Ryobi 975R User Manual

MODEL NO. 975r

IMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY

OPERATOR’S

MANUAL

975r

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THANK YOU

Thank you for purchasing this quality product. This modern outdoor power tool has been designed to provide you with 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 entire manual and follow all of the instructions to keep your new outdoor power tool in top operating condition.

The other manual that came with your outdoor power tool, the parts manual, contains all of 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.

I. California Emission Regulations ................................3

II. Safety Warnings ......................................................3-5

III. Assembly Instructions ................................................6

A. Adjusting the J-Handle ..........................................6

B. Installing the Shoulder Strap ................................6

IV. Oil and Fuel Information..........................................7-8

V. Starting/Stopping Instructions....................................9

VI. Operating Instructions ........................................10-11

A. Operating Split Boom Coupler ............................10

B. Adjusting the Trimming Line Length ..................11

C. Decorative Trimming ............................................11

D. Edging ..................................................................11

VII. Maintenance and Repair Instructions ................12-21

A. Maintenance Schedule ........................................12

B. Line Installation ..............................................12-14

C. Air Filter Maintenance ..........................................15

D. Carburetor Adjustment ..................................16-17

E. Inspecting/Cleaning the Muffler ..........................17

F. Checking Spark Arrester Screen ..........................18

G. Replacing the Spark Plug ....................................19

H. Checking/Adjusting Valve Clearance ............19-20

I. Cleaning and Storage ..........................................21

VIII. Specifications ..........................................................21

IX. Troubleshooting Chart ..............................................22

X. California Emission Control Warranty Statement ....23

XI. Warranty ..................................................................24

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service on this power equipment within and after the warranty period can be performed by any Ryobi Authorized Service Dealer.

Dial 1-800-345-8746 in the United States and 1-800-265-6778 in Canada to obtain the listing of servicing dealers in your area.

DO NOT RETURN UNIT TO RETAILER.

MAKE SURE THIS MANUAL IS CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTOOD BEFORE STARTING OR OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE

REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.

THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE OF THE US PATENTS LISTED BELOW: 5,241,932; 5,176,116; 4,779,405; 4,651,422; 4,589,742; 4,505,040; 4,463,498; 4,356,605; 4,342,235; 4,223,441. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

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 grasscovered areas be equipped with a spark arrester, maintained in effective working order. 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

arrester. The replacement part number for the spark arrester is 180890.

California Proposition 65 Warning:

CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS

The engine of your lawn and garden care product meets the 1995-1998 California emissions regulations. To ensure that your unit continues to meet these regulations, refer to the following information and instructions in this operator's manual.

These units are identified by the label on the engine of your product. A typical identification label is shown.

NOTE: Advises you of information

or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

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

THE PURPOSE OF SAFETY SYMBOLS IS TO ATTRACT YOUR ATTENTION TO POSSIBLE DANGERS. THE SAFETY SYMBOLS, AND THE EXPLANATIONS WITH THEM, 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 WARNINGS

FUEL AND PRE-OPERATION AL

• Fuel is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the fuel tank. Keep sparks and open flames away from the area.

• Store fuel only in containers designed and approved for the storage of such materials.

• Pressure can build up in the fuel tank. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.

• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. If fuel has been spilled, allow it to dry completely before starting the engine.

• Move the trimmer at least 3 m (10 ft) from the fueling point before starting the engine.

• Thoroughly inspect the trimmer for loose or damaged parts before each use. Do not use until adjustments or repairs are made.

• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starting rope.

• Keep all bystanders, especially children, and pets at least 10 m (33 ft) away from the area.

• Carefully inspect the areas to be cut. Remove all debris that could become entangled in the string or blade. Also remove any objects that could be thrown during cutting.

• Before starting, make sure the string head is not in contact with anything.

• Check the oil before each use.

OPERATIONAL

• Wear safety glasses / goggles at all times when operating this trimmer.

• Dress properly. Do not operate this trimmer when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear sturdy, rubber-soled footwear. The use of gloves, ear/hearing protection and long pants are recommended.

• Do not wear loose fitting clothing or articles such as scarves, strings, chains, ties, etc. because they could get drawn into the air intake. Also make sure long hair does not get drawn into the air intake.

• Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not attempt to touch or stop the string when it is rotating.

• Do not touch the muffler or cylinder. These parts get extremely hot from operation and remain hot for a short time after the equipment is turned off.

• Always hold the trimmer with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handles or grips.

• Operate this trimmer only in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined area.

• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Repair any damage before further operation is attempted. Do not operate the trimmer with loose or damaged parts.

• Use the right tool. Do not use this trimmer for any job except that for which it is intended.

• Do not force the tool at a rate faster than it is able to cut effectively.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• Always remain alert. To prevent injury to yourself and others, do not operate this trimmer if you are fatigued.

• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication.

• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed necessary to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when not cutting.

• The string guard must be in place at all times while operating the trimmer.

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

• Use only genuine replacement parts when servicing this trimmer. These parts are available from your authorized dealer. The use of non-standard parts, or other accessories or attachments not designed for this trimmer, could result in serious injury to the user or damage to the trimmer and void the warranty.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Store the trimmer in an appropriate and dry location to prevent unauthorized use and damage.

SYMBOL SIGNIFICATION

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL.

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

• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

Failure to follow operating instructions and safety precautions in operator's manual can result in serious injury. Read operator's manual before starting or operating this unit.

• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION.

Warning. Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear ear and eye protection when operating this unit.

SAFETY WARNINGS (Continued)

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.

SAFETY WARNINGS (Continued)

SYMBOL

SIGNIFICATION

• FOR SERVICE INFORMATION, CALL:

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

• IGNITION / POWER SWITCH.

ON / START / RUN

• IGNITION / POWER SWITCH.

OFF OR STOP

• INDICATES OIL.

Refer to operator's manual for the proper type of

oil.

• UNLEADED FUEL.

Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.

• PRIMER BULB.

Push primer bulb, fully and slowly, 5 to 7 times.

• CHOKE CONTROL.

FULL CHOKE position.

• CHOKE CONTROL.

PARTIAL CHOKE position.

• CHOKE CONTROL.

RUN position.

• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY.

Warning. Do not operate without guard in place. Keep away from rotating cutter.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALLING THE SHOULDER STRAP

ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE

The J-handle is shipped completely assembled on this model (Fig. 1). Use the following instructions to adjust the J-handle to the correct operating position.

1. Loosen the four (4) mounting screws on the J-handle. It is not necessary to remove the screws.

2. Slide the J-handle through the clamp until the arrow / white line on the decal touches the clamp assembly (Fig. 2).

3. Position the handle grip as desired (forward and back) and tighten the mounting screws evenly.

1. Take the end of the shoulder strap without the buckle and push it through the ring on the snap.

2. Loop the strap through the buckle (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3

3. Snap the shoulder strap onto the wire connector (Fig. 4). Adjust the length of the strap as desired.

Fig. 4

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Handle

Position

Decal

Clamp Assembly

Handle Position as Shipped

OIL & FUEL INFORMATION

ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE - INITIAL USE

Your unit is supplied with one bottle of oil, which contains 100 ml (3.4 fluid oz) of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil (Fig. 5).

1. Open the bottle of oil.

2. Install the funnel spout.

Fig. 5

NOTE: BE SURE TO READ THESE

INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START OR OPERATE THIS UNIT. Using old or improper oil or fuel can cause engine damage. This type of damage will void the engine warranty.

RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE

Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is extremely important. Check the oil before each use and change the oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear and failure.

Use high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American

Petroleum Institute) service class SG, SF, SH.

Fig. 6

3. Remove the oil fill plug / dipstick from the crankcase. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the crankcase (Fig. 6). Make sure the engine is level (Fig. 7) for when the oil is poured into the crankcase.

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

NOTE: DO NOT ADD OIL TO THE FUEL.

4. Reinstall oil fill plug / dipstick into the crankcase.

NOTE: Save the bottle and funnel spout for

future use.

CHECKING THE OIL

The importance of checking and maintaining the proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. Check oil BEFORE EACH USE as follows:

1. Make sure the engine is stopped, level (Fig. 7) and is cool so the oil has had time to drain into the crankcase.

2. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc. out of the engine, clean the area around the oil fill plug / dipstick before removing it.

3. Remove the oil fill plug / dipstick; wipe the oil off. Reinsert it into the crankcase. Thread the oil fill plug / dipstick into the crankcase.

4. Remove the oil fill plug / dipstick and check the oil level. The oil level should be up to the top of the dipstick (Fig. 8).

5. If the level is low, add the oil to the top of the dipstick (Fig. 8). Always check the level with the dipstick before adding more oil.

Funnel Spout

100 ml

(3.4 oz)

Level

Full (100 ml/3.4 oz)

O-ring

Add Oil

RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE

WARNING

Fuel is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if they are ignited. Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open flames away from the area.

Fill the fuel tank using clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.

NOTE: Alcohol blended fuel absorbs moisture

(water). As little as 1% moisture in the fuel can cause fuel to separate and form acids when stored. If this type of fuel must be used, use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old).

DEFINITION OF BLENDED FUELS

Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and one or more oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether).

USE OF BLENDED FUELS

If you choose to use a blended fuel or its use is unavoidable, the following precautions are recommended.

1. Always use fresh fuel.

2. Use the special additive STA-BIL® (by Gold Eagle) or an equivalent.

3. Drain tank and run engine dry before storing the unit.

USE OF FUEL ADDITIVES

The use of fuel additive such as STA-BIL®Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and minimize the formation of gum deposit. Add 23 ml (0.8 oz) per gallon of fuel per instructions on container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's fuel tank. Using a fuel additive

can keep fuel fresh for up to six (6) months.

OIL & FUEL INFORMATION (Continued)

CHANGING THE OIL

For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours of operation. Thereafter, change the oil after every 25 hours or before storing for an extended period of time.

Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will flow freely and carry away more impurities.

Change the oil as follows:

1. Remove the oil fill plug / dipstick.

2. Pour the oil into a container by tipping the trimmer in a vertical position (Fig. 9). Be sure to allow ample time for complete drainage. Dispose of oil properly.

NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the

oil fill plug when checking and changing the oil.

NOTE: To prevent extensive engine wear or

damage, always maintain the proper oil level in the crankcase. Never operate the engine with oil level below the bottom of the dipstick.

3. Fill the crankcase, with new oil of the proper type, to the top of the dipstick. Use the bottle saved from the initial use.

4. Reinstall the oil fill plug / dipstick and tighten securely.

Fig. 9

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