Four Tips to Use Your Chainsaw Safely
Most chainsaws are designed to accomplish three basic tasks—limbing, bucking, and felling. You can use this piece of outdoor power equipment to remove branches and limbs from a downed tree, cut the trunk of a downed tree, and cut an upright tree in a controlled and calculated manner. However, you’ll need to be extremely careful while using this machine, as even a moment of carelessness can cause you to sustain serious injuries.
Follow our guide to learn about a few safety practices and stay safe while using your chainsaw. For more advice, connect with our experts at Tractor Bob’s in Oklahoma City, OK, today.
1. Refer to Your Owner’s Manual
Your owner’s manual is a helpful resource that details information about your given model and the manufacturer’s recommendations about using your machine. If you run into any performance issues, you can look up your owner’s manual for assistance in fixing them.
Generally speaking, you must never operate a malfunctioning chainsaw or if it has any unresolved issues. If the problems are too complex for you to handle with the help of your owner’s manual, you’ll want to seek expert assistance. Our service professionals at Tractor Bob’s have the right tools and experience to fix problems with chainsaws, and we can repair the issue quickly and effectively.
2. Take Advantage of Built-in Features
For starters, chainsaws come with multiple safety features that will automatically shut down your machine if something goes wrong. Some of these include a stop switch, chain brake, and more. In addition, these machines come with a hand guard that protects the operator from kickback occurrences.
Some models even come with anti-vibration features to help secure the critical joints on your chainsaw, so your machine will stay functional for longer.
3. Use the Right Protective Gear
When using your chainsaw, be extra careful about accidental contact with the machine, which can lead to critical injuries. Also, beware of hazards like falling limbs and trunks of trees that move when they are cut. That’s why you must wear protective gear while using your chainsaw. Common safety apparel includes a high visibility safety vest, gloves, boots, leg protection like chainsaw chaps or pants, goggles, and a hard hat. Though noise levels may vary by model, you’ll want to use earplugs when operating your machinery.
4. Apply Proper Technique
We also recommend our customers be mindful of the kickback zone when operating a chainsaw. This area is the tip of the chainsaw, which you should never use for cutting as you can cause your equipment to kick back against you, making it dangerous for you and others around you. To prevent kickback, grip your chainsaw firmly when using it and get familiar with the most comfortable and natural position for holding your machine.
If you have more questions, connect with our experts at Tractor Bob’s. We are in Oklahoma City, OK, and we are waiting to serve you.