Echo chain saw cs-400 User Manual

2

  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 chain saw handles.    

 

A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and 

maintain control of the saw.  

 

 

Don’t let go.

  3.  Make sure that 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 which 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.

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 con-

trol of the saw which could result in serious personal 

injury. 

The Kick Guard

 device is not installed on the guide 

bar when you purchase your ECHO chain saw.  

The Kick Guard

® 

can be used in a majority of cutting 

operations, and is especially recommended for begin-

ners, homeowners, or chain saw novices.  

Most cutting operations can be accomplished with the 

Kick Guard

 in place. 

Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built 

into your saw.    

 

As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to 
keep your cutting jobs free from 

accident or injury. 

Copyright© 2010 By Echo, Incorporated

All Rights Reserved.

   

1.  Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Serious 

injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any 

combination of these persons may result from one-

handed operation.  

 

 

 

 

A chain saw is intended for two-handed use.

  2.  Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.
  3.  Use safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing and 

protective gloves.   

 

 

Wear 

eye, hearing, and head protection devices.

  4.  Use caution when handling fuel.    

 

Move the chain saw at least 3 m (10 feet) from the 

fueling point before starting the engine.

  5.  Do not allow other persons to be near the chain saw 

when starting or cutting with the chain saw.  

 

Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area.

  6.  Do not start cutting until you have a clear work 

area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path 

from the falling tree.

  7.  Keep all parts of your body away from the saw 

chain when the engine is running.

  8.  Before you start the engine, make sure that the 

saw chain is not contacting anything.

  9.  Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, 

the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the 

muffler away from your body.

10.  Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, 

improperly adjusted, or not completely and 

securely assembled. Be sure that the saw chain 

stops moving when the throttle control trigger is 

released.

11.  Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw 

down.