Echo CS-420ES Operator's Manual

Also see for CS-310ES: Service data

Echo CS-420ES Operator's Manual Manual pdf 7 page image

72. Kickback safety precautions In some cases, tip contact may cause a lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guidebar up and back toward the operator (this is called a rotational kickback).Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidlyback toward the operator (this is called a linear kickback). Either or these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw and come in contactwith the moving chain, which could result in serious personal injury.As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free fromaccident or injury. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element ofsurprise.Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.Understand that rotational kickback is preventable by keeping an unshielded bar nose fromtouching an object or the ground. Do not operate a chain saw with one hand!Serious injury to the operator, helpers or bystanders may result from one-handedoperation.For proper control, always use two hands when operating a chain saw, one of whichoperates the trigger.Otherwise, this can result in the chain saw "skating" or skidding, which can result inpersonal injury due to loss of control. Keep a good firm grip on the saw which both hands, with the right hand on the rearhandle 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.Two hands must be used to control the saw at all times. Do not overreach or cut above chest height. Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions.Do not let the bar nose contact a log, branch, or any other obstruction which could be hitwhile you are operating the saw. Cutting at high engine speeds may reduce the likelihood of kickback.But cutting at part-throttle or low engine speeds may be preferable to control the chain sawin tight situations and may also reduce the likelihood of kickback. Follow manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Use only replacement guide bars and chains specified by the manufacturer, or theacceptable equivalents of these guide bars and chains.DANGERKickback safety precaution for chain saw users: kickback may occur when the noseor tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood closes in and pinches thesaw chain in the cut.