Ryobi RY29550 Owner's Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

MANUEL D’UTILISATION
MANUAL DEL OPERADOR

30CC STRING TRIMMER

ELECTRIC START

TAILLE-BORDURES DE 30 cc

DÉMARRAGE ÉLECTRIQUE

RECORTADORAS DE HILO 30 cc

ARRANQUE ELÉCTRICO

RY29550

ALL VERSIONS
TOUTES LES VERSIONS
TODAS LAS VERSIONES

Your 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

Le taille-bordures à ligne a été conçue et fabriquée conformément
à nos strictes normes de fiabilité, simplicité d’emploi et sécurité
d’utilisation. Correctement entretenue, elle vous donnera des
années de fonctionnement robuste et sans problème.

AVERTISSEMENT : Pour réduire les risques de

blessures, l’utilisateur doit lire et veiller à bien comprendre le
manuel d’utilisation avant d’employer ce produit.

Merci de votre achat.

CONSERVER CE MANUEL POUR

Su recortadoras de hilo ha sido diseñada y fabricada de conformidad
con las estrictas normas para brindar fiabilidad, facilidad de uso
y seguridad para el operador. Con el debido cuidado, le brindará
muchos años de sólido y eficiente funcionamiento.

ADVERTENCIA: Para reducir el riesgo de lesiones,

el usuario debe leer y comprender el manual del operador antes
de usar este producto.

Le agradecemos su compra.

GUARDE ESTE MANUAL PARA

FUTURE RÉFÉRENCE

FUTURAS CONSULTAS

See this fold-out section for all of the figures

referenced in the operator’s manual.

Consulter l’encart à volets afin d’examiner toutes les figures

mentionnées dans le manuel d’utilisation.

Consulte esta sección desplegable para ver todas las figuras

a las que se hace referencia en el manual del operador.

Fig. 1

A

F

G

H

I

A - Shoulder strap (bandoulière, correa para el

hombro)
B - Rear handle (poignée arrière, mango trasero)
C - Trigger lock (verrouillage de gâchette, seguro

del gatillo)
D- Ignition switch (commutateur d’allumage,

interruptor de encendido)
E - Strap hanger (dispositif d’accrochage,

colgador para la correa)
F - Coupler (coupleur, acoplador)
G - Drive shaft (tube de l’arbre moteur, alojamiento

del eje de impulsión)
H

- Reel EasyTM string head (tête à ligne de
coupe de Reel EasyTM, cabezal del hilo
Reel EasyTM)

I - Grass deflector (déflecteur d’herbe, deflector

de pasto)

B

C

D

E

N

M

L

K

R

J

J - Pro Cut IITM string head (tête à ligne de coupe

de Pro Cut IITM, cabezal del hilo Pro Cut IITM)
K - Knob (bouton, perilla)
L - Front handle (poignée avant, mango

delantero)
M - 12 volt battery (bloc de batteries de 12 v,

paquete de baterías de 12 v)
N - Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur,

gatillo del acelerador)
O - Recoil starter (poignée et cordon du lanceur,

mango y cuerda del arrancador)
P - Fuel cap (bouchon de carburant, tapa del

tanque)
Q - Primer bulb (poire d’amorçage, bomba de

cebado)
R - Charger (chargeur, cargador)

Fig. 3

Q

A

P

O

B

C

D

A - Hanger cap (capuchon de suspension, tapa

de suspensión)
B - Hole (trou, orificio)
C - Secondary hole (trou secondaire, orificio

secundario)
D - Button (bouton, botón)

Fig. 4

A

B

C

D

Fig. 2

D

A

B

C

A - Power head shaft (arbre du bloc moteur, eje

de la cabezal motor)
B - Coupler (accouplement, acoplador)
C - Guide recess (logement guide, hueco guía)
D - Button (bouton, botón)
E - Trimmer attachment (accessoire taille-

bordures, aditamento para recortar)
F - Positioning hole (trou de positionnement,

orificio de posicionamiento)
G - Knob (bouton, perilla)

A - Front handle (poignée avant, mango

delantero)
B - Bolt (boulon, perno)
C - Washer (rondelle, arandela)
D - Wing nut (écrou à oreilles, tuerca de

mariposa)

F

E

G

ii

Fig. 5

Fig. 8

Fig. 10

D

A

C

B

A - Grass deflector (déflecteur d’herbe, deflector

de pasto)
B - Slot (fente, ranura)
C - Tab (languette, orejeta)
D - Wing screw (vis à oreilles, tornillo de

mariposa)

Fig. 6

A

B

C

A

C

B

DEPRESS LATCHES TO RELEASE

BATTERY PACK / APPUYER SUR LES

LOQUETS POUR LIBÉRER LE BLOC DE

BATTERIES / PARA SOLTAR EL PAQUETE

DE PILAS OPRIMA LOS PESTILLOS

A - Battery port (logement de la batterie,

receptáculo para baterías)
B - Latches (loquets, pestillos)
C - Battery (batterie, batería)

Fig. 9

A

B

A - Dangerous cutting area (zone de coupe

dangereuse, área peligrosa de corte)

B - Direction of rotation (sens de rotation, sentido

de rotación)

C - Best cutting area (zone d’efficacité maximum,

mejor área de corte)

C

Fig. 11

A

A - Latch (attache, pestillo)
B - Strap (bandoulière, correa)
C - Hanger bracket (support pendant, soporte del

colgador)

Fig. 7

BATTERY SHOWN IN CHARGER /

BLOC DE BATTERIES DANS LE CHARGEUR

/ PILA VISTA EN EL CARGADOR

A

B

A - Red LED (témoin rouge, diodo rojo)
B - Orange LED (témoin orange, diodo naranja)

PROPER OPERATING POSITION /

BONNE POSITION DE TRAVAIL /

POSICIóN CORRECTA PARA EL MANEJO

DE LA HERRAMIENTA

iii

A - Trimmer string cut-off blade (lame de

sectionnement de ligne du taille-bordures,
cuchilla de corte de hilo de la recortadora)

Fig. 12

A

C

B

A - Ignition switch (interrupteur d’allumage,

interruptor de encendido)

B - Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur,

gatillo del acelerador)

C - Trigger lock (verrouillage de gâchette, seguro

del gatillo)

Fig. 13

Fig. 15

Fig. 17

A

C

B

D

E

A - Ignition switch (interrupteur d’allumage,

interruptor de encendido)

B - Trigger lock (verrouillage de gâchette, seguro

del gatillo)

C - Recoil starter (cordon du lanceur, cuerda del

arrancador)

D - Primer bulb (poire d’amorçage, bomba de

cebado)

E - Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur,

gatillo del acelerador)

Fig. 14

A

B

C

A

D

E

F

G
H

I

A - Straight shaft (arbre droit, conjunto del eje

recto)
B - Cover (couvercle, tapadora)
C - Latches (loquets, broches)
D - Knob (bouton, perilla)
E - Hex bolt (boulon hex., perno hex.)
F - Spool (bobine, carrete)
G - Spring (ressort, resorte)
H - String head (tête de coupe, cabezal del hilo)
I - Latch opening (ouverture des loquets,

abertura para pestillos)

ALIGN LINE ON KNOB WITH ARROWS /

PLACER LA LIGNE SUR LE BOUTON VIS À

VIS DES FLÈCHES / ALINEE LA LÍNEA DE

LA PERILLA CON LAS FLECHAS

Fig. 18

A

B

C

D

A - Start position (position de démarrage,

posición de arranque)

B - Start lever (levier de volet de départ, palanca

de arranque)

C - Run position (position de marche, posición

de marcha)

D - Start lever (levier de volet de départ, palanca

de arranque)

Fig. 16

B

A

C

B

A - Hex-shaped opening (ouverture hexagonale,

abertura con forma hexagonal)
B - Knob (bouton, perilla)
C - Hex bolt (boulon hex., perno hex.)

B

A - Insert string to center and rotate knob to

wind (insérer le fil de manière à ce qu’il soit
centré et tourner le bouton afin de bobiner le
fil, introduzca el hilo hasta el centro y gire la
perilla para enrollarlo)

B - Eyelet (oeillet, ojillo)

Fig. 19

A

B

C

A - Drive shaft (arbre moteur, eje de impulsión)
B - String head (tête de coupe, cabezal del hilo)
C - Spool retainer (retenue de bobine, retén del

carrete)

iv

Fig. 20

Fig. 21

Fig. 23

A

B

D

C

B

D

A - Insert strings through slots until

approx. 1 in. protrudes from holes (insérer
les fils dans les fentes de manière à les
faire dépasser d’environ 25,4 mm [1 po],
introduzca los hilos a través de las ranuras
hasta que sobresalgan aproximadamente

25,4 mm [1 pulg.] de los orificios)
B - Hole (trou, agujero)
C - Pull strings from holes to remove (tirer les

fils hors des trous afin de les retirer, tire de

los hilos para retirarlos a través de

los orificios)
D - Slot (fente, ranura)

A

A - Idle speed screw (vis de ralenti, tornillo de

ajuste de la velocidad en vacío)

Fig. 22

A

C

B

A

C

A - Latch (loquet, pestillo)
B - Filter screen (filtre écran, filtro pantalla)
C - Air filter cover (couvercle du filtre à air, tapa

del filtro de aire)

Fig. 24

A

B

A - Latch (loquet, pestillo)
B - Pull cover to open (tirer sur le couvercle pour

l’ouvrir, tire de la tapa para abrirla)

C - Air filter cover (couvercle du filtre à air, tapa

del filtro de aire)

B

A - Idle speed screw (vis de ralenti, tornillo de

ajuste de la velocidad en vacío)

B - Air filter cover (couvercle du filtre à air, tapa

del filtro de aire)

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE DES MATIÈRES / ÍNDICE DE CONTENIDO

 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................2

Introduction / Introducción

 General Safety Rules .....................................................................................................................................................3-4

Règles de sécurité générales / Reglas de seguridad generales

 Specific Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

Règles de sécurité particulières / Reglas de seguridad específicas

Symbols .........................................................................................................................................................................5-6

Symboles / Símbolos

 Features ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Caractéristiques / Características

 Assembly .......................................................................................................................................................................7-8

Assemblage / Armado

 Operation .....................................................................................................................................................................8-11

Utilisation / Funcionamiento

 Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................................................12-13

Entretien / Mantenimiento

 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

Dépannage / Solución de problemas

 Warranty ....................................................................................................................................................................15-17

Garantie / Garantía

 Parts Ordering and Service ...............................................................................................................................Back Page

Commande de pièces et réparation / Pedidos de piezas y servicio ......................................................... Page arrière / Pág. posterior

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION / INTRODUCCIÓN

This product 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.

* * *

Ce produit offre de nombreuses fonctions destinées à rendre son utilisation plus plaisante et satisfaisante. Lors de la
conception de ce produit, l’accent a été mis sur la sécurité, les performances et la fiabilité, afin d’en faire un outil facile à
utiliser et à entretenir.

* * *

Este producto ofrece numerosas características para hacer más agradable y placentero su uso. En el diseño de este producto
se ha conferido prioridad a la seguridad, el desempeño y la fiabilidad, por lo cual se facilita su manejo y mantenimiento.

2

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

 For safe operation, read and understand all instructions

before using this product. Follow all safety instructions.
Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can
result in serious personal injury.

 Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this

unit.

 Never start or run the engine in a closed or poorly venti-

lated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

 Clear the work area 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 line
or blade.

 Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to comply

with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this product.

A battery operated tool with integral batteries or a

separate battery pack must be recharged only with the
specified charger for the battery. A charger that may be
suitable for one type of battery may create a risk of fire
when used with another battery.

Use battery operated tool only with specifically designated

battery pack. Use of any other batteries may create a risk
of fire.

Use battery only with charger listed.

MODEL BATTERY PACK CHARGER

RY29550 130269012 140295003
 Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear

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

 Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue,

which could lead to heat stroke. During weather that is
hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early
morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are
cooler.

 Product users on United States Forest Service land, and in

some states, must comply with fire prevention regulations.
This product is equipped with a spark arrestor; however,
other user requirements may apply. Check with your

federal, state, or local authorities.
 Never operate this unit on the operator’s left side.
 Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent

entanglement in moving parts.
 Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least

50 ft. away. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear

eye protection. If you are approached, stop the engine

and cutting attachment. In the case of bladed units, there

is the added risk of injury to bystanders from being struck
with the moving blade in the event of a blade thrust or
other unexpected reaction of the saw.

 Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under

the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

 Do not operate in poor lighting.
 Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.

Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure
to hot surfaces.

 Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
 To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the

bottom of the engine above waist level.

 Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the

unit, these parts get hot from operation.

 Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire

before making any adjustments or repairs except for
carburetor adjustments.

 Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel

leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.

 The cutting attachment should never rotate at idle during

normal use. The cutting attachment may rotate at idle
during carburetor adjustments.

 It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools

may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome
in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling,
numbness, and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent
upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to
cold and dampness, diet, smoking, and work practices
are all thought to contribute to the development of these
symptoms. It is presently unknown what, if any, vibrations
or extent of exposure may contribute to the condition.
There are measures that can be taken by the operator to
possibly reduce the effects of vibration:

a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When oper-

ating the unit wear gloves to keep hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor
contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.

b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase

blood circulation.

c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of

exposure per day.

d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened,

and worn parts replaced.

If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,

immediately discontinue use and see your physician about

these symptoms.
 Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.
 Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.

Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 30 ft. away from refueling

site before starting engine. Slowly remove the fuel cap

after stopping engine. Do not smoke when refueling.

3 — English

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

 Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or

storing the unit.

 Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure

the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

 Inspect before use. Replace damaged parts. Make sure

fasteners are in place and secure. Check for fuel leaks.

 Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged

in any way. Be sure the string head is properly installed
and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause serious
injury.

 Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors, and handles are

properly and securely attached.

 Use only the manufacturer’s replacement string in the

cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.
To install any other brand of replacement string or cutting
head to this string trimmer can result in serious personal
injury. Never use, for example, wire or wire-rope, which
can break off and become a dangerous projectile.

 Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place

and in good condition.

 Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming. Keep

string head below waist level. Never cut with the string
head located over 30 in. or more above the ground.

Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire or

heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and possibly
injury.

 Always shut off engine before fueling. Never add fuel to

a machine with a running or hot engine. Move at least 30
ft. from refueling site before starting engine. Wipe up any

 Wear your protective equipment and observe all safety

instructions. For units equipped with a clutch, be sure

the cutting attachment stops turning when the engine

idles. When the unit is turned off make sure the cutting

attachment has stopped before the unit is set down.

fuel spillage. Do not smoke! Failure to heed this warning

could result in serious personal injury.
 Do not crush, drop or damage battery pack. Do not

use a battery pack or charger that has been dropped or

received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to

explosion. Properly dispose of a dropped or damaged

battery immediately.
Batteries 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 can

propel debris and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water

immediately.
Do not charge battery tool in a damp or wet location.

Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock.
For best results, your battery tool should be charged

in a location where the temperature is more than

50°F but less than 100°F. To reduce the risk of serious

personal injury, do not store outside or in vehicles.
Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, battery

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. Following this rule will

reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

4 — English

SYMBOLS

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

SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION

Safety Alert Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.

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

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

No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load

Class II Tool Double-insulated construction

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

Read the Operator’s Manual

Wear Eye and Hearing Protec­tion

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

Ricochet

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

Wear eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as
well as hearing protection when operating this equipment.

Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or prop­erty damage.

No Blade

Gasoline and Lubricant

Do not install or use any type of blade on a product displaying this
symbol.

Use unleaded gasoline intended for motor vehicle use with an
octane rating of 87 [(R + M) / 2] or higher. This product is powered
by a 2-cycle engine and requires pre-mixing gasoline and 2-cycle
lubricant.

5 — English

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.

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Displacement...................................................30 cc

Cutting Path Diameter .................................................18 in.

String Diameter ......................................................0.095 in.

Battery Voltage ......................................................... 12 Volt

Weight ....................................................................15.2 lbs.

KNOW YOUR STRING TRIMMER

See Figure 1.

The safe use of this product requires an understanding of
the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as
well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before
use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating
features and safety rules.

CHARGER

The charger has a key-hole hanging feature for convenient,
space-saving storage. Screws should be installed so that
the center distance is 4-1/8 in.

ELECTRIC START

The string trimmer has an electric start which can be used
in place of the pull start.

PRO CUT IITM STRING HEAD

The string trimmer is provided with an additional string
head.

GRASS DEFLECTOR

The string trimmer includes a grass deflector that helps
protect you from flying debris.

SHOULDER STRAP

The string trimmer includes a shoulder strap that helps
support the product.

TOP-MOUNTED MOTOR

The top-mounted motor improves balance and is located
away from the dust and debris of the cutting area.

6 — English

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.
 Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the

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

WARNING:

WARNING:

Do not attempt to modify this product or create acces­sories not recommended for use with this product. Use of

this product with damaged or missing parts could result
in serious personal injury.

This new product has been shipped in a partially as­sembled condition as described below. Carefully check
the packing list below to ensure all items are included in
the package; the packing list describes all loose items
that are not assembled to the product as shipped. Do not
operate the product if any packing list items are already
assembled to your product when you unpack it. Call the
customer service number below for assistance. Opera­tion of a product that may have been improperly preas­sembled could result in serious personal injury.

 Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or

damage occurred during shipping.

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

fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.

 If any parts are damaged or missing, please call

1-800-860-4050 for assistance.

PACKING LIST

Trimmer Assembly
Pro Cut IITM String Head
Spool Retainer
Shoulder Strap
12 Volt Battery
Charger
Front Handle
Wing Screw
Wing Nut
Bolt
Washer
Grass Deflector
Bottle of 2-Cycle Lubricant
Hanger Cap
Operator’s Manual

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
personal injury, always disconnect the engine spark plug
wire from the spark plug and remove battery pack when
assembling parts.

INSTALLING THE POWER HEAD SHAFT TO THE
ATTACHMENT

See Figure 2.

WARNING:

Never install, remove, or adjust any attachment while
power head is running. Failure to stop the engine can
cause serious personal injury.

The attachment connects to the power head shaft by means
of a coupler device.

 Loosen the knob on the coupler of the power head shaft

and remove the end cap from the attachment.
 Push in the button located on the attachment shaft. Align

the button with the guide recess on the power head coupler

and slide the two shafts together. Rotate the attachment

shaft until the button locks into the positioning hole.
NOTE: If the button does not release completely in the

positioning hole, the shafts are not locked into place.
Slightly rotate from side to side until the button is locked
into place.

 Tighten the knob securely.

WARNING:

Be certain the knob is fully tightened before operating
equipment; check it periodically for tightness during use
to avoid serious personal injury.

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this
product until the parts are replaced. Failure to heed this
warning could result in serious personal injury.

7 — English

REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE
POWER HEAD

For removing or changing the attachment:

 Loosen the knob.
 Push in the button and twist the shafts to remove and

separate ends.

ASSEMBLY

ATTACHING THE HANGER CAP

See Figure 3.

There are two ways to hang your attachment for storage.
To use the hanger cap, push in the button and place the

hanger cap over end of the lower end attachment shaft.
Slightly rotate the cap from side to side until the button
locks into place.

 The secondary hole in the attachment shaft can be used

for hanging purposes as well.

ATTACHING THE FRONT HANDLE

See Figure 4.

 Remove wing nut, washer, and bolt from the front

handle.

 Install the front handle onto the top side of the drive shaft

housing.

NOTE: The open side of the handle should face the

operator.

 Place the bolt through the front handle.
NOTE: The hex bolt head fits inside the hex recess molded

into one side of the handle.

 Reinstall the washer and wing nut.
 Tighten wing nut securely.

WARNING:

The line cutting blade on the grass deflector is sharp.
Avoid contact with the blade. Failure to avoid contact
can result in serious personal injury.

ATTACHING THE GRASS DEFLECTOR

See Figure 5.

 Remove the wing screw from the grass deflector.
 Insert the tab on the mounting bracket in the slot on the

grass deflector.
 Align the screw hole in the mounting bracket with the

screw hole in the grass deflector.
 Insert the wing screw through the mounting bracket and

into the grass deflector.
 Tighten the screw securely.

ATTACHING THE SHOULDER STRAP

See Figure 6.

Follow these steps to attach the shoulder strap.

 Connect the latch on the strap to the hanger bracket.
 Adjust the strap to a comfortable position.

OPERATION

WARNING:

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

WARNING:

Always wear eye protection marked to comply with
ANSI Z87.1. 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 product. The use of
attachments or accessories not recommended can result
in serious personal injury.

FUELING AND REFUELING THE TRIMMER

FUEL MIXTURE

This product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires
pre-mixing gasoline and 2-cycle lubricant. Pre-mix unleaded
gasoline and 2-cycle engine lubricant in a clean 1 gallon
container approved for gasoline.

Recommended fuel: This engine is certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline intended for automotive use.

Mix a high quality 2-cycle engine lubricant at 2.6 oz. per
gallon (US).

Do not use automotive lubricant or 2-cycle outboard
lubricant.

DO NOT mix quantities larger than usable in a 30 day
period.

HIGH QUALITY 2-CYCLE ENGINE LUBRICANT

GASOLINE LUBRICANT
1 gallon (US) 2.6 oz.
1 liter 20 cc (20 ml)

8 — English

OPERATION

FILLING TANK

 C lean surf ace around fuel cap to pre vent

contamination.

 Loosen fuel cap slowly. Rest the cap on a clean

surface.

 Carefully pour fuel into the tank. Avoid spillage.
 Prior to replacing the fuel cap, clean and inspect the

gasket.

 Immediately replace fuel cap and hand tighten. Wipe up

any fuel spillage.

NOTE: It is normal for smoke to be emitted from a new
engine after first use.

WARNING:

Always shut off engine before fueling. Never add fuel to
a machine with a running or hot engine. Move at least
30 ft. from refueling site before starting engine. Do not
smoke! Failure to heed this warning could result in seri­ous personal injury.

OXYGENATED FUELS

Some conventional gasolines are blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred
to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some
areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels
to help reduce emissions.

If using an oxygenated fuel, make sure it is unleaded and
meets the minimum octane rating requirements. Before using
an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some
states/provinces require this information to be posted on the
pump. The following are the EPA approved percentages of
oxygenates:

Ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume. You
may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume.
Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the
name “Gasohol.” Do not use E85 fuel.

MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) 15% by volume. You
may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume.

Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume. You
may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by volume
as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors
to protect the fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5%
methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance
problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic
parts of the product or your fuel system.

If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

NOTE: Fuel system damage or performance problems
resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates stated previously are
not covered under warranty.

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.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

The battery pack for this tool has been shipped in a low
charge condition to prevent possible problems. Therefore,
you should charge overnight prior to use.

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.

 Charge battery pack only with the charging assembly

provided.
 Make sure power supply is normal household voltage,

120 V, AC only, 60 Hz.

 Connect charger to power supply.
 Place battery pack in charging stand. Align raised rib

on battery pack with groove in charging stand. See

Figure 7.

 Press down on battery pack to be sure contacts on battery

pack engage properly with contacts in charging stand.
 The charge indicator light (LED), located on the charging

stand, will light up red and glow when the charger

is properly connected to power supply. This light

indicates the charger is operating properly. It will remain

on until battery pack is removed from charging stand or

charger is disconnected from power supply.
 After normal usage, 3 hours or less of charging time is

required to fully recharge battery pack.
 If both red and orange LED indicators glow, the

battery pack is deeply or completely discharged, and

6 hours or longer of charging time is required to fully

recharge battery pack.
NOTE: If charger does not charge battery pack or orange

LED continues to glow after more than 30 minutes of

charging, return battery pack and charging assembly to

your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center for electrical

check.
 The battery pack will become slightly warm to the touch

while charging. This is normal and does not indicate a

problem.
 Do not place charger in an area of extreme heat or cold.

It will work best at normal room temperature.
 When batteries become fully charged, unplug charger

from power supply and remove the battery pack.

9 — English

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.

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

TO INSTALL BATTERY PACK

See Figure 8.

 Place the battery pack in the string trimmer. Align raised

rib on battery pack with groove in string trimmer’s battery
port.

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

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

TO REMOVE BATTERY PACK

 Locate latches on side of battery pack and depress both

sides to release battery pack from the string trimmer.

 Remove battery pack from the string trimmer.

OPERATING THE TRIMMER

See Figure 9.

WARNING:

Always position the unit on the operator’s right side. The
use of the unit on the operator’s left side will expose
the user to hot surfaces and can result in possible burn
injury.

WARNING:

To avoid burns from hot surfaces, never operate unit with
the bottom of the engine above waist level.

Hold the trimmer with your right hand on the rear handle
and your left hand on the front handle. Keep a firm grip with
both hands while in operation. Trimmer should be held at a
comfortable position with the rear handle about hip height.

Always operate trimmer at full throttle. Cut tall grass from
the top down. This will prevent grass from wrapping around
the shaft housing and string head which could cause
damage from overheating. If grass becomes wrapped around
the string head, STOP THE ENGINE, disconnect the spark
plug wire, and remove the grass. Prolonged cutting at partial
throttle will result in lubricant dripping from the muffler.

WARNING:

Always hold the string trimmer away from the body keep­ing clearance between the body and the product. Any
contact with the housing or string trimmer cutting head can
result in burns and/or other serious personal injury.

TO ADVANCE THE CUTTING LINE

String advance is controlled by tapping the string head on
grass while running engine at full throttle.

 Run engine at full throttle.
 Tap the knob on ground to advance string. The string

advances each time the knob is tapped. Do not hold the

knob on the ground.
NOTE: The line trimming cut-off blade on the grass deflector

will cut the line to the correct length.
NOTE: If the string is worn too short you may not be able to

advance the string by tapping it on the ground. If so, stop
the engine, and manually advance the string.

To advance the cutting line manually:

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
 Push the knob in while pulling on string(s) to manually

advance the string.

CUTTING TIPS

See Figures 9 - 10.

 Avoid hot surfaces by always keeping the tool away from

your body. (Proper operating position shown in figure 9.)
 Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is

the best cutting area.
 The trimmer cuts when passing the unit from left to right.

This will avoid throwing debris at the operator. Avoid

cutting in the dangerous area shown in illustration.
 Use the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force string

head into uncut grass.
 Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even

breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may

wear string rapidly.
 Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding,

and fence posts can easily be damaged by the string.

GRASS DEFLECTOR STRING TRIMMING CUT­OFF BLADE

See Figure 11.

The trimmer is equipped with a string trimming cut-off blade
on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance string until
it is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade. Advance the
string whenever you hear the engine running faster than
normal, or when trimming efficiency diminishes. This will
maintain best performance and keep the string long enough
to advance properly.

10 — English

OPERATION

STARTING AND STOPPING

See Figures 12 - 14.

When starting the string trimmer for the first time or when
the battery voltage is low, it may be necessary to manually
start the string trimmer.

FOR MANUAL START:
To start a cold engine:

DO NOT squeeze the throttle trigger until the engine starts

and runs.

Lay the trimmer on a flat, bare surface.
PRIME - Press the primer bulb 7 times.
SET the start lever to the START position.
PULL the recoil starter until the engine starts.
Wait 6-10 seconds, then squeeze the trigger to run.

NOTE: Squeezing and releasing the throttle trigger releases
the start lever to the RUN position.

To start a warm engine:
PULL the recoil starter until the engine starts.

To stop the engine:

Press and hold the switch in the stop “ ” position until

the engine stops.

FOR ELECTRIC START:
To start a cold engine:

DO NOT squeeze the throttle trigger until the engine starts

and runs.

Lay the trimmer on a flat, bare surface.
PRIME - Press the primer bulb 7 times.
SET the start lever to the START position.
PRESS ignition switch.
RELEASE ignition switch after engine starts.
Wait 6-10 seconds, then squeeze the throttle trigger to run.

NOTE: Squeezing and releasing the throttle trigger releases
the start lever to the RUN position.

To start a warm engine:

PRESS ignition switch.
Lay the trimmer on a flat, bare surface.
RELEASE ignition switch after engine starts.

11 — English

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 eye protection marked to comply with
ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in objects be­ing thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible serious
injury.

WARNING:

Before inspecting, cleaning, or servicing the machine,
shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and
disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from spark
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in
serious personal injury or property damage.

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, lubricant, grease, etc.

WARNING:

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

You can often make adjustments and repairs described
here.

For other repairs, have the trimmer serviced by an

authorized service dealer.

INSTALLING REEL EASY STRING HEAD

See Figures 15 - 16.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Remove currently installed string head.
Open the Reel Easy String Head by depressing the latches

on each side. The contents of the string head are spring
loaded, so keep your other hand over the string head
cover while depressing the latches.

Remove the string head cover, knob, and spool and set

aside.

Place the string head on the drive shaft. Make sure the

string head is fully seated.

Install the hex bolt into the opening on the drive shaft

and secure using the hex-shaped opening in the knob
to tighten.

NOTE: Only use the knob to tighten the bolt. The use of

other tools may allow overtightening of the bolt, which

could damage the string head.
NOTE: For the BC30, the gear head locking tool can be

inserted through the slot in the flanged washer and gear

head to help hold the string head still.
If removed, replace the spring into the string head and

push down to seat.
Reinstall the spool. The spool should be placed so “This

side out for straight shaft” is visible.

Replace the knob in the spool.
Replace the string head cover, aligning latches with

openings in the string head. Press cover and string head

together until both latches snap into openings securely.
Install string as described in the next section of this

manual.

INSTALLING STRING IN REEL EASY STRING
HEAD

See Figures 17 - 18.

Use .095 in. diameter monofilament string.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Cut one piece of string approximately 25 ft. in length.
Rotate knob on string head until line on knob aligns with

arrows on top of string head.
Insert one end of string into eyelet located on the side of

the string head and push until string comes out through

eyelet on the other side. Continue to push string through

the string head until the middle section of the string is

inside the string head and string outside the string head

is evenly divided on each side.
Rotate the knob on the string head to wind the string. If

using the CS30, knob should be rotated counterclock-

wise. If using the SS30 or the BC30, knob should be

rotated clockwise. Wind the string until approximately

8 in. remains protruding from the string head.

INSTALLING PRO CUT II STRING HEAD

See Figure 19.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Remove currently installed string head.

Install the string head on the drive shaft until fully

seated.

Install the spool retainer and turn counterclockwise.
Install string as described in the next section of this

manual.

TM

12 — English