RYOBI P2508 18 Volt Pole Saw Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL P2508

**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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

• For safe operation, read and understand all instructions before using this product. Be familiar with all controls and proper use of the machine. Follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below can result in serious personal injury.
• Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this unit.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
• Wear eye protection with side shields, which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with head protection when operating this equipment.
• Dress Properly — Wear heavy long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind.
• Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in moving parts.
• Keep Children Away — Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft. away.
• Stay alert — Watch what you are doing; use common sense. Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Do not operate in poor lighting.
• Use Safety Glasses — Always use a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Disconnect Appliance — Remove the battery from the appliance when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as bar chain.
• Don’t Overreach — Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot surfaces.
• Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
• Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
• When not in use, the product should be stored indoors in a dry, locked place — out of the reach of children.
• Use only the original manufacturer’s replacement parts. Failure to do so may cause poor performance, and possible injury, and will void your warranty.
• Do not, under any circumstance, use any attachment or accessory on this product that was not provided with the product or identified as appropriate for use with this product in the operator’s manual.
• Avoid Dangerous Environments — Do not use the product in damp or wet locations. Do not use it in rain.
• Stop the motor, wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop, and remove the battery pack before cleaning or performing any maintenance.
• 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.
• Use the Right appliance — Do not use the product for any job except that for which it is intended.
• Do not operate from steps, a ladder, rooftop, tree, or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the product in unexpected situations.
• Do not force the product. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a  risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.
• DANGER — Keep hands away from the cutting area. Keep both hands on handles when power is on.
• CAUTION — Blade coasts after being turned off.
• Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the product.
• Check Damaged Parts — Before further use of the product, a guard, or another part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving 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.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

• 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 that 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 it 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.
• In an emergency situation, use the spring clips on the quick-release shoulder harness to free yourself from the harness and the pole saw.
• WARNING — Do not operate near electrical power lines. The unit has not been designed to provide protection from electric shock in the event of contact with overhead electric lines. Consult local regulations for safe distances from overhead electric power lines and ensure that the operating position is safe and secure before operating the saw chain pole pruner.
• 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 the cutting attachment has stopped before setting the unit down.
• Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions 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 a 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 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 the tension in the wood fibers is released.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with the battery installed or with your finger on the switch trigger.
• Maintain Product 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. Inspect the battery charger cord periodically, and if damaged, have it replaced or repaired by an authorized service dealer.
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the switch is off when clearing jammed material. The saw chain continues to move after the switch is turned off. A moment of inattention while operating the pole saw may result in serious personal injury.
• Carry the pole saw by the handle with the saw chain stopped. When transporting or storing the pole saw, always place the scabbard on the saw bar. Proper handling of the pole saw will reduce possible personal injury from the saw chain.
• Hold the pole saw by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring. A saw chain contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the pole saw “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Do not use the pole saw in bad weather conditions, especially when there is a risk of lightning. This decreases the risk of being struck by lightning.
• To reduce the risk of electrocution, never use near any electrical power lines. Contact with or use near power lines may cause serious injury or electric shock resulting in death.
• Always use two hands when operating the pole saw. Hold the pole saw with both hands to avoid loss of control.
• Always use head protection when operating the pole saw overhead. Falling debris can result in serious personal injury.
• Service on the product must be performed by qualified repair personnel only. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in injury to the user or damage to the product.
• 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 the unit is not operating.
• Remove the battery pack from the pole saw before cleaning, servicing, storing, removing material from the unit, changing accessories such as the bar and chain, or when not in use.
• A battery pack must be recharged only with the specified charger for the battery pack. A charger that may be suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack. Use battery pack only with charger listed.
• Use this product only with batteries and chargers listed in tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supplement 987000-432.
• To reduce the risk of explosion and possible injury, do not place battery units or their batteries near fire or heat.
• Do not open or mutilate the battery pack. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.
• Do not charge appliances in rain, or in wet locations.
• Do not charge the unit in a damp or wet location. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. The cell may explode. Batteries should be recycled, consult your local waste authority for information regarding available recycling and/or disposal options.
• Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to short terminals. When the 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 pack terminals together may cause sparks, burns, or a fire.
• 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 to prevent misuse of the product and possible injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SYMBOLS

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

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

**| DANGER:| Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will 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 re- 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.

SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION

| Safety Alert Symbol| Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
| Read Operator’s Manual| To reduce the risk of injury, users must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
| Wear Eye and Head Protection| Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with head protection.
| Wet Conditions Alert| Do not expose the battery, battery compartment, or electronic components to rain, water, or liquids. Do not charge the battery or expose the product to rain or damp locations.
| Gloves| Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling the pole saw and the blade.
| Safety Footwear| Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this equipment.
| Keep Tool Away from Electrical Lines/Keep Bystanders Away| DANGER! Risk of electrocution! Keep tool 50 feet away from electrical lines. Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away.
| Electric Shock| Failure to use in dry conditions and to observe safe practices can result in electric shock.
| No Hands Symbol| Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in serious personal injury.
| Recycle Symbol| This product uses lithium-ion batteries. Local, state or federal laws may prohibit the 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

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Motor ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18 Volt DC
Bar Length ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 in.
Cutting Capacity……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6 in.
Chain Pitch ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3/8 in.
Chain Type ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Standard

KNOW YOUR POLE 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 the use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules.
QUICK-VIEW OIL INDICATOR
Semi-transparent bar lube reservoir that allows users to see when to add lubricant.

SCABBARD
The scabbard keeps the operator from coming in contact with the sharp blades when the tool is not in use. It also helps keep the blades from being nicked or damaged when the tool is in storage.
TRIGGER LOCK-OUT
The trigger lock-out prevents the unintentional starting of the pole saw.

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.

• 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 any parts on the Packing List are already assembled to your product when you unpack it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by the manufacturer and require custom installation. Use of a product that may have been improperly 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 1-800-860-4050 for assistance.

PACKING LIST
Cutting Head Pole
Intermediate Pole
Handle Pole
Scabbard
Combination Wrench
Quick Release Shoulder Harness
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 misused 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.
CONNECTING THE POLES
See Figure 2.

• Insert the plug on the intermediate pole into the socket on the handle pole and push together until fully seated. The plug is larger on one side and will only install one way.
• Lower the collar on the handle pole to the threaded base on the intermediate pole and rotate clockwise to secure.
• Repeat this process to attach the intermediate
• pole to the cutting head pole.
  NOTE: When assembled correctly, the handle pole and cutting head pole should not be able to separate from the intermediate pole when pulled. Repeat the above steps if  poles can  be separated from the intermediate pole.

WARNING:
Failure to securely assemble and lock all poles together as directed above could cause the poles to separate and could result in serious personal injury or death.

ATTACHING THE QUICK-RELEASE SHOULDER HARNESS
See Figure 3.
To prevent back and shoulder fatigue, always use the quick-release shoulder harness when operating this tool. If your back or shoulders become sore, take a break and then adjust the position of the harness.

• Squeeze and hold the latch on the spring clip.
• Place the spring clip onto the straphanger and release the latch.
• Repeat to secure the second spring clip.
• Place the strap around your shoulder and adjust it to a comfortable position.

OPERATION

DANGER:
Never cut near power lines, electric cords, or other electric sources. If bar and chain jam 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 pole 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 pole saw, or live electric cords or lines will result in death by electrocution or serious 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 head protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.

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.

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 purposes listed below:

• Limbing
• Pruning

ADDING BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICANT (NOT INCLUDED)
See Figure 4. Use premium bar and chain lubricant (not included). It is designed for chains and chain oilers and is formulated to perform over a wide temperature range with no dilution required.
NOTE: Pole saw comes from the factory with no bar and chain lubricant added. The level should also be checked after every 20 minutes of use and refilled as needed.

• Remove oil cap.
• Carefully pour bar and chain lubricant into the bar lube reservoir.
• Wipe off excess lubricant.
• Check and fill the reservoir when the quick view oil indicator is below the second to last indicator line.
• Repeat as needed.

NOTE: Do not use dirty, used, or otherwise contaminated lubricants. Damage may occur to the bar or chain.
NOTE: It is normal for lubricant to seep from the saw when not in use. To prevent seepage, empty the oil tank after each use then run for one minute. When storing the unit for a long period of time (three months or longer) be sure the chain is lightly lubricated; this will prevent rust on the chain and bar sprocket.

TO INSTALL/REMOVE BATTERY PACK
See Figure 5.

WARNING:
Always remove the battery pack form 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.

To install:

• Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.

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 the battery pack and depress both sides to release the battery pack from the pole saw.

WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack and keep your hands clear of the lock-out button when carrying or transporting the tool.

For complete charging instructions, see the operator’s manuals for your battery pack and charger.
STARTING AND STOPPING
See Figures 5 – 6.
To start the motor:

• Hold the pole saw as shown and ensure that you are well away from anything that may contact the blade.
• Press and hold the trigger lock-out.
• Depress the switch trigger.

To stop the motor:

• Release the trigger to stop the pole saw. Upon release of the trigger, the trigger lock will automatically reset to the locked position.

PREPARATION FOR CUTTING
See Figures 7 – 8.

• Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.
• Check chain tension and adjust if necessary. Refer to Adjusting the Chain Tension in the Maintenance section.
• Maintain a proper grip on the unit whenever the motor is running. Use your right hand to firmly grip the rear handle while your left hand has a firm grip on the pole shaft.
• Hold the unit firmly with both hands. Always keep your left hand on the pole shaft and your right hand on the rear handle, so your body is to the left of the chain line. Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip or any stance that places your body or arm across the chain line.
• Never stand directly under the limb you are cut- ting.
• Be certain the collars are fully tightened before operating equipment; check them periodically for tightness during use to avoid serious injury.

BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
Follow the steps below to prevent damage to trees or shrubs’ bark. Do not use a back-and-forth sawing motion.

• Make a shallow first cut (1/4 of limb diameter)  on the underside of the limb close to the main limb or trunk.

• Make a second cut from the top side of the limb outboard from the first cut. Continue the cut through the limb until the limb separates from the tree. Be prepared to balance the weight of the tool when the limb falls.

• Make a final cut close to the trunk.
  NOTE: For second and final cuts (from top of limb or branch), hold the front cutting guide against the limb being cut. This will help steady the limb and make it easier to cut. Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain or motor can result.

• Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed. Failure to follow proper cutting procedures will result in the bar and chain binding and becoming pinched or trapped in the limb. If this should happen:

• Stop the motor and remove the battery pack.

• If the limb can be reached from the ground, lift the limb while holding the saw. This should release the “pinch” and free the saw.

• If the saw is still trapped, call a professional for assistance.

LIMBING AND PRUNING
See Figures 9 – 10.
This unit is designed for trimming small branches and limbs up to 6 in. in diameter. For best results, observe the following precautions.

• Plan the cut carefully. Be aware of the direction in which the branch will fall.
• Branches may fall in unexpected directions. Do not stand directly under the branch being cut.
• The most typical cutting application is to position the unit at an angle of 60° or less, depending on the specific situation, as shown. As the angle of the pole saw shaft to the ground increases, the difficulty of making the first cut (from the underside of the limb) increases.
• Remove long branches in several stages.
• Cut lower branches first to allow the top branches more room to fall.
• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a firm grip. Maintain secure footing and balance.

• Keep the tree between you and the chain while limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you are cutting.
• Do not cut from a ladder; this is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for professionals.
• Do not make the flush cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight. Following proper cutting procedures will prevent stripping the bark from the main member.
• Do not use the pole saw for felling or bucking.
• To prevent electrocution, do not operate within 50 ft. of overhead electrical lines.
• Keep bystanders at least 50 ft. away.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:
Before inspecting, cleaning, or servicing the unit, stop the motor, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the battery pack. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with head protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your yes and other possible serious injuries.

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.

WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. The use of any other parts could create a hazard or cause product damage.

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, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic, which could result in serious personal injury. All pole saw service, other than the items listed in these maintenance instructions, should be performed by competent pole saw service personnel. (For example, if the improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in order to remove the clutch, structural damage to the flywheel could occur and subsequently could cause the flywheel to burst).
ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION
See Figures 11 – 14.
WARNING:
Stop the motor, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the battery pack. 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. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.
Proper chain tension is critical to the performance of your pole saw. Always check chain tension before using the saw and periodically until the work is complete. The chain must be re-tensioned whenever the flats on the drive links hang out of the bar groove.
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:

• Remove the combination wrench from the storage area.
• Loosen the chain cover screw to finger tight.
• Raise the tip of the guide bar and continue to hold it up until the end of this procedure.
• Turn the chain tensioning screw 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 screw 1/4 turn 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.

• Return the combination wrench to the storage area.
  NOTICE: A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon cooling. Check the “cold tension” before the next use.

CHAIN OILER
See Figure 15.

• Use premium bar and chain lubricant. It is designed for chains and chain oilers and is formulated to perform over a wide temperature range with no dilution required.
• Remove the cap and carefully pour approximately 2 oz. of bar and chain lubricant into the bar lube reservoir.
• Replace the cap and tighten it securely.
• Check and refill the bar lube reservoir every time the pole saw is used.

NOTE: Do not use dirty, used, or otherwise contaminated lubricants. Damage may occur to the oil pump, bar, or chain.

REPLACING THE BAR AND CHAIN
See Figures 16 – 18.
**WARNING:**
To avoid possible serious injury, stop the motor and remove the battery pack before replacing the bar, chain, or performing any maintenance operation.

• Remove the combination wrench from the storage area.
• With the combination wrench, remove the chain cover screw, washer, and chain cover.
• The bar contains a slot that fits over the mounting post. The bar also contains a chain tensioning pinhole that fits over the chain tensioning pin inside the chain cover.
• Place the bar onto the mounting post.
• Fit the chain over the sprocket and into the bar groove. The cutters on the top of the bar should face toward the bar tip, in the direction of the chain rotation.
• Replace the chain cover ensuring that the chain tensioning pin in the cover is in the chain tensioning pinhole in the bar.

NOTE: If necessary, rotate the chain tensioning screw counterclockwise until the pin and hole can be aligned.

•  Reinstall the washer and screw. Tighten the screw finger tight only. The bar must be free to move for tension adjustment.
• Remove all slack from the chain by turning the chain tensioning screw clockwise, assuring that the chair seats into the bar groove during tensioning.
• Tighten the chain cover screw securely.
• Return the combination wrench to the storage area.

NOTE : The chain is correctly tensioned when there is no slack on the underside of the bar, the chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand without binding.
If the chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen the chain cover screw slightly and turn the chain tensioning screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Retighten chain cover screw securely.
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
See Figure 19.

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. For smooth and fast cutting, the chain needs to be maintained properly. The following conditions indicate that the chain requires sharpening:

• Wood chips are small and powdery
• Chain must be forced through the wood during cutting
• Chain cuts to one side During maintenance of the chain, consider the following:
• Improper filing angle of the side plate can increase the risk of severe kickback.
• Depth gauge (or raker clearance) setting determines the height the cutter enters the wood and the size of the wood chip that is removed. Too much clearance increases the potential for kickback. Too little clearance decreases the size of the wood chip thus decreasing the chain’s 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 the service dealer sharpen the chain.

HOW TO SHARPEN THE CUTTERS
See Figures 20 – 23.
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 filings 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 a 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 a 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.

STORING THE PRODUCT
See Figure 24.
**WARNING:**
Always remove the battery pack before transporting or storing the pole 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.

• Clean all foreign material from the product. Store idle units indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
• Always place the scabbard on the saw bar when transporting or storing the pole saw. The scabbard is a snug fit and must be attached very carefully due to the sharp teeth on the saw chain. This is best done by grasping the scabbard at one end, in the center portion of the scabbard, and carefully slide it over the chain as shown. Use caution to avoid the sharp teeth of the chain.

NOTE: The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear protective gloves when handling the chain.

TROUBLESHOOTING

this manual.
Motor runs, but the chain is not rotating.| The chain tension is too tight.
Check guide bar and chain assembly.
Check guide bar and chain for damage.| Retention chain. Refer to Adjusting the Chain Tension earlier in this manual.
Refer to Replacing the Bar and Chain earlier in this manual.
Inspect guide bar and chain for damage.

This product has a Three-year Limited Warranty for personal, family, or household use (90 days for business or commercial use).
For warranty details, visit www.ryobitools.com or call (toll-free) 1-800-860-4050.

• 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 a 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 1-800-860-4050. 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 1-800-860-4050.
  HOW TO OBTAIN CUSTOMER OR TECHNICAL SUPPORT: To obtain customer or technical support please contact us at 1-800-860-4050.

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

TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES POWER EQUIPMENT
P.O. Box 1288, Anderson, SC 29622 USA
1-800-860-4050 • www.ryobitools.com

998000770
10-28-21 (REV:01)

References

• REIMAGINE WITH RYOBI - RYOBI Tools

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