Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - chain brakes on saws

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boman
08-20-03, 09:44 PM
Is the chain brake on chainsaws supposed to engage when you release the handle. On a Poulan Pro I have, the brake does not engage unless I push the brake lever forward. When I do this, Am I burning a clutch or anything? I am concerned about the chain still moving when I cut through brush and such. Tree limbs too, for that matter. Even when I sit it down , the chain continues to move. Is this normal, or does it need to be idled down?

cheese
08-21-03, 01:40 AM
Sounds like you need to idle it down. The chain brake is only supposed to engage when pushed forward, as yours does. What this does is: if the chainsaw kicks back while in use, if it kicks hard enough, it will force the bar that engages the brake against the back of your wrist enough to engage the brake and stop the chain from turning hopefully before it cuts you.