Solo USA 280 User Manual

MS 270, MS 270 C, MS 280, MS 280 C

!

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 lightning fast 
reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar 
up and back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of 
the guide bar may push the guide bar 
rapidly back towards the operator. Either 
of these reactions may cause you to lose 
control of the saw which could result in 
serious personal injury.

Section 5.11 of ANSI B 175.1-2000 sets 
certain performance and design criteria 
related to chainsaw kickback. STIHL has 
developed a color code system using 
green and yellow to help you select a 
powerhead, bar and chain combination 
that complies with the kickback 
requirements of the ANSI Standard. 
See the sections entitled "Safety 
Precautions" and "Specifications" of this 
manual.

Do not rely exclusively upon the safety 
devices built into your saw. As a 
chainsaw user, you should take several 
steps to keep your cutting jobs free from 
accident or injury.

1. With a basic understanding of 

kickback, you can reduce or 
eliminate the element of surprise. 
Sudden surprise contributes to 
accidents.

2. Keep a good firm grip on the saw 

with both hands, the right hand on 
the rear handle, and the left hand on 
the front handle, when the engine is 
running. Use a firm grip with thumbs 
and fingers encircling the chainsaw 
handles. A firm grip will help you 
reduce kickback and maintain 
control of the saw. Don't let go.

3. Make sure the area in which you are 

cutting is free from obstructions. Do 
not let the nose of the guide bar 
contact a log, branch, or any other 
obstruction that could be hit while 
you are operating the saw.

4. Cut at high engine speeds.
5. Do not overreach or cut above 

shoulder height.

6. Follow manufacturer's sharpening 

and maintenance instructions for 
the saw chain.

7. Only use replacement bars and 

chains specified by the 
manufacturer or the equivalent.

8. Reduced kickback bars and low 

kickback chains are designed to 
reduce the risk of kickback injury. 
Ask your STIHL dealer about these 
devices.

!

1. Do not operate a chainsaw with one 

hand! Serious injury to the operator, 
helpers, bystanders, or any 
combination of these persons may 
result from one-handed operation. A 
chainsaw is intended to be used 
with two hands.

2. Do not operate a chainsaw when 

you are fatigued.

3. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting 

clothing; protective gloves; and eye, 
hearing, and head protection 
devices.