Ryobi RY40505 Operator's Manual page 18

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 dangerous 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 serious personal injury.
PROPER CUTTING STANCE
See Figures 13 - 14.
WARNING:
Always use the proper cutting stance described in this
section. Never kneel when using the chain saw, except
when felling a tree as illustrated in figure 14. Kneeling
could result in loss of stability and control of the chain
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" posi-
tion 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 tech-
nique to get the "feel" of using the saw before you begin a
major sawing operation.
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.
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, damage to the bar, chain,
or unit can result.
Release the switch trigger as soon as the cut is com-
pleted, 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.
OPERATION
WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS
See Figure 15.
Cut only wood or materials made from wood, no sheet
metal, no plastics, no masonry, no non-wood building
materials.
Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no person
to use this chain saw who has not read this Operator's
Manual or received adequate instructions for the safe and
proper use of this chain saw.
Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children, and ani-
mals – a safe distance from the cutting area. During fell-
ing operations, the safe distance should be a least twice
the height of the largest trees in the felling area. During
bucking operations, keep a minimum distance of 15 feet
between workers.
Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent be-
ing pulled off balance.
Do not cut above chest height, as a saw held higher is
difficult to control against kickback forces.
Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave
this operation for professionals.
Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you
to see clearly.
FELLING TREES
See Figures 15 - 18.
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
WARNING:
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy pre-
cipitation. Wait until the hazardous weather has ended.
WARNING:
Closely check for broken or dead branches, which could
fall while cutting and do not cut near buildings or electrical
wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall. Do not
cut at night or during bad weather conditions, such as
rain, snow, or strong winds, which can reduce visibility
and control of the chain saw. If the tree you are felling
makes contact with any utility line, you should discontinue
use of the chain saw and immediately notify the utility
company. Failure to follow these instructions could result
in death or serious personal injury.
When felling a tree, it is very important that you closely follow
these warnings and instructions to prevent possible death
or serious personal injury.
Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large
trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks. Have
these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equip-
ment, then cut them up.
12 - English