Do not overreach. You could be drawn or thrown off balance and lose control of saw. S Do not cut above shoulder height. It is difficult to maintain control of saw above shoulder height. KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES WARNING: The following features are included on your saw to help reduce the hazard of kickback; however, such features will not totally eliminate this dangerous reaction. As a chain saw user, do not rely only on safety devices. You must follow all safety precautions, instructions, and maintenance in this manual to help avoid kickback and other forces which can result in serious injury. S Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar, designed with a small radius tip which reduces the size of the kickback danger zone on bar tip. A Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the number and seriousness of kickbacks when tested in accordance with safety requirements for gasoline powered chain saws as set by ANSI B175.1. Reduced Kickback Symmetrical Guide Bar Small Radius Tip 4