Ryobi RY40506 Operator's Manual page 13

ADJUSTABLE FRONT HANDLE
See Figure 8.
The angle of the front handle can be adjusted 180°.
 Remove the battery pack.
 Set the pole saw on a flat surface and turn the
knob counterclockwise to loosen the handle.
 Adjust the handle as desired.
 Turn the knob clockwise until the handle is se-
curely tightened before reinstalling the battery
pack.
PREPARATION FOR CUTTING
See Figures 9 - 10.
 Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and
protection.
 Maintain a proper grip on the unit whenever the
motor is running. Use your right hand to firmly
grip the rear handle while your left hand has a
firm grip on the pole shaft.
 Hold unit firmly with both hands. Always keep
your left hand on the pole shaft and your right
hand on the rear handle, so your body is to the
left of the chain line. Never use a left-handed
(cross-handed) grip, or any stance that places
your body or arm across the chain line.
 Never stand directly under the limb you are
cutting.
 Be certain the collars are fully tightened before
operating equipment; check them periodically
for tightness during use to avoid serious injury.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
Follow the steps below to prevent damage to tree
or shrub bark. Do not use a back-and-forth saw-
ing motion.
 Make a shallow first cut (1/4 of limb diameter)
on the underside of the limb close to the main
limb or trunk.
 Make a second cut from the top side of the limb
outboard from the first cut. Continue the cut
through the limb until the limb separates from
the tree. Be prepared to balance the weight of
the tool when the limb falls.
 Make a final cut close to trunk.
OPERATION
FIRST CUT
1/4 DIAMETER
NOTE: For second and final cuts (from top of limb
or branch), hold front cutting guide against the
limb being cut. This will help steady the limb and
make it easier to cut. Allow chain to cut for you;
exert only light downward pressure. If you force the
cut, damage to the bar, chain, or motor can result.
 Release the trigger as soon as the cut is
completed.
Failure to follow proper cutting procedures will
result in the bar and chain binding and becom-
ing pinched or trapped in the limb. If this should
happen:
13 — English
LOAD
SECOND CUT
FINAL
CUT
CUTTING GUIDE
KNOB
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10