Ryobi 768r User Manual
768r
Flail Head Trimmer
OPERATOR’S 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
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
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.
Click-Link®is a registered trademark of Ryobi Outdoor
Products.
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 OF
THE US PATENTS LISTED BELOW: 5,076,149;
4,901,682; 4,779,405; 4,651,422; 4,505,040; 4,463,498;
4,369,742; 4,342,236; 4,223,441; 2,125,688; D-249,012;
D-239,329;
OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
I. California Emission Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
II. Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
A. Important Safty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
B. Safety and International Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
C. Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
III. Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
A. Installing the Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
B. Assembling the Flail Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
C. Removing the Cutting Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . 10
D. Installing the Flail Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
E. Removing the Flail Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
F. Installing the Cutting Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
IV. Oil and Fuel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
V. Starting/Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
VI. Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
A. Holding the Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
B. Adjusting Trimming Line Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
C. Tips for Best Trimming Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
D. Decorative Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
E. Operating the Flail Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
F. Flail Head Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
VII. Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . 15-20
A. Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
B. Line Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
C. Installing a Prewound Reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
D. Air Filter Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
E. Carburetor Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
F. Replacing the Spark Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
G. Accessories/Replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
VIII. Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
IX. Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
X. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
XI. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-24
CONTENTS OF CARTON
This carton should include of the following:
• Model 768r Trimmer
• Operator's Manual
• Parts Manual
• Product Registration Card
• Bottle of 2-Cycle Oil
• Flail Head
• Locking Rod
CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS
3
WARNING
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest
Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that
certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark
arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention
of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these
requirements could subject you to liability or a fine. This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If it requires
replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE dealer to install the Accessory Part #180030 Spark Arrestor Kit.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR 1-800-265-6778 in CANADA
California Proposition 65 Warning:
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS
PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS
OR OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
This unit meets the 1995 to 1998 California emissions regulations for small off-road engines. These units are identified by
the label on the engine of your product. A typical identification label is shown.
To ensure that your unit continues to meet these regulations, refer to the following information and instructions in this
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.
SPARK ARRESTOR
WARNING!
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
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 dan-
ger, 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.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS 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.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel 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 so can result
in personal injury to the operator and bystanders, as
well as damage to the unit
• 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. (15 m.)
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
engine and cutting attachment immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the neutral position. Make all
adjustments or repairs before using unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS TRIMMERS
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed
and approved for the storage of such materials.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before
filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel
tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never
operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in
place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any
pressure in the tank.
• Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area
outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
Slowly remove the fuel cap only after stopping
engine. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel.
Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately.
• Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke, keep sparks and open flames from the area
while adding fuel or operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate
this unit only in a well ventilated area outdoors.
• 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 as a trimmer. Do not
operate unit without both trimming lines extended,
and the proper line installed. Do not extend the
trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
5
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment
remains stationary when the engine is idling. If it
does not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized
service technician.
• Adjust the D handle 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.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or grips.
• 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.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation. When turned off they
remain hot for a short time.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at
high speed when not cutting.
• Always stop the engine 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 engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage.
Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance,
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or
other attachments.
• 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.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the cutting
attachment and shield.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and
spark arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from
grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
FLAIL HEAD SAFETY
• Be certain that the Flail Head is assembled correctly
and properly mounted on the machine. See
Assembly Instructions.
• Keep the D handle between the operator and Flail
Head at all times.
• NEVER cut with the Flail Head located over
30 inches (76.2 cm) or more above the ground level.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the Flail Head when
it is rotating.
• Do not run the unit at high speed when not cutting.
• Do not use the Flail Head for decorative trimming or
cutting brush.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Have any damage repaired before further
operation is attempted.
• Inspect the flail blades regularly for excessive wear
and damage. Do not operate the Flail Head with
worn, broken, or cracked blades. Flail blades should
always be replaced as a set, using only Ryobi
replacement blades. Use of any other blades could
damage the unit and result in and serious personal
injury.
• Stop the engine IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive
vibration. Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect
thoroughly for loose nuts and bolts, broken flail
blades, or other damage before continuing. Repair or
replace affected parts as necessary.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or
transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while
transporting.
• Store the unit in a locked up and dry, or high and dry
place to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep
out of the reach of children.
• 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 INSTRUCTION
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
6
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.
SYMBOL MEANING
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Failure to follow operating instructions and safety precautions in the operator's manual can
result in serious injury. Read the operator's manual before starting or operating this unit.
• FOR SERVICE INFORMATION, CALL:
USA: 1-800-345-8746
CANADA: 1-800-265-6778
• 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.
• PRIMER BULB
Push primer bulb, fully and slowly, 5 to 7 times.
• UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.
• OIL
Refer to operator's manual for the proper type of oil.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
7
SYMBOL MEANING
• 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.
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF OR STOP
• HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler or cylinder. You may get burned. These parts get extremely hot
from operation. When turned off they remain hot for a short time.
• SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade on cutting attachment shield. To prevent serious injury, do not touch
line cutting blade.
• CHOKE CONTROL
A. FULL CHOKE position.
B. PARTIAL CHOKE position.
C. RUN position
• KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM BLADES
WARNING: MOVING BLADES CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY. Keep hands and body parts
away from flail blades at all times while operating this unit.
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.
APPLICATIONS
As a trimmer;
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Edging
• Decorative trimming around trees, fences,
etc.
With Flailhead;
• Cutting weeds and light brush of up to 1/2
inch in diameter.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
8
Cutting Attachment Shield
Gas Cap
Throttle Control
D-Handle
Line Cutting Blade
Cutting Attachment
Handgrip
Primer Bulb
Choke Lever
Air filter/muffler cover
Spark Plug
Shaft Housing
Starter Rope Grip
KNOW YOUR UNIT
Support Fitting
On / Off Stop Control
Flail Head Assembly
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