RYOBI RY40602VNM (01) PDF Document

The specifications for the RYOBI RY40602VNM hedge trimmer are as follows:

Motor: 40 V DC

Blade Length: 24 in.

Cutting Capacity: 1 in.

Cutting Speed: 3,200 cuts/min.

This product is shipped completely assembled. When unpacking your RYOBI RY40602VNM, follow these steps:

1. Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Ensure all items listed in the Packing List are included.

2. Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.

3. Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.

The packing list includes:

• Hedge Trimmer

• Debris Deflector

• Scabbard

• Operator’s Manual

To install the debris deflector on your RYOBI RY40602VNM, always wear non-slip, heavy-duty gloves. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery pack and scabbard, if installed.

2. Place the hedge trimmer on a sturdy flat surface.

3. Align the angled edge of the debris deflector with the grooves on the guide bar.

4. Slide the deflector completely onto the guide bar so the angled edge of the deflector rests beneath the guard.

Always remove the battery pack from your RYOBI RY40602VNM when assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use to prevent accidental starting.

To install the battery pack:

Insert the battery pack into the product. Make sure the latch on the battery pack snaps in place and the battery pack is fully seated and secure in the battery port before beginning operation. Ensure the raised rib on the battery pack aligns with the bottom of the tool and latches into place properly to avoid damage to internal components.

To remove the battery pack:

Depress the latch on the battery pack and remove it from the hedge trimmer.

Follow these instructions to safely start and stop your RYOBI RY40602VNM.

To start:

1. Remove the scabbard, if installed.

2. Grasp the front handle to release the trigger lock-out.

3. Depress the switch trigger to begin operation.

To stop:

1. Release the switch trigger to stop the hedge trimmer.

2. Release the front handle to re-engage the trigger lock-out.

The rear handle of the RYOBI RY40602VNM can be rotated 45° or 90° to the left or to the right for ease of use. The trimmer will only operate when the handle is locked in one of these positions.

To rotate the handle:

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. Press on the rotating handle lever.

3. Turn the handle to the right or to the left.

4. Release the rotating handle lever.

5. Keep turning the handle until it locks into place in one of the 45° or 90° positions. The handle is locked when the rotating handle lever is securely in place and the handle no longer moves.

The RYOBI RY40602VNM hedge trimmer has both a front and a rear handle. For proper operation, with the blade directed away from you, hold the unit by both handles. Always keep both hands on the hedge trimmer handles. Never hold shrubs with one hand and operate the hedge trimmer with the other.

For best results when using your RYOBI RY40602VNM, follow these tips:

• Before each use, clear the area to be cut. Remove all objects such as cords, lights, wire, or loose string which can become entangled in the cutting blade.

• Before starting, hold the unit with both hands with the cutting blades directed away from you.

• Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce your pace.

• Do not try to cut stems or twigs that are larger than 1 in. thick. Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning saw to trim large stems.

• If the blades become jammed, stop the motor, allow the blades to stop, and remove the battery pack before attempting to remove the obstruction.

• To help cut your hedge level, you can stretch a piece of string along the hedge at the desired height. Trim the hedge just above this guide line of string. Trim the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at the top for a more uniform appearance.

• Always hold the hedge trimmer with both hands, using a firm grip on the handles. The unit is used for cutting in either direction in a slow, sweeping action from side to side.

• Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth.

• When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action so stems are fed directly into the cutting blade. Older growth has thicker stems and is trimmed easiest by using a sawing movement.

For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate the RYOBI RY40602VNM hedge trimmer blade before and after each use. If you are using the trimmer for an extended time, it is advisable to oil the blade periodically.

1. Stop the hedge trimmer and remove the battery pack.

2. Lay the hedge trimmer on a flat surface.

3. Apply light weight machine oil along the edge of the top blade.

4. To lubricate during extended use, stop the trimmer, remove the battery pack, lubricate as described, then reinstall the battery pack and resume use.

To sharpen the blades on your RYOBI RY40602VNM, follow these steps:

1. Allow the blades of the hedge trimmer to come to a stop in a position that allows clearance for the file between the cutter teeth and the guard teeth.

2. Remove the battery pack from the hedge trimmer.

3. Clamp the blade assembly in a vise.

4. File the exposed cutting surface of each blade tooth with an 8 in. smooth round file, 1/4 in. or 7/32 in. in diameter. Be sure to retain the original angle of the tooth when filing.

5. Remove the hedge trimmer from the vise, replace the battery pack, and restart the hedge trimmer. Allow the blades to stop so that the unsharpened edges on the other side of the cutter blade teeth are exposed.

6. Remove the battery pack again and repeat the sharpening procedure as described above.

To clean your RYOBI RY40602VNM:

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. Slide the scabbard over the blade.

3. Clean dirt and debris from the body of the hedge trimmer using a damp cloth with a mild detergent. Do not use any strong detergents on the plastic housing or the handle, as they can be damaged by certain aromatic oils and solvents.

4. Wipe off any moisture with a soft dry cloth to avoid a shock hazard.

5. Use a small brush or the air discharge of a small vacuum cleaner brush to clear dust or debris from the air vents on the motor housing.

For safe transport and storage of your RYOBI RY40602VNM:

• Always place the scabbard on the blade before storing or transporting the hedge trimmer to avoid the sharp teeth of the blade.

• Clean the hedge trimmer thoroughly before storing.

• Store the hedge trimmer indoors, in a dry, well-ventilated place that is inaccessible to children.

• Keep the trimmer away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

• To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the product before inspecting, cleaning or performing any maintenance.

• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

• When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.

• 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.

• Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.

• Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts as chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic.

• 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.

The symbols on your RYOBI RY40602VNM have the following meanings: