Proper Techniques For Basic Feeloing, Limbing And Cross-Cutting; Understanding The Forces Within The Wood; Felling A Tree - Ryobi RCS2340B Original Instructions Manual

Do not cut vines and/or small undergrowth (less than
75 mm in diameter).
Always hold the chainsaw with both hands during
operation. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers
encircling the chainsaw handles. Right hand must be
on the rear handle and left hand on the front handle.
Before starting the product, make sure the saw chain is
not contacting any object.
Do not modify the product in any way or use it to power
any attachments or devices not recommended by the
manufacturer for your saw.
There should be a first-aid kit containing large
wound dressings and a means to summon attention
(e.g., whistle) close to the operator. A larger more
comprehensive kit should be reasonably nearby.
Wear a helmet at all times when operating the product.
A helmet, equipped with mesh visor, can help reduce
the risk of injury to the face and the head if kickback
occurs.
An incorrectly tensioned chain can jump off the guide
bar and could result in serious injury or fatality. The
length of chain depends on the temperature. Check the
tension frequently.
You should get used to your new chainsaw by making
simple cuts on securely supported wood. Do this
whenever you have not operated the saw for some
time.
To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting
moving parts, always stop the motor, apply chain brake,
and remove the plug from the power outlet. Make sure
all moving parts have come to a complete stop:
before leaving the product unattended
before cleaning or clearing a blockage
before installing or removing attachments
before checking, conducting maintenance, or
working on the product
The size of the work area depends on the job being
performed as well as the size of the tree or work piece
involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger
work area than making other cuts, i.e., bucking cuts,
etc. The operator needs to be aware and in control of
everything happening in this work area.
Do not cut with your body in line with the guide bar
and chain. If you do experience kickback this will help
prevent the chain coming into contact with your head
or body.
Do not use a back-and-forward sawing motion, let the
chain do the work, keep the chain sharp and don’t try to
push the chain through the cut.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
Be ready to take on the weight of the saw as it cuts free
from the wood. Failure to do so could result in possible
serious personal injury.
Do not stop the saw in the middle of a cutting operation.
Keep the saw running until it exits the cut.
4
Personal protective equipment
Good quality personal protective equipment, as used
by professionals, will help reduce the risk of injury to
the operator. The following items should be used when
operating the product:
Safety helmet
Hearing protection
Eye and face protection
Gloves
Leg protection (chaps)
Chainsaw safety boots
Chainsaw jackets for upper body protection
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE PROPER TECH-
NIQUES FOR BASIC FELLING, LIMBING, AND CROSS-
CUTTING

Understanding the forces within the wood

When you understand the directional pressures and
stresses inside the wood you can reduce the “pinches” or
at least expect them during your cutting. Tension in the
in this area, the “kerf” or cut will tend to open as the saw
goes through. If a log is being supported on a saw horse
and the end is hanging unsupported over the end, then
tension is created on the upper surface due to the weight
are being pushed together. If a cut is made in this area, the
kerf will have the tendency to close up during the cut. This
would pinch the blade.

Felling a tree

See page 19 - 20.
When bucking and felling operations are being performed
by two or more persons at the same time, the felling
operations should be separated from the bucking operation
by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being
felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would
endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any
property damage. If the tree does make contact with any
The chainsaw operator should keep on the uphill side of
the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after
it is felled.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as
necessary before cuts are started. The escape path should
extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line
of fall.
Before felling starts, consider the natural lean of the tree,
the location of larger branches, and the wind direction to
judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire
from the tree.
Do not attempt to fell trees which are rotten or have been
dangerous and should only be completed by professional
tree surgeons.