Craftsman 9096-31B202 316350840 - Manual (Page 4)

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit
must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Before you start the engine, make sure the area around
the saw is clear. Never try to start the saw when the
guide bar is engaged in a cut.
• Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area,
secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the
falling tree.
• Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly
adjusted, or not completely and securely assembled. Be
sure that the saw’s chain stops moving when the throttle
control trigger is released.
• Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.
• Use extreme caution when cutting small-sized brush
and saplings because slender material may catch the
chain saw and whip towards you or cause you to lose
control.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for
springback so that you will not be struck when the ten-
sion in the wood fibers is released.
• Do not cut through nails, rods in the tree, railroad ties or
pallets. Inspect a tree that you are going to cut for for-
eign objects that could cause injury or damage to your
chain saw.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine and thor-
oughly inspect for damage. Repair as necessary.
• Keep the handles dry, clean and free of the oil/fuel mix-
ture.
• We do not recommend using the chain saw in a tree or
on a ladder.
MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD WORKING ORDER
• All chain saw service, other than the items listed in this
instruction manual maintenance instructions, should be
performed by a Sears or other qualified service dealer.
• Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
• Unauthorized replacement parts or the removal of safety
devices may cause damage to the unit and possible
injury to the operator or bystanders. Use only Craftsman
accessories and replacement parts as recommended.
Never modify your saw.
• When not in use, saw should be stored in a dry, highly
secure location away from children.
• When storing saw use a scabbard or carrying case.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
• Do not smoke while handling fuel or while operating the
saw.
• Always eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in areas
where fuel is mixed or poured.
• Always mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area and use an
approved, marked container for all fuels. Always wipe
up all fuel spills before starting saw.
• When a chain saw is being used, a fire extinguisher
should be available.
• Always move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fueling site
before starting saw.
• When re-fueling, turn the engine off and allow the saw to
cool in a non-combustible area, do not place on dry
leaves, straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap and
refuel unit.
• Always store the unit and fuel in a cool, dry, well-venti-
lated space where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or
open flames from water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.
• All chain saw service, other that the items listed in this
instruction manual maintenance instructions, should be
performed by a Sears or other qualified service dealer.
• Use the right tool. Only use this chain saw for its intend-
ed purpose, to cut wood.
• Never touch the chain or attempt to service the saw
while the engine is running. Make sure all moving parts
have stopped. Allow the chain saw to cool, as the chain
can be hot.
• Check the bar and chain at frequent intervals for proper
adjustment. Make sure the bar and chain are properly
tightened and sharpened. Visually inspect for damage.
Repair any damage before restarting or operating the
chain saw.
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce
or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise
contributes to accidents. Be alert to the potential for
kickback at all times.
• Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands, the
right hand on the rear handle and the left hand on the
front handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm grip
with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles.
A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain
control of the saw. Don’t let go.
KICKBACK may
occur when 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 con-
tact in some cases may cause a lightning-
fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar
up and back towards the operator. Pinching
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 injury. 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.
WARNING:
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