Shindaiwa 502s User Manual

12

This saw is equipped with a dual func-

tion chain brake designed to stop the 

saw chain from rotating whenever kick-

back occurs. 

WARNING!
The chain brake is installed 

only to reduce the risk from kickback! 
The chain brake is not a substitute for 
careful operation! 

Release the throttle whenever the chain 

brake is activated!

Engaging the brake lever causes a 

1. 

brake band to tighten around the 

clutch drum, stopping the saw chain. 
The chain brake is designed to engage 

2. 

whenever the brake lever strikes the 

operator’s hand or from the inertial 

effects of kickback. 
The chain brake can also be activated 

3. 

by pushing the brake lever forward 

manually. 

To release (disengage) the chain brake, 

pull the brake lever rearward, towards the 

front handle until a positive stop is felt. 

WARNING!
Both of the following testing 

procedures must cause the chain 
brake to engage and prevent the 
saw chain from moving! If the chain 
brake does not fully engage and 
prevent the saw chain from moving 
during either test, DO NOT OPER-
ATE THE SAW! Return the saw to 
your dealer for repairs!

Use the following procedure to test for 

proper operation: 

Start the saw and warm the engine to 

1. 

operating temperature. 

Use the following procedure to test for 

proper operation: 

Turn the engine “OFF,” and verify 

1. 

that the ignition switch is in the “O” or 

“OFF” position. 

With the saw on a flat stable surface, main-

2. 

tain a firm grip on the rear handle with the 

right hand and the top of the front handle 

with the left hand. The left hand should be 

centered with the front hand guard.
Accelerate engine to full throttle, then, 

3. 

without releasing the front handle, roll 

the left wrist forward against the front 

hand guard/chain brake lever to push the 

brake lever forward until the chain brake 

activates (position 2). The saw chain 

must stop immediately. If either of step 1 

or step 2 tests fail, contact an authorized 

Shindaiwa dealer for repairs.

CAUTION!
Operating the saw at wide open throt-
tle for longer than 5 seconds without 
a load could result in engine damage.

Periodically clean the brake mecha-

 

■

nism of sawdust or debris. 

CAUTION!
Never start or operate this saw while 
the chain brake is activated!

If the chain brake becomes damaged 

 

■

or worn, or fails to completely engage 

or release the clutch drum, return the 

saw to your dealer for repairs. 
Never carry the saw by the brake lever! 

 

■

Carry the saw by the front handle. 

Always stop the saw and disengage 

 

■

the chain brake before removing or 

replacing the clutch cover! 
Never make carburetor adjustments 

 

■

while the chain brake is engaged!

WARNING!
The chain brake system for 

this unit type  502s is not adjust-
able! If the chain brake fails to stop 
the chain when activated, DO NOT 
USE THE SAW! Return the saw to 
your dealer for repairs.

Release the front handle only and allow 

3. 

the guide bar nose to drop onto the 

wood. The chain brake lever should 

move forward to position 2 and activate 

the brake as soon as the nose strikes 

the wood block. Wearing gloves, make 

sure that the saw chain cannot be 

pulled around the guide bar.

Hold the chain saw normally, gripping 

2. 

the rear handle with the right hand 

and the front handle with the left hand. 

While keeping the chain saw level, hold 

the nose of the guide bar approximately 

14” (35 cm) above a solid wood block.