Ryobi RLM18E40H User manual

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Electric Lawn
Mower
RLM18E40H

Important!
It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before assembling,
operating and maintaining the product.
Subject to technical modification.

Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your electric lawn mower.
INTENDED USE
The product is only intended for use outdoors.
The product is designed for domestic lawn mowing. The
cutting blade should rotate approximately parallel to the
ground over which it is being wheeled. All four wheels should
touch the ground while mowing. It is a pedestrian-controlled
walk-behind mower designed to be pushed by hand.
The product should never be operated with the wheels off
the ground. It should not be pulled or ridden on. It should not
be used to cut anything other than domestic grass lawns.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
When using the product, the safety rules must be
followed. For your own safety and that of bystanders,
please read these instructions before operating the
product. Please keep the instructions safe for later use.
PERSONAL SAFETY
■The product is capable of amputating hands and feet,
and throwing objects. Failure to observe all safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
■Be familiar with the controls and the correct use of the
product.
■Never allow children or people with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities or persons not familiar
with these instructions to operate, clean or maintain the
product. Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator. Children should be adequately supervised to
ensure they do not play with the product.
■Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common
sense when operating the product. Do not operate the
product while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A lapse in concentration while
operating the product may result in serious personal
injury.
■Wear heavy, long trousers, long sleeves, sturdy anti-
slip footwear. Do not wear short trousers, sandals, or
go barefoot. Avoid wearing clothing that is loose fitting
or that has hanging cords or ties.
■Always wear safety glasses with side shields.
■Always be sure of your footing. Keep firm footing and
balance. Walk, never run.
■Use the product across the face of slopes, never up
and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
■Do not use the product near drop-offs, ditches,
excessively steep slopes, or embankments. Poor
footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
WORK AREA SAFETY
■Never use product while people, especially children, or
pets are within 15 m because of the danger of objects
being thrown by contact with the blade.
■Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause
severe injuries to persons. Thoroughly inspect the area
where the product is to be used and remove all rocks,
sticks, metal, wire, bones, toys, or other foreign objects.
Remember, string or wire may entangle with the cutting
means.
■Always use the product in the daylight or in good
artificial light.
■Do not operate the product in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or
dust. The product creates sparks which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
■Do not operate the product in wet grass or in the rain.
■Do not use the lawn mower when there is a risk of
lightning.
■Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
■Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the product and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
■Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator, be alert and turn the product off if a child
enters the area.
■Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects including overhanging
shrubs, which may block your view.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
■Power plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the
plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with
earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
■Avoid unintentional starting. Always check that the
switch is in off position before plugging in the product
to the power supply. Do not carry a plugged-in product
with your finger on the switch.
■Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces,
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body
is earthed or grounded.
■Do not expose the product to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering the product will increase the risk of
electric shock.
■Electrical power should be supplied via a residual
current device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more
than 30 mA.
■Before use, check the supply and extension cord
for signs of damage or aging. If the cord becomes
damaged during use, disconnect the cord from the
supply immediately. Do not touch the cord before
disconnecting the supply. Do not use the product if
the cord is damaged or worn.
■If you need to use an extension cord, ensure it is suitable
for outdoor use and has a current capacity rating
sufficient to supply your product. Check it before every
use for damage, always uncoil it during use because
coiled cords can overheat. Damaged extension cords
should not be repaired, they should be replaced with
an equivalent type.
■Make sure the power cord is positioned so that it
cannot be damaged by the cutting means and will not
be stepped on, tripped over or otherwise subjected to
damage or stress.
■Never pick up or carry the product by the electric cable.
1

■Never pull by the power cord to disconnect from the
power supply.
■Keep the power cord away from heat, oil and sharp
edges.
■Make sure voltage is correct for the product. A
nameplate on the product indicates the product’s
voltage. Never connect the product to an AC voltage
that differs from this voltage.
■Always ensure the cord from the handlebar to the mower
body is never trapped, pinched or otherwise damaged
during assembly or when folding the handle. Never
apply power to the product if the cable is damaged.
Bring the product to an authorised service centre for
professional repair.
■A power spike causes voltage fluctuations and may
affect other electrical products in the same power
line. Connect the product to a power supply with an
impedance equal or less than 0.452Ω- for RLM18E40H
to minimize voltage fluctuations. Contact your electric
power supplier for further clarification.
■The recommended maximum extension cord length is
30 m. Exceeding the recommended length could result
in a big voltage drop.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY WARNINGS
■Before using, always visually inspect to ensure blades,
blade bolts, and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged.
■Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to
preserve balance.
■The blade on the product is sharp. Use extreme caution
and wear heavy duty gloves when fitting, replacing,
cleaning or checking bolt security.
■Bring the product to an authorised service centre to
replace damaged or unreadable labels.
■Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to be sure that the product is in safe
working condition.
■Frequently check the grass catcher for wear, holes or
deterioration.
■Replace worn or damaged parts before operating the
product.
■The product must be started with the user behind the
handlebars in the operator safety zone. Never start the
product if:
●all four wheels are not on the ground
●the grass discharge chute is exposed without being
protected by either the mulching plug and grass
discharge chute cover or the grass catcher and
grass discharge chute cover.
●hands and feet of all persons are not clear of the
cutting enclosure.
■Never operate the product if the on/off switch on the
handlebar does not properly start and stop the product.
■Never attempt to lock the on/off switches in the On
position, this is extremely dangerous.
■Do not force the product. It will do the job better and
safer at the speed for which it was designed.
■Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
■Do not pull the product backwards unless absolutely
necessary. If you must back the product away from a
wall or obstruction, first look down and behind to avoid
tripping or pulling the product over your feet.
■Stop the motor and allow the blade to stop if the product
is transported through surfaces other than grass, and
when the product is transported to and from the area
to be mowed.
■Never use the product with defective guards or shields,
or without safety devices, for example, deflectors and/
or grass catcher, in place.
■Do not tilt the product when switching on the motor or
whilst the motor is running. This exposes the blade and
increases the probability of objects being thrown.
■Switch on the motor carefully according to instructions
and keep hands and feet away from cutting area. Do not
put hands or feet near or under rotating parts Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times. Do not start the
product when standing in front of the discharge opening.
■Never pick up or carry the product while it is running.
■Stop the mower motor and disconnect from the power
supply, make sure that all moving parts have come to a
complete stop for the below cases:
●whenever you leave the product unattended
(including disposal of grass clippings).
●before cleaning a blockage or unclogging discharge
chute
●before checking, cleaning or working on the product
●after striking a foreign object; inspect the product
for damage and make repairs as necessary before
restarting and operating the product.
●before removing the grass catcher or opening the
grass discharge chute cover.
■If the product starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately):
–inspect for damage, particularly the blades
–replace or repair any damaged parts
–check for and tighten any loose parts
■Avoid holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, property stakes, or
other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip
and fall accident.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION DEVICE
The product has an overload protection device. When
overloading is detected, the product will automatically
switch off. If the overload protector is actuated, the motor
must be allowed to cool down for 5 to 10 minutes.
Turn off the power and remove the plug from the supply.
The blades are sharp; wear heavy duty gloves before
touching. Make sure the blade can rotate freely and is not
jammed or tight.
When the motor is cool, connect the plug to the power
supply, turn the power on. Press the start button and then
the on/off button to start the product. If the product will still
not start, bring the product to an authorised service centre
for repair.
RESIDUAL RISK
Even when the product is used as prescribed, it is still
impossible to completely eliminate certain residual risk
factors. The following hazards may arise in use and the
operator should pay special attention to avoid the following:
■Injury caused by vibration. Always use the right tool for
the job, use designated handles and restrict working
time and exposure.
2

■Exposure to noise can cause hearing injury. Wear ear
protection and limit exposure.
■Contact with blades
■Injury from thrown objects
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
■Stop the product and disconnect from the power
supply. Make sure that all moving parts have come to a
complete stop. Allow the product to cool before storing
or transporting.
■Clean all foreign material from the product. Store it in a
cool, dry, and well-ventilated place that is inaccessible
to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such
as garden chemicals and de-icing salts. Do not store
outdoors.
■For transportation, secure the product against
movement or falling to prevent injury to persons or
damage to the product.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when lifting or tilting the product
for maintenance, cleaning, storage or transportation, the
blade is sharp, keep all body parts away from the blade
whilst it is exposed.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Use only original manufacturer’s replacement parts,
accessories and attachments. Failure to do so can cause
injury, poor performance and may void your warranty.
WARNING
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge
and should be performed only by a qualified service
technician. For service, we suggest you bring the
product to your nearest authorised service centre for
repair. When servicing, use only original replacement
parts.
■Stop the product and disconnect from the power
supply, make sure that all moving parts have come to a
complete stop before any cleaning or maintenance task.
■You may make adjustments and repairs described
here. For other repairs, contact the authorised service
agent.
■Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
■After each use, clean the product with a soft dry cloth.
Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorised service centre.
■Check all nuts, bolts and screws at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to ensure the product is in safe
working condition.
■Be careful during adjustment of the product to prevent
entrapment of the fingers between moving blades and
fixed parts of the product.
■When servicing the blades, be aware that, even though
the power source is switched off, the blades can still
be moved.
■The blade on the product is sharp. Use extreme caution
and wear heavy duty gloves when fitting, replacing,
cleaning or checking bolt security.
■Replace damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve
balance.
RISK REDUCTION
It has been reported that vibrations from handheld tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome.
Symptoms may include tingling, numbness and blanching
of the fingers, usually apparent upon exposure to cold.
Hereditary factors, exposure to cold and dampness, diet,
smoking and work practices are all thought to contribute
to the development of the these symptoms. There are
measures that can be taken by the operator to possibly
reduce the effects of vibration:
■Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating
the product wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm.
■After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
■Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your doctor.
WARNING
Injuries may be caused, or aggravated, by prolonged
use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods,
ensure you take regular breaks.
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
See page 6.
Parts
1. On/off button
2. Handle
3. Motor control cable
4. Motor control cable retainer
5. Height adjustment lever
6. AC port
7. Cord hook
8. Quick release knob
9. Quick release lever
10. Grass catcher full indicator
11. Grass catcher
12. Quick release fastener
13. Rear wheel
14. Front wheel
15. Mulching plug
16. Extension cord
17. Start button
SYMBOLS ON THE PRODUCT
Read and understand all instructions
before operating the product, follow all
warnings and safety instructions.
Wear ear protection.
3

Wear eye protection.
Do not operate on inclines greater than
15°. Mow across the face of slopes,
never up and down.
Do not expose to rain or damp condition.
Beware of sharp blades. Blades
continue to rotate after the motor is
switched off – Remove plug from mains
before maintenance, adjusting, cleaning,
or if the cord is entangled or damaged.
Beware of thrown or flying objects.
Keep all bystanders, especially children
and pets, at least 15m away from the
operating area.
Keep the supply flexible cord away from
the cutting blades.
Press the Start button and then the
On-off button (A, B, C or D) to start the
product. Release the Start button and
keep pressing the On-off button to run
the product. Release the On-off button
to stop the product.
Go
Stop
Class II tool, double insulation
Waste electrical products should not
be disposed of with household waste.
Please recycle where facilities exist.
Check with your local authority or retailer
for recycling advice.
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
Product meets applicable regulatory
requirements.
85
95
Guaranteed sound pressure and sound
power level
The following signal words and meanings are intended to
explain the levels of risk associated with the product:
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, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that
may result in property damage.
SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL
Connect to power outlet.
Disconnect from power outlet.
Parts or accessories sold separately
Waste electrical products should not
be disposed of with household waste.
Please recycle where facilities exist.
Keep hands away from blades
Note
Warning
Stop the product.
GENERAL MOWING TIPS
■When cutting long grass, reduce walking speed to allow
for more effective cutting and a proper discharge of the
clippings.
■Do not cut wet grass; it will stick to the underside of
the deck and prevent proper collection or discharge of
grass clippings.
■New or thick grass may require a higher cutting height.
■If you wish to collect the grass cuttings for disposal,
remove the mulching plug and fit the grass catcher
making sure the top flap is properly closed. Empty the
grass catcher regularly, otherwise the discharge chute
will become blocked with grass cuttings.
■If you are making a light cut and wish for the grass
cuttings to remain on the lawn, fit the mulching plug and
close the top flap to cover the discharge opening. It is
not necessary to fit the grass catcher in this case.
■The mower is designed to operate and cut most
effectively when moving forwards.
4

13mm
x 2
x 1
x 1
x 1
RLM18E40H
x 2
GO
STOP
x 2
x 1
5

11
10
7
6
12
13
14
15 16
17
1
2
3
5
4
9
8
6

1 2
1
2
GO
STOP
7a
2
2
1
1
3
1
2
7b
2
1
8 9
1
1
22
2
2
1
3
4 5
1
A
B
C
D
2
A
+/
B
/
C
/
D
A
B
C
D
10
6
7

8

GO
STOP
p.11 p.12 p.13
p.13 p.14 p.14
9

GO
STOP
p.15 p.17
p. 18 p. 19
10

11
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1
3
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A
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C
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12
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2
1
3
2
A
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B
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C
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A
B
C
D
1
1
2

13
GO
STOP
1
2
1
2
3
1
32
1
2
2
2
1
1

14
3
245
1

15
1
3
4
1
2
2

16
6
1
2
Please tighten
to >10ft pound
(13.6 N.m)
Please tighten
to >11ft pound
(15 N.m)
7
8
1
2
5

17

18
1
32
GO
STOP
GO
STOP
1
2
GO
STOP