RYOBI RY40604 (01) PDF Document

The RYOBI RY40604 hedge trimmer includes several features for safety and ease of use:

ANTI-JAM TECHNOLOGY: If the blades become jammed, the motor will automatically reverse slightly to unjam the blades before stopping. Release the switch trigger and depress again to resume operation.

DEBRIS DEFLECTOR: When installed, the debris deflector makes removal of cut debris easier.

GUARD: The guard helps to deflect chips or other debris away from the operator’s hands.

ROTATING REAR HANDLE: The rear handle can be rotated to lock at either side in 45° or 90° angles for ease of use when trimming. This is useful when trimming vertically or along the sides of shrubbery.

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.

This product is shipped completely assembled. Follow these steps when unpacking:

1. Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that 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 the Hedge Trimmer, Debris Deflector, Scabbard, and Operator’s Manual.

You may use this product for the purpose listed below:

• Trimming and shaping hedges and shrubbery

NOTE: Always wear non-slip, heavy-duty gloves when installing or removing the debris deflector.

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.

WARNING: Never use the debris deflector as a handle or attempt to hold or guide the hedge trimmer by gripping the debris deflector. Always keep both hands on the hedge trimmer handles. Improper handling of hedge trimmer could result in serious injury.

To install:

Insert the battery pack into the product as shown. 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. Failure to securely seat the battery pack could cause the battery pack to fall out, resulting in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: When placing battery pack in the tool, be sure raised rib on battery pack aligns with the bottom of the tool and latches into place properly. Improper installation of the battery pack can cause damage to internal components.

To remove:

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

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 handle can be rotated 45° or 90° to the left or to the right.

To rotate handle:

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. Press on the rotating handle lever lock.

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

4. Release the rotating handle lever lock.

5. Keep turning handle until it locks into place in one of the 45° or 90° positions.

NOTE: The trimmer will only operate at one of these locked positions. The handle is locked when the rotating handle lever lock is securely in place and the handle will no longer move to either side.

The unit has both a front and rear handle. 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.

• Never cut near electric cords or lines. If the blade jams on any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE. It can become electrically live and very dangerous. Continue to hold the hedge trimmer 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 blade.

• Clear the area to be cut before each use. 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 the 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 blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the blades to stop and remove the battery pack before attempting to remove the obstruction.

• To 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 shape.

• Always hold the hedge trimmer with both hands when operating, 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 that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade. Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed easiest by using a sawing movement.

• Always place the scabbard on the blade before storing or transporting the hedge trimmer. Use caution 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 away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

• Always place the scabbard on the cutting blades before storing.

For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate the hedge trimmer blade before and after each use.

1. Always allow the blades to come to a stop and remove the battery pack before lubricating.

2. Lay the hedge trimmer on a flat surface. Apply light weight machine oil along the edge of the top blade.

NOTE: If you will be using the hedge trimmer for an extended time, it is advisable to oil the blade periodically. If you need to oil during use, stop the hedge trimmer, remove the battery pack, lubricate as described, then reinstall the battery pack and resume use.

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 and 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.

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

5. Remove the battery pack from hedge trimmer and repeat the sharpening procedure as described above.

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. NOTE: Do not use any strong detergents on the plastic housing or the handle. They can be damaged by certain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and by solvents such as kerosene.

4. Moisture can cause a shock hazard. Wipe off any moisture with a soft dry cloth.

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.

WARNING: Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can 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.