RYOBI P25013 6 Inch Compact Brushless Pruning Chainsaw User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
18 VOLT PRUNING SAW
P25013

P25013 6 Inch Compact Brushless Pruning Chainsaw

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

See this fold-out section for all of the figures referenced in the operator’s manual.

A – Battery port
B – Switch trigger
C – Rear handle
D – Lock-out button
E – Front hand grip
F – Chain cover lock knob| G – Chain tension adjustment ring
H – Front chain guard
I – Chain
J – Scabbard
K – Guide bar
---|---

A – Sprocket
B – Guide bar
C – Chain
D – Chain cover lock knob
E – Chain cover| F – Bar mount stud
G – Chain catcher
H – Locating hole
I – Chain tension assembly
J – Screw
---|---

A – Chain cover lock knob
B- To loosen
C – To tighten| A – Flats on tie straps
---|---
| A – Top plate
B – Cutting corner
C – Side plate
D – Depth gauge
E – Toe
F – Gullet
G – Heel
H – Rivet hole

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery- operated (cordless) power tool.

WORK AREA SAFETY

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.

• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators.
  There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under  the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inatten- tion while operating power tools may result in serious personal  injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, ad-ditionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

SERVICE

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• When servicing a power tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance instructions may create a risk of shock or injury.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

PRUNING SAW SAFETY WARNINGS

• Keep all parts of the body away from the pruner when the pruner is operating. Before you start the pruner, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. A moment of inattention while operating pruners can cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the saw chain.
• Always hold the pruner with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle. Holding the pruner with a reversed hand configuration increases the risk of personal injury and should never be done.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Further protective equipment for head, hands, legs and feet is recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal injury by flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
• Do not operate a pruner in a tree. Operation of a pruner while up in a tree can result in personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the pruner only when standing on fixed, secure and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause a loss of balance or control of the pruner.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for spring back. When the tension in the wood fibres is released the spring loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the pruner out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch the pruner chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the pruner by the front handle with the pruner switched off and away from your body. When trans- porting or storing the pruner always fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the pruning saw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain could break the pruner chain.
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss of control.
• Cut wood only. Do not use pruner for purposes not intended. For example: do not use pruner for cutting plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials. Use of the pruner for operations different than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling the pruner handles, with both hands on the pruner. Maintaining control of the pruner will reduce the risk of losing control. Do not let go of the pruner.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above chest height. 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 can cause chain breakage and increase the risk of injury.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the pruner chain. Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased risk of injury.

CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF KICKBACK
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in serious personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a pruner user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given
below:

• Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles, with both hands on the saw 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 chain saw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement guide bars and saw chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
• Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree. Cluttered areas invite accidents.
• Keep ALL children, bystanders, visitors, and animals out of the work area while starting or cutting with the pruning saw. Do not let visitors contact pruning saw or extension cord.
• Do not operate pruning saw in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Pruning saws create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Dress Properly – Wear snug fitting clothing. Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, overalls, jeans or chaps made of cut resistant material or ones that contain cut resistant inserts. Wear non-slip safety footwear. Wear non-slip heavy duty gloves to improve your grip and to protect your hands. Do not wear jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, which could be drawn into the motor or catch the chain or underbrush. Secure hair so it is above shoulder level. Wear hearing and head protection.
• Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue, which could lead to heat stroke. During weather that is hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing and head protection when operating this equipment.
• Always be aware of what you are doing when using the pruning saw. Use common sense. Do not operate the pruning saw when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Do not expose the pruning saw to rain.
• Do not use the pruning saw in damp or wet locations.
• Stay alert and pay attention to what you are doing. Use common sense when using this unit.
• Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the unit is running.
• Never let anyone use your pruning saw who has not received adequate instructions in its proper use. This applies to rentals as well as privately owned saws.
• Before you start the unit, make sure the saw chain is not contacting any object.
• Stop the pruning saw before setting it down.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with your finger on the switch trigger.
• Maintain the unit with care. Keep the cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
• Do not operate a pruning saw with one hand! Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the pruning saw handles. Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any combination of these persons may result from one-handed operation. A pruning saw is intended for two-handed use.
• Guard against electric shock – Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as metal pipes and wire fences. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
• Do not operate a pruning saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted, or not completely and securely assembled. Chain should slow to a stop when the switch trigger is released. If the chain continues to turn after the switch trigger has been released, have the unit serviced by an authorized service center.
• Check for damaged parts. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions 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 otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.
• All pruning saw service, other than the items listed in the operation and maintenance sections, should be performed by an authorized service center.
• Always maintain a proper stance.
• Do not use pruning saw if switch does not turn it on and off. Have switch replaced by an authorized service center.
• Do not adapt your power head to a bow guide or use it to power any attachments or devices not listed for the saw.
• Disconnect pruning saw from power supply when not in use, before servicing, and when making adjustments and changing attachments, such as saw chain and guard.
• Do not cut vines and/or small underbrush.
• Do not operate a pruning saw in a tree, on a ladder, rooftop, scaffold, or other unstable support; this is extremely dangerous.
• NOTE: The size of the work area depends on the job being performed as well as the size tree or work piece involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger work area than making bucking cuts.
• Do not force the pruning saw. The job can be performed better and safer at the rate for which it was intended.
• Always use the right product for your application. The pruning saw should be used for cutting wood only. Never use the pruning saw to cut plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials.
• Store pruning saw when not charging or when not in use. Pruning saw should be stored in a dry and high or locked area out of the reach of children. When storing pruning saw place the scabbard on the bar and chain.
• Use this product only with batteries and chargers listed in tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supplement 987000-432.
• Battery operated units do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards even when unit is not operating.
• Remove the battery pack from the pruning saw when not charging and before cleaning, servicing, storing, removing material from the unit, changing accessories such as the bar and chain, or when not in use.
• Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product and do not expose the product to rain or wet conditions. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can enter the product’s electronic components and/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth occasionally.

KICKBACK
See Figures 2 – 4.

WARNING
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 saw 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 saw chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause loss of saw control which can result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the saw. As a pruning saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

• The following precautions should be followed to minimize kickback:
  • Always grip the saw firmly with both hands. Hold the saw firmly with both hands when the unit is running. Place your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle with your thumbs and fingers encircling the pruning saw handles. A firm grip together with a stiff left arm will help you maintain control of the saw if kickback occurs.
  • 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 that could be hit while you are operating the saw.
  • Always cut with the unit running at full speed. Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady cutting speed.
  • Use replacement parts such as low kickback chain and special guide bars that reduce the risks associated with rotational kickback. Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback chains specified by the manufacturer for the saw.
• With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Do not cut above chest height or overreach when cut- ting. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch, ground, or any other obstruction while you are operating the unit.
• Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
• Push and Pull – This reaction force is always opposite to the direction the chain is moving where wood contact is made. Thus, the operator must be ready to control the PULL when cutting on the bottom edge of the bar, and PUSH when cutting along the top edge. See Figure 4.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PRUNING SAW SAFETY DEVICES
LOW KICKBACK SAW CHAIN
The rakers (depth gauges) ahead of each cutter can minimize the force of a kickback reaction by preventing the cutters from digging in too deeply at the kickback zone. Only use replacement chain that is equivalent to original chain or has been certified as low kickback chain per ANSI B175.1.
Low kickback saw chain is chain that has met the kickback performance requirements of ANSI B175.1 (American National Standard for Power Tools – Gasoline-Powered ChainsawsSafety Requirements) when tested on the representative sample of chainsaws below 3.8 c.i.d. specified in ANSI
B175.1.
As saw chains are sharpened during their useful life, they lose some of the low kickback qualities and extra caution should be used.

GUIDE BARS
Generally, guide bars with small radius tips have somewhat lower kickback potentials.
When making a replacement, be sure to order one of the bars listed for the saw in this operator’s manual.

• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this product. If you loan someone this product, loan them these instructions also.

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

result in death or serious injury.
| WARNING:| Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
| CAUTION:| Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
| NOTICE:| (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered important, but
not related to a potential injury (e.g. messages relating to property damage).

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

manual before using this product.
| Eye and Hearing
Protection| Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection when operating this equipment.
| Wet Conditions
Alert| Risk of fire and burns. Do not expose battery, battery compartment, or electronic components to rain, water, or liquids. Do not operate on wet ground.
| Rain Symbol| Do not expose to rain.
| Operate With Two
Hands| Hold and operate the saw properly with both hands.
| One Handed| Do not operate the saw using only one hand.
| Kickback| DANGER! BEWARE OF KICKBACK.
| Bar Nose Contact| Avoid bar nose contact. Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move suddenly upward and backward, which may cause serious injury.
| Wear Gloves| Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling the pruning saw.
| Wear Safety Footwear| Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this equipment.
| Recycle Symbol| This product uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Local, state, or federal laws may prohibit disposal of batteries in ordinary trash. Consult your local waste authority for information  regarding available recycling and/ or disposal options.
V| Volts| Voltage
| Direct Current| Type or a characteristic of current

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

BUCKING
The process of cross cutting a felled tree or log into lengths.

PRUNING SAW POWER HEAD
A pruning saw without the saw chain and guide bar.

DRIVE SPROCKET OR SPROCKET
The toothed part that drives the saw chain.

GUIDE BAR
A solid railed structure that supports and guides the saw chain.

KICKBACK
The backward or upward motion, or both, of the guide bar occurring when the saw chain near the nose of the top area of the guide bar contacts any object such as a log or branch, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.

KICKBACK (PINCH)
The rapid pushback of the saw which can occur when the wood closes in and pinches the moving saw chain in the cut along the top of the guide bar.

KICKBACK (ROTATIONAL)
The rapid upward and backward motion of the saw which can occur when the moving saw chain near the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar contacts an object, such as a log or branch.

LOCK-OUT BUTTON
A movable stop that prevents the unintentional operation of the switch until manually actuated.

LOW-KICKBACK CHAIN
A chain that complies with the kickback performance requirements of ANSI B175.1 when tested on a representative sample of chainsaws.

NORMAL CUTTING POSITION
Those positions assumed in performing the bucking and pruning cuts.

NOTCHING UNDERCUT
A notch cut in a tree that directs the tree’s fall.

REDUCED KICKBACK GUIDE BAR
A guide bar which has been demonstrated to reduce kickback significantly.

REPLACEMENT SAW CHAIN
A chain that complies with the kickback performance require- ments of ANSI B175.1 when tested with specific chainsaws.
It may not meet the ANSI performance requirements when used with other saws.

SAW CHAIN
A loop of chain having cutting teeth that cut the wood, and that is driven by the motor and is supported by the guide bar.

SPRINGPOLE
A small tree (sapling) or limb that is bent or trapped under tension. It may “spring back” rapidly when cut, causing a dangerous situation.

SWITCH TRIGGER
A device that when operated will complete or interrupt an electrical power circuit to the motor of the pruning saw.

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Motor ……………………………………. 18 Volt DC
Bar Length ……………………………………….. 6 in.
Chain Speed ………………. 15.75 f/s (4.8 m/s)
NOTE: This saw was designed for occasional light duty use and has some limitations as to what it can cut.

KNOW YOUR PRUNING SAW
See Figure 1.
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information on the product and in this operator’s manual as well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules.

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING
This product has been shipped completely assembled.

• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the Packing List are included.

WARNING: Do not use this product if it is not completely assembled or if any parts appear to be missing or damaged. Use of a product that is not properly and completely assembled could result in serious personal injury.

• Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
• Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.
  If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

PACKING LIST
Pruning Saw with Scabbard Operator’s Manual

WARNING: If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts  could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.
WARNING: To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the product when assembling parts.

OPERATION

DANGER: Never cut near power lines, electric cords, or other electric sources. If bar and chain jams on any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BAR OR CHAIN! THEY CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS. Continue to hold the pruning saw by the insulated rear handle or lay it down and away from you in a safe manner. Disconnect the electrical service to the damaged line or cord before attempting to free the bar and chain from the line or cord. Contact with the bar, chain, other conductive parts of the pruning saw, or live electric cords or lines will result in death by electrocution, electric shock, or serious personal injury.
WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Head protection should be worn when making cuts overhead. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury.
WARNING: Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Never cut a log or limb that has a diameter greater than the length of the guide bar. Only properly trained professionals should perform these cuts. Performing these types of cuts can cause an accident and result in death or serious personal injury.
NOTICE: Before each use, inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or an authorized service center for assistance.

APPLICATIONS
You may use this product for the following purposes:
• Basic limbing and pruning.

TO INSTALL/REMOVE BATTERY PACK
See Figure 5.

WARNING: Always remove battery pack from your tool when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, carrying, transporting or when not in use. Removing battery pack will prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.
NOTE: To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack and keep hands clear of the look-out button when carrying or transporting the tool. To install:
NOTICE: When placing battery pack in your pruning saw, be sure raised rib on battery pack aligns with groove in pruning saw’s battery port and latches snap in place properly. Improper assembly of battery pack can cause damage to internal components.
• Place the battery pack in your pruning saw. Align raised rib on battery pack with groove in pruning saw’s battery port.
WARNING: Make sure the latches on the battery pack snap in place and the battery pack is fully seated and secure in the battery port before beginning operation. Failure to securely seat the battery pack could cause the battery pack to fall out, resulting in serious personal injury.

To remove:
Locate latches on side of battery pack and depress to release the battery pack from the tool.
For complete charging instructions, see the operator’s manuals for your battery pack and charger.

STARTING/STOPPING THE PRUNING SAW
See Figure 6.
WARNING: Keep body to the left of the chain line. Never straddle the saw or chain, or lean over past the chain line. Improper operation of the pruning saw could result in serious personal injury.

Starting the pruning saw:

• Place the pruning saw on a flat bare surface and make sure no objects or obstructions are in immediate vicinity which could come in contact with the bar and chain.
• Press and hold the lock-out button. This makes the switch trigger operational.
• Press and hold the switch trigger, release the lock-out button and continue to squeeze the switch trigger for continued operation.

Stopping the pruning saw:

• Release the switch trigger to stop the pruning saw.
• Upon release of the switch trigger, the lock-out button will be automatically reset to the lock position. This cordless pruning saw is designed for limbing and pruning type cutting up to 6 in. in diameter only.

PREPARATION FOR CUTTING
PROPER GRIP ON HANDLES
See Figures 7 – 9.
Refer to Important Safety Instructions earlier in this manual for appropriate safety equipment.

• Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.
• Hold the saw firmly with both hands. Always keep your left hand on the front hand grip and your right hand on the rear handle so that your body is to the left of the chain line.

WARNING:
Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip, or any stance which would place your body or arm across the chain line. Improper operation of the pruning saw could result in serious personal injury.

• 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 pruning saw could result in serious personal injury.

PROPER CUTTING STANCE
See Figure 10.
WARNING: Always use the proper cutting stance described in this section. Never kneel when using the pruning saw. Kneeling could result in loss of stability 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.

• Support log on a saw horse or cradle.
• 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 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 pruning saw who has not read this Operator’s Manual or received adequate instructions for the safe and proper use of this pruning saw.
• Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children, and animals – a safe distance from the cutting 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 higher is difficult to control against kickback forces.
• Do not prune branches near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this operation for professionals.
• Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.

LIMBING
See Figure 11.

WARNING: Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in any position which can cause you to lose your balance or control of the saw, which could result in death or other serious personal injury.

Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.

• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning saw with a firm grip. Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep the tree off the ground while cutting.
• Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut limbs from the work area often to help keep the work area clean and safe.
• Keep the tree between you and the pruning saw while limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you are cutting.

PRUNING
See Figure 12.
Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.

• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning saw with a firm grip. Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Do not cut from a ladder, this is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for professionals.
• Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback.
• When pruning trees it is important not to make the finishing cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight. This prevents stripping the bark from the main member.

WARNING: If the limbs to be pruned are above chest height, hire a professional to perform the pruning. Failure to do so could result in death or serious personal injury.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the product when cleaning or performing any maintenance.
WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing and head protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury.
WARNING: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts could create a hazard or cause product damage. WARNING: Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product and do not expose the product to rain or wet conditions. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can enter the product’s electronic components and/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth occasionally.

NOTICE: Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or an authorized service center for assistance.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.

WARNING: Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleumbased products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which could result in serious personal injury.

REPLACING BAR AND CHAIN
See Figures 13 – 18.

WARNING: Remove the battery pack from the pruning saw and make sure the chain has stopped before you do any work on the saw. Failure to do so may result in accidental starting and possible serious injury.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, read and understand all the safety instructions in this section.
WARNING: Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is running. The saw chain is very sharp; always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain to avoid possible serious lacerations.
CAUTION: Always wear gloves when handling the bar and chain; these components are sharp and may contain burrs.

• Remove the battery pack before you do any work on the pruning saw.
• Rotate chain cover lock knob counterclockwise 1/2 to 1 turns.
• Rotate the chain tension adjustment ring counterclockwise two clicks.
• Rotate the chain cover lock knob counterclockwise until chain cover can be removed.
• Remove chain cover.
• Remove the bar and chain from mounting surface.
• Remove the old chain from the bar.
• Remove the slotted fastner with a screwdriver.
• Install the chain tension assembly on the new bar by inserting the alignment tab into one bar hole and installing the screw through the other. Tighten securely.
• Lay out the new saw chain in a loop and straighten any kinks. The cutters should face in the direction of chain rotation. If they face the opposite direction, turn the loop over.
• Place the chain drive links into the bar groove as shown. NOTE: Make certain of direction of chain.
• Position the chain so there is a loop at the back of the bar.
• Hold the chain in position on the bar and place the loop around the sprocket.
• Fit the bar flush against the mounting surface so that the bar mounts are in the long slot of the bar.
• Rotate the chain tension cam clockwise a few turns to take up enough slack in the chain so it stays in position.
• Replace the chain cover.
• Rotate chain cover lock knob clockwise to tighten. The bar should still be free to move for tension adjustment.
• Remove all slack from the chain by turning the chain tension adjustment ring clockwise until the chain seats snugly against the bar with the drive links in the bar groove.
• Lift the tip of the guide bar up to check for sag.
• Release the tip of the guide bar and turn the chain tensioning knob 1 click clockwise. Repeat this process until sag does not exist.
• Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the chain cover lock knob.

The chain is correctly tensioned when there is no sag on the underside of the guide bar, the chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand without binding.
NOTE: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen the chain cover lock knob slightly and turn the chain tension adjustment ring 1 click counterclockwise. Lift the tip of the guide bar up and retighten the chain cover lock knob. Ensure that the chain will rotate without binding.

ADJUSTING CHAIN TENSION
See Figures 19 – 20.

WARNING: Shut off the motor, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the battery pack. Never touch or adjust the chain while the engine is running. The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance on the chain. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.

Proper chain tension is critical to the performance of your pruning saw. Always check chain tension before using the saw and periodically until the work is complete.
A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there is no slack on the underside of the guide bar. The chain should be snug, but still able to be turned by hand without binding.
A warm chain is correctly tensioned when the flats on the tie straps hang approximately .050 inches out of the bar groove.
If adjustment is needed:

• Loosen the chain cover screw to finger tight.
• Raise the tip of the guide bar and continue to hold up until the end of this procedure.
• Turn the chain tensioning knob clockwise until the flats on the tie straps of the chain contact the bar, making sure the drive links are seated inside the bar groove.
• Retighten the chain cover screw securely.
• Release the tip of the guide bar and verify the chain is now correctly tensioned using the guidelines above.
  NOTE: If the chain is too tight and will not rotate, loosen the chain cover screw slightly, then turn the chain tensioning knob 1 click counterclockwise. Lift up the tip of the guide bar, retighten the chain cover screw securely, then verify the chain will now rotate without binding.
  NOTE: New chains tend to stretch; check the chain tension frequently and adjust as needed.

NOTICE: A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon cooling. Check the “cold tension” before next use.

CHAIN MAINTENANCE
See Figures 21 – 22.

WARNING: Remove the battery pack and make sure the chain has stopped before you do any work on the saw to avoid accidental starting and possible serious personal injury.

Use only low-kickback chain on this saw. This fast-cutting chain will provide kickback reduction when properly maintained.
For smooth and fast cutting, chain needs to be maintained properly. The chain requires sharpening when the wood chips are small and powdery, the chain must be forced through the wood during cutting, or the chain cuts to one side. During maintenance of your chain, consider the following:

• Improper filing angle of the side plate can increase the risk of a severe kickback.
• Raker (depth gauge) clearance.
• Too low increases the potential for kickback.
• Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
• If cutter teeth have hit hard objects such as nails and stones, or have been abraded by mud or sand on the wood, have service dealer sharpen  chain.
  NOTE: Inspect the drive sprocket for wear or damage when replacing the chain. If signs of wear or damage are present in the areas indicated,  have the drive sprocket replaced by a RYOBI Service dealer.

BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION

• Using a quality bar oil, oil the bar and chain manually, as needed.

HOW TO SHARPEN THE CUTTERS
See Figures 23 – 24.
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and to the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained only when all cutters are uniform.

WARNING: The saw chain is very sharp, always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain to prevent serious personal injury.

• Properly tension the chain prior to sharpening. Refer to Adjusting the Chain Tension earlier in this manual. Do all of your filing at the mid- point of the bar.
• Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.
• Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do not let the file dip or rock.
• Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front corner of the tooth.
• Lift file away from the steel on each return stroke.
• Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand cutters in one direction. Then move to the other side and file the right hand cutters in  the opposite direction. Occasionally remove filings from the file with a wire brush.

WARNING: Improper chain sharpening increases the potential of kickback, which can result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can cause serious injury.
NOTICE: A dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause excessive engine speed during cutting, which may result in severe engine damage.

TOP PLATE FILING ANGLE
See Figure 25.

• CORRECT 30° – File holders are marked with guide marks to align file properly to produce correct top plate angle.
• LESS THAN 30° – For Cross Cutting.
• MORE THAN 30° – Feathered Edge Dulls Quickly.

SIDE PLATE ANGLE
See Figure 26.

• CORRECT – 80° Produced automatically if correct diameter file is used in file holder.
• HOOK – “Grabs” and dulls quickly. Increases potential of KICKBACK.
• Results from using a file with diameter too small, or file held too low.
• BACKWARD SLOPE – Needs too much feed pressure, causes excessive wear to bar and chain.
• Results from using a file with diameter too large, or file held too high.

DEPTH GAUGE CLEARANCE
See Figure 27 – 28.

• The depth gauge should be maintained at a clearance of .025 in. Use a depth gauge tool for checking the depth gauge clearances.
• Every time the chain is filed, check the depth gauge clearance.

Use a flat file and a depth gauge jointer to lower all gauges uniformly. Depth gauge jointers are available in .020 in. to .035 in. Use a .025 in. depth gauge jointer. After lowering each depth gauge, restore original shape by rounding the front. Be careful not to damage adjoining drive links with the edge of the file. Depth gauges must be adjusted with the flat file in the same direction the adjoining cutter was filed with the round file. Use care not to contact cutter face with flat file when adjusting depth gauges.

MAINTAINING THE GUIDE BAR
See Figure 29.
CAUTION: Make sure the chain has stopped and the battery pack has been removed before you do any work on the saw to avoid accidental  starting or contact with the moving chain that may result in injury.

Proper maintenance will maximize the useful life of the guide bar.

Each day of use:
Clean the bar and check for wear and damage. Feathering or burring of the bar rails is a normal process of bar wear, but such faults should be smoothed with a file as soon as they occur.

Each week of use:

• Reverse the guide bar on the saw to distribute the wear.
• Lubricate the socket at the end of the guide bar using a grease syringe in the lubricating hole.
• Turn the guide bar and check that the lubrication holes and chain groove are free from impurities.

A bar with any of the following faults should be replaced immediately:

• Wear inside the bar rails that permits the chain to lay over sideways
• Bent guide bar
• Cracked or broken rails
• Spread rails

TRANSPORTING AND STORING
See Figure 30.

WARNING: Always remove the battery pack before transporting or storing pruning saw. Place battery pack indoors in a dry, secure location out of the reach of children when storing. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to accidental starting or unauthorized use and result in  serious personal injury.

• Do not store or transport the pruning saw when it is running. The pruning saw should always be idle before storing or transporting.
• Always place the guide bar scabbard on the bar and chain before storing or transporting the pruning saw. Use caution to avoid the sharp teeth  of the chain.
• Store pruning saw on its side.
• Clean the pruning saw thoroughly before storing. Store the pruning saw indoors, in a dry place that is locked and/or inaccessible to children.
• Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

BAR AND CHAIN COMBINATIONS

Chain specifications: 1/4 in. pitch, low profile narrow kerf, .043 in. chain gauge, 7-tooth drive sprocket.

Length of Bar| Guide Bar Part Number| Chain Part Number| Drive Links
---|---|---|---
6 in.| 318908002| 318906002| 38

TROUBLESHOOTING

in this manual.
Motor runs, but chain is not
rotating.| Chain tension too tight.

Check guide bar and chain assembly Check guide bar and chain for damage.

| Retension chain. Refer to Adjusting Chain Tension earlier in this manual.
Refer to Replacing Bar and Chain earlier in this manual.
Inspect guide bar and chain for damage.

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
18 VOLT PRUNING SAW
P25013

• PARTS AND SERVICE: Prior to requesting service or purchasing replacement parts, please obtain your item, manufacturing, and serial numbers from the product data plate.
**ITEM NO.* __ MANUFACTURING NO**.

SERIAL NO.___

• Model/item number on product may have additional letters at the end. These letters designate manufacturing information and should be provided
  when calling for service.
  HOW TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT PARTS: Replacement parts can be purchased online at www.ryobitools.com or by calling 1-800-525-2579. Replacement parts can also be obtained at one of our service centers.
  HOW TO LOCATE A SERVICE CENTER: Service centers can be located online at www.ryobitools.com or by calling 1-800-525-2579.
  HOW TO OBTAIN CUSTOMER OR TECHNICAL SUPPORT: To obtain customer or technical support please contact us at 1-800-525-2579.

RYOBI is a registered trademark of Ryobi Limited and is used pursuant to a license granted by Ryobi Limited.

TTI OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT, INC.
P.O. Box 1288, Anderson, SC 29622, USA
1-800-525-2579 • www.ryobitools.com

999000122
9-29-2022 (REV:01)

References

• REIMAGINE WITH RYOBI - RYOBI Tools

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