Ryobi Expand-It APR05, Original Instructions Manual

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● Make sure that the area in which you are cutting
is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of
the guide bar contact branch, limb or any other
obstruction while you are operating the product.
● Maintain a firm grip, with both hands on the product
and position your body and arm to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled
by the operator if proper precautions are taken. Do
not let go of the pruner.
● Do not overreach. This helps prevent unintended tip
contact and enables better control of the pruner in
unexpected situations.
● Only use replacement bars and chains specified by
the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and
chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
● Sharpening the chain safely is a skilled task.
Therefore, the manufacturer strongly recommends
that a worn or dull chain is replaced with a new
one. The part number is available in the product
specification table in this manual.
■ Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Always cut
with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled
off balance.
■ To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate
within 10 m of overhead electrical lines.
■ Remove branches in sections. Do not operate in
dangerous positions. Beware of falling branches or
those which rebound after hitting the ground.
■ Use extreme caution when cutting small-sized brush
and saplings because slender material may catch the
saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.
■ When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for
spring back so that you will not be struck when tension
in wood fibers are released.
■ If the cutting performance deteriorates over time,
check if the chain teeth are sharp and clean. Replace
with original chain (and bar) as recommended by the
manufacturer if necessary.
■ If the chain and bar become pinched or trapped in high
branches, seek advice from a professional tree service
specialist about safe removal of the cutting means.
WARNING
Check that all the shaft couplings on the extension pole
and product are securely fastened before each use and
at frequent intervals.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Good quality, personal protective equipment as used
by professionals will help to reduce the risk of injury to
the operator. The following items should be used when
operating your product:
■ Safety helmet
■ Hearing protection
■ Eye and face protection
■ Gloves
■ Footwear
OPERATION
■ Study the condition of the tree and branches before
starting work. If there are signs of damage, rot, or
decay, do not operate the product. Damaged or rotten
branches are highly unstable. Seek the services of a
professional tree surgeon.
■ Never stand under the branch to be pruned.
■ Pruned branches do not always fall cleanly to the
ground. They are easily caught and deflected by
other foliage. Ensure that a safety zone at least twice
the length of the branch to be cut is available and
maintained when pruning. If this is not possible, seek
the services of a professional tree surgeon.
■ Ensure that the falling branch is not a danger to
yourself, bystanders, or property including utility cables.
■ Never operate the product with the pole at an angle of
greater than 60° horizontally.
■ Never operate the pruner with the cutting means closer
than 10 m from overhead power lines.
■ Do not force the product, let the chain do the work at
its own speed.
■ Do not try to cut the branch too close to the tree trunk.
Leave about 15 cm from the trunk to the cut.
■ Rest the saw bar on the branch to be pruned, and push
the saw gently forwards so that the ribbed bumper also
contacts the branch. This method aids stability and
cutting, and provides cleaner cuts.
■ Small branches that are both thin in diameter and not
heavy can be cut with one cut using the bottom of the
saw bar.
■ For larger diameter and heavier branches, where the
branch may break or split during the cut should be cut
first from under the branch using the top of the saw
bar. Make this cut approximately one third of the way
through the branch. Then make a second cut from
above the branch using the bottom of the saw bar to
join the first cut.
■ Consider pruning large branches in manageable
sections rather than as a whole.
■ Never try to restart a previous cut with the chain and bar
in the earlier cut. Always start a new cut to reduce the
risk of kickback and potential injury.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
■ Clean all foreign material from the product.
■ Cover the saw bar with the scabbard.
■ Store the product in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated
place that is inaccessible to children. Keep the product
away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals
and de-icing salts. Do not store the product outdoors.
■ When storing the product for a long period of time
(one month or longer), be sure that the chain is lightly
lubricated to prevent rust.
■ For transportation, secure the product against
movement or falling to prevent injury to persons or
damage to the product.