Kickback - Ryobi RY40502 Operator's Manual

other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in
this manual.
 All chain saw service, other than the items listed
in the operation and maintenance sections,
should be performed by an authorized service
center.
 Always maintain a proper stance.
 Do not use chain saw if switch does not turn it
on and off. Have defective switch replaced by
an authorized service center.
 Do not adapt your powerhead to a bow guide
or use it to power any attachments or devices
not listed for the saw.
 Disconnect chain saw from power supply when
not in use, before servicing, and when making
adjustments and changing attachments, such
as saw chain and guard.
 Do not cut vines and/or small underbrush.
 Do not operate a chain saw in a tree, on a ladder,
rooftop, scaffold, or other unstable support; this
is extremely dangerous.
NOTE: The size of the work area depends on the
job being performed as well as the size tree or
work piece involved. For example, felling a tree
requires a larger work area than making bucking
cuts.
 Do not force the chain saw. The job can be per-
formed better and safer at the rate for which it
was intended.
 Always use the right product for your applica-
tion. The chain saw should be used for cutting
wood only. Never use the chain saw to cut plas-
tic, masonry or non-wood building materials.
 Store chain saw when not in use. Chain saw
should be stored in a dry and high or locked
area out of the reach of children. When storing
chain saw place the scabbard on the bar and
chain and store the chain saw in carrying case.
 Use only with battery and charger listed. For use
with 40V lithium-ion battery packs. See Tool/
Appliance/Battery Pack/Charger Correlation
Supplement 988000842.
NOTE: Although the chain saw will work
with all battery packs listed on the correla-
tion supplement, for best performance, avoid
CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
using first generation Ryobi 40V lithium-ion
batteries [OP4026 (part numbers 130186012
or 130186006) and OP4015 (part number
1300208001)]. The chain speed will be signifi-
cantly reduced if these batteries are used.
 Battery operated units do not have to be
plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they
are always in operating condition. Be aware
of possible hazards even when unit is not
operating.
 Remove the battery pack from the chain saw
before cleaning, servicing, storing, removing
material from the unit, changing accessories
such as the bar and chain, or when not in use.
 Save these instructions. Refer to them fre-
quently and use them to instruct others who
may use this product. If you loan someone this
product, loan them these instructions also.

KICKBACK

See Figures 1 - 3.
 WARNING: Kickback may occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar or when the
wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in
the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip
of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into
the object and stop the chain for an instant.
The result is a lightning fast, reverse reaction
which kicks the guide bar up and back toward
the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along
the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be
driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either
of these reactions can cause loss of saw control
which can result in serious injury. Do not rely
exclusively upon the safety devices built into
the saw. As a chain saw user, you should take
several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
 The following precautions should be followed
to minimize kickback:
• Always grip the saw firmly with both hands.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands when
the unit is running. Place your right hand on
the rear handle and your left hand on the
front handle with your thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip
together with a stiff left arm will help you
maintain control of the saw if kickback occurs.
7 - English