RYOBI 18V ONE+ Line Trimmer User Manual

Important Information

It is essential to read the instructions in this manual before assembling, operating, and maintaining the product. Subject to technical modifications.

Safety

Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority in the design of your line trimmer/edger.

Intended Use

This product is only intended for use outdoors. It is designed for cutting grass and light weeds only in private garden areas.

Line Trimmer

The product is intended for cutting long grass, pulpy weed, brush and similar vegetation at or about ground level.

Edger

The product is intended for cutting neat edges to grass lawns.

The product should not be used to cut or trim hedges, bushes or other vegetation where the cutting plane is not parallel to the ground surface.

General Safety Warnings

Read all instructions before attempting to operate the product. Save all these instructions for future reference. Failure to follow all safety instructions can result in serious personal injury.

• For safe operation, read and understand all instructions before using this product.
• Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this unit.
• Check 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 machine.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with standards.
• Use safety glasses. Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses.
• Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Dress properly. Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear jewellery of any kind.
• Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in moving parts.
• Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 m away.
• Stay alert. 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 all parts of your body away from any moving part.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.
• Avoid dangerous environments. Don't expose the product to rain or wet conditions.
• Do not force the tool. Use the correct power tool for your application.
• Do not operate the product while barefoot or when wearing sandals or similar lightweight footwear.
• Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and balance.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch trigger is in the locked or off position before inserting battery pack.
• Do not use the product if switch trigger does not turn it on or off.
• Disconnect battery pack from the appliance before storing, servicing, or changing accessories such as cutting line.
• Use only identical manufacturer's replacement parts and accessories.
• Maintain the product with care. Replace trimmer head if cracked, chipped or damaged in any way. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
• Check for damaged parts. Before use, carefully check any part for damage to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorised service dealer.
• Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and handles are properly and securely attached.
• Use only the manufacturer's replacement line in the cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.
• Never operate the product without the grass deflector in place and in good condition.
• Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming. Keep line trimmer head below waist level. Never cut with the line trimmer head over 70 cm or more above the ground.
• Store idle appliances indoors. When not in use, the product should be stored indoors in a dry, locked place out of the reach of children.
• Never use blades, flailing devices, wire or rope. Unit is designed for line trimmer use only.
• Keep the air vents clean and free of debris to avoid overheating the motor. Clean after each use.
• Stop the unit and disconnect the power source when not in use. Carry the unit with the motor stopped.
• When hanging the product, ensure that the switch trigger is not depressed.
• Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery tool or when changing accessories.
• Do not charge battery tool in rain, or damp or wet location.
• Do not use battery-operated appliance in rain.
• Remove or disconnect battery before servicing, cleaning or removing material from the product.
• Use battery only with charger listed. For use with 18V nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion battery packs.
• Do not dispose of the batteries in a fire. The cell may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.
• Do not open or mutilate the batteries. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.
• Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire or heat.
• Batteries can explode in the presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light. Never use any cordless product in the presence of open flame.
• Do not crush, drop or damage battery pack.
• A battery pack or charger that has been dropped or received a sharp blow. Properly dispose of a dropped or damaged battery immediately.
• Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to short the battery with conducting materials such as rings, bracelets, and keys.
• For best results, your battery tool should be charged in a location where the temperature is more than 10°C but less than 37°C. 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.
• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this power tool. If you loan someone this power tool, loan them these instructions also.

Additional Safety Rules

Transporting Lithium Batteries

Transport the battery in accordance with local and national provisions and regulations. Follow all special requirements on packaging and labelling when transporting batteries by a third party. Ensure that no batteries can come in contact with other batteries or conductive materials while in transport by protecting exposed connectors with insulating, non-conductive caps or tape. Do not transport batteries that are cracked or leaking. Check with the forwarding company for further advice.

Features

Know Your Product

Refer to Figure 1 for a visual representation of the product components. The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information in this manual and knowledge of the project. Familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules before use.

Adjustable Front Handle

The front handle assembly can be adjusted for ease of operation and to help prevent loss of control.

Edger Guide

The edger guide allows the line trimmer to perform as an edger.

Grass Deflector

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

GripZone™ Overmold

GripZone™ overmold provides added user comfort.

Lock-Out Button

The lock-out button prevents accidental starting.

Rotating Rear Handle

The rotating rear handle can be locked in two different positions for ease of use when edging and trimming.

Telescoping Boom

The line trimmer can be adjusted to different extension points for ease of use.

Three-Position Pivoting Head

The trimmer head can be adjusted with the pivot button.

Assembly

Unpacking

This product requires assembly.

• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included.

Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or 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 Ryobi Customer Service for assistance: AUS: 1300 361 505, NZ: 0800 279 624.

Packing List

• Line Trimmer
• Grass Deflector Assembly with Screws
• Front Handle Assembly
• Operator's Manual
• Battery (for RLT1830LiX4, RLT1830LiX5, RLT1830Li15, and RLT1830Li13 only)
• Charger (for RLT1830LiX4, RLT1830LiX5, RLT1830Li15, and RLT1830Li13 only)

Description

Figure 1 Components:

1. Switch trigger
2. GripZone™ overmold
3. Lock-out button
4. Adjustable front handle
5. Rear handle
6. Telescoping boom
7. 3-Position pivoting head
8. Edger guide
9. Grass deflector

Figure 2 Components:

1. Grass deflector
2. Head spool cover
3. Line cut-off blade

Figure 3 Components:

1. Screw holes

Figure 4 Components:

1. Switch trigger
2. Lock-out button

Figure 5 Components:

1. Latches

Figure 6 Components:

1. Telescoping boom
2. Locking coupling

Figure 7 Components:

1. Knob

Figure 8 Components:

1. Pivot button

Figure 11 Components:

1. Line release button
2. Line

Figure 12 Components:

1. Rotating rear handle
2. Edger guide
3. Line cut-off blade
4. Locking coupling

Figure 14 Components:

1. Spool retainer
2. Spool
3. Spool retainer lock buttons
4. Slots
5. Eyelet

Figure 15 Components:

1. Spool
2. Slot

Operation

Attaching Grass Deflector

See Figure 2-3 for visual guidance.

• Fit the grass deflector into the slots on trimmer head.
• Line up the screw holes in the grass deflector with the holes in the trimmer head.
• Install supplied screws and tighten by turning clockwise with a Phillips screwdriver.

This product will accept Ryobi One+ 18V lithium-ion battery packs and Ryobi One+ 18V nickel-cadmium battery packs. For complete charging instructions, refer to the Operator's Manuals for your Ryobi One+ battery pack and charger models.

NOTE: To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack and keep hands clear of the lock-out button when carrying or transporting the tool.

Starting/Stopping the Line Trimmer

See Figure 4 for visual guidance.

• To start the line trimmer, push the lock-out button to either the right or the left side, then pull the switch trigger.
• To stop the line trimmer, release the switch trigger.

To Install Battery Pack

See Figure 5 for visual guidance.

• Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.
• Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack snap into place and the battery pack is secured before beginning operation.

To Remove Battery Pack

See Figure 5 for visual guidance.

• Depress the latches on each side of the battery pack.
• Remove the battery pack.

Telescoping Boom

See Figure 6 for visual guidance.

The boom can be extended or shortened for ease of use.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Loosen the telescoping boom locking coupler by turning it counterclockwise. Slide the boom to the desired position.
• Tighten the coupler by turning clockwise. Make sure the boom is securely tightened before reinstalling the battery pack.

Adjustable Front Handle

See Figure 7 for visual guidance.

The angle of the front handle can be adjusted 180°.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Loosen and remove the wing bolt from the handle.
• Install the handle on the rear handle pole in the area indicated by the illustration.
• Adjust handle up or down, if necessary, to desired operating position.
• Reinstall the wing bolt. Tighten wing bolt to secure.

Three-Position Pivoting Head

See Figure 8 for visual guidance.

The trimmer head can be adjusted to three different positions.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Depress the pivot button and move the trimmer head up or down to one of the three positions indicated by the notches.

NOTE: Adjust the trimmer head to the first and second notches for trimming and edging. Adjust to the third notch for storage only.

• Make sure the trimmer head is securely locked into place before reinstalling the battery pack.

Operating the Trimmer

See Figure 9 for visual guidance on proper operating posture.

Follow these tips when using the product:

• Hold the product 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.
• The product 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 boom housing and line head which may cause damage from overheating.

If grass becomes wrapped around the cutting head:

• Remove the battery pack from the trimmer.
• Remove the grass.

Cutting Tips

See Figure 10 for visual guidance.

• Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the best cutting position.
• The line 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 figure 10.
• Use the tip of the line to do the cutting. Do not force cutting head into uncut grass.
• Do not allow cutting head to contact the ground.
• Wire and picket fences cause extra line wear, even breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may wear cutting line rapidly.
• Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the line.

Advancing Line

NOTE: The trimmer is equipped with an auto-feed head. Bumping the head to try to advance the line will damage the trimmer and void the warranty.

• With the trimmer running, release the switch trigger.
• Wait several seconds till the head almost stops turning, and press the switch trigger.

NOTE: The line will extend approximately 6mm. With each stop and start of the switch trigger until the string reaches the length of the grass deflector cut-off blade.

• Resume trimming.

Advancing the Line Manually

See Figure 11 for visual guidance.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Push the black button located on the cutting head while pulling on line to manually advance the length.

Line Cut-Off Blade

See Figure 12 for visual guidance.

This trimmer is equipped with a line cut-off blade on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance the line until it is trimmed to length by the line 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 line long enough to advance properly.

Rotating Rear Handle

See Figure 12 for visual guidance.

The rotating rear handle is used in combination with the edger guide.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Push down on the edging coupler and turn handle end clockwise until the edging coupler locks into place.
• Release the edging coupler.

Edging

See Figures 12 - 13 for visual guidance.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Rotate the shaft when using the edger guide for edging sidewalks and walkways. To use the edger guide, flip down from its stored position.

Always hold the line trimmer away from the body keeping clearance between the body and the line trimmer. Any contact with the line trimmer cutting head while operating can result in serious personal injury.

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. Do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please call Ryobi Customer Service 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.

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 authorised service centre.

Battery Pack Removal and Preparation for Recycling

Spool Replacement

See Figure 14 for visual guidance.

Use original manufacturer's replacement spool.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Push in tabs on side of spool retainer.
• Pull spool retainer up to remove.
• Remove the old spool.
• To install the new spool, make sure the line is captured in the slot on the new spool. Make sure the end of the line is extended approximately 15cm beyond the slot.
• Install the new spool so that the line and slot align with the eyelet in the cutting head. Thread the line into the eyelet.
• Pull the line extending from the cutting head so the line releases from the slot in the spool.
• Reinstall the spool retainer by depressing tabs into slots and pushing down until spool retainer clicks into place.

Line Replacement

See Figure 14-15 for visual guidance.

• Use only round type 1.65 mm monofilament line.
• Remove the battery pack.
• Remove the spool from the cutting head.

NOTE: Remove any old line remaining on the spool.

• Cut a piece of line approximately 2.7 m long. Use only 1.65mm monofilament line.
• Insert the line into the anchor hole in the upper part of the spool. Neatly (do not cross) wind the line around the upper part of the spool clockwise, as shown by the arrows on the spool. Place line in the slot on upper spool flange, leaving about 15 cm extended beyond the slot. Do not overfill. After winding the line, there should be at least 6 mm between the wound line and the outside edge of the spool.
• To replace the plastic retainer, spool, and the spool retainer, refer to Spool Replacement earlier in this manual.

Storing the Product

• Remove the battery pack from the product before storing.
• Clean all foreign material from the product.
• Store it in a place that is inaccessible to children.
• Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

Environmental Protection

Recycle raw materials instead of disposing of as waste. The machine, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environmental-friendly recycling. Symbol: Universal recycling symbol with a crossed-out wheeled bin.

Symbols

The following symbols and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with the product.

Product Specifications

Battery and Charger

Troubleshooting