Ryobi RY40560 Operation Manual - Page 13

OPERATION 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.  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.  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.  Do not try to cut stems or twigs that are larger than 5/8 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.  If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the blades to stop and remove the battery pack before attempting to remove the obstruction.  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.  Always hold hedge trimmer with both hands when operating. Use a firm grip on the handles. The unit is used for cutting in either direction in a slow, sweeping action from side to side.  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. MAINTENANCE WARNING: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts could create a hazard or cause product damage. WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields 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: To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the tool when cleaning or performing any maintenance. GENERAL MAINTENANCE Before each use, inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please call 1-800-860-4050 or contact an authorized service center for assistance. 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 could 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  Remove the battery pack.  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.  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. 9 - English