Echo CHAIN SAW, Safety Manual

Page 1: ...o avoid kickback ECHO supplies an anti kick back guard called a Kick Guard with every new chain saw Read the Kick Guard instructions to determine which cutting applications and conditions require the...

Page 2: ...ded to make you aware of potential hazards and the precautions you must take to protect yourself from injury You must read and understand the explanations and obey the instructions These symbols appea...

Page 3: ...up and back toward the operator a forceful reaction called rotational kickback Body contact with a moving saw chain will cause serious or fatal injury DANGER Prevent hazardous Rotational Kickback Inst...

Page 4: ...ack suddenly and strike you or the saw causing serious or fatal injuries WARNING Cutting the trunk of an uprooted tree can cause the root ball to fall back into place causing serious or fatal injuries...

Page 5: ...r handle which must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be activated When the operator lets go of the top rear handle the throttle will be locked in idle position BALLISTIC A special material...

Page 6: ...sk please consider calling a professional to handle the job Tree trimming and felling mishaps can cause serious or fatal injury to you others and possible damage to property If you need a copy of a ch...

Page 7: ...alone in this manual the term kickback will always refer to the rotational kickback Rotational kickback is predictable preventable and controllable If the operator is not alert to the possibility of a...

Page 8: ...nd support the chain saw so that the guide bar and moving chain will not follow through and cut into your legs feet or body after the guide bar breaks into the clear SKATING This condition occurs when...

Page 9: ...ntact KICK GUARD ANTI KICKBACK BAR TIP GUARD This is an anti kickback device that covers the bar nose to prevent chain contact at the kickback generating area of the nose The ECHO bar tip guard is cal...

Page 10: ...length of the bar dimension from engine to the inside of the Kick Guard 3 To remove a bound saw out from a cut log 4 To draw the bar nose through a cut 5 Making a boring cut into a log or tree Profes...

Page 11: ...ften can be used against an obstruction as a bumper plate Using the Kick Guard when cutting in a brush pile eliminates the threat of kickback and helps speed up brush removal Cutting brush requires th...

Page 12: ...trations related to kickback and never make these kinds of errors COMMON CAUSES OF KICKBACK UPPER BAR TIP CONTACT WITH ANY OBJECT UPPER BAR TIP CONTACT WITH ANOTHER LOG OR BRANCH IMPROPER INSERTION IN...

Page 13: ...not thrust the nose of the saw into a pile of branches or dense brush where you cannot see whether the nose is in the clear A high risk of kickback exists under such conditions INSTALL THE KICK GUARD...

Page 14: ...ws combine both hand guard lever and inertia chain brakes Review your instruction manual or contact ECHO to find out the specifications of your saw model Chain Brake Lever WARNING It is the responsibi...

Page 15: ...still meet the 45 degree CKA requirement Always use the proper replacement chain recommended for your saw GUARD LINKS The low kickback saw chain on your ECHO saw has depth gauges and guard links to r...

Page 16: ...ce 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 mountin...

Page 17: ...sk of hearing damage by wearing either headset type protectors or approved ear plugs Note Stuffing ears with cotton is not recommended All persons who make part of their living using chain saws should...

Page 18: ...a firm grip but do not squeeze the handles with excessive pressure Assure good maintenance of your saw loose parts can add to vibration levels PRECAUTIONS AGAINST REPETITIVE STRESS INJURIES It is bel...

Page 19: ...operates the throttle trigger This can result in the chain saw skating or skidding which can result in personal injury due to loss of control Always keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands wi...

Page 20: ...h the guide bar and saw chain to the rear For gasoline operated chain saws keep the muffler away from your body When transporting your chain saw use a protective guide bar scabbard WARNING Do not oper...

Page 21: ...is the key to a strong grip WARNING Never use a grip where the thumb and finger do not encircle the saw handle If you use an improper grip even a slight push or kick of the saw may dislodge your hand...

Page 22: ...nd wedges Shovel First aid kit Despite taking all precautions operating a chain saw or just working in the forest presents dangers DO NOT transport fuel or a saw containing fuel in the same compartmen...

Page 23: ...amage or leaks If you experience leaking of fuel onto your clothing or shoes do not start or use the saw until you have changed your clothing DO NOT USE A Chain saw WITH A LEAKY CAP Order a new replac...

Page 24: ...power company as soon as possible Work only when there is adequate lighting to see clearly When there are several workers they should be stationed where they will not interfere with one another During...

Page 25: ...u may begin with a shallow underbuck to avoid splitting When the lie is such that the cutoff section will settle guard against binding and pinching of the saw between the log sections This can be done...

Page 26: ...es that do not have a distinct collar should be cut at a right angle to the branch outside of the branch bark ridge TRIMMING TECHNIQUE TO AVOID BARK PEELING Pruning Technique DO NOT CUT UP IN TREES Wh...

Page 27: ...using a wedge to help start the tree in the right direction If the trunk is too small in diameter for insertion of a wedge consider tethering the tree The tether line must be attached before cutting...

Page 28: ...ther and will not fall ask for help from a trained experienced woodsman or tree felling service This can become an extremely dangerous condition WARNING Check for broken or dead branches which can fal...

Page 29: ...he high groundside of the trunk to buck off logs It may be necessary to bore into the middle of a log before the top or bottom is cut Boring is a dangerous procedure where the bar tip guard cannot be...

Page 30: ...deeply enough to insert a wedge Reinsert the saw and over buck as far down as possible without letting the chain hit the dirt Logs that are flat on the ground and that are within the saw s capacity t...

Page 31: ...owards the hinge Reverse saw direction reinsert saw into the cut and draw it across the back of the tree Cut the other side to complete the felling cut and the hinge Follow standard felling procedures...

Page 32: ...d extension cords with cuts Inspect the electric cords before each use and replace them if damaged Cord insulation must be intact with no cracks or deterioration Use only polarized extension cords mar...

Page 33: ...y from the chain Work away from the power source allowing the cord to follow behind you Do not touch the metal bar or chain if the chain saw blade has cut into the extension cord To avoid motor overhe...

Page 34: ...uncontrolled chain saw can continue on its path and strike the legs feet or body of the operator GASOLINE POWERED UNIT TERMS THROTTLE TRIGGER Located in the rear handle it is used to control the speed...

Page 35: ...ifically the closing in of the wood which pinches and stops the chain along the top rails of the guide bar during a cut This can result in the chain saw being propelled straight back toward the operat...

Page 36: ...ECHO INCORPORATED 400 OAKWOOD ROAD LAKE ZURICH IL 60047 PHONE 847 540 8400 www echo usa com...