RYOBI 40V Snow Blower - Operator's Manual

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS. Failure to follow all instructions listed below and on the machine may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.

• Know your snow blower. Read the operator's manual carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this snow blower. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
• Do not permit children to use the snow blower. It is not a toy.
• Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model as described in this manual. Accessories that may be suitable for one snow blower may create a risk of injury when used on another snow blower. Use only as described in this manual.
• Do not handle the charger, including charger plug and charger terminals, with wet hands.
• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
• Turn off all controls before removing the battery.
• Do not operate snow blowers in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Snow blowers create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep bystanders, children, pets, and visitors at least 100 ft. away while operating a snow blower. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
• A battery-operated snow blower with integral batteries or a separate battery pack must be recharged only with the specified charger for the battery. A charger that may be suitable for one type of battery may create a risk of fire when used with another battery.
• Use battery-operated snow blower only with specifically designated battery pack. Use of any other batteries may create a risk of fire.
• Use this product only with batteries and chargers listed in tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supplement 988000-842.
• Do not operate charger with a damaged cord or plug, which could cause shorting and electric shock. If damaged, have the charger replaced by an authorized service center.
• If the appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center.
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power snow blower. Do not use snow blower while tired, upset, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating snow blowers may result in serious personal injury.
• Avoid accidental starting. Carrying snow blowers with your finger on the start button or inserting the battery pack into a snow blower with the start button depressed invites accidents.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
• Dress properly -- Do not wear loose clothing, scarves, or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts.
• Disconnect battery pack from snow blower before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the snow blower. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the snow blower accidentally.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like: paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause sparks, burns, or a fire.
• Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the snow blower's operation. If damaged, have the snow blower serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained snow blowers.
• Keep the snow blower and its handle dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or any strong solvents to clean your snow blower. Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of eye injury.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Battery snow blowers 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 powered snow blower or when changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
• Operation of the snow blower in the hand-held position is unsafe. Do not use this snow blower in any way other than as described in this manual.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or appliance that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265F may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Do not modify or attempt to repair the appliance or the battery pack (as applicable) except as indicated in the instructions for use and care.
• Do not store appliance in locations where the temperature is less than 22F or more than 120F. Do not store outside or in vehicles.
• Do not use appliance in locations where the temperature is less than 22F or more than 85F.
• Do not place battery powered snow blowers or their batteries near fire or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and possibly injury.
• Don't expose snow blowers to rain. Water entering a snow blower will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Wear heavy long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of the machine or its motor.
• Wear rubber boots when operating the snow blower. Protective footwear will protect your feet and improve your footing on slippery surfaces. Do not go barefoot or wear sandals.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.
• Do not point the snow blower discharge chute in the direction of people or pets. Thrown snow or other objects can cause serious personal injuries.
• Never run the unit without the proper equipment attached. Always ensure the snow blower chute deflector is installed.
• Store Idle Snow Blower Indoors -- When not in use, snow blower should be stored indoors in a dry, locked up place -- out of the reach of children.
• Do not dispose of a severely damaged or worn out battery pack or this snow blower by incinerating. The battery can explode in fire.
• Snow blower service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.
• When servicing a snow blower, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of shock or injury.
• Never use snow blower near fires, fireplaces, hot ashes, barbecue pits, etc. Use near fires or ashes can spread fires and result in serious injury and/or property damage.
• Never use snow blower to spread chemicals, fertilizers, or any other toxic substances. Spreading these substances could result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
• Never place snow blower on any surface, except a hard, clean surface when motor is running. Gravel, sand, and other debris can be picked up by the impeller and thrown at the operator or bystanders, causing possible serious injuries.
• 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.
• Do not use snow blower on ice, which can cause the operator to slip and fall, resulting in possible serious personal injury.
• Never use snow blower on frozen lakes, rivers, or similar surfaces. Serious injury or death could occur if the ice breaks.
• Never use the snow blower on a rooftop or other unstable surface, which can result in death or serious personal injury.
• For household use only.
• Use the right appliance -- Do not use the snow blower for any job except that for which it is intended.
• Do not force the snow blower -- It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the snow blower when crossing gravel or rocky surfaces.
• If the snow blower strikes a foreign object, follow these steps:
  • Stop the snow blower by releasing the bail and wait until the unit comes to a complete stop.
  • Remove the battery pack.
  • Thoroughly inspect the snow blower for any damage.
  • Repair any damage before restarting and continuing to operate the snow blower.
• Do not lift up or hold the snow blower above the ground when operating, which can result in loss of control and possible serious personal injury. Only operate the snow blower in accordance with the operating instructions provided in this operator's manual.
• Keep guards in place and in working order.
• Maintain Snow Blower With Care -- Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
• Stop the motor, wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop, and remove the battery pack before cleaning or performing any maintenance.
• Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product and do not expose the product to rain. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can enter the product's electronic components and/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth occasionally.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing driveways, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• If the unit should vibrate abnormally, stop the motor and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when operating in reverse.
• Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing, and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk; never run.
• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.

Symbols

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

DANGER:

Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING:

Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION:

Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE:

(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered important, but not related to a potential injury (e.g., messages relating to property damage).

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

Features

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

• Motor: 40 Volt DC
• Clearing Width: 21 in.
• Clearing Depth: 13 in.
• Wheel Size: 11 in.
• Throwing Distance: Up to 35 ft.

KNOW YOUR SNOW BLOWER

See Figure 1. The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information on the product and in this operator's manual as well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules.

• ADJUSTABLE IMPELLER SPEED: Decreasing the impeller speed for a smaller snow accumulation allows for a longer running time.
• BATTERY COVER: The battery cover protects the battery ports from moisture and debris.
• BRUSHLESS MOTOR: This product features a brushless motor that maximizes power and performance as well as battery run time.
• CHUTE DEFLECTOR HANDLE: The chute deflector handle allows you to change the discharge distance of the snow from the chute.
• CHUTE ROTATION LEVER: The chute rotation lever allows you to choose the direction that snow will discharge from the snow blower. The lever allows the chute to rotate up to 180°.
• DUAL BATTERY PORTS: This product features dual battery ports to maximize power and minimize down time during operation. The batteries work in tandem to deliver consistent power to the unit during operation.
• LED HEADLIGHT BAR: The LED headlight bar is located on the front of the unit to illuminate your path in low light conditions. The lights will operate whenever the motor is running.

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.

PACKING LIST

• Snow Blower
• Chute Deflector
• Phillips Screw
• Operator's Manual

WARNING: To avoid the risk of injury, do not operate without discharge chute in place.

WARNING: Do not use this product if any parts on the Packing List are already assembled to your product when you unpack it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by the manufacturer and require customer installation. Use of a product that may have been improperly assembled could result in serious personal injury.

• 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 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

WARNING: If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not insert battery pack until assembly is complete and you are ready to use snow blower. Failure to comply could result in accidental starting and possible serious personal injury.

WARNING: To prevent accidental starting, do not make any adjustments or installations with the battery pack inserted. Accidental starting of the snow blower during assembly could result in serious personal injury.

UNFOLDING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY

See Figures 2 - 3.

NOTICE: Do not allow the chute rotation cable to become pinched or trapped when raising the handles.

• Unlock the handle adjustment levers.
• Raise the upper handle. Avoid pinching or trapping any cables.
• Return the handle adjustment levers to the locked position to secure the handle in place.

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE ADJUSTMENT LEVER

See Figure 3. If the handle adjustment levers will not lock securely, the handle adjustment knob on the inside of the levers needs to be adjusted.

• Move the handle lock levers to the unlocked position.
• Adjust the handle adjustment knob until the handle adjustment levers will close securely in the locked position.
• NOTE: Do not overtighten. The handle adjustment levers should not require excessive force when placing them in the locked position. If they are too tight, loosen the handle adjustment knob slightly until the levers will lock.
• Move the handle adjustment levers to the locked position to secure the handle in place.

INSTALLING CHUTE DEFLECTOR

See Figure 4.

• Insert the chute into the snow blower and turn it to the unlocked position.
• Press and twist the chute deflector until the dot is in the locked position and the release tab clicks into its locked position.
• Insert the Phillips head screw into the screw hole and tighten securely. Do not overtighten.

Operation

WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with products to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.

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: Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: 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 contact customer service or an authorized service center for assistance.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this product for the purpose listed below:

• Removing snow from desired areas such as driveways and sidewalks

WARNING: Always remove battery pack or disconnect the snow blower from power supply when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use. This will prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.

INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERY PACK

See Figure 5. For optimal performance, the use of two 40V battery packs of 4Ah or greater is recommended.

NOTE: Always remove any snow or ice accumulation from around the battery cover before opening.

To install battery packs:

• Raise the battery cover.
• Align raised ribs on battery pack with grooves in the battery port and place the battery pack in the snow blower.

WARNING: Make sure the latch on the bottom of the battery pack snaps in place and the battery pack is fully seated and secure in the battery port before beginning operation. Failure to securely seat the battery pack could cause the battery pack to fall out, resulting in serious personal injury.

• Lower the battery cover.

To remove battery packs:

• Raise the battery cover.
• Press and hold the battery latch button at the bottom of the battery pack.
• Remove battery pack from the snow blower.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack when moving or transporting the tool.

For complete battery use and charging instructions, see the operator's manuals for your battery pack and charger.

STARTING/STOPPING THE SNOW BLOWER

See Figure 6.

• Install battery pack as previously described.
• Press and hold the start button. Pull the bail toward the handle and release the start button when the snow blower starts.
• To stop the unit, release the bail.

ADJUSTING THE CHUTE

See Figures 7 - 10.

The chute can be adjusted to change both the direction and the distance to assist you in moving snow away from one area and placing it in another.

The direction of snow removal can be adjusted up to 180°.

• Push the chute rotation lever forward to rotate the chute to the left.
• Pull the chute rotation lever back to rotate the chute to the right.

The distance the snow is moved is adjusted using the chute deflector handle.

• Squeeze the deflector handle lever and move the chute deflector backward (handle downward) to increase the distance the snow will be thrown.

WARNING: Do not force the chute so far forward that a gap appears between the deflector and the chute itself. Snow or other debris could be thrown through the gap back at the operator, resulting in serious personal injury.

• Squeeze the deflector handle lever and move the chute deflector forward (upward) to decrease the distance the snow will be thrown.

OPERATING TIPS

WARNING: Never use snow blower on frozen lakes, rivers, or similar surfaces. Death or serious injury could occur if the ice breaks.

WARNING: Never use the snow blower on a rooftop or other unstable surface, which can result in death or serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not use snow blower on ice, which can cause the operator to slip and fall, resulting in possible serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not wear loose clothing, scarves, or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts and cause death or serious personal injury.

WARNING: Keep all snow discharge pointed away from all electrical devices to reduce the risk of electrocution or electric shock.

WARNING: Never point the snow blower or discharge chute in the direction of people or pets. Thrown snow or other objects can cause serious personal injuries.

WARNING: Make sure the area to be cleared is free of stones, sticks, wires, gravel, and other objects that could be accidentally thrown by the snow blower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

• If the unit comes in contact with any type of obstruction or debris during use, stop the snow blower, remove the battery pack, remove the obstruction, and inspect the unit carefully for damage before proceeding.

WARNING: Never reach into the discharge chute or place any body part in front of the snow blower when the unit is operating or when the battery pack is installed. Always ensure all moving parts have stopped and the battery pack has been removed before clearing any obstructions. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.

• Take notice of the direction of the wind before beginning. When possible, discharge snow in the same direction as the wind to prevent snow from being thrown back into your face.
• Some parts of the snow blower can freeze under extreme weather conditions. Do not attempt to operate the unit with frozen parts.
• When finished, allow the motor to run for an additional few minutes, then turn the chute rotation lever back and forth several times to remove any remaining snow from the chute.

Maintenance

WARNING: Before performing any maintenance, make sure the snow blower battery is removed to avoid accidental starting and possible serious personal injury.

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: When servicing, use only authorized replacement parts. Use of any other parts can create a hazard or cause product damage.

WARNING: Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product and do not expose the product to rain. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can enter the product's electronic components and/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth occasionally.

NOTICE: Periodically 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 contact customer service or an authorized service center for assistance.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

• 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, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic which can result in serious personal injury.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

LUBRICATION

All of the bearings in this product are lubricated with a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further bearing lubrication is required.

STORING THE SNOW BLOWER

See Figure 11.

CAUTION: Ensure all melted snow that may drip from the snow blower is properly wiped up to prevent a slip and fall hazard.

• Remove the batteries and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.
• Before storage, wipe any moisture, dirt, or debris from the battery area.
• Wipe the snow blower with a clean dry cloth.
• Check all nuts, bolts, knobs, screws, fasteners, etc., for tightness.
• Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage, and wear. Have repairs made on any damaged or missing parts.
• Unlock the handle lock levers and fold the upper handle to the storage position. Return the levers to the locked position.

NOTICE: Do not allow the cable to become pinched or trapped when lowering the handle.

• Store snow blower indoors in a clean, dry place out of the reach of children.
• Do not store near corrosive materials such as fertilizer or rock salt.

REPLACING THE SCRAPER

See Figures 12 - 14. The scraper may need to be replaced when a layer of snow remains on the ground after making a pass. To order, call customer service and ask for part number 537724001.

• Remove the 4 screws from one side panel with a T20 Torx screwdriver (not included) and set aside.
• Repeat for the other side.
• Tilt the unit forward as shown to allow access to the screws for the scraper.
• Remove the 7 T20 screws from the scraper. Discard the old scraper.
• Install the new scraper and reinstall the screws.
• NOTE: Make sure all screws are tightened securely. Do not overtighten.
• Reinstall the side panels and screws on both sides.

Troubleshooting

IF THESE SOLUTIONS DO NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER.

Customer Support

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Go to http://register.ryobitools.com and register your new tool on-line.

Your product has been fully tested prior to shipment to ensure your complete satisfaction.

For any questions about operating or maintaining your product, call the RYOBI Help Line!

This product has a Five-year Limited Warranty for personal, family, or household use (90 days for business or commercial use). For warranty details, visit www.ryobitools.com or call (toll free) 1-800-525-2579.