Echo CHAIN SAW SAFETY MANUAL - Manual (Page 16)

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REDUCED-KICKBACK GUIDE BAR: In general, guide bars that meet this requirement, have small or reduced-
radius noses. All ECHO guide bars with reduced nose radius have been machined to accept a bar tip guard. (Some
large radius bars may not accept a tip guard.)
REDUCED-KICKBACK GUIDE BAR AND KICK GUARD
TM
DEVICE - These devices both provide strong protection against
kickback. As stated previously, there can be no rotational kickback when the Kick Guard ® device is properly assembled
on the bar nose. Linear kickback will be stopped if the device is drawn against the wood. Your ECHO chain saw may be
equipped with either the more common symmetrical nose bar or an asymmetrical nose bar. The symmetrical nose bar
can have a sprocket or welded tip. The asymmetrical nose bar is shaped differently and is commonly referred to as a
“banana-nose bar.” The ability of these bars to partially reduce kickback is possible because the kickback-generating zone
of the bar nose is small. If you wish to equip your chain saw with any bar other than manufacturer-approved bars, be
sure it falls within limitations specified for your chain saw, is designated “Reduced-kickback Guide Bar,” and is machined
to permit installation of a Kick Guard
® device. The Kick Guard ® device works properly only when it fits correctly on the
bar. A bent or damaged Kick Guard ® device must be replaced. Do not use a replacement guide bar that does not have
proper mounting holes for the Kick Guard ® device.
It is always safer to cut with the Kick Guard installed. If you believe it is not practical to use the Kick Guard in certain
situations, it is your responsibility to use other means to control kick back. Echo recommends use of the Kick Guard
wherever possible.
Normal wear, as well as lack of maintenance or cleaning, will reduce both saw performance and the ability of the guide
bar to reduce kickback. Inadequate lubrication can wear bar rails. Non-uniform chain filing can wear the rails to an uneven
height. In particular, uneven height or worn-down rails and wear inside the bar rails can permit excessive cutter side play,
creating a lack of chain alignment and increasing the probability of kickback. Inspect guide bar for uneven or excessive
wear or damage before each use, and replace bar if worn, deformed, or damaged. See Chain Saw Instruction Manual
for correct bar/chain combinations.
GUIDE BAR RAIL DAMAGE- TIME TO REPLACE
SYMMETRICAL REDUCED RADIUS BANNANA NOSE REDUCED RADIUS
GUIDE BAR WEAR
EVEN WEAR
TOO DEEP
UNEVEN
WEAR
PINCHED GUIDE BAR
ORIGINAL DEPTH
INSIDE WEAR OR SPREAD
CAUSES CUTTER SIDE PLAY
ADDITIONAL SAFETY DEVICES DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY
FROM KICKBACK