Ryobi P26010 18V Pole Hedge Trimmer Operator's Manual

General Safety Warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

• Work Area Safety: Keep the work area clean and well-lit. Do not operate in explosive atmospheres. Keep children and bystanders away.
• Electrical Safety: Use appropriate extension cords. Avoid contact with grounded surfaces. Do not expose to rain or wet conditions.
• Personal Safety: Stay alert, use common sense, and wear personal protective equipment (eye protection, etc.). Prevent unintentional starting by ensuring the switch is off before connecting to power or battery. Do not overreach. Dress properly.
• Power Tool Use and Care: Use the correct tool for the job. Do not force the tool. Maintain tools and accessories. Disconnect power before making adjustments.
• Battery Tool Use and Care: Recharge only with the specified charger. Keep battery packs away from metal objects. Avoid exposure to fire or excessive temperature.
• Service: Have power tools serviced by qualified personnel using identical replacement parts.

Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings

• Keep body parts away from the cutter blade. Ensure the switch is off when clearing jammed material.
• Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the cutter blade stopped.
• Always fit the blade cover when transporting or storing.
• Keep power cords and cables away from the cutting area.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only.
• DANGER: Keep hands away from the blade.
• WARNING: Use only with the handle and guard properly assembled.

Extended-Reach Hedge Trimmer Safety Warnings

• Never use near electrical power lines.
• Always use two hands when operating.
• Always use head protection when operating overhead.

Additional Safety Rules

• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.
• Do not use on a ladder, rooftop, or unstable support.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Use both hands when operating.
• Ensure the blade is not in contact with any object before starting.
• Stop the unit, remove the battery pack, and ensure the blade has stopped before setting the unit down.
• Never cut material with a diameter larger than 5/8 in.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use.
• Stop the motor when cutting is delayed or when walking between locations.
• Keep the unit clean.
• Store the unit indoors in a dry place, out of reach of children.
• Replace the blade cover when the unit is not in use.
• Never use water or liquids to clean the product.
• Use this product only with specified batteries and chargers.

Symbols

This product may use various symbols. Understanding these symbols will help you operate the product safely and effectively.

• DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
• NOTICE: Indicates important information not related to potential injury (e.g., property damage).

Features

• Blade Cover: Protects the operator from sharp blades and prevents blade damage during storage.
• Guard: Deflects chips and debris away from the operator.
• Lock-out: Prevents accidental starting.
• Four-Position Pivoting Head: Allows adjustment of the hedge trimmer head to four different positions.

Product Specifications

• Motor: 18 V DC
• Cutting Capacity: 5/8 in.
• Blade Length: 18 in.
• Cutting Speed: 3,000 cuts/min.

Assembly

WARNING: Remove the battery pack before assembling parts to prevent accidental starting.

• Unpacking: Carefully remove the product and accessories from the box. Ensure all items are present. Do not use if parts are missing or damaged.
• Connecting the Poles: Insert the plug on the intermediate pole into the socket on the power handle and push together until seated. Secure by pushing the collar and rotating clockwise. Repeat for the hedge trimmer head. Ensure poles are securely locked.
• Attaching the Shoulder Harness: Connect the latches on the shoulder harness to the strap hangers and adjust for a comfortable fit.

Operation

WARNING: Always wear eye and head protection.

• Installing/Removing Battery Pack: Insert the battery pack into the product until the latch snaps into place. To remove, depress the latch.
• Adjusting Pivoting Head: Push the pivot button and adjust the trimmer head until it snaps securely into one of the four positions.
• Starting/Stopping the Hedge Trimmer: To start, hold the trimmer, press and hold the trigger lock-out, then depress the switch trigger. To stop, release the trigger.
• Cutting Tips: Clear the area before use. Avoid cutting near power lines. Use both hands. Trim new growth with a sweeping motion and older growth with a sawing motion. Do not force the trimmer through heavy shrubbery. Do not cut stems larger than 5/8 in. If blades jam, stop the motor, remove the battery pack, and clear the obstruction.

Maintenance

WARNING: Remove the battery pack before cleaning or performing any maintenance.

• General Maintenance: Clean the unit with a damp cloth. Avoid solvents on plastic parts. Keep handles dry and clean.
• Transporting and Storing: Always place the blade cover on the blade. Clean the trimmer thoroughly. Store indoors in a dry, inaccessible place.
• Lubricating the Blades: Lubricate the blades before and after each use with light machine oil.
• Sharpening the Blade: Allow blades to stop. Remove the battery pack. Clamp the blade assembly in a vise and file the cutting surface of each tooth with a smooth round file, maintaining the original tooth angle. Repeat for the other side of the teeth.
• Cleaning the Hedge Trimmer: Remove the battery pack and blade cover. Clean the body with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Clear dust from air vents.
• Storing the Hedge Trimmer: Clean thoroughly. Store in a dry, well-ventilated place, out of reach of children. Place the blade cover on the cutting blades.

Parts and Service

For replacement parts or service, please contact Ryobi at 1-800-525-2579 or visit www.ryobitools.com. Have your item, manufacturing, and serial numbers ready.