![background image](http://html1.mh-extra.com/html/ryobi/ry40050/ry40050_operators-manual_1505580004.webp)
Page 4 — English
Kickback is a dangerous reaction that can lead
to serious injury. 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 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 chain is pinched along the
top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven
rapidly back toward the operator, which can
cause loss of control and may result in serious
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety
devices built into the product.
With a basic understanding of kickback, you
can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
Use pole saw for cutting wood only. Do not use
for cutting non-wood items.
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 while you are operating
the unit. Have a planned retreat path.
Cut only when visibility and light are adequate
for you to see clearly.
To protect yourself from electrocution, do not
operate within 50 feet of overhead electrical
lines.
Before starting the motor, make sure the chain
is not contacting any object.
To protect yourself from falling branches, do not
stand directly under the branch or limb being
cut. This unit should not be held at an angle over
60° from ground level.
Turn off the motor and make sure cutting attach-
ment has stopped before setting unit down.
Follow the sharpening and maintenance instruc-
tions for the saw chain.
Use only the replacement guide bars and low
kickback chains specified for the unit.
Do not operate the saw with one hand! Serious
injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or
any combination of these persons may result
from one hand operation. This saw is intended
for two-handed use.
Use extreme caution when cutting small-sized
brush and saplings because slender material
may catch the saw chain and be whipped to-
ward 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 the tension in the wood fibers is released.
Avoid accidental starting - never carry the unit
with the battery installed or with your finger on
the switch trigger. Be sure switch is off before
installing battery.
Maintain Appliance With Care — Keep cutting
edge sharp and clean for best performance
and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow instruc-
tions for lubricating and changing accessories.
Inspect the battery charger cord periodically,
and if damaged, have it replaced or repaired by
an authorized service dealer.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Check Damaged Parts — Before further use of
the product, a guard or other part that is dam-
aged should be carefully checked to determine
that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment of mov-
ing parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts, mounting, and any other condition that
may affect its operation. A guard or other part
that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center unless
indicated elsewhere in this manual.