Ryobi Outdoor P2600 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

18 VOLT HEDGE TRIMMER

P2600

BATTERIES AND CHARGERS
SOLD SEPARATELY

Your hedge trimmer has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and
operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using

this product.

Thank you for your purchase.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

n Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2

�n General Safety Rules....................................................................................................................................................... 3

�n Specific Safety Rules....................................................................................................................................................... 4

n Safety Rules for Charger ................................................................................................................................................. 5

�n Symbols........................................................................................................................................................................ 6-7

��n Features........................................................................................................................................................................... 8

��n Assembly ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

�n Operation.................................................................................................................................................................. 10-13

n Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................................14-17

��n Parts Ordering / Service ................................................................................................................................................ 18

INTRODUCTION

This tool has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

2 3

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING!

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may result
in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

n Know your tool. Read and understand the operator’s

manual and observe the warnings and instruction labels
affixed to the tool.

n Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use

common sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while

operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.

n Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use

this unit.

n Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked

to comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards when
operating this unit.

n Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the

operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the

risk of serious personal injury.

n Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.

Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair

can be caught in moving parts.

n Wear heavy long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear

loose fitting clothing, short pants, or jewelry of any kind.
Do not go barefoot.

n Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to prevent

entanglement in any moving parts.

n Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 feet

away.

n Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your

application. The correct tool will do the job better and

safer at the rate for which it is designed.

n Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance

at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations. Do not use
on a ladder or unstable support.

n Do not operate in poor lighting.

n Keep hands, face, and feet at a safe distance from

moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
blades when they are moving.

n Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off. A tool

that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous
and must be repaired.

n Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is in the

locked or off position before inserting battery pack.

Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or inserting
the battery pack into a tool with the switch on invites
accidents.

n Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use the tool in

damp or wet locations. Do not operate the hedge trimmer
in rain.

n Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp

and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting

edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

n Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,

breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
tool serviced before using. A guard or any other
part that is damaged should be carefully checked to
determine that it will operate properly and perform
its intended function. Many accidents are caused by

poorly maintained tools.

n Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free

from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when

cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum­based products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control
and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.

n To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not operate unit

in damp or wet locations.

n Use only accessories that are recommended by the

manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be

suitable for one tool may create a risk of injury when used
on another tool.

n Tool service must be performed only by qualified

repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed

by unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.

n When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement

parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to

follow Maintenance instructions may create a risk of
shock or injury.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

n Before starting the hedge trimmer, make sure the

blade is not in contact with any object.

n Stop the unit, remove the battery pack, and make sure

the blade has stopped before setting the unit down.

n Never cut any material with a diameter larger than

3/8 in.

n DANGER: Risk of cut. Keep hands away from blades.

Do not attempt to remove cut material or hold material
to be cut when blades are moving. Keep both hands on
handles when power is on. Make sure battery pack is
removed and the trigger is released when clearing jammed
material from blades. Do not grasp the exposed cutting
blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the
unit.

n Blades coast after unit is turned off.

n Always stop the motor when cutting is delayed or

when walking from one cutting location to another.

n Keep unit clean of grass clippings and other materials.

They may become lodged in the cutting blades.

n Store the unit inside in a dry place, either locked up or

up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep

out of the reach of children or untrained individuals.

n Replace blade cover when unit is not in use.

n 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 Storage instructions.

n Secure the unit while transporting.

BATTERY SAFETY

n Battery operated units do not have to be plugged

into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in

operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards even
when unit is not operating.

n Remove the battery pack before making any

adjustments, cleaning, storing, or removing material
from the unit, or when not in use.

n A battery pack must be recharged only with the

specified charger for the battery pack. A charger that

may be suitable for one type of battery pack may create
a risk of fire when used with another battery pack. Use
battery pack only with charger listed.

MODEL BATTERY PACK (P100) CHARGER (P110)

P2600 130255004 1423701, 140237023

or 130224028 or 140237021

n To reduce the risk of explosion and possible injury,

DO NOT place battery units or their batteries near fire or
heat.

n Do not mutilate the battery pack. Released electrolyte

is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin.
It may be toxic if swallowed.

n Batteries vent hydrogen gas and can explode in the

presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light.

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never use
any cordless product in the presence of open flame. An
exploded battery pack can propel debris and chemical.
If exposed, flush with water immediately.

n Do not charge unit in a damp or wet location. Following

this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock.

n For best results, your battery 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 store outside
or in vehicles.

n Under extreme usage or temperature conditions,

battery pack leakage may occur. If liquid comes in

contact with your skin, wash immediately with soap and
water, then neutralize with lemon juice or vinegar. If liquid
gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for at least
10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.

n A damaged battery pack is subject to explosion.

To avoid serious personal injury, properly dispose of a
damaged battery pack.

n Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. The cell may

explode. Batteries should be recycled. Consult your
local waste authority for information regarding available
recycling and/or disposal options.

n When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from

other metal objects like: paper clips, coins, keys, nails,
screws, or other small metal objects that can make
a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting

the battery pack terminals together may cause sparks,
burns, or a fire.

4 5

SAFETY RULES FOR CHARGER

WARNING!

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

n Before using battery charger, read all instructions and

cautionary markings in this manual, on battery charger,
battery, and product using battery to prevent misuse of
the products and possible injury or damage.

CAUTION:

To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to
the charger and battery, charge only nickel-cadmium
rechargeable batteries as specifically designated on your
charger. Other types of batteries may burst, causing
personal injury or damage.

n Do not use charger outdoors or expose to wet or

damp conditions. Do not charge in rain. Water entering

charger will increase the risk of electric shock.

n Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the

battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of
fire, electric shock, or injury to persons. Following this

rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious
personal injury.

n Do not abuse cord or charger. Never use the cord to

carry the charger. Do not pull the charger cord rather than
the plug when disconnecting from receptacle. Damage
to the cord or charger could occur and create an electric
shock hazard. Replace damaged cords immediately.

n Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped

on, tripped over, come in contact with sharp edges
or moving parts or otherwise subjected to damage or
stress. This will reduce the risk of accidental falls, which

could cause injury, and damage to the cord, which could
result in electric shock.

n Ke ep cord an d cha rger from heat to pr event

damage to housing or internal parts.

n Do not let gasoline, oils, petroleum-based products,

etc. come in contact with plastic parts. They contain

chemicals that can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic.

n An e xt ension cord should not be used un less

absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension

cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If
extension cord must be used, make sure:

a. That pins on plug of e xtensio n c ord ar e t he

same nu mber, s ize and shap e as those o f
plug on charger.

b. That extension cord is proper ly wired and in

good electrical condition; and

c. That wire size is large enough for AC ampere

rating of charger as specified below:

Cord Length (Feet) 25' 50' 100'

Cord Size (AWG) 16 16 16

NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge

n Do not operate charger with a damaged cord or

plug, which could cause shorting and electric shock. If

damaged, have the charger replaced by an authorized
serviceman.

n Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow,

been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. Take

it to an authorized serviceman for electrical check to
determine if the charger is in good working order.

n Do not disassemble charger. Take it to an authorized

serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect
reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.

n Unplug charger from outlet before attempt ing

any maintenance or cleaning to reduce the risk of
electric shock.

n Disconnect charger from the power supply when

not in use. This will reduce the risk of electric shock or

damage to the charger if metal items should fall into the
opening. It also will help prevent damage to the charger
during a power surge.

n Risk of electric shock. Do not touch uninsulated portion

of output connector or uninsulated battery terminal.

n Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently

and use them to instruct others who may use this
tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these
instructions also to prevent misuse of the product and
possible injury.

SYMBOLS

50' 15m

Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation
of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION

V Volts Voltage

A Amperes Current

Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)

W Watt Power

min Minutes Time

Alternating Current Type of current

Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current

n

o

No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load

Class II Construction Double-insulated construction

.../min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute

Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

Read The Operator’s Manual

Eye Protection Wear eye protection when operating this equipment.

Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.

Gloves

Moving Parts Keep hands away from moving parts.

Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away.

Kickback DANGER! Beware of kickback.

To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand
operator’s manual before using this product.

Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling the
blades.

Hot Surfaces

Electric Shock

Sharp Blade

To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any
hot surface.

Failure to use in dry conditions and to observe safe practices can
result in electric shock.

Sharp cutting blades. To prevent serious injury, do not touch cutting
blades.

6 7

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

DANGER:

WARNING:

CAUTION

CAUTION

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.

(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property damage.

SERVICE

Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing,
use only identical replacement parts.

WARNING:

The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety
goggles or safety glasses with side shields, or a full face shield when needed. We recommend
Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields.
Always use eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to operate
this product until you read thoroughly and understand
completely the operator's manual. Save this operator’s
manual and review frequently for continuing safe operation
and instructing others who may use this product.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Motor..................................................................18 Volt DC

Blade Length .............................................................. 18 in.

Cutting Capacity........................................................ 3/8 in.

BLADE COVER

GUARD

BLADES

Charger Input ................................... 120 V, 60 Hz, AC only

Charge Rate ..............................................................1 hour

Net Weight................................................................. 5.2 lb.

TRIGGER

LOCK

KNOW YOUR HEDGE TRIMMER

See Figure 1.

Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety rules.

BLADE COVER

The blade cover keeps the operator from coming in contact
with the sharp blades when the tool is not in use. It also helps
keep the blades from being nicked or damaged when the
tool is in storage.

Fig. 1

GUARD

The guard helps to deflect chips or other debris away from
the operator’s hands.

TRIGGER LOCK

The trigger lock prevents unintentional starting of the hedge
trimmer.

8 9

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product has been shipped completely assembled.

n Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the

box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.

n Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or

damage occurred during shipping.

n Do not discard the packing material until you have care-

fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.

n If any parts are damaged or missing, please call

1-800-860-4050 for assistance.

PACKING LIST

Hedge Trimmer

Blade Cover

Operator’s Manual

Warranty Registration Card

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this
tool until the damaged or missing parts are replaced.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious personal
injury.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accesso­ries not recommended for use with this tool. Any such
alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a
hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal
injury.

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the
tool when assembling parts.

OPERATION

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you care­less. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is
sufficient to inflict serious injury.

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating tools. Failure to do so could re­sult in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in
possible serious injury.

WARNING:

Do not use any attachments or accessories not recom­mended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of at­tachments or accessories not recommended can result
in serious personal injury.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:

n Trimming and shaping hedges and shrubbery

CAUTION:

If at any point during the charging process none of the
LEDs are lit, remove the battery pack from the charger
to avoid damaging the product. DO NOT insert another
battery. Return the charger and battery to your nearest
service center for service or replacement.

LED FUNCTIONS OF CHARGER
LED WILL BE ON TO INDICATE STATUS OF

CHARGER AND BATTERY PACK:

n Red LED on = Fast charging mode.
n Green LED on = Fully charged and in maintenance charge

mode.

n Green LED on = When battery pack is inserted into

charger, indicates hot battery pack or that battery pack
is out of normal temperature range.

n Yellow and Green LEDs on = Deeply discharged or

defective battery pack.

n No LED on = Defective charger or battery pack.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

Battery packs for this tool are shipped in a low charge con­dition to prevent possible problems. Therefore, you should
charge it until the green LED on the front of the charger
comes on.

NOTE: Batteries will not reach full charge the first time they
are charged. Allow several cycles (operation followed by
recharging) for them to become fully charged.

CHARGING A COOL BATTERY PACK

If battery pack is within normal temperature range, the red
LED on charger will come on.

NOTE: If the charger does not charge the battery pack
under normal circumstances, return both the battery pack
and charger to your nearest Authorized Service Center for
electrical check.

n Charge the battery pack only with the charger provided.
n Make sure the power supply is normal household

voltage, 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC only.

n Connect the charger to the power supply.
n Place the battery pack in the charger aligning raised rib

on the battery pack with the groove in the charger. See
Figure 2.

n Press down on the battery pack to be sure contacts on

the battery pack engage properly with contacts in the
charger.

n Normally the red LED on charger will come on. This

indicates the charger is in fast charging mode.

n Red LED should remain on for approximately 1 hour

then the green LED will come on. Green LED on
indicates battery pack is fully charged and charger is
in maintenance charge mode.

NOTE: The green LE D will remain on un til the

battery pack is removed from the charger or charger is
disconnected from the power supply.

n If both yellow and green LEDs come on, this indi-

cates a deeply discharged or defective battery pack.
Allow the battery pack to remain in the charger for 15
to 30 minutes. When the battery pack reaches normal
voltage range, the red LED should come on. If the
red LED does not come on after 30 minutes, this may
indicate a defective battery pack that should be
replaced.

n After normal usage, a minimum of 1 hour of charging time

is required to fully recharge battery pack.

n The battery pack will become slightly warm to the

touch while charging. This is normal and does not
indicate a problem.

n Do not place the charger and battery pack in an area of

extreme heat or cold. They will work best at normal room
temperature.

NOTE: The charger and battery pack should be placed

in a location where the temperature is more than 50°F
but less than 100°F.

n When batteries become fully charged, unplug the

charger from power supply and remove the battery
pack.

10 11

OPERATION

CHARGING A HOT BATTERY PACK

When using the tool continuously, the batteries in the battery
pack will become hot. You should let a hot battery pack cool
down for approximately 30 minutes before attempting to
recharge. When the battery pack becomes discharged and
is hot, this will cause the green LED to come on instead of
the red LED. After 30 minutes, reinsert the battery pack in
the charger. If the green LED continues to remain on, return
battery pack to your nearest Authorized Service Center for
checking or replacing.

NOTE: This situation only occurs when continuous use of the
tool causes the batteries to become hot. It does not occur
under normal circumstances. Refer to CHARGING A COOL
BATTERY PACK for normal recharging of batteries. If the
charger does not charge your battery pack under normal cir­cumstances, return both the battery pack and charger to your
nearest Authorized Service Center for electrical check.

TO INSTALL BATTERY PACK

See Figure 3.

n Place the battery pack in the hedge trimmer. Align the

raised rib on the battery pack with groove in the hedge
trimmer’s battery port.

n Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack

snap in place and that the battery pack is secured in the
hedge trimmer before beginning operation.

P100

BATTERY PACK

BATTERY

PACK

BATTERY

PORT

YELLOW

LED

P110

CHARGER

RED
LED

GREEN

LED

Fig. 2

CAUTION:

When placing battery pack in the tool, be sure raised
rib on battery pack aligns with the bottom of the tool
and latches into place properly. Improper installa­tion of the battery pack can cause damage to internal
components.

TO REMOVE BATTERY PACK

See Figure 3.

n Locate the latches on the side of the battery pack and

depress both sides to release the battery pack from the
hedge trimmer.

LATCHES

Fig. 3

OPERATION

WARNING:

Battery tools are always in operating condition. Therefore,
switch should always be locked when not in use or
carrying at your side.

STARTING THE HEDGE TRIMMER

See Figure 4.

n Remove the blade cover.

n Press and hold the trigger lock.

n Depress the switch trigger.

n Release the trigger lock. Continue to depress the trigger

for extended operation.

STOPPING THE HEDGE TRIMMER

See Figure 4.

n Release the switch trigger to stop the hedge trimmer.

n Upon release of the switch trigger, the trigger lock will

automatically reset to the locked position.

TRIGGER

LOCK

SWITCH

TRIGGER

Fig. 4

HOLDING THE HEDGE TRIMMER

See Figure 5.

The unit has both a front and rear handle. With the blade
directed away from you, hold the unit by both handles.

WARNING:

Always keep both hands on the hedge trimmer handles.
Never hold shrubs with one hand and operate the hedge
trimmer with the other. Failure to heed this warning may
result in serious injury.

Fig. 5

12 13

OPERATION

OPERATING TIPS

See Figures 6 - 7.

DANGER

If blade jams on any electrical cord or line, DO NOT
TOUCH THE BLADE! IT CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY
LIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS. Continue to hold the
hedge trimmer by the insulated rear handle or lay it
down and away from you in a safe manner. Disconnect
the electrical service to the damaged line or cord before
attempting to free the blade from the line or cord. Failure
to heed this warning will result in serious personal injury
or possible death.

WARNING:

Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as cords, lights, wire, or string which can
become entangled in the cutting blade and create a risk
of serious personal injury.

Fig. 6

n Before starting the hedge trimmer, hold the unit with both

hands with the cutting blades directed away from you.
Always use the hedge trimmer properly.

n Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrubbery.

This can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the
blades slow down, reduce the pace.

n Do not try to cut stems or twigs that are larger than

3/8 in. thick, or those obviously too large to feed into the
cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning
saw to trim large stems.

n If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow

the blades to stop and remove the battery pack before
attempting to remove the obstruction.

n If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge

level. Decide how high you want the hedge. Then, stretch
a piece of string along the hedge at this height. Trim the
hedge just above this guide line of string. Trim the side
of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at the top.
More of the hedge will be exposed when shaped this way,
and it will be more uniform.

n Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth.

n When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action,

so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade.
Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed
easiest by using a sawing movement.

Fig. 7

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields during power tool operation or when blowing
dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.

WARNING:

To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the
battery pack from the tool when cleaning or performing
any maintenance.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.

WARNING:

Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum­based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or
destroy plastic which may result in serious personal
injury.

Only the parts shown on the parts list are intended to be
repaired or replaced by the customer. All other parts should
be replaced at an Authorized Service Center.

TRANSPORTING AND STORING

n Always place the blade cover on the blade before storing

or transporting the hedge trimmer. Use caution to avoid
the sharp teeth of the blade.

n Clean the hedge trimmer thoroughly before storing. Store

the hedge trimmer indoors, in a dry place that is inacces­sible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such
as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

When replacing the blade on this unit, use only replacement
blade part no. 3013214.

BATTERIES

The battery pack for this tool is equipped with nickel-cadmium
rechargeable batteries. Length of service from each charging
will depend on the type of work you are doing.

The batteries in this tool have been designed to provide
maximum trouble-free life. However, like all batteries, they
will eventually wear out. Do not disassemble battery pack
and attempt to replace the batteries. Handling of these
batteries, especially when wearing rings and jewelry, could
result in a serious burn.

To obtain the longest possible battery life, we suggest the
following:

n Remove the battery pack from the charger once it is fully

charged and ready for use.

For battery storage longer than 30 days:

n Store the battery pack where the temperature is below

80°F.

n Store battery packs in a “discharged” condition.

BATTERY PACK REMOVAL AND PREPARATION
FOR RECYCLING

To preserve natural resources, please
re cycle or dispose of batteri es
properly.

This product contains nickel-cadmium
batteries. Local, state or federal laws
may prohibit disposal of nickel-cadmium
batteries in ordinary trash.

Consult your local waste authority for information regarding
available recycling and/or disposal options.

WARNING:

Upon removal, cover the battery pack’s terminals
with heavy-duty adhesive tape. Do not attempt
to des troy or disasse mb le b attery pa ck or
remove any of its components. Nickel-cadmium
batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly. Also,
never touch both terminals with metal objects and/or
body parts as short circuit may result. Keep away from
children. Failure to comply with these warnings could
result in fire and/or serious injury.

14 15

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

Blades are sharp. When handling the blade assembly,
wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves. Do not place
your hand or fingers between blades or in any position
where they could get pinched or cut. NEVER touch blades
or service unit with battery pack installed.

REPLACING BLADES

See Figures 8 - 9.

Periodically inspect the blades for damage and wear. Always
use the manufacturer’s specified replacement blades.

REMOVING THE BLADE

n Remove the battery pack from the hedge trimmer.

n Place the hedge trimmer upside down on a workbench

and remove the four (4) blade cover screws.

n Remove the blade cover.

n Remove the bar plate from the two pins.

n Remove the retaining ring, washer, and retaining plate.

n Align the cams.

NOTE: The yokes cannot be lifted unless they clear the

lip of the cams.

n Remove the four (4) blade screws.

n Each blade has an oval yoke attached at one end. Slide

the blades into position so the yokes align. Remove the
blade from the housing.

INSTALLING A NEW BLADE

�Before installing a new blade, apply a lithium-based grease
to the areas indicated.

n Align the cams.

n Place the new blade on the housing and align the yokes

to drop into place. Rotate the blade so that it drops past
the lower cam.

NOTE: When properly aligned, the blade assembly fits in

the recessed slot in the motor housing.

n Reinstall the four (4) blade screws and tighten securely.

n Reinstall the retaining plate, washer, and retaining ring.

n Reinstall the bar plate over the two pins.

n Install the blade cover using the four (4) blade cover

screws. Tighten securely.

WARNING:

CUTTER BLADE

ASSEMBLY

YOKES

BLADE
COVER

SCREWS

BLADE COVER

Fig. 8

BLADE SCREWS

BAR PLATE

RETAINING

RING

WASHER

RETAINING

PLATE

APPLY GREASE

TO THESE

AREAS

CAMS

PINS

Fig. 9

Make sure the bottom plate is replaced before inserting
the battery pack and starting the hedge trimmer. Failure
to do so will expose internal parts, which could cause an
accident or electrical shock, resulting in serious injury.

NOTE: If binding occurs after replacing the blade assembly,
repeat the steps under Removing the Blade and Installing

the Blade.

MAINTENANCE

LUBRICATING THE BLADE

See Figure 10.

For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate the hedge
trimmer blade before and after each use.

n Remove the battery pack from the hedge trimmer.

n Lay the hedge trimmer on a flat surface. Apply light weight

machine oil along the edge of the top blade.

If you will be using the hedge trimmer for an extended period,
it is advisable to oil the blade during use.

NOTE: Do not oil while the hedge trimmer is running.

n Stop the hedge trimmer.

n Remove the battery pack.

n Lubricate the hedge trimmer as described above.

n Reinstall the battery pack and resume use.

SHARPENING THE BLADE

See Figure 11.

n Allow the blades of the hedge trimmer to come to a stop

in the position shown. This will allow clearance for the file
between the cutter teeth and the guard teeth.

n Remove the battery pack from the hedge trimmer.

n Clamp the blade assembly in a vise and file the exposed

cutting surface of each blade tooth with an 8 in. smooth
round file, 1/4 in. or 7/32 in. in diameter. Be sure to retain
the original angle of the tooth when filing.

n Remove the hedge trimmer from the vise, replace the

battery pack, and restart the hedge trimmer. Allow the
blades of the hedge trimmer to come to a stop so that
the unsharpened edges of the cutter blade teeth are ex­posed.

n Remove battery pack from hedge trimmer and repeat the

sharpening procedure as described above.

Fig. 10

CUTTING

BLADE

GUARD

Fig. 11

16 17

MAINTENANCE

CLEANING THE HEDGE TRIMMER

n Slide the blade cover over the blade.

n Remove the battery pack.

n Clean dirt and debris from the body of the hedge trimmer,

using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.

NOTE: Do not use any strong detergents on the plastic

housing or the handle. They can be damaged by certain
aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and by solvents
such as kerosene.

n Moisture can cause a shock hazard. Wipe off any moisture

with a soft dry cloth.

n Use a small brush or the air discharge of a small vacuum

cleaner brush to clear dust or debris from the air vents
on the motor housing.

STORING THE HEDGE TRIMMER

See Figure 12.

n Clean the hedge trimmer thoroughly before storing. Store

the hedge trimmer in a dry, well-ventilated place that is
inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents
such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

n Always place the blade cover on the cutting blades before

storing.

BLADE COVER

Fig. 12

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

18 VOLT HEDGE TRIMMER

P2600

• SERVICE

Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service,
simply contact your nearest Authorized Service Center. Be sure to provide all pertinent
facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-860-4050 for your nearest Authorized
Service Center. You can also check our web site at www.ryobitools.com for a complete
list of Authorized Service Centers.

• MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.

The model number of this tool will be found on a plate attached to the motor housing.
Please record the model number and serial number in the space provided below.

• HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS

When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:

• MODEL NUMBER

• SERIAL NUMBER

Ryobi® is a registered trademark of Ryobi® Limited used under license.

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625

Post Office Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622-1207

P2600

Phone [phone]

www.ryobitools.com

983000-846

10-05

18