Stihl MSE 140 C-BQ Product Instruction Manual - Page 13

English / USA the powerful force used to cut wood can be reversed (and work against the operator). If the rotating chain is suddenly stopped by contact with any solid object like a log or branch or is pinched, the reactive forces may occur instantly. These reactive forces may result in loss of control which may, in turn, cause serious or fatal injury. An understanding of the causes of these reactive forces may help you avoid loss of control. The most common reactive forces are - kickback, - pushback, - pull-in. Kickback: Kickback may occur when the moving saw chain near the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts a solid object or is pinched. 001BA093 LÄ 001BA035 KN The reaction of the cutting force of the chain causes a rotational force on the chainsaw in the direction opposite to the chain movement. This may fling the bar up and back in an uncontrolled arc mainly in the plane of the bar. Under some cutting circumstances the bar moves towards the operator, who may suffer severe or fatal injury. Kickback may occur, for example, when the chain near the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts the wood or is pinched during limbing or when it is incorrectly used to begin a plunge or boring cut. The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the more difficult it becomes for the operator to control the saw. Many factors influence the occurrence and force of the kickback reaction. These include chain speed, the speed at which the bar and chain contact the object, the angle of contact, the condition of the chain and other factors. The type of bar and saw chain you use is an important factor in the occurrence and force of the kickback reaction. Some STIHL bar and chain types are designed to reduce kickback forces. STIHL recommends the use of reduced kickback bars and low kickback chains. 12 MSE 140 C, MSE 160 C, MSE 180 C, MSE 200 C