BRAKE DOES NOT STOP BLADE WHEN TRIGGER IS

Make sure the chain brake is off by pulling the hand guard fully back to the main handle

a bearing ,brushes or brake broke more likely the brake mechanism if blade coasts

You need to load the brake to enable it to be re fitted, you can either remove the clutch and sprocket, the side case will then fit back onto the saw, you can then us the hand guard on the saw to load it, or you can remove the hand guard from the saw and use this as a tool to load the brake.

The brake on electric motor driven tools is the field & armature. When running the switch provides power to both sides/poles of the field through the brushes and armature. When you release the switch half of the field is powered pulling the armature to a stop. If your bladed continues to spin when the switch is released, you need to replace the switch. The Ridgid part number for the proper switch is 503317000.

There is a number of ways to re load the brake, you can either remove the clutch and sprocket, the brake will then go back onto the saw enabling you to use the hand guard on the saw to load the brake ( to remove the clutch, there are two cut a ways in the clutch centre designed to enter a flat screw driver into, then strike with a suitable hammer to remove, it is a left hand thread ) or you can remove the hand guard from the saw and use this as a tool to re load the brake, or you can clamp the cover in a vice ( be carefull not to damage the cover ) then use a strudy pair of pliers or grips in the three legged loading mechanism and turn it to load the brake.

The chain brake is activated, if the hand guard is connected to the brake cover, carefully clamp the brake in a vice ( be careful not to damage the cover ) now pull the hand guard fully back until the brake clicks off, if the hand guard is on the saw itself, remove the two screws and remove the hand guard, use this as a tool to fit into the brake and load it.

Most electric machines will have a micro switch connected to the chain brake, grab the hand guard and pull it fully back the the top handle, you should hear a click as the brake lpcks, now try again.

240VAC European Model

From the Makita manual:
If the saw does not start when the ON/OFF switch (1) is actuated, it will be necessary to release the chain brake.
- Pull the hand guard (6) firmly in the direction of the arrow until you feel it catch.

electric motor does not function
no power supply
cable defective
chain brake actuated
Mains fuse blown
HTH
Lou
If these don't work return it, maybe it is defective. Test the new one in the store.

Am I correct that this is a hand-held saw? Want to make sure of the terminology.

If so, the bolt holding the blade has right hand threads -- meaning it loosens by turning counter-clockwise.

Is there a blade lock? Are you using it?

OK first raise the cutting head. Loosen the screw that holds the guard in place and move out of the way. Find the spindle lock on the right hand side of the gearcase and turn blade by hand (UNPLUG SAW FIRST) until it locks. With the wrench supplied with saw put it on the blade bolt and turn it clockwise to loosen, it has left hand threads, remove outer flange and blade. Let me know it you need any more help