Toro Flex-Force Power System 51870 Operator's Manual page 6

surfaces such as ladders may cause a loss of
balance or control of the pole saw.
11. When cutting a limb that is under tension be
alert for spring back. When the tension in the
wood fibres is released the spring loaded limb
may strike the operator and/or throw the pole
saw out of control.
12. Use extreme caution when cutting brush and
saplings. The slender material may catch the
saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull
you off balance.
13. Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning, and changing accessories.
Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may
either break or increase the chance for kickback.
14. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil
and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery
causing loss of control.
15. Cut wood only. Do not use pole saw for
purposes not intended. For example: do not
use pole saw for cutting plastic, masonry or
non-wood building materials. Use of the pole
saw for operations different than intended could
result in a hazardous situation.
16. Avoid kickback. 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 contact in some cases may cause a sudden
reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and
back toward you.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the
guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back
toward you.
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 pole saw
user, you should take several steps to keep your
cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions and
can be avoided by taking proper precautions as
given below:
•
Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and
fingers encircling the pole saw handles,
with both hands on the handle and
position your body and arm to allow you
to resist kickback forces. Kickback forces
can be controlled by the operator, if proper
precautions are taken. Do not let go of the
pole saw.
•
Only use replacement bars and chains
specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect
replacement bars and chains may cause
chain breakage and/or kickback.
•
Follow the manufacturer's sharpening
and maintenance instructions for the saw
chain. Decreasing the depth gauge height
can lead to increased kickback..
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
6