Ryobi 990r User Manual
1
MODEL NO. 990r
IMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY
990r
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
2
I. California Emission Regulations ................................3
II. Safety Warnings ......................................................3-6
A. Safety Warnings for Brush Blade ..........................4
B. Safety and International Symbols ......................5-6
III. Assembly Instructions ..........................................7-10
A. Adjusting the J-Handle ..........................................7
B. Installing the Shoulder Strap ................................7
C. Installing the Brush Blade......................................8
D. Installing the Line Spool ........................................9
E. Operating Split Boom Coupler ............................10
IV. Oil and Fuel Information......................................11-12
V. Starting/Stopping Instructions..................................13
VI. Operating Instructions ..............................................14
A. Adjusting the Trimming Line Length ..................14
B. Decorative Trimming ............................................14
C. Using the Brush Blade ........................................14
VII. Maintenance and Repair Instructions ................15-24
A. Maintenance Schedule ........................................15
B. Line Installation ..............................................16-17
C. Gear Housing Service ..........................................18
D. Air Filter Maintenance ..........................................19
E. Carburetor Adjustment ..................................20-21
F. Inspecting/Cleaning the Muffler ......................21-22
G. Replacing the Spark Plug ....................................23
H. Checking/Adjusting Valve Clearance ............23-24
VIII. Cleaning and Storage ..............................................25
IX. Specifications ..........................................................25
X. Troubleshooting Chart ..............................................26
XI. California Emission Control Warranty Statement ....27
XII. Warranty ..................................................................28
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 power tool in
top operating condition.
The other manual that came with your 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.
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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.
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.
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.
California Proposition 65 Warning:
MAKE SURE THIS MANUAL IS READ AND
CAREFULLY UNDERSTOOD BEFORE STARTING OR OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
NOTE: PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE
REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY
SERVICE.
3
CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS
The engine of your lawn and garden care product
meets the 1995 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.
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 level before each use.
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
4
SAFETY WARNINGS
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 engine faster than the speed
necessary to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine
at high speed when not cutting.
• Do not extend the trimming line beyond the length
specified in this manual.
• 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.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or any medication.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Store the trimmer in an appropriate and dry location to
prevent unauthorized use and damage.
DURING USE
• Observe the safety warnings on page 3.
• Always use the shoulder strap when using the brush
blade accessory.
• Keep the J-handle between the operator and cutting
head at all times.
• Do not under any conditions cut with the blade located
over 76.2 cm (30 inches) or more above the ground
level.
• Scything should be done with extreme care and caution.
• For operation with the standard 4-tooth blade, do not
cut anything thicker than 13 mm (1/2 inch) or a violent
kickback could occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is
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 further operation is
attempted. Do not operate unit with a bent, cracked or
dull blade.
• Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the blade and guard.
• 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 blades with a household cleaner to remove any
gum buildup. Then oil the blades with machine oil to
prevent rust.
• Store the unit in an appropriate area to protect the blade
from unauthorized use or damage.
SAFTEY WARNINGS FOR
THE BRUSH BLADE
5
SAFETY WARNINGS (Continued)
• 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.
• 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.
SIGNIFICATION
SYMBOL
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.
I
O
6
SIGNIFICATIONSYMBOL
SAFETY WARNINGS (Continued)
• 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.
• BRUSHCUTTERS –
REPLACE DULL BLADE.
Do not sharpen the brush blade. Sharpening the
blade can cause the blade tip to break off while in
use. This can result in severe personal injury.
• BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY.
Warning. Thrown objects and rotating cutter can
cause severe injury. Keep bystanders, especially
children and pets, at least 10 m (30 feet) away
from the cutting area. Plastic string guard must
be used when using the string head.
7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
The J-handle is shipped completely assembled on Model
990r (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.
Handle
Position
Decal
Clamp Assembly
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
INSTALLING THE SHOULDER STRAP
Your unit is equipped with a shoulder strap pad. To install
the pad onto the shoulder strap, use the following instructions.
1. Wrap the end of the strap over a blunt object, i.e. ruler
(Fig. 3).
2. Push the strap through the pad (Fig. 3). Remove the
object..
Fig. 3
Fig. 5
To install the shoulder strap, use the following instructions.
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. 4).
ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE
Fig. 4
3. Snap the shoulder strap onto the wire connector
(Fig. 5). Adjust the length of the strap as desired.
Handle Position as Shipped
8
INSTALLING THE BRUSH BLADE
1. Remove the line guard.
2. Insert the locking rod into the locking rod slot. Rotate
the line spool clockwise. Remove the line spool and
retainer washer from the shaft (Fig. 6).
3. Make sure that you have all of the parts necessary to
install the brush blade (Fig. 7). Do not remove the
blade tooth cover off of the blade. Always wear gloves
while handling or installing the blade.
Blade Guard
Locking Rod
Line Guard
Bump Head/
Line Spool
Locking
Rod Slot
Retainer Washer
Locking Rod
Blade
Lock Nut
Blade Guard
Locking
Rod Slot
Retainer Washer
Blade Tooth
Cover
4. Install the blade, washer, and lock nut. Insert the
locking rod into the locking rod slot (Fig. 7). Make
sure that the blade stays flat against the washer while
tightening the lock nut counterclockwise until it is
finger-tight.
5. If you have a torque wrench, tighten the lock nut to
225-250 in•lb (25.3-28.1 N•m), while holding the
locking rod in the locking rod slot (Fig. 7).
If you do not have a torque wrench, thread the
lock nut onto the brush blade by hand as tightly as
possible (Fig. 8). Using an open-ended wrench, rotate
the nut 1/2 - 3/4 of a full turn (minimum) (Fig. 9).
The torque of the nut should be within the required
specifications of 225-250 in•lb (25.3-28.1 N•m).
The blade tooth cover can now be removed.
Fig. 8
Fig. 7
Fig. 6
Fig. 9
1/2-3/4 turn
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
WARNING
Make sure the blade is flat against the washer
after the lock nut is tightened. If the blade is
off-center, the trimmer will be damaged by
vibration, and the blade may fly off. Failure to
obey this warning may cause injury to yourself
or others.
9
6. When assembling the brush blade, the blade edge
should line up with the blade locating mark on the
casting (Fig. 10). The brush blade should be within a
blade thickness of the mark. If the blade isn't lined up
correctly, refer to Fig. 7 for reassembly.
Blade Locating
Mark
Fig. 10
INSTALLING THE LINE SPOOL
1. Install the blade guard over the brush blade. Insert the
locking rod into the locking rod slot. Loosen the lock
nut by turning it clockwise (Fig. 7).
2. Remove the lock nut, retaining washer and brush
blade.
3. Make sure that you have all of the necessary parts to
install the line spool (Fig. 6).
4. Insert the locking rod tool into the locking rod slot
and place the washer on the shaft (Fig. 6). Screw the
spool counterclockwise onto the shaft.
5. Install the line guard using three (3) screws (Fig. 6).
Tighten the screws securely.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
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