MANUAL
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 toD 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 soecifications 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 @2000 Ryobi Outdoor Products, Inc,
All Rights Reserved.
Quick-Link ® is a registered 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.
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.
Rules for Safe Operation ..................... 3-7
A. Important Safety Information ............... 3-5
B. Safety and International Symbols ........... 5-6
C. Know Your Unit .......................... 7
IL
Assembly Instructions ...................... 8-11
A. Installing and Adjusting the J handle ........... 8
B. Installing the Harness ...................... 8
C. Removing and Installing the
Cutting Attachment Shield .................. 9
D. Remove the Cutting Attachment and
Install the Cutting Blade . g
E. Remove the Cutting Blade anti ................
install the Cutting Attachment .............. 10
ill. Oil and Fuel Information .................. 12-13
A. Recommended Oil Type .................. 12
B. Adding Oil to Crankcase-initial Use ........... 12
C. Recommended Fuel Type .................. 13
D. Fueling the Unit .......................... 13
IV, Starting/Stopping Instructions .............. 14-15
A. Starting/Stopping (Cold Weather) ............ 15
V°
Operating Instructions .................... 16-18
A. Operating the Quick-Link System ............ 16
B. Holding the Trimmer ...................... 17
C, Adjusting Trimming Line Length ............. 17
D. Tips for Best Trimming Results .............. 17
E. Decorative Trimming ...................... 18
F, Using the Cutting Blade .................... 18
Vl.
Maintenance and Repair Instructions ......... 19-25
A. Maintenance Schedule .................... 19
B. Line Installation .......................... 19
C. Installing a Prewound Reel ................. 20
D. Checking the Oil Level ..................... 21
E. Changing the Oil ......................... 21
F. Air Filter Maintenance ..................... 22
G. Carburetor Adjustment .................... 23
H. Rocker Arm Clearance ..................... 23
I. Replacing the Spark Plug .................. 25
J. Spark Arrestor Maintenance ................ 25
K. Accessories/Replacement parts ............. 25
Read the Operator's Manual,s) and follow all
warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do
so can result in sermus injury to the operator
and/or bystanders.
2
VII. Cleaning and Storage ........................ 26
VIII.Troubleshooting Chart ....................... 27
IX, Specifications ...................... Beck Cover
CONTENTS OF CARTON
• Model 8g0r Trimmer/Brushcutter with Brush Blade
* J-Handle and Hardware
• Large Bump Head Cutting Attachment
• Cutting Attachment Shield with Hardware
• Shoulder Harness
• Locking Rod T0ol
• Operator's Manual
• Parts Manual
, Product Registration Card
• Bottle of 4-Cycle Oil
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.
_YMBOL 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.
• 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
,AJlIL may result in property damage or personal
injury to yourself or to others. Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of
l f re, e ectr c shock, and personal injury.
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 eaks. 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
guard 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,
• Use only 2.41 mm (0.095 inch_ diameter genuine Ryobi
replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced line.
wire. or rope, etc.. These can break off and become a
dangerous projecfile.
• 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 min=mum, keep all children.
bystanders and pets outside a 15 meters _50ft,
radius: there stiff 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 idle position. Make all adjustments
or repairs before using unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR PETROL TRIMMERS
WARNING: Petrol (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 ot: such materials.
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 s_owly to relieve any pressure
in the tank.
Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area outdoors
where there are no soarks or flames. Slowly remove
the fuel cap only after stopping engine. Do not smoke
whilst fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel
from the unit immediately.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
Move the unit at least 9.1 m (30 feet) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke, keep sparks and open flames from the area
whilst adding fuel or operating the unit.
WHILST OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kilt. Operate
this unit only in a well ventilated area outdoors.
• Wear safety gtasses or goggles, and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask ifthe 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.
3
• The cutting attachment guard must always be in place
whilst operating the unit. 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 guard.
• 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 techn!cian.
• Adjust the J-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.
• Avoid accidental starting. Bein the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position whilst 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 guard.
• 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.
WHILST OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE
• Read and understand all safety warnings before
operating this unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when Using the
brush blade accessory.
• Keep the J-handle between the operator and cutting
attachment or blade at all times:
• NEVER cut with the cutting blade located over 76 cm
(30 inches) or more above the ground level.
• Kick back may occur when the spinning blade,
contacts an object that it does not immediately cut.
Kick back can be violent enough to cause the unit
and/or operator to be propelled in any direction, and
possibly lose control of the unit. Kickback can occur
without warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds. This
is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to
see the material being cut.
• For operation with the brush blade, do not cut
anything thicker than 1/2 inch or a violent kickback
could occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is
rotating.
• A coasting blade can cause injury whilst it continues to
spin after the engine is stopped or the throttle thgger
is released. Maintain proper control until the blade has
completely stopped rotating.
• Do not run the unit at high speed when not cutting:
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Have any damage repaired before attempting
further operations. Do not operate unit with a bent,
cracked or dull blade. Discard blades that are bent,
warped, cracked or broken.
• Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the
blade can cause the blade tip to break off whilst in
use. This can result in severe personal injury. Replace
the blade.
• Do not use the cutting blade for edging or as an
edger, severe personal injuryto yourself or others can
occur. Use the cutting blade only for the purpose as
described in this manual.
• Stop the engine IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive
vibration. Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect
thoroughly for loose nuts, bolts or damage before
continuing. Repair or replace affected parts as
necessary.
AFTER USE
• Clean cutting blades with a household cleaner to
remove any gum buildup. Oil the blade with machine
oil to prevent rust.
• Lock up and store the cutting blade in an appropriate
area to protect the blade from unauthorized use or
damage.
4
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 coot before storing or transporting.
Be sure to secure the unit whilst transporting.
• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high
to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the
reach of children.
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
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.
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING: Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss.
Wear eye protection and ear protection when operating this unit.
• 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
5-7X
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 15 meters (50 feet)
from the operating area.
• PRIMER BULB
Push primer bulb, fully and slowly, 5 to 7 times.
• UNLEADED FUEL (Petrol)
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.(Petrol)
• OIL
Refer to operator's manual for the proper type of oil
• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate without the cutting attachment guard in place,
Keep away from the rotating cutting attachment.
SYMBOL
i
A B C
H
MEANING
• IGNITION SWITCH
ON / START/RUN
" IGNITION SWITCH
OFFOR 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 guard. To prevent serious injury, do not
touch line cutting blade.
• CHOKE CONTROL
A • FULL choke position.
B • PARTIAL choke position.
C ,, RUN position.
• BRUSHCUTTERS • Replace dull blade.
Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the blade can cause the blade tip to
break off whilst in use. This can result in severe personal injury.
• TRIMMER/BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY
WARNING: Thrown objects and rotating cutter can cause severe injury. Keep bystanders,
especially children and pets, at least 15 meters (50 ft.) away from the cutting area. The
cutting attachment shield must be used when using the trimmer cutting attachment.
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, and a full face shield when needed.
6
Spark Arrestor
APPUCATIONS
As a trimmer;
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Edging
• Decorative tdmming around trees, fences, etc.
As a brushcutter;
• Cutting weeds and light bush of up to 1/2 inch in
diameter.
Other optional accessories may be used with the 890r.
See list of add-ons on page 15.
On/Off Stop C
Muffler
Muffler Guard
Fuel Cap
Shaft Grip
Throttle
Throttle
Cutting Blade
(Brush Blade)
Gear Housing
Blade Shield /
Shield Mount
!
Clink-Unk
/
Shaft
Housing
Air Filter Cover
J:Ha"d /
Choke Lever
Spark Plug
\
Cutting Attachment
Shield
Engine Feet
Oil Fill Plug / Dipstick
Cutting Attachment Line Cutting Blade
7
INSTALLING AND ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE
1. Place the J-handle between the top and middle
clamp pieces (Fig. 1)•
J-Handle
Top Clamp
Middle Claml:
Bottom Clamp -"_'
Nuts _°,
................................... Fig. 1
2. Whilst holding the three pieces together, install the
four (4) screws through the top clamp and into
middle clamp.
NOTE: The holes in the top and middle clamp will line up
only when assembled correctly.
3. Place the clamps and J-handle the over the shaft
housing and onto the bottom clamp,
4. Hold each hex nut in the bottom clamp recess with a
finger. Start screws with a large Phillips screwdriver.
Do not tighten until you make the handle adjustment.
5. Slide the J-handle in or out until the arrow/white line
on the decal touches the clamp assembly (Fig. 2):
6. Whilst holding the unit in the operating positior_
(Fig, 3); position the J-handle to the location
that provides you the best grip.
7. Tighten the clamp screws evenly, until the J-handle
is secure,
INSTALLING THE HARNESS
WARNING: Always use the shoulder harness 1
when using the cutting blade to avoid serious I
personal injury. J
1, Push the strap through the center of the buckle.
2. Pull the strap over the cross bar and down through
the slot in the buckle (Fig. 4).
...... Fig. 4
3. Put the harness on over head and onto shoulder.
Snap it on to the support fitting (Fig. 5).
Fig. 2
4. Adjust length to fit the operator's size• Pull tab to
lengthen, pull strap to shorten (Fig 6).
J_
Fig. 3 Fig. 6
Support Fitting
Fig. 5
8
REMOVING AND INSTALLING CUTTING
ATTACHMENT SHIELD
Remove the cutting attachment shield when using
the unit as a brushcutter.
WARNING: The cutting attachment shield
should NOT be installed when operating the
unit with a blade. Remove the cutting
attachment shield before removing or
installing the blade,
Shaft 5ushing Hole
Output Shaft
Remove the cutting attachment shield from the shield
mount by removing the three (3) screws with e fiat blade
screwdriver (Fig. 7). Store parts for future use.
Cutting
Attachment
Shield
X
Gear Housing
Shield Mount
Fig. 7
Install the cutting attachment shield when using the
unit as e grass trimmer.
the cutting attachment shield SHALL be in
place at all times whilst operating the unit as
a grass trimmer.
LoP.king Rod
Fig, 8
2. Hold the locking rod in place by grasping it next to
the boom of the unit (Fig. 9).
3. Whilst holding the locking rod, remove the cutting
attachment by turning it clockwise off of the output
shaft (Fig. 10). Store the cutting attachment for future
use.
NOTE: The blade retainer under the cutting attachment
will be used when installing the cutting blade.
Install the cutting attachment shield on the shield mount
by inserting the three (3) screws into the shield mount.
Tighten securely with a flat blade screwdriver (Fig. 7),
REMOVE THE CUTTING ATTACHMENT AND
INSTALL THE CUTTING BLADE
NOTE: To make removing or installing the cutting blade
or cutting attachment eas_er, place the unit on
the ground or on a work bench
Remove the Cutting Attachment Shield
See Removing ana Installing Cutting Attachment Shield,.
Remove the Cutting Attachment
WARNING: The gear housing gets hot with
use and can result in injury to the operator.
When the unit is turned off it remains hot for
a short time. Do not touch the gear housing
until it has cooled.
Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod slot
and insert the locking rod into the shaft bushing hole
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 9
Cutting Attachment
Locking
Rod Slot
Loc_ng Rod
Fig. 10 .......