Ryobi P540 - Manual (Page 15)

15
Fig. 13
PROPER CUTTING STANCE
See Figure 13.
n
Weight should be balanced with both feet on solid
ground.
n Keep left arm with elbow locked in a "straight arm" posi-
tion to withstand any kickback force.
n Your body should always be to the left of the chain line.
n 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.
n
Take the proper stance in front of the wood with the saw
off.
n Squeeze the trigger and let the chain accelerate to full
speed before entering the cut.
n Begin cutting with the saw against the log.
n Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting,
maintain a steady speed.
n 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.
n Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed, al-
lowing the chain to stop. If you run the saw without a
cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain,
bar, and unit.
n Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS
n Cut only wood or materials made from wood, no sheet
metal, no plastics, no masonry, no non-wood building
materials.
n 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.
n When felling a tree, keep everyone - helpers, bystanders,
children, and animals - a safe distance from the cutting
area. During felling 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 (4.5 m) between workers.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 utility line, the utility company
should be notified immediately.
STRAIGHT ARM
POSITION
CHAIN LINE
n Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent be-
ing pulled off balance.
n Do not cut above chest height, as a saw held higher is
difficult to control against kickback forces.
n Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave
this operation for professionals.
n Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to
see clearly.
TREE FELLING
Unusual Hazardous Tree Felling Conditions
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipi-
tation. Wait to do your cutting until the hazard has ended.
WARNING:
Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large
trees that have rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks.
Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy
equipment, then cut them up.
WARNING:
Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.
WARNING:
Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could
fall and hit you during felling.
OPERATION