Ryobi P1813 User Manual 4 - Page 11

OPERATION CUTTING TIPS See Figures 5 and 6. WARNING: Never cut near electric cords or lines. 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 grass shear/shrubber by the 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. Contact with the blade, other conductive parts of the grass shear/shrubber, or live electric cords or lines will result in death by electrocution or serious injury. WARNING: Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all objects such as cords, lights, wire, or loose string which can become entangled in the cutting blade and create a risk of serious personal injury. n Never use the grass shear/shrubber near power lines, fencing, posts, buildings, or other immovable objects. n Do not force the grass shear/shrubber through heavy grass or shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce the pace. n Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs that are larger than 5/16 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. Stretch a piece of string along the hedge at the desired height. Trim the hedge just above the 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. 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. OPERATING THE GRASS SHEAR/SHRUBBER See Figures 5 and 6. n Depending on the application, stand or kneel in a stable position next to the cutting area. n Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects. n Grasp the handle firmly and start the grass shear/shrubber. n Using a slow, sweeping action begin cutting from side to side. n If the blade hits a hard object, stop the motor, allow the blades to stop, and remove the battery pack. Inspect the blade for damage. Do not use if any damage is detected. 9 - English