Ryobi P548, Operator'S Manual

Page: 19 / 122

19 - English
PROPER CUTTING STANCE
See Figure 11 - 12.
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 12. 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.

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, 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.
WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS

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 ade-
OPERATION
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
STRAIGHT ARM
POSITION
CHAIN LINE
quate instructions for the safe and proper use
of this chain saw.

Keep everyone - helpers, bystanders, children,
and animals - a safe distance from the cutting
area. During felling operations, the safe dis-
tance 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 being pulled off balance.

Do not cut above chest height, as a saw held high-
er is difficult to control against kickback forces.

Do not fell trees near electrical wires or build-
ings. Leave this operation for professionals.

Cut only when visibility and light are adequate
for you to see clearly.