Husqvarna Rancher 55 - Manual (Page 21)

English – 21
WORKING TECHNIQUES
6 Before moving your chain saw switch off the engine and
lock the chain using the chain brake. Carry the chain saw
with the bar and chain pointing backwards. Fit a guard to
the bar before transporting the chain saw or carrying it for
any distance.
7 When you put the chain saw on the ground, lock the saw
chain using the chain brake and ensure you have a
constant view of the machine. Switch the engine off before
leaving your chain saw for any length of time.
General rules
1 If you understand what kickback is and how it happens
then you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
By being prepared you reduce the risk. Kickback is usually
quite mild, but it can sometimes be very sudden and
violent.
2 Always hold the chain saw firmly with your right hand on
the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle.
Wrap your fingers and thumbs around the handles. You
should use this grip whether you are right-handed or left-
handed. This grip minimises the effect of kickback and lets
you keep the chain saw under control. Do not let go of
the handles!
3 Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make
sure you are standing firmly and that there is nothing in
the way that might make you trip or lose your balance.
Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the kickback
zone of the bar accidentally touches a branch, nearby tree
or some other object.
Have control over the workpiece.
If the pieces you intend to cut are small and light, they can
jam in the saw chain and be thrown towards you. Even if
this does not need to be a danger, you may be surprised
and lose control of the saw. Never saw stacked logs or
branches without first separating them. Only saw one log
or one piece at a time. Remove the cut pieces to keep your
working area safe.
4 Never use the chain saw above shoulder height and
try not to cut with the tip of the bar. Never use the
chain saw one-handed!
5 You must have a steady stance in order to have full control
over the chain saw. Never work standing on a ladder, in a
tree or where you do not have firm ground to stand on.
6 Always use a fast cutting speed, i.e. full throttle.
7 Take great care when you cut with the top edge of the bar,
i.e. when cutting from the underside of the object. This is
known as cutting on the push stroke. The chain tries to
push the chain saw back towards the user. If the saw
chain is jamming, the saw may be pushed back at you.
8 Unless the user resists this pushing force there is a risk
that the chain saw will move so far backwards that only the
kickback zone of the bar is in contact with the tree, which
will lead to a kickback.