Ryobi P2502 Operator's Manual page 17

 Maintain a proper grip on the saw whenever
the unit is running. The fingers should encircle
the handle and the thumb is wrapped under the
handlebar. This grip is least likely to be broken
(by a kickback or other sudden reaction of the
saw). Any grip in which the thumb and fingers
are on the same side of the handle, is danger-
ous because a slight kick of the saw can cause
loss of control.
WARNING:
Do not operate the switch trigger with your left
hand and hold the front handle with your right
hand. Never allow any part of your body to be
in the chain line while operating a saw. Improper
operation of the chain saw could result in seri-
ous personal injury.
PROPER CUTTING STANCE
See Figure 11.
WARNING:
Alway use the proper cutting stance described
in this section. Never kneel when using the
chain saw except when felling a tree as shown
in figure 15. Kneeling could result in loss of sta-
bility and control of the saw resulting in serious
personal injury.
 Weight should be balanced with both feet on
solid ground.
 Keep left arm with elbow locked in a "straight
arm" position to withstand any kickback force.
 Your body should always be to the left of the
chain line.
 Thumb should be on underside of handlebar.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
Practice cutting a few small logs using the following
technique to get the "feel" of using the saw before
you begin a major sawing operation.
 Support log on a saw horse or cradle.
 Take the proper stance in front of the wood with
the saw off.
 Squeeze the switch trigger and let the chain
accelerate to full speed before entering the cut.
OPERATION
CHAIN LINE
 Begin cutting with the saw against the log.
 Keep the unit running the entire time you are
cutting, maintain a steady speed.
 Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light
downward pressure. If you force the cut, dam-
age to the bar, chain, or unit can result.
 Release the switch trigger as soon as the cut
is completed, allowing the chain to stop. If you
run the saw without a cutting load, unnecessary
wear can occur to the chain, bar, and unit.
 Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of cut.
17 - English
CHAIN LINE
STRAIGHT ARM
POSITION
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11