Ryobi RY40505 Operator's Manual page 11

All chain saw service, other than the items listed in the op-
eration 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 switch replaced by an authorized service center.
Do not adapt your power head 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, roof-
top, 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 performed
better and safer at the rate for which it was intended.
Always use the right product for your application. The
chain saw should be used for cutting wood only. Never
use the chain saw to cut plastic, 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 this product only with batteries and chargers listed in
tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supple-
ment 988000-842.
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.
Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your
product and do not expose the product to rain or wet
conditions. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids,
water, and chemicals can enter the product's electronic
components and/or battery compartment and damage
electronic components and/or the battery pack, which
can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and seri-
ous personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris
by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth occasionally.
CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
KICKBACK
See Figures 2 - 4.
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.
• Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free
from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar
contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction
that could be hit while you are operating the saw.
• Always cut with the unit running at full speed. Fully
squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady
cutting speed.
• Use replacement parts such as low kickback chain,
chain brakes and special guide bars that reduce the
risks associated with rotational kickback. Use only
the replacement guide bars and low kickback chains
specified by the manufacturer for the saw.
With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce
or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise
contributes to accidents.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at
all times.
Do not cut above chest height or overreach when cut-
ting. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log,
branch, ground, or any other obstruction while you are
operating the unit.
Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for
the saw chain.
5 - English