Ryobi HM-3400 Operation manual

6986301 (STD)
06-11

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THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI PRODUCT.
To ensure your safety and satisfaction, carefully read
through this OWNER’S MANUAL before using the prod-
uct.
General Safety Rules
WARNING! Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instruc-
tions listed below may result in electric shock, re and/or seri-
ous injury. The term “power tool” in all of the warnings listed
below refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1) Work area
a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark
areas invite accidents.
b) Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-
spheres, such as in the presence of ammable liq-
uids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which
may ignite the dust or fumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose con-
trol.
2) Electrical safety
a) Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodi-
ed plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of elec-
tric shock.
b) Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded sur-
faces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrig-
erators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is earthed or grounded.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk
of electric shock.
d) Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for car-
rying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of
electric shock.
e) When operating a power tool outdoors, use an
extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a
cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric
shock.
3) Personal safety
a) Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use com-
mon sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use a power tool while you are tired or under the
inuence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
b) Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appro-
priate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c) Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in
the off-position before plugging in. Carrying power
tools with your nger on the switch or plugging in power
tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
d) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning
the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to
a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal
injury.
e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power
tool in unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewel-
lery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can
be caught in moving parts.
g) If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of these devices
can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) Power tool use and care
a) Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power
tool for your application. The correct power tool will
do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
b) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not
turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be
repaired.
c) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or
the battery pack from the power tool before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing
power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
d) Store idle power tools out of the reach of children
and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power
tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained
users.
e) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and
any other condition that may affect the power tools
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly main-
tained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier to control.
g) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.,
in accordance with these instructions and in the
manner intended for the particular type of power
tool, taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool
for operations different from those intended could result
in a hazardous situation.
h) Using an Extension Cable.
An extension cable should not be used unless abso-
lutely necessary. Use of an improper extension cable
could result in a risk of re and electric shock. If an ex-
tension cable must be used, use only those that are ap-
proved by the country’s Electrical Authority and ensure
it is suitable for outdoor use. Make sure that extension
cord is in good condition before using. Always use the
cord that is suitable for the power input of your tool (see
technical data on name plate). When using a cable reel,
always unwind the cable completely.
5) Service
a) Have your power tool serviced by a qualied repair
person using only identical replacement parts. This
will ensure that the safety of the power tool is main-
tained.

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SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR LAWNMOWER
1. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the lawnmower.
2. This appliance is not intended for used by persons
(including children) with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge,
unless they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible
for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not
play with the appliance.
3. Never mow while people, especially children or pets, are
nearby.
4. Do not operate the lawnmower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers.
5. Thoroughly inspect the area where the lawnmower is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones and
other foreign objects.
6. Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in
sets to preserve balance.
7. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
8. Avoid operating the lawnmower in wet grass, where
feasible.
9. Walk, never run.
10. Never operate the appliance with defective guards or
shields, or without safety devices, for example deflectors
and/or grass catchers in place.
11. Mowing on banks can be dangerous:
•Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•Always be sure of your footing on slopes or wet grass.
•Mow across the face of slopes - never up and down.
•Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
12. Use extreme caution when stepping back or pulling the
lawnmower towards you.
13. Never mow by pulling the mower towards you.
14. Stop the blades if the lawnmower has to be tilted for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass
and when transporting the lawnmower to and from the
area to be mowed.
15. Do not tilt the machine when starting or switching on the
motor, except if the machine has to be tilted for starting in
long grass. In this case, do not tilt it more than absolutely
necessary and tilt only the part which is away from the
operator. Always ensure that both hands are in the
operating position before returning the machine to the
ground.
16. Switch on the lawnmower according to instructions and
with feet well away from the blades.
17. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge opening at all times.
18. Never pick up or carry the lawnmower while the motor is
running.
19. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure that the
lawnmower is in safe working condition.
20. Chec k the grass ca t che r frequently f o r wea r or
deterioration.
21. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
DESCRIPTION (Fig.1)
1. Cutter cover
2. Motor cover
3. Air vent shroud
4. Pivot blocks
5. Pivot pins
6. Lower handle
7. Upper handle
8. Switch box
9. Switch lever
hctiwsytefaS.01
11. Power cable
reveilerniartselbaC.21
tloB.31
rehsaW.41
bonkgniruceS.51
rennapS.61
.71 Blade fixing nut
edalB.81
recapS.91
20. Cable retainer
21. Screw
SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage 230V~50Hz
Power input 1300W
No load speed 6800min-1
Cutting width 340mm
Cutting height 10 / 15 / 22mm (3 positions)
Blade brake Yes
Net weight 10kg
ASSEMBLY
WARNING! Before assembly, make sure that the tool is
switched off and unplugged.
LOWER HANDLE (Fig. 2)
1. Place the lower handle (6) into the pivot blocks (4) on the
cutter cover (1).
Note: It will be necessary to tilt the lower handle towards the
rear of your mower to allow pivot pins (5) to fit correctly.
2. Fit the pivot pins through the holes in the pivot block (4)
and through the holes in the lugs on the lower handle.
3. Using a mallet, or similar tool, tap the pivot pin through
the inner part of the pivot block. The hooks on the end of
the pivot pin will click into position behind the inner wall,
retaining it in position. Then fix it with screw (21).
4. Repeat the process on the other side.
UPPER HANDLE (Fig. 3, 4)
1. Ensure that the electrical supply cable is not twisted
before you begin to assemble the handle.
2. Slide the cable strain reliever (12) onto the upper handle
(7) below the switch box (8).
3. Place the upper handle over the lower handle, the switch
box should be positioned on the right-hand side of your
mower when viewed from the operating position.
4. Align the holes in both the upper and lower handles and
fit a bolt (13) through each hole. Fit a washer (14) to
each bolt and fit the securing knobs (15) on to the bolts.
Tighten each one with hand pressure only.
Note: Do not use a spanner or other implement to tighten the
securing knobs.

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CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT (Fig. 5 – 7)
The mower employs a manual method of cutting height
adjustment. The method involves changing the arrangement
of the spacers tted between the impeller and the blade.
The procedure for adjusting the height of cut is as follows:
1. Ensure your mower is disconnected from the mains
supply.
2. Turn your mower over onto its side so that the underside
of the cutter cover is exposed.
3. Using a cloth placed over the blades or heavy-duty
gloves to protect your hands, grip the blade and, using
the spanner (16) provided, loosen and remove the blade
fixing nut (17) from the motor spindle. Turn the blade
xing nut in anti-clockwise direction to loosen it.
4. Remove the blade xing nut, spacers (18) and blade (19)
and re-assemble to give the cut height required, showing
the 3 cut heights available.
5. Once the cut height is selected, re-assemble the blade;
ensuring the cutter blade is assembled with the cutting
tips downward.
6. Ensure the blade nut is tight.
Note: Always re-t 2 spacers and never t more or the mower
will become unsafe.
SECURE THE CABLE (Fig. 8)
Secure loose cable to the handles using the cable retainer (20).
Note: If using an electrical supply extension cable, it should
be secured on the side of the switch. Ensure that the cable is
not damaged or twisted before connected to the mower.
STARTING AND STOPPING (Fig. 9)
1. Lift the handle up and tilt the unit to one side slightly to
reduce the risk of lawn damage whilst starting.
2. Depress the safety switch (10), and pull the switch lever (9)
while the safety switch is depressed.
3. Return the unit to its proper cutting position after running
up to maximum speed, and start mowing.
4. To stop, release the switch lever.
MOWING (Fig. 10)
WARNING! Do not attempt to operate your mower with
one hand.
Refer the recommended directional method of operation to
obtain maximum mowing performance and to reduce the risk
of the trailing extension cable from entering the cutting path.
Note: Make sure the extension cable near the switch lever is
looped through the cable retainer before mowing.
1. Place the bulk of the cable on the lawn close to the
starting point 1 .
2. Proceed down the cutting area as shown in (Fig10-A),
working from position 1 towards position 2 and, on
reaching position 2 , turn to the right and proceed
towards position 3 . Continue to the end of the cutting
area, turn to the left, and proceed towards position 4 .
Note: Always working away from the cable. Do not adopt the
method shown in (B), working towards the cable, as this can
be dangerous.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING! Before any inspection, maintenance or
cleaning of the mower is conducted, ensure that the
cutting blade has fully stopped rotating, and the mower is
disconnected from the mains power supply.
BEORE EACH USE
1. Remove any grass and debris from around the cutting
height adjustment lever, the air lter in the cowl and the
underside of the mower deck.
2. Ensure the grass collection bag is empty, and inspect for
signs of damage.
3. Check the condition of the rear deector, along with the
mower deck.
4. Inspect the condition of the cutting blade - note: wear
strong gloves when working with or around the cutting
blade.
5. Ensure that the cutting blade is not bent or cracked.
6. Check the condition of the blade and it’s mountings.
7. Check that the xing bolt is secure.
8. Check the power supply cable.
9. Inspect the ‘Switch control & safety button’.
10. Check that all securing nuts and bolts are tight.
WARNING! If signs of damage are found, the mower
unit should not be used until fully repaired by a qualied
person.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
1. Remove all grass debris from the top and underside of
the mower deck, as well as from around the ventilation
holes, immediately after use - note: wear strong gloves
when working with or around the cutting blade.
2. Motor unit - this motor unit is maintenance free and
should not be accessed by anyone other than an
approved maintenance engineer.
3. Switch control & safety button - is maintenance free and
should not be accessed by anyone other than a approved
maintenance engineer.
REPLACING THE CUTTING BLADE
Follow the procedure described in “CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT”, remove the damaged or worn blade and t a
new blade.
Notes:
• The cutting blade has sharp edges, always wear strong
gloves to protect your hands when working with or around
the cutting blade.
• Always work away from the cutting edges of the blade to
avoid the risk of injury.
• Care should be taken when turning or lifting the mower
unit.
• Damaged or worn blade should be replaced immediately.
WARNING! To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs
should be performed by an AUTHORIZED SERVICE
CENTER or other QUALIFIED SERVICE ORGANIZATION.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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NOTE

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NOTE

RYOBI POWER EQUIPMENT
WARRANTY
Subject to the warranty conditionsbelow, this
RYOBI tool(hereinafter called “the Product”),
is warranted by Ryobi(hereincalled “the
Company”) to be free fromdefects in material
or workmanship for a period of 24 months
from the date of originalpurchase covering
both parts andlabour. Under the terms of
thiswarranty, the repair or replacement of
anypartshall be the opinion of the Company
or its authorised agent. Should service
becomenecessary during the warranty
period, the ownershouldcontact the
authorised Ryobiretailer fromwhom the
product waspurchased, or the nearest
Company branch office. In order to obtain
warranty service, the ownermust include the
SalesDocketand Warranty Certificate to
confirmdate of purchase.This Product is
sold by the dealer or agent as principal and
the dealerhasnoauthority from the Company
to give any additionalwarranty or guarantee
on the Company’s behalf except as herein
contained or herein referred to.
Warranty Conditions
Thiswarranty onlyappliesprovided that the
Product hasbeen used in accordance with
the manufacturer's recommendationsunder
normaluseandreasonablecare(in the
opinion of the Company) and such warranty
does not cover consumable components,
damage,malfunction or failureresulting from
misuse, neglect,abuse, or used for a purpose
for which it wasnotdesigned, or is notsuited
and no repairs, alterations or modifications
havebeen attempted by other than an
Authorised Service Agent. Thisguarantee
willnotapply if the tool is damaged by
accident or if repairsarise fromnormalwear
and tear.
Accessoriessuch as bits,blades, sanding
discs, cuttinglines, etc., are excluded from
thisguarantee.Normalconsumableparts,
such as carbonbrushes,bearings,chucks,
cord assembly’s, spark plugs, recoil pulleys
andbumpheadassembly’s arespecifically
excluded from this guarantee.
The Company accepts no additional liability
pursuant to thiswarranty for the costs of
traveling or transportation of the Product or
parts to and from the sevice dealer or agent
-which costsarenotincluded in the warranty.
Nothinghereinshallhave the effect of
excluding, restricting or modifying any
conditions,warranty, rightorliability imposed,
to the extent only that such exclusion,
restriction or modificationwouldrender any
term herein void.
THIS WARRANTY FORM
SHOULD BE RETAINED BY THE CUSTOMER AT ALL TIMES.
For your record and to assist in establishing date of purchase (necessary for in-warranty service), please
keep your purchase docket and this form, completed with the following particulars.
PURCHASED FROM:.........................................................................................................
ADDRESS OF DEALER:....................................................................................................
DATE:......................... MODEL NO................................ SERIAL NO.................................
Present this form with your Purchase Docket when Warranty Service is required.
STEVENS & CO (Pty) Ltd
604, 16th Street, Randjespark
Midrand, South Africa
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
P O Box 4059
HALFWAY HOUSE
1685, South Africa