Ryobi 150r User Manual

FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 in U.S. or

1-800-265-6778 in CANADA

www.ryobi.com

IMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

12 Volt Battery Trimmer

150r

THANK YOU

Thank you for buying this quality product. This
modern outdoor power tool will provide many
hours of useful service. You will find it to be a
great labor-saving device. This operator’s
manual provides you with easy-to-understand
operating instructions. Read the whole manual
and follow all the instructions to keep your new
outdoor power tool in top operating condition.
The other manual that came with your power
tool, the parts manual, contains all the
information that you need to order parts.

PRODUCT REFERENCES,
ILLUSTRATIONS AND
SPECIFICATIONS

All information, illustrations and specifications
in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of printing. We
reserve the right to make changes at any time
without notice.

Copyright© 1998 Ryobi Outdoor Products, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Bump Head™ is a trademark of Ryobi Outdoor
Products.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service on this unit both within and after the
warranty period should be performed only by
an authorized and approved service dealer.
Dial:

1-800-345-8746

in the United States or

1-800-265-6778

in Canada

to obtain the listing of the authorized service
dealer nearest you.

DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE
RETAILER.

NOTE: PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE

REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY
SERVICE.

Make sure this manual is carefully read and
understood before starting or operating this
equipment.

THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR
MORE US PATENTS.

OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

INTRODUCTION

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

A. Important Safety Information . . . . . . .3-4

B. Safety and International Symbols . . .5-6

C. Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

II. Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

A. Mounting the Charging Station . . . . . . 7

B. Installing and Adjusting D-Handle . . . 7

III. Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

A. Charging the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

B. Holding the Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

C. To Start Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

D. To Stop Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

E. Overload Protection Switch . . . . . . . . .9

F. Adjusting Trimming Line Length . . . . .10

G. Tips for Best Trimming Results . . . . . .10

H. Decorative Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

IV. Maintenance and Repair Instructions .11-15

A. General Recommendations . . . . . . . . 11

B. Line Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12

C. Installing a Prewound Reel . . . . . . . . . 13

D. Replacing the Charger . . . . . . . . . . . .13

E. Battery Pack Replacement . . . . . . 14-15

V. Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

A. Replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

VI. Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

VII. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

VIII. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

CONTENTS OF CARTON

This unit should consist of the following:

• Model 150r, Assembled with D-Handle
and Cutting Attachment Shield

• Charging Station with Charger

• Operator's Manual

• Product Registration Card

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

3

• Avoid dangerous environments. Never
operate your unit in damp or wet conditions.
Moisture is a shock hazard.

• Do not use the unit in the rain.

• Do not handle the unit with wet hands.

• Children and teens under the age of 15 must

not use the unit, except for teens guided by
an adult.

• Use only 0.080 in (2.03 mm) diameter
genuine Ryobi replacement line. Never use
metal-reinforced line, wire, or rope, etc..
These can break off and become a
dangerous projectile.

• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head,
hands and feet.

• Clear the area to be cut before each use.
Remove all objects such as rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, or string which can be
thrown or become entangled in the cutting
attachment. Clear the area of children,
bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep
all children, bystanders and pets outside a
50 ft. (15m) radius; there still may be a risk
to bystanders from thrown objects.
Bystanders should be encouraged to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop
the motor and cutting attachment
immediately.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using electric

trimmers, basic safety precautions
should always be followed to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury. Carefully read and
understand the entire Operator's
Manual before using your trimmer.
Pay close attention to the Operating
Instructions and Safety Warnings.

BEFORE OPERATING

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar
with the controls and proper use of the unit.

• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or
under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medication.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace
damaged parts. Check for battery leaks.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and
secure. Replace cutting attachment parts
that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in
any way. Make sure the cutting attachment is
properly installed and securely fastened. Be
sure the cutting attachment shield is properly
attached, and positioned as recommended.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury
to the operator and bystanders, as well as
damage to the unit.

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •

DANGER:

Failure to obey a safety
warning will result in serious injury
to yourself or to others.

Always
follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and personal injury.

WARNING:

Failure to obey a
safety warning can result in injury to
yourself and others.

Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the
risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury.

CAUTION:

Failure to obey a safety
warning may result in property
damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others.

Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the
risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury.

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your
attention to possible dangers. The safety
symbols, and their explanations, deserve your
careful attention and understanding. The safety
warnings do not by themselves eliminate any
danger. The instructions or warnings they give
are not substitutes for proper accident
prevention measures.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:

Indicates danger, warning, or
caution. Attention is required in
order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction
with other symbols or pictographs.

NOTE: Advises you of information or

instructions vital to the operation or
maintenance of the equipment.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

4

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR
BATTERY TRIMMERS

• Battery tools do not have to be plugged into
an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always
in operating condition. Be aware of possible
hazards, such as cutting attachment, even
when tool is not operating.

• Use only the charging stand provided with
your unit. Do not substitute any other
charging stand. Use of another charging
stand could promote batteries to explode
causing possible serious injury.

• Do not place battery units or their batteries
near fire or heat. They may explode causing
serious personal injury and damage to unit.

• Do not charge unit in a damp or wet location.

• Your unit should be charged in a location

where the temperature is more than 50˚F
(10˚C) but less than 100˚F (38˚C).

• Do not disassemble the battery housing.
Battery should be recycled, consult your
local waste authority for information
regarding available recycling and/or disposal
options.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR
CHARGING STANDS

• Before using charging stand, read all
instructions and cautionary markings in this
manual, on charging stand, and product
using charging stand.

• Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

• To reduce risk of injury, charge only

sealed lead-acid rechargeable batteries.
Other types of batteries may burst, causing
personal injury and damage.

• To reduce risk of damage to charger body
and cord, pull by the charger body, rather
than cord, when disconnecting the charger.

• Make sure charger cord is located so that it
will not be stepped on, tripped over, or
otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

• Do not operate charger with a damaged
cord or plug. If damaged, replaced charger
immediately.

• Do not operate charger if it has received a
sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise
damaged in any way. If the charger case is
damaged, replace the charger.

• Do not disassemble charger. The charger is
not serviceable; disassembly may result in a
risk of electric shock or fire.

• To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug the
charger from outlet before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning.

• Do not use charger outdoors.

WHILE OPERATING

• To avoid accidental starting, never carry your
trimmer with your finger on the trigger.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are
marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989
standards, and ear/hearing protection when
operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask
if the operation is dusty. Long sleeve shirts
are recommended.

• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves.
Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair
above shoulder level.

• The cutting attachment shield must always
be in place while operating the unit. Do not
operate unit without trimming line extended,
and the proper line installed. Do not extend
the trimming line beyond the length of the
shield.

• Adjust the handle to your size to provide the
best grip.

• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in
contact with anything before starting the unit.

• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the
purpose intended.

• Do not overreach. Always keep proper
footing and balance.

• Do not force the unit. It will do the job better
and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at
the rate for which it was designed.

• Always hold the unit with both hands when
operating. Keep a firm grip on both the
battery housing grip and D- handle.

• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance
from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to
stop the cutting attachment when it is
rotating.

• Always stop the motor when cutting is
delayed or when walking from one cutting
location to another.

• If you strike or become entangled with a
foreign object, stop the unit immediately and
check for damage. Do not operate before
repairing damage. Do not operate the unit
with loose or damaged parts.

• Release the trigger, ensure the lock-off
button resets and allow the motor to stop
for maintenance, repair, or for changing the
cutting attachment or other attachments.

• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other
materials. They may become lodged
between the cutting attachment and shield.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

5

SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may
appear on this product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating
and maintenance and repair information.

• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all warnings and
safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury
to the operator and/or bystanders.

SYMBOL MEANING

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in
conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

WARNING: Thrown objects and loud noise can cause

severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear eye protection
meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear protection
when operating this unit.

• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets,

at least 50 feet (15 m) from the trimming area.

• FOR SERVICE INFORMATION, CALL:

USA: 1-800-345-8746
CANADA: 1-800-265-6778

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Store the unit in a locked up and dry or high
and dry place to prevent unauthorized use or
damage, out of the reach of children.

• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or

any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and
free from debris. Clean after each use, see
Cleaning and Storage instructions.

• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often
and use them to instruct other users. If you
loan someone this unit, also loan them these
instructions.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

• Use only genuine Ryobi replacement parts
when servicing this unit. These parts are
available from your authorized service
dealer.

• Do not use parts, accessories or
attachments not authorized by Ryobi
for this unit. Doing so could lead to
serious injury to the user, or damage
to the unit, and void your warranty.

• Battery tools do not have to be plugged
into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are
always in operating condition. Take extra
precautions and care when performing
maintenance, service or for changing the
cutting attachment or other attachments.

WARNING: The operation of any power tool can cause foreign objects to

be thrown into your eyes. This can lead to severe eye damage. Before
commencing power tool operation, always wear safety glasses or goggles
that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards, and a full face
shield when needed.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

6

Motor Housing

D-handle

Line Cutting Blade

Trigger

Lock-Off Button

Cutting Attachment

Motor Wires
Housing Tube

Battery
Housing Grip

Overload
Protection
Switch

Battery Housing

APPLICATION

Use this unit for;

• Cutting grass and light weeds.

• Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.

Cutting Attachment Shield

• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN
CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING: Do not operate without the cutting attachment

shield in place. Keep away from the rotating cutting attachment.

• SHARP BLADE

WARNING: There is a sharp blade on the cutting attachment

shield. To prevent serious injury, do not touch blade.

SYMBOL MEANING

KNOW YOUR UNIT

Charging
Indicator Light