Ryobi RY34421 Operator's Manual - Page 13

OPERATION 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 and stay away from open flames and sparks. Failure to safely handle fuel could result in serious personal injury. CAUTION: Do not overfill. Overfilling the crankcase may cause ­excessive smoke, oil loss, and engine damage. OPERATING THE TRIMMER See Figure 9. OXYGENATED FUELS DO NOT USE E85 FUEL. IT WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. NOTE: Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting 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. CAUTION: Attempting to start the engine before it has been properly filled with lubricant will result in equipment failure. WARNING: Engine housing may become hot during trimmer operation. Do not rest or place your arm, hand, or any body part against the engine housing during trimmer operation. Only hold the trimmer as shown in Figure 9 with all body parts clear of engine housing. Extended contact with the engine housing may result in burns or other injuries. 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. ADDING/CHECKING ENGINE LUBRICANT See Figure 8. Engine lubricant has a major influence on engine performance and service life. This unit is shipped with a 20W50 engine lubricant to assist in the break-in period. For best operating performance, continuing to use 20W50 engine lubricant is recommended, however, SAE 30, 10W30, or 10W40 are all acceptable lubricants to use in this product. Always use a 4-stroke engine lubricant that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service classification SJ. Check lubricant level before each use. NOTE: Non-detergent or 2-stroke engine lubricants will damage the engine and should not be used. To add engine lubricant:  Remove the cap and seal from lubricant bottle pro- vided.  Unscrew the oil cap/dipstick and remove.  Using funnel provided, add entire bottle of engine lubricant through oil fill hole.  Reinstall the oil cap/dipstick and secure. To check engine lubricant level:  Set unit on a flat surface.  Wipe dipstick clean and re-seat in hole; do not rethread.  Remove dipstick again and check lubricant level. Lubricant level should fall within the hatched area on the dipstick.  If level is low, add engine lubricant until the fluid level rises to the upper portion of the hatched area on the dipstick.  Replace and secure the oil cap/dipstick. 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. 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. 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. 9 - English