Ryobi OCS1825 Original Instructions Manual

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

Cordless Chainsaw

OCS1825

Important!

It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before assembling,
operating, and maintaining the product.

Subject to technical modification.

1

Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your cordless chainsaw.

INTENDED USE

The product is only intended for use outdoors in a well­ventilated area. For safety reasons the product must be
adequately controlled by using two-handed operation at all
times.

The product is designed for cutting branches, trunks, logs,
and beams of a diameter determined by the cutting length
of the guide bar. It is only designed to cut wood. It is only
to be used in domestic application by adults who have
received adequate training on the hazards and preventative
measures/actions to be taken while using it.
Do not use the product for any purpose not listed above. It
is not to be used for professional tree services. The product
is not to be used by children or by persons not wearing
adequate personal protective equipment and clothing.

WARNING

When using the product, the safety rules must be
followed. For your own safety and that of bystanders,
you must read and fully understand these instructions
before operating the product. You should attend
a professionally organised course on the use and
maintenance of chainsaws, preventative actions and fi rst
aid. Please keep these instructions safe for later use.

WARNING

Chainsaws are potentially dangerous tools. Accidents
involving the use of chainsaws often result in loss of
limbs or death. It is not just the product that is the hazard.
Falling branches, toppling trees, rolling logs can all kill.
Diseased or rotting timber poses additional hazards.
You should assess your capability of completing the task
safely. If there is any doubt, leave it to a professional
tree surgeon.

GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure

to follow the warnings and instructions may result in
electric shock, fi re 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 residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD 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 inattention 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.

2

■ 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.

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.

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, additionally seek medical help.

Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or
burns.

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.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS

■ Some regions have regulations that restrict the use of

the product. Check with your local authority for advice.

■ Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the

instructions to use the product. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.

■ Ensure before each use that all controls and safety

devices function correctly. Do not use the power tool if
the “off” switch does not stop the motor.

■ Wear full eye and hearing protection, strong sturdy

gloves as well as head protection while operating the
product; use a face mask if operation is dusty.

■ Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short trousers or

jewellery of any kind.

■ Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to prevent

entanglement in moving parts.

■ Beware of thrown, flying or falling objects; keep all

bystanders, children, and animals at least 15 m away
from work area.

■ Do not operate in poor lighting. The operator requires a

clear view of the work area to identify potential hazards.

■ Use of hearing protection reduces the ability to hear

warnings (shouts or alarms). The operator must pay
extra attention to what is going on in the working area.

■ Operating similar tools nearby increases both the risk

of hearing injury and the potential for other persons to
enter your working area.

■ Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.

Overreaching can result in loss of balance and can
increase the risk of kickback.

■ Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.

■ Inspect the machine before each use. Check for correct

operation of all controls including the chain brake.
Check for loose fasteners, make sure all guards, and
handles are properly and securely attached. Replace
any damaged parts before use.

■ Do not modify the machine in any way or use parts

and accessories which are not recommended by the
manufacturer.

WARNING

If the machine is dropped, suffers heavy impact or begins
to vibrate abnormally, immediately stop the machine and
inspect for damage or identify the cause of the vibration.
Any damage should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorized service centre.

CHAINSAW SAFETY WARNINGS

■ Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain

when the chainsaw is operating. Before you start
the chainsaw, make sure the saw chain is not

3

contacting anything. A moment of inattention while

operating chainsaws may cause entanglement of your
clothing or body with the saw chain.

■ Always hold the chainsaw with your right hand

on the rear handle and your left hand on the front
handle. Holding the chainsaw with a reversed hand

configuration increases the risk of personal injury and
should never be done.

■ Hold the product 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 product "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 chainsaw in a tree. Operation of

a chainsaw while up in a tree may result in personal
injury.

■ Always keep proper footing and operate the

chainsaw 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
chainsaw.

■ 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 chainsaw out of control.

■ Use extreme caution when cutting brush and

saplings. The slender material may catch the saw

chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.

■ Carry the chainsaw by the front handle with the

chainsaw switched off and away from your body.
When transporting or storing the chainsaw always
fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the

chainsaw 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 may either break or increase the
chance for kickback.

■ 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 chainsaw for purposes

not intended. For example: do not use chainsaw
for cutting plastic, masonry or non-wood building
materials. Use of the chainsaw for operations different

than intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Personal protective equipment

Good quality, personal protective equipment as used
by professionals will help to reduce the risk of injury to
the operator. The following items should be used when
operating the product:

● Safety helmet

● Hearing protection

● Eye and face protection

● Gloves

● Leg protection (chaps)

● Chainsaw safety boots

● Chainsaw jackets for upper body protection

CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF KICBACK

See Fig. 1 - 2.

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 chainsaw 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 chainsaw 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 chainsaw.

■ Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder

height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and

enables better control of the chainsaw in unexpected
situations.

■ Only use replacement bars and chains specified

by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and

chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.

■ Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and

maintenance instructions for the saw chain.

Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.

ADDITIONAL CHAINSAW SAFETY WARNINGS

■ It is recommended to cut logs on a saw-horse or cradle

when operating the product the first time.

■ Ensure all guards, handles and spiked bumper are

properly fitted and are in good condition.

■ Persons using this chainsaw should be in good health.

The chainsaw is a heavy unit so the operator requires
to be physically fit. The operator should be alert, have
good vision, mobility, balance and manual dexterity. If
there is any doubt, do not operate the chainsaw.

■ Do not start using the product until you have a clear

work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path
away from the falling tree.

■ Beware of the emission of lubricant mist and saw dust.

Wear a mask or respirator if required.

■ Do not cut vines and/or small undergrowth (less than

75 mm in diameter).

4

■ Always hold the chainsaw with both hands when

operating the saw. Use a firm grip with thumbs and
fingers encircling the chainsaw handles. Right hand
must be on the rear handle and left hand on the front
handle.

■ Before starting the tool, make sure the saw chain is not

contacting any object.

■ Do not modify your tool in any way or use it to power

any attachments or devices not recommended by the
manufacturer for your saw.

■ There should be a first-aid kit containing large

wound dressings and a means to summon attention
(e.g., whistle) close to the operator. A larger more
comprehensive kit should be reasonably nearby.

■ The operator may be tempted to remove the helmet if

there is no danger of falling objects in the work area, but
remember the helmet, particularly with the mesh visor,
can help reduce the potential for injury to the face and
head if kickback occurs.

■ An incorrectly tensioned chain can jump off the guide

bar and could result in serious injury or fatality. The
length of chain depends on the temperature of the
chain and chain wear. Check the tension frequently.

■ You should get used to your new chainsaw by making

simple cuts on securely supported wood. Do this
whenever you have not operated the saw for some
time.

■ To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting

moving parts, always stop the motor, apply chain brake,
remove the battery pack and make sure all moving
parts have come to a stop before:

– cleaning or clearing a blockage
– leaving the product unattended
– installing or removing attachments
– checking, maintenance or working on the machine

■ The size of the work area depends on the job being

performed as well as the size of the tree or work piece
involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger
work area than making other cuts, i.e., bucking cuts,
etc. The operator needs to be aware and in control of
everything happening in this work area.

■ Do not cut with your body in line with the guide bar

and chain. If you do experience kickback this will help
prevent the chain coming into contact with your head
or body.

■ Do not use a back and forward sawing motion, let the

chain do the work, keep the chain sharp and don’t try to
push the chain through the cut.

■ Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.

Be ready to take on the weight of the saw as it cuts free
from the wood. Failure to do so could result in possible
serious personal injury.

■ Do not stop the saw in the middle of a cutting operation.

Keep the saw running until it is already removed from
the cut.

PUSH AND PULL

See Fig. 3.

The reaction force is always opposite to the direction the
chain is moving. Thus, the operator must be ready to
control the tendency for the product to pull away (forward
motion) when cutting on the bottom edge of the bar and the
push backwards (towards the operator) when cutting along
the top edge.

SAW JAMMED IN THE CUT

Stop the chainsaw and make it safe. Do not try to force the
chain and bar out of the cut as this is likely to break the
chain which may swing back and strike the operator. This
situation normally occurs because the wood is incorrectly
supported and forcing the cut to close under compression
thereby pinching the blade. If adjusting the support does
not release the bar and chain, use wooden wedges or a
lever to open the cut and release the saw. Never try to start
the chainsaw when the guide bar is already in a cut or kerf.

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3