For example, if improper tools are used to remove or hold the flywheel when servicing the clutch, structural damage to the flywheel can occur and cause the flywheel to burst. S Make certain the saw chain stops moving when the throttle trigger is released. For correction, refer to CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS. S Never modify your saw in any way. S Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture. S Keep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fasteners securely tightened. S Use only Poulan accessories and replacement parts as recommended. HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION S Do not smoke while handling fuel or while operating the saw. S Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in the areas where fuel is mixed or poured. There should be no smoking, open flames, or work that could cause sparks. Allow engine to cool before refueling. S Always have fire extinguishing tools available if you should need them. S Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area on bare ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated place; and use an approved, marked container for all fuel purposes. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw. S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fueling site before starting engine. S Turn the engine off and let saw cool in a non-combustible area, not on dry leaves, straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap and refuel unit. S Store the unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc. KICKBACK WARNING: Avoid kickback which can result in serious injury. Kickback is the backward, upward or sudden forward motion of the guide bar occurring when the saw chain near the upper tip of the guide bar contacts any object such as a log or branch, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contacting a foreign object in the wood can also result in loss of chain saw control. S Rotational Kickback can occur when the moving chain contacts an object at the upper tip of the guide bar. This contact can cause the chain to dig into the object, which stops the chain for an instant. The result is a lightning fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator. 3 ThumbonundersideofhandlebarThumbonundersideofhandlebar S Pinch-Kickback can occur when the the Make sure the chain brake nuts are se- wood closes in and pinches the moving saw chain in the cut along the top of the guide bar and the saw chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden stopping of the chain results in a reversal of the chain force used to cut wood and causes the saw to move in the opposite direction of the chain rotation. The saw is driven straight back toward the operator. S Pull-In can occur when the moving chain contacts a foreign object in the wood in the cut along the bottom of the guide bar and the saw chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden stopping pulls the saw forward and away from the operator and could easily cause the operator to lose control of the saw. Avoid Pinch- --Kickback: S Be extremely aware of situations or obstructions that can cause material to pinch the top of or otherwise stop the chain. S Do not cut more than one log at a time. S Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn from an undercut when bucking. Avoid Pull- --In: S Always begin cutting with the engine at full speed and the saw housing against wood. S Use wedges made of plastic or wood. Never use metal to hold the cut open. Kickback Path AvoidObstructions Clear The Working Area REDUCE THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK S Recognize that kickback can happen. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the element of surprise which contributes to accidents. S Never let the moving chain contact any object at the tip of the guide bar. S Keep the working area free from obstructions such as other trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that your saw chain could hit while you are cutting. When cutting a branch, do not let the guide bar contact branch or other objects around it. S Keep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or dull chain can increase the chance of kickback occurring. Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening and maintenance instructions. Check tension at regular intervals with the engine stopped, never with the engine running. curely tightened after tensioning the chain. S Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If the chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback occurring. S Cut one log at a time. S Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut. S Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the bar (plunge cuts). S Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain. S Use the Reduced- --Kickback Guide Bar and Low- --Kickback Chain specified for your saw. MAINTAIN CONTROL NeverreverseStandtotheleftofthesaw Thumb on underside of handlebar hand positions Elbow locked S Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with both hands when th...