Ryobi CS26, SS26, RY28020, RY28040 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

MANUEL D’UTILISATION
MANUAL DEL OPERADOR

26CC STRING TRIMMERS

CS26

RY28020

TAILLE-BORDURES À LIGNE DE 26 CC
RECORTADORAS DE HILO 26 CC

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.

SS26

RY28040

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

Ce taille-bordures a été conçu et fabriqué conformément à
nos strictes normes de fiabilité, simplicité d’emploi et sécurité
d’utilisation. Correctement entretenu, cet outil 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

FUTURE RÉFÉRENCE

Su nueva recortadora ha sido diseñado y fabricado de conformidad
con nuestras estrictas normas para brindar fiabilidad, facilidad de
uso y seguridad para el operador. Con el debido cuidado, le brindará
muchos años de sólido funcionamiento y sin problemas.

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

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 - Reel-Easy™ tap advance string head

(avance de la ligne de coupe à tapant
Reel-Easy™, sistema de avance de hilo por
golpe Reel-Easy™)

B - Drive shaft housing (tube de l’arbre moteur,

alojamiento del eje de impulsión)
C - Coupler (coupleur, acoplador)
D - Front handle (poignée avant, mango

delantero)
E - Strap hanger (dispositif d’accrochage,

colgador para la correa)
F - Stop switch (l’interrupteur d’arrêt, interruptor

de parada)
G - Trigger lock-out (verrouillage de gâchette,

seguro del gatillo)
H - Starter handle and rope (poignée du lanceur

et corde, mango del arrancador y cuerda)
I - Primer bulb (poire d’amorçage, bomba de

cebado)
J - Fuel cap (bouchon de carburant, tapa del

tanque)
K - Rear handle (poignée arrière, mango trasero)
L - Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur,

gatillo del acelerador)
M

- Knob (bouton, perilla)

N - Curved shaft grass deflector (déflecteur

d’herbe d’arbre courbe, deflector de pasto del

eje curvo)
O - Straight shaft grass deflector (déflecteur

d’herbe d’arbre droit, deflector de pasto para

eje recto)

H

F

E

D

C

B

M

N

A

CS26

B

G

L

D

C

K

F

E

M

I

J

I

H

G

J

K

L

SS26

O

A

Fig. 2

DUAL SPOOL™ FIXED LINE STRING HEAD

INSERT

BOBINE À FIL FIXE DUAL SPOOLTM

INSERTO PARA CABEZAL DEL HILO CON

LÍNEA FIJA DUAL SPOOL™

REEL-EASY™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM

AVANCE DE LA LIGNE DE COUPE À TAPANT

REEL-EASY™

SISTEMA DE AVANCE DE HILO POR GOLPE

REEL-EASY™

ii

Fig. 3

B

A

G

A - Button (bouton, botón)
B - Guide recess (logement guide, hueco guía)
C - Coupler (coupleur, acoplador)
D - Power head shaft (arbre du bloc moteur, eje

del cabezal motor)
E - Knob (bouton, perilla)
F - Positioning hole (trou de positionnement,

orificio de posicionamiento)
G - Trimmer attachment (accessoire taille-

bordures, aditamento para recortar)

C

F

D

E

Fig.4

D

C

B

A

A - Button (bouton, botón)
B - Secondary hole (trou secondaire, orificio

secundario)
C - Hole (trou, orificio)
D - Hanger cap (capuchon de suspension, tapa

de suspensión)

Fig. 7

A

C

D

B

A - Straight shaft grass deflector (déflecteur

d’herbe d’arbre droit, deflector de pasto para

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

mariposa)

Fig. 10

A

Fig. 5

A

A - Bolt (boulon, perno)
B - Front handle (poignée avant, mango

delantero)
C - Washer (rondelle, arandela)
D - Wing nut (écrou papillon, tuerca de

mariposa)

B

C

D

Fig. 6

A

B

E

C

D

Fig. 8

A

D

B

C

A - Stop switch (l’interrupteur d’arrêt, interruptor

de parada)

B - Trigger lock-out (verrouillage de gâchette,

seguro del gatillo)

C - Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur,

gatillo del acelerador)

D - Starter handle and rope (poignée du lanceur

et corde, mango del arrancador y cuerda)

Fig. 9

A

B

D

C

B

C

B

A - Full Choke (volet de départ ouvert, anegación

máxima)

B - Choke lever (levier de volet de départ,

palanca del anegador)

C - Run position (position de marche, posición

de marcha)

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

mariposa)
E - Curved shaft grass deflector (déflecteur

d’herbe, deflector de pasto)

A - Stop switch (l’interrupteur d’arrêt, interruptor

de parada)

B - Trigger lock-out (verrouillage de gâchette,

seguro del gatillo)

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

cebado)

D - Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur,

gatillo del acelerador)

iii

Fig. 11

PROPER OPERATING POSITION

BONNE POSITION DE TRAVAIL

POSICIÓN CORRECTA PARA EL MANEJO

DE LA HERRAMIENTA

Fig. 13

A

Fig. 16

A

A

B

B

Fig. 12

B

A

C

D

A - Dangerous cutting area (zone de coupe

dangereuse, área peligrosa de corte)
B - Curved shaft trimmer (taille-bordures à

arbre courbe, recortadora de eje curvo)
C - Direction of rotation (sens de rotation,

sentido de rotación)
D - Best cutting area (zone d’efficacité maximum,

mejor área de corte)

D

A - Straight shaft trimmer (taille-bordures à

arbre droit, recortadora de eje recto)

B - Dangerous cutting area (zone de coupe

dangereuse, área peligrosa de corte)

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

mejor área de corte)

D - Direction of rotation (sens de rotation,

sentido de rotación)

C

Fig. 14

A

B

A - Straight shaft trimmer cut-off blade (lame

de sectionnement de ligne du taille-bordures
à arbre droit, cuchilla de corte de hilo de la
recortadora de eje recto)

B - Curved shaft trimmer cut-off blade (lame de

sectionnement de ligne du taille-bordures à
arbre courbe, cuchilla de corte de hilo de la
recortadora de eje recto)

Fig. 15

A

A - Spool retainer (retenue de bobine, retén del

carrete)

A - Spool retainer (retenue de bobine, retén del

carrete)

B - Spool (bobine, carrete)

Fig. 17

A

B

A - Eyelet (oeillet, ojillo)
B - Arrow on spool (flèche sur la bobine, flecha

en el carrete)

Fig. 18

A

A - Pull strings (tirer vers l’extérieur, tira del

hilo)

B - Rotate the spool counterclock wise (tourner

le bobine dans le sens antihoraire, gire a la
izquierda el carrete)

iv

Fig. 19 Fig. 22

Fig. 21

A

A - Pull strings (tirer vers l’extérieur, tira del

hilo)

Fig. 20

A

B

C

A - String head housing (boîtier de tête de

coupe, alojamiento del cabezal de hilo)
B - Spool (bobine, carrete)
C - Spool retainer (retenue de bobine, retén del

carrete)

B

A

C

B

A - Insert line through slots until approx.

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

pulg.) de los orificios]
B - Eyelet (trou, ojillos)
C - Pull line from holes to remove (tirer les

fils hors des trous afin de les retirer, tire

de los hilospara retirar los a través de los

orificios)

A

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

ajuste de la velocidad en vacío)

Fig. 23

A

C

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)

Fig. 24

A

B

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)

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE DES MATIÈRES / ÍNDICE DE CONTENIDO

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

Introduction / Introducción

 General Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Règles de sécurité générales / Reglas de seguridad generales

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

Règles de sécurité particulières / Reglas de seguridad específicas

Symbols ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Symboles / Símbolos

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

Caractéristiques / Características

 Assembly .......................................................................................................................................................................6-8

Assemblage / Armado

 Operation .......................................................................................................................................................................8-9

Utilisation / Funcionamiento

 Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................................................10-11

Entretien / Mantenimiento

 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................. 12

Dépannage / Solución de problemas

 Warranty ....................................................................................................................................................................13-15

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 loose string
which can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting
line or blade.

 Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to

comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection
when operating this equipment.

 Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, 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. Contact with
hot surfaces could result in possible serious personal
injury.

 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 operating

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.
 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.
 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.

3 — English

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER
USE

 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 or blade 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.

 Never use blades, flailing devices, wire, or rope. Use only

the manufacturer’s replacement line in the cutting head.

Do not use any other cutting attachment. To install any

other brand of cutting head to this string trimmer can

result in serious personal injury.
 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.

4 — 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:

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning for safe
operation of this product.

SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION

Safety Alert Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.

Read Operator’s Manual

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.

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

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to

Eye and Hearing Protection

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

Ricochet

No Blade

Gasoline and Lubricant

comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection
when operating this equipment.

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

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

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Weight - (without fuel)

CS26 ..................................................................................................................................................................10.3 lbs.

SS26 ..................................................................................................................................................................11.8 lbs.

Line cutting width

CS26 .......................................................................................................................................................................17 in.

SS26 .......................................................................................................................................................................18 in.

Engine displacement ...................................................................................................................................................26cc

Line diameter

Reel-Easy™ Tap Advance System ....................................................................................................................... .095 in.

Dual Spool™ Fixed Line String Head Insert ............................................................................... .095 in. to .105 in. max.

KNOW YOUR PRODUCT

See Figures 1 - 2.

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.

GRASS DEFLECTOR

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

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.
 Carefully remove the items from the box. Make sure that

all items listed in the packing list are included.

WARNING:

Do not use this product if any parts on the packing list are
already assembled to your product when you unpack it.
Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by the
manufacturer and require customer installation. Use of a
product that may have been improperly assembled could
result in serious personal injury.

 Inspect the unit carefully to make sure no damage occurred

during shipping.

 Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully

inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.

 If any parts are damaged or missing, please call

1-800-860-4050 for assistance.

REEL-EASY™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM

The Reel-Easy™ Tap Advance System allows easy line ad­vance during trimmer operation.

TOP-MOUNTED MOTOR

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

PACKING LIST

CS26

Trimmer Assembly
Front Handle
Curved Shaft Grass Deflector
Dual Spool™ Fixed Line String Head Insert
Bottle of 2-Cycle Lubricant
Operator’s Manual

SS26

Trimmer Assembly
Front Handle
Dual Spool™ Fixed Line String Head Insert
Straight Shaft Grass Deflector
Bottle of 2-Cycle Lubricant
Operator’s Manual

6 — English

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this
product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product
with damaged or missing parts could result in serious
personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to modify this product or create acces­sories not recommended for use with this product. 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 disconnect the engine spark plug
wire from the spark plug when assembling parts.

INSTALLING THE POWER HEAD TO THE
ATTACHMENT

See Figure 3.

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 by means of
a coupler device.

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

and remove the hanger cap from the attachment.

 Push in the button located on the trimmer attachment.

Align the button with the guide recess on the power
head coupler and slide the two shafts together. Rotate
the trimmer attachment 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.

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.

ATTACHING THE STORAGE HANGER

See Figure 4.

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 trimmer attachment. Slightly

rotate the cap from side to side until the button locks into

place.
 The secondary hole in the trimmer attachment can be

used for hanging purposes as well.

ATTACHING THE FRONT HANDLE

See Figure 5.

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

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

housing in the area indicated by the label.
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.

ATTACHING THE GRASS DEFLECTOR

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.

TO ATTACH THE CURVED SHAFT GRASS
DEFLECTOR - CS26

See Figure 6.

 Remove hex screw, washer, and wing nut from grass

deflector.
 Press the grass deflector onto the bottom of the curved

shaft as shown.
 Insert the hex screw through the grass deflector and the

bracket on the curved shaft.

 Place the washer on the hex screw.
 Place the wing nut on the hex screw and tighten

securely.

7 — English

ASSEMBLY

TO ATTACH THE STRAIGHT SHAFT GRASS
DEFLECTOR - SS26

See Figure 7.

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

grass deflector.

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

 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.

FILLING TANK

 Clean surface around fuel cap to prevent

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:

Never use blades, flailing devices, wire, or rope on this
product. 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)

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

DO NOT USE E85 FUEL. IT WILL VOID YOUR
WARRANTY.

NOTE: Fuel system damage or performance problems re-

sulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates stated below are not

covered under warranty.
Ethanol. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume

(commonly referred to as E10) or 15% ethanol by volume
(commonly referred to as E15) are acceptable. E85 is not.

STARTING AND STOPPING

See Figures 8 - 10.

Trimmer should be on a flat, bare surface for starting.

To start a cold engine:

Slowly press the primer bulb 10 times.
NOTE: After the 7th press, fuel should be visible in the

primer bulb. If it is not, continue to press the primer until

you see fuel in the bulb.
Set the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position.

8 — English

OPERATION

Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and pull starter handle

sharply until engine attempts to run. Do not pull the starter
handle more than four (4) times.

NOTE: Keep throttle trigger squeezed fully.

Set the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.
Pull the starter grip until the engine runs. Do not pull the

starter grip more than six (6) times.

NOTE: If the engine does not start, return to the full choke

position and repeat the steps that follow.

Allow the engine to run for 10 seconds, then set the choke

lever to the RUN position.

To restart a warm engine:

Slowly press the primer bulb 10 times.
Set the choke lever to the RUN position.
Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and pull the starter handle

until the engine runs.

To stop the engine:

 To stop the engine, depress the STOP switch to the stop

position “ ”.

IF ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS PRODUCT:

Do not return this product to the retail store where it was
purchased. Please call our Customer Service Department
for any issues you may have.

For Help Call: 1-800-860-4050

OPERATING THE TRIMMER

See Figure 11.

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 in RUN position. 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.

9 — English

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.

CUTTING TIPS

See Figures 11 - 13.

 Avoid hot surfaces by always keeping the tool away from

your body. (Proper operating position shown in figure 11.)
 Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is

the best cutting area.
 The curved shaft trimmer cuts when passing the unit from

right to left. The straight shaft 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 line to do the cutting; do not force string

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

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

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

and fence posts can easily be damaged by the line.

ADVANCING STRING USING THE REEL-EASY™
TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM

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

 Run engine at full throttle.
 Tap string head on ground to advance string. String

advances each time the head is tapped.
 Several taps may be required until string strikes the cut

off blade.
 Resume trimming.
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, disconnect the spark plug wire, and manually
advance the string.

ADVANCING THE STRING MANUALLY

With the engine off and the spark plug wire disconnected,
push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to
manually advance the string.

GRASS DEFLECTOR LINE TRIMMING CUT-OFF
BLADE

See Figure 14.

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

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

 Remove the empty spool from the string head.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the string head

housing from the drive shaft.
 Insert the new spool into the string head.
NOTE: Make sure the arrows on the spool are aligned

with the eyelets in the string head housing. Push down

and hold the spool and housing together while complet-

ing the installation.
 Reinstall the spool retainer to secure.
To install the spool retainer:
Turn the spool retainer clockwise for CS26.

Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for SS26.

 Install line as described in LINE REPLACEMENT.

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.

SPOOL REPLACEMENT
REEL-EASY™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM

See Figures 15 - 17.

If replacing line only, refer to Line Replacement later in
this manual.

Use only .095 in. trimmer line.
 Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold

the string head and unscrew the spool retainer.

To remove the spool retainer:
Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26CS.
Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26SS.

LINE REPLACEMENT

See Figures 17 - 19.

 Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.

 Rotate the spool clockwise as necessary to align the arrows

on the spool with the eyelets in the string head housing.
 Cut one piece of trimmer line 10 ft. long. Insert the line

into the eyelet on the string trimmer housing. Push until

the end of the line comes out the other side of the string

head. Pull the line from the other side until equal amounts

of line appear on both sides of the spool.
 Rotate the spool clockwise to wind the line on the spool

until approximately 6 in. of line is showing on each side.
 Push the spool retainer down while pulling on line(s) to

manually advance the line and to check for proper as-

sembly of the string head.

INSTALLING DUAL SPOOL™ FIXED LINE
STRING HEAD INSERT

See Figures 20 - 21.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Remove spool retainer.
Remove the spool and spring from the string head.
Find the word LOAD on top of the Dual Spool™ Fixed

Line String Head Insert, then locate the openings on the

sides of the insert beneath LOAD. Place the insert inside

the string head so that the openings on the sides of the

insert align with the slots on the sides of the string head.

Make sure the spool is completely seated.
Reinstall the spool retainer on the string head and turn

counterclockwise to secure.
Install line as described in the next section of this manual.

10 — English

MAINTENANCE

INSTALLING LINE IN DUAL SPOOL™ FIXED
LINE STRING HEAD INSERT

See Figure 21.

Use monofilament line between .095 in. and .105 in. diameter.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Gather two of the pre-cut lengths of trimmer line provided

or cut two pieces of trimmer line in 11 in. lengths.

Insert the lines into the eyelets located on the sides of the

string head. Line should be pushed in until approximately
1 in. protrudes from the holes on the top of the string head.

Remove old line by pulling it from the holes located on

the top of the string head.

CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT AND
MUFFLER

NOTE: Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and

amount of lubricant used, and/or your operating conditions, the
exhaust port, muffler, and/or spark arrestor screen may be­come blocked with carbon deposits. If you notice a power
loss with your gas powered tool, you may need to remove
these deposits to restore performance. We highly recommend
that only qualified service technicians perform this service.

SPARK ARRESTOR

The spark arrestor must be cleaned or replaced every 50
hours or yearly to ensure proper performance of your prod­uct. Spark arrestors may be in different locations depending
on the model purchased. Please contact your nearest service
dealer for the location of the spark arrestor for your model.

WARNING:

The cutting attachment should never turn at idle. Turn
the idle speed screw counterclockwise to reduce the
idle RPM and stop the cutting attachment, or contact a
service dealer for adjustment and discontinue use until
the repair is made. Serious personal injury may result
from the cutting attachment turning at idle.

CLEANING AIR FILTER SCREEN

See Figures 23 - 24.

For proper performance and long life, keep air filter screen
clean.

 Remove the air filter cover by pushing down on the latch

with your thumb while gently pulling on the cover.

 Brush the air filter screen lightly to clean.
 Replace the air filter cover by inserting the tabs on the

bottom of the cover into the slots on the air filter base;

push the cover up until it latches securely in place.

FUEL CAP

WARNING:

Check for fuel leaks. A leaking fuel cap is a fire hazard
and must be replaced immediately. If you find any leaks,
correct the problem before using the product. Failure
to do so could result in a fire that could cause serious
personal injury.

IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT

See Figure 22.

If the cutting attachment turns at idle, the idle speed screw
needs adjusting on the engine. Turn the idle speed screw
counterclockwise to reduce the idle RPM and stop the cut­ting attachment movement. If the cutting attachment still
moves at idle speed, contact a service dealer for adjustment
and discontinue use until the repair is made.

The fuel cap contains a non-serviceable filter and a check
valve. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine perfor­mance. If performance improves when the fuel cap is loos­ened, check valve may be faulty or filter clogged. Replace
fuel cap if required.

SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT

This engine uses a Champion RCJ-6Y, NGK BPMR7A, or
Ryobi AC00160 spark plug with .025 in. electrode gap. Use
an exact replacement and replace annually.

STORING THE PRODUCT

 Clean all foreign material from the product. Store idle unit

indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area that is inaccessible

to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such as

garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
 Abide by all ISO and local regulations for the safe storage

and handling of gasoline.

When storing 1 month or longer:

 Drain all fuel from tank into a container approved for

gasoline. Run engine until it stops.

11 — English