The chain brake can be activated manually, and is also designed to activate when kickback energy forces the brake lever against the operator’s left hand. ■ Low-kick chain that can significantly reduce the rotational force of kickback. H A Guard-Tip Bar manufactured with a reduced-radius (smaller) nose. This special guide bar can reduce kickback by placing fewer cutters in the kick-back zone. A WARNING! To reduce the risk of kickback, all of the above devices must be properly installed and in good repair! Use of other than ANSI B175.1 combinations may result in reduced kickback protection! A WARNING! Brake engagement and operation depend upon proper adjustment! For proper chain brake testing and adjustment procedures, see page 18. 4 KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS A WARNING! Either of the following reactions could cause you to lose control of your saw while cutting, possibly resulting in serious injury! 1. Kickback may occur whenever the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact in some cases may cause a lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator. 2. Pincliing the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back toward the operator! Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw, which could result in serious personal ii\juiy. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw! As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury: 1. With a basic understanding of Idckback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents! 2. Keep a firm grip on the saw with both hands, the right hand on the reai' handle, and the left hand on the front handle, whenever the engine is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip will help you to reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw. 3. Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch, or any other obstructions which could be hit while you are operating the saw. 4. Cut at'high engine speeds. 5. Do not overreach or attempt to cut above shoulder height! 6. Follow the manufacture’s instructions for sharpening and maintenance of the saw chain. 7. Use only the replacement bars and chains or equivalent as specified by the manufacturer. 8. Use low-kickback chain, chain brakes, or special guide bars to reduce the risk of kickback, Low kickback chain is chain that has met the kickback performance requirements of ANSI B 175.1-1991 (American National Standard for Power Tools-Gasoline Powered Chain Saws-Safety requirements) when tested on the representative sample of chain saws below 3.8 c.i.d. specified in ANSI B175.1-1991, 5 DESCRIPTION ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS A WARNING! Jifc: »• These safety precautions are intended primarily for the consumer or occasional user. When using this chain saw for logging purposes, refer to: CFR Section 1910. 266 (5); 2.5.1 of the American National Safety Standard; Requirements for Pulpwood Logging ANSI 03.1-1978; and any applicable state safety codes. Before you start the engine, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. 6. Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the muffler away from your body. 7. Keep the saw chain sharp and properly adjusted. IMPORTANT! Read this manual carefully before operating your new Shindaiwa chain saw. The following safety precautions should be observed by all users of chain saws: 8. Never allow young children or any person unfamiliar wit chain saws to operate this saw. 9. When repairing or servicing this saw, use only genuine Shindaiwa replacement parts. 1. Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued. 2. Use safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing, protective gloves, eye, hearing and head protection devices. 3. Use caution when handling fuels. Move the saw at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the fueling point before starting the engine. 4. Do not begin cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree. 10. Do not operate this or any other chain saw with the muffler removed. 11. Never allow other persons to be near the chain saw while the saw is operating. Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area! 12. When transporting your saw, use the appropriate guide bar scabbard. 13. Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the engine is running. 6 A WARNING! 14. Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, is improperly adjusted, or is not completely and securely assembled. Be sure the chain stops moving when the throttle trigger is released. 15. Turn the engine OFF before setting the saw down. 16. Use extreme care when c...