Expand-it ALT-03 Operator's Manual

ALT-03

LINE TRIMMER ATTACHMENT

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

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Fig. 1

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Fig. 3Fig. 2

Fig. 5Fig. 4

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Fig. 7Fig. 6

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Fig. 9Fig. 8

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Fig. 10

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Fig. 11

Important!

It is essential that you read the instructions in this

manual before mounting and operating this machine.

Subject to technical modifications

SAFETY RULES

WARNING
Read and understand all instructions. Failure

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

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

■ For safe operation, read and understand all

instructions before using the straight shaft trimmer
attachment. 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.

■ Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to

comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards and hearing
protection when operating this unit.

■ Wear heavy long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not

wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, jewelry of any
kind, or go barefoot.

■ Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to

prevent entanglement in any moving parts.

■ Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least

15 m away.

■ Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill,

or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

■ Do not operate in poor lighting.

■ Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.

Overreaching can result in loss of balance or
exposure to hot surfaces.

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

■ Do not touch areas around the muffler or cylinder of

the power head, these parts get hot from operation.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious
personal injury.

■ Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug

wire before making any adjustments or repairs except
for carburetor adjustments.

■ Inspect unit before each use for loose fasteners,

damaged or missing parts. Correct before using the
straight shaft trimmer attachment. Failure to do so can
cause serious injury.

■ Check for damaged parts. Before further use of the

appliance, any 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 conditions that may affect its operation. A guard
or other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorized service center.

■ Use only original manufacturer’s replacement parts.

Failure to do so, may cause poor performance,
possible injury, and will void your warranty.

■ Do not, under any circumstance, use any attachment

or accessory on this product which was not provided
with the product or identified as appropriate for use
with this product in the Operator’s Manual.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER USE

■ Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged

in any way. Be sure the string head is properly
installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can
cause serious injury.

■ Make sure all deflectors and handles are properly and

securely attached.

■ Use only the manufacturer's replacement string in the

cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment
unless specifically noted in operator’s manual.

■ Never operate string trimmer without the grass

deflector in place and in good condition.

■ Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming.

Keep string head below waist level. Never cut with the
string head located over 76 cm or more above
the ground

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DESCRIPTION

1. Attachment Shaft

2. End Cap

3. Gear Head

4. String Head

5. Guard

6. Knob

7. Coupler

8. Guide Recess

9. Positioning Hole

10. Best Cutting Area

11. Dangerous Cutting Area

12. Cut-off Blade

13. Spool Retainer

14. String Head

15. Spring

16. Spool

17. Slots

18. Eyelets

19. First String

20. Anchor Hole

21. Arrows On Spool

22. Second String

23. Hanger Cap

24. Button

25. Secondary Hole

ASSEMBLY

JOINING THE POWER HEAD TO THE
STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER ATTACHMENT
(Fig. 1)

WARNING

Never attach or adjust any attachment while
power head is running. Failure to stop the engine
may cause serious personal injury

The straight shaft trimmer attachment connects to the
power head by means of a coupler device.

■ Loosen the knob (6) on the coupler (7) of the power

head shaft and remove the end cap (2) from the
attachment shaft (1).

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English

SYMBOLS

Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning.

Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and more safely.

SYMBOLS NAME EXPLANATION

Safety Alert Symbol Indicates danger, warning or caution. it means attention!!!

Your safety is involved.

Read Your Operator's Manual Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to

potential safety concerns as well as operating and servicing
information. Please read all the information carefully to ensure
satification and safe use.

Wear eye and hearing protection Wear eye, and hearing protection when operating this

equipment.

Keep bystanders away Keep all bystanders at least 15m (50 ft) away.

Ricochet Danger of Ricochet.

Do not use toothed blade This unit is not intended for use with a toothed saw type blade.

ASSEMBLY

■ Push in the button located on the straight shaft

trimmer attachment shaft. Align the button with the
guide recess (8) on the power head coupler and slide
the two shafts together. Rotate the straight shaft
trimmer attachment shaft (1) until the button locks into
the positioning hole (9).

NOTE: If the button does not release completely in
the positioning hole, the shafts are not locked into
place. Slightly rotate from side to side until the button
is locked into place

■ Tighten the knob securely

WARNING

Be certain the knob is fully tightened before
operating equipment; check it periodically for
tightness during use to avoid serious injury or
product damage

REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE
POWER HEAD

For removing or changing the attachment:

■ Loosen the knob.

■ Push in the button and twist the shafts to remove and

separate ends.

OPERATION

OPERATING THE TRIMMER (Fig. 2)

Hold the trimmer with the right hand on the rear handle
and the left hand on the front handle. Keep a firm grip
with both hands while in operation. Trimmer should be
held at a comfortable position with the rear handle about
hip height.

Always operate trimmer at full throttle. Cut tall grass from
the top down. This will prevent grass from wrapping
around the shaft and string head which may cause
damage from overheating. If grass becomes wrapped
around the string head, stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire, and remove the grass. Prolonged cutting
at partial throttle will result in oil dripping from the muffler.

ADVANCING THE STRING

String advance is controlled by tapping string head on
grass while running engine at full throttle.

■ Run engine at full throttle.

■ Tap string head on ground to advance string.

String advances each time the head is tapped.

■ Several taps may be required until string strikes the

cut off blade.

■ Resume trimming.

NOTE: If the string is worn too short you may not be
able to advance the string by tapping it on the ground.
If so, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire,
and manually advance the string.

ADVANCING THE STRING MANUALLY

Push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to
manually advance the string.

CUTTING TIPS (Fig. 3)

■ Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut;

this is the best cutting area (10).

■ Do not cut in dangerous cutting area (11).

■ Use the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force

string head into uncut grass.

■ Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even

breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood
may wear string rapidly.

■ Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings,

siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by
the string.

OPERATION

GRASS DEFLECTOR LINE TRIMMING CUT-OFF
BLADE (Fig. 4)

This trimmer is equipped with a line trimming cut-off
blade on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance
string until it is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade (12).
Advance string whenever you hear the engine running
faster than normal. This will maintain best performance
and keep string long enough to advance properly.

WARNING

Do not, under any circumstance, use any
attachment or accessory on this product which
was not provided with the product, or identified
as appropriate for use with this product in the
Operator’s Manual.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING

Use only original manufacturer's replacement
parts, accessories and attachments. Failure to do
so may cause poor performance, possible injury
and may void your warranty.

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English

MAINTENANCE

You may make adjustments and repairs described in the
maintenance section. For other repairs, have the unit
serviced by an authorized servicing dealer.

SPOOL REPLACEMENT

NEW PREWOUND SPOOL (Fig. 5 & 6)

Use only 2.4 mm diameter monofilament string.

Use the manufacturer's replacement parts for best
performance.

■ Stop the engine, hold the string head and unscrew

the spool retainer (13). Turn clockwise.

■ Remove the empty spool from the string head (14).

Use the spring (15) from the empty spool if one is not
provided with the new spool and string.

■ To install the new spool (16), make sure the two

strings are captured in the slots (17) opposite each
other on the new spool. Make sure the ends of each
string is extended approximately 6 in. (152 mm)
beyond each slot.

■ Thread the strings into the eyelets (18) in the string

head. Carefully push the spool into the string head
(gently pull the strings to the outside if necessary).
When the spool is positioned in the string head, grasp
the strings and pull sharply to release them from the
slots in the spool.

■ Push down and turn the spool counterclockwise until

it no longer turns. Hold the spool down and rotate
clockwise a small amount. Release the spool.
The spool should be locked down in the string head. If
not, hold down and rotate until locked.

■ Make sure the string head and the spool retainer are

installed on the shaft by turning the retainer
counterclockwise to tighten.

■ Pull the strings again to rotate the spool into cutting

position. Push the spool retainer down while pulling
on string(s) to manually advance the string and to
check for proper assembly of the string head.

STRING REPLACEMENT (Fig. 8 - 11)

■ Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire.

Hold the string head and unscrew the spool retainer.
Turn clockwise.

■ Remove the spool from the string head.

NOTE: Keep the spring attached to the spool.
Remove any old string remaining on the spool.

■ Cut two pieces of string, each being approximately

2.7 m long.

■ Insert the first string (19) into the anchor hole (20)

in the upper part of the spool. Wind the first string
around the upper part of the spool counterclockwise,
as shown by the arrows on the spool (21).
Place string in the slot on upper spool flange, leaving
about 152 mm extended beyond the slot. Do not
overfill. After winding the string, there should be at
least 6 mm between the wound string and the outside
edge of the spool.

■ Repeat above step with second string (22), using the

bottom part of spool. Do not overfill.

■ Replace the spool and the spool retainer. Refer to

"Spool Replacement" earlier in this manual.

STORING THE STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER
ATTACHMENT

Store the straight shaft trimmer attachment in a well
ventilated place that is inaccessible to children.
Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden
chemicals and deicing salts.

To remove the straight shaft trimmer attachment from the
power head for storage:

■ Loosen the knob on the coupler device.

■ Push the button in, then twist the shafts to remove

and separate the power head from the
attachment.

MAINTENANCE

ATTACHING THE STORAGE HANGER (Fig. 11)

There are two ways to hang your attachment for storage.

■ To use the hanger cap (23), push in the button (24)

and place the hanger cap over end of the straight
shaft trimmer attachment shaft. Slightly rotate the cap
from side to side until the button locks into place.

■ The secondary hole (25) in the straight shaft trimmer

attachment shaft can be used for hanging purposes
as well.

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RYOBI TECHNOLOGIESAUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

GUARANTEE

Subject to the guarantee condition below, this Ryobitool
(hereinafter called “the product”) is guaranteed byRyobi
(hereinafter called “the Company”) to be free from
defects in material or workmanship for a period of 24
months from the date of originalpurchase covering
both partsand labour. Under the terms of this
guarantee, the repair or replacement of any part shall

be the opinion of the Company or itsauthorised agent.
Should service become

period, the owner should contact the
1300 361 505 or contact the retailer from whom the
product was purchased.
In order to obtain guarantee service, the owner must
present the sales docket and Guarantee Certificate
to confirm date of purchase. This product issold bythe
dealer or agent as principal and the dealer has no
authority from the Company to give any additional
guarantee on the Companyí sbehalf except as herein
containedorhereinreferredto.

Guarantee Conditions
This guarantee only applies provided that the Product
has been used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendationsunder normal use and reasonable
care (in the opinion of the Compa ny) and such

necessary during the warranty

RYOBI HELPLINE

guarantee does not cover damage, malfunction or
failure resulting from misuse, neglect, abuse, or used
for a purpose for which it was not designed or is not
suited and
have been attempted by other than anAuthorised
Service Agent. This guarantee will not apply if the tool is
damaged by accident or if repairsarisefromnormal
wear and tear.
The Company accepts no additionalliability pursuant to
this g uarantee for the cos t s of travelling or
transportation
service dealer or agent - such costsare not included in
this guarantee.
Certain legislation, including the Trade Practices Act,
1974 (as amended) and other state and territoriallaws
give rights to the buyer and imposeliability on the seller in
certaincircumstances. Nothing herein shall have theeffect
of excluding, restricting
guarantee, right or liability imposed, to the extent only
that such exclusion, restriction or modification
would render any term herein void.

no repairs, alterations or modifications

of the Product or parts to and from the

or modifying any con dition,

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

A.B.N. 98 002 277 509

SYDNEY: Building B, Rosehill Industrial Estate, 3-5 Shirley Street, Rosehill N.S.W. 2142

Contact during normal business hours.

Tel: - Fax: [phone] - www.ryobi.com.au

1300 361 505

BRISBANE : All enquiries Te l : 1 300 361 505
TOWNSVILLE: All enquiries Te l : 1 300 361 505
MELBOURNE:

All enquiries Tel : [phone] Sorbonne Cres. Canning Vale, W.A. 6155

HOBART: All enquiries Te l : 1 300 361 505
ADELAIDE: All enquiries Te l : 1 300 361 505
PERTH:

RYOBI NEW ZEALAND PTY. LTD.

AUCKLAND: 27 Clemow Drive, Mt Wellington, N.Z.

Tel: [phone]-FreeCall: 0800 279 624 - Fax: [phone] - www.ryobi.co.nz

Contact during normal business hours.

This Guarantee Form Should Be Retained By The Customer At All Times

For yourrecordand to assistinestablishing date of purchase(necessary for in-guarantee service)

pleasekeepyourpurchase docket and this form completed with the following particulars.

Address Of Dea ler

Date Model No SerialNo

Present This Form With YourPurchase Docket When Guarantee Service Is Required.

Tel : [phone]