Ryobi RPP720G User manual

ELECTRIC POLE PRUNER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
RPP720G

It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before
operating this machine.
Subject to technical modications.

ENGLISH
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING
When using electric gardening appliances, basic
safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal
injury, including the following:
nThis appliance is not intended for use by persons
(including children) who have limited understanding
or lack of experience and control, unless they have
been given supervision or instruction concerning the
use of the appliance by a person responsible for their
safety.
nChildren should be supervised to ensure that they do
not play with the appliance.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
nUse transport guard during transport and storage.
nThe machine must be cleaned and maintained before
storage.
nSecure the unit during transport to prevent loss of oil,
injury or damage.
nLocal regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
nDo not use the machine in any position that causes
any part to come within 15m of overhead electrical
lines.
nThe operator should wear slip-resistant foot
protection as well as close fitting clothes, the use of
PPE and the need for adequate training, with PPE
including of hearing protection, eye protection, and
head protection .
nDo not use the unit if you are tired, ill or under
influence of alcohol or other drugs
nHazards which may be encountered when using
the pruner and avoid them when carrying out typical
tasks, and keep bystanders away while operating the
machine.
nBeware of falling branches or those rebound after
hitting the ground, remove these branches in sections
and not operate in the dangerous positions.
nKeep a firm footing and balance during operation,
including the need to use the harness provided.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
nNever allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the appliance.
nOnly use in daylight or in good artificial light.
nThe appliance should be inspected and maintained
regularly. Repairs should be carried out only by an
authorised repairer.
nFor additional protection the installation of a residual
current device (RCD) with a rated residual operating
current not exceeding 30 mA is advisable.
nRemove plug immediately from main if the cord is
damaged or cut.
nAfter use, disconnect the machine from the mains
and check for damage.
nWhen not in use store the machine out of the reach of
children.
nMains powered pruner should only be repaired by an
authorised repairer.
nDo not expose to moisture.
nBefore use check the supply and extension cord for
signs of damage or ageing.
nIf the cord becomes damaged during use, disconnect
the cord immediately from the supply.
DO NOT TOUCH THE CORD BEFORE
DISCONNECTING THE SUPPLY.
nKeep cords away from cutting elements.
nWARNING! Cutting elements continue to rotate after
motor is switched off.

ENGLISH
V Voltage
A Current
Hz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Power
hrs Time
Double-insulated construction
noRotational speed, at no load
.../min Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
Precautions that involve your safety.
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator’s manual before
using this product.
Wear eye protection when operating this equipment.
Wear ear protection when operating this equipment.
Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling the pole saw and the blade.
Keep all bystanders at least 15m away.
Remove plug from the mains immediately if cable is damaged or cut.
Do not touch the moving blade.
Electrical hazard, at least 15m away from the overhead lines
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). Product meets applicable regulatory requirements.
SYMBOLS
SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage :.................................................... 220-240V/50Hz
Power : ....................................................................720 W
Bar Length :............................................... 200mm/ 8 inch
Chain Pitch :.............................................9.5mm/ 3/8 inch
Chain type : ............... Low Profile Skip Tooth Narrow Kerf
Weight : .................................................................... 3.5kg
Sound Pressure Level : .......................................89 dB(A)
Sound Power Level : .........................................105 dB(A)
Vibration level :................................................... 2.44 m/s²

ENGLISH
DESCRIPTION
FIG.1
1. Back Handle
2. Lock-off Button
3. Shoulder Strap
4. Handle Grip
5. Telescopic Pole
6. Oil Cap
7. Blade Cover
FIG.2
8. Collar
9. Strap Hanger
10. Threaded Base
11. Powerhead Pole
12. Cord
FIG.3
13. Chain Lubricant
14. Quick View Oil Window
FIG.4
15. Switch Trigger
16. Cord Retainer
FIG.6
17. First Cut. ¼ Diameter
18. Second Cut
19. Final Cut
FIG.7
20. Cutting Guide
FIG.10
21. Flats
FIG.12
22. Drivecase Cover
23. Chain
24. Bar
25. Bar Nut
FIG.13
26. Sprocket
27. Chain Tensioning Pin
28. Bar Stud
29. Bar Stud Slot
30. Chain Tensioning Pin Hole
FIG.14
31. Chain Rotation
32. Chain Tensioning Screw
FIG.16
33. Bar Lube
34. Reservoir
FIG.18
35. Top Plate
36. Cutting Corner
37. Side Plate
38. Depth Gauge
39. Toe
40. Gullet
41. Heel
42. Rivet Hole
FIG.21
43. Left Hand Cutters
44. Right Hand Cutters
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
nCarefully remove the product and any accessories
from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the
packing list are included.
nInspect the product carefully to make sure no
breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
nDo not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the
product.
nIf any parts are damaged or missing, please contact
customer service.
PACKING LIST
nPole Saw
nBlade Cover
nOperator’s Manual
WARNING
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not
operate this product until the parts are replaced.
Failure to heed this warning 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 connect to power supply until assembly
is complete. Failure to comply could result in
accidental starting and possible serious personal
injury.

ENGLISH
CONNECTING THE POLES
See Figure 2
Before using the pole saw, a one-time assembly is
required. When removed from the box, the three poles
are connected by an electrical cord as shown in Figure 2.
Ensure the steps below are followed correctly.
nRemove packaging material from cord and discard.
■Ensure all rubber cord protectors are removed from
inside the telescopic pole before assembly.
nUnscrew the collar from the threaded base on the
intermediate pole and push back over the cord to the
handle pole shaft as shown.
nInsert the handle pole into the intermediate pole and
slide together until you hear the button click. The
tubes are egg-shaped and will only install one way.
nLower the collar on the handle pole to the threaded
base on the intermediate pole and rotate clockwise to
secure.
nRepeat this process to attach the intermediate pole to
the powerhead pole.
Note: Handle pole and powerhead pole should not
be able to separate from intermediate pole once
assembled correctly. Repeat above steps if poles can
be separated from intermediate pole.
OPERATION
WARNING
Failure to lock powerhead pole as directed above
could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
Do not allow familiarity with this product to make
you careless. Remember that a careless fraction
of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields when operating power tools.
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.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this product for the purposes listed below:
nLimbing
nPruning
ADDING BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICANT
See Figure 3
Use Ryobi Bar and Chain Lubricant. It is designed for
chains and chain oilers, and is formulated to perform over
a wide temperature range with no dilution required.
Note: Pole saw comes from the factory with no bar and
chain oil added. Level should also be checked after every
20 minutes of use and refilled as needed.
nRemove oil cap.
nCarefully pour the bar and chain oil into the tank.
nWipe off excess oil.
nCheck and fill the oil tank when quick view oil
indicator is below the second to last indicator line.
nRepeat as needed.
Note: It is normal for oil to seep from the saw when not
in use. To prevent seepage, empty the oil tank after each
use then run for one minute. When storing the unit for a
long period of time (three months or longer) be sure the
chain is lightly lubricated; this will prevent rust on the
chain and bar sprocket.
CONNECTING TO POWER SUPPLY
See Figure 4
This product is designed with a cord retainer that
prevents the extension cord from being pulled loose while
using.
nForm a loop with the end of the extension cord.
nInsert loop portion of extension cord through opening
in the bottom of the rear handle and place over cord
retainer.
nSlowly pull loop against cord retainer until the slack is
removed.
nPlug product into extension cord.
Note: Failure to remove all excess cord slack from
extension cord retainer could result in plug loosening
from receptacle.
STARTING AND STOPPING
See Figure 4
TO START THE MOTOR:
nConnect the pole saw to power supply.
nPlace your thumb on the lock-off button and pull it
completely towards you.
nFully depress the switch trigger.

ENGLISH
TO STOP THE MOTOR:
nRelease the switch trigger.
ADJUSTING TELESCOPIC POLE
See Figure 5.
nDisconnect the pole saw from the power supply.
nRotate the collar counterclockwise to loosen.
nPush poles towards each other to shorten the pole or
pull away from each other to lengthen the pole.
Note: Extend the pole only to the length required to
reach the limb being cut. Do not extend the handle
above waist height.
nWhen the desired length is achieved, rotate the collar
clockwise to secure.
Note: Adjust hand placement on the shaft of the pole
saw to keep proper balance. Do not attempt to use
the pole saw at a length which does not allow you to
achieve proper footing and balance at all times.
PREPARATION FOR CUTTING
See Figures 6 - 7.
nWear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and
protection.
nMaintain a proper grip on the unit whenever the motor
is running. Use your right hand to firmly grip the rear
handle while your left hand has a firm grip on the pole
shaft.
nHold unit firmly with both hands. Always keep your
left hand on the pole shaft and your right hand on the
rear handle, so your body is to the left of the chain
line. Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip, or
any stance that places your body or arm across the
chain line.
nNever stand directly under the limb you are cutting.
nBe certain the collars are fully tightened before
operating equipment; check them periodically for
tightness during use to avoid serious injury.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
See Figures 6 - 7.
Follow the steps below to prevent damage to tree or
shrub bark. Do not use a back-and-forth sawing motion.
nMake a shallow first cut (1/4 of limb diameter) on the
underside of the limb close to the main limb or trunk.
nMake a second cut from the top side of the limb outboard
from the first cut. Continue the cut through the limb
until the limb separates from the tree. Be prepared to
balance the weight of the tool when the limb falls.
nMake a final cut close to trunk.
Note: For second and final cuts (from top of limb or
branch), hold front cutting guide against the limb being
cut. This will help steady the limb and make it easier to
cut. Allow chain to cut for you; exert only light downward
pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain,
or motor can result.
nRelease the trigger as soon as the cut is completed.
Failure to follow proper cutting procedures will result
in the bar and chain binding and becoming pinched or
trapped in the limb. If this should happen:
nStop the motor and disconnect from power supply.
■If the limb can be reached from the ground, lift the
limb while holding the saw. This should release the
“pinch” and free the saw.
nIf the saw is still trapped, call a professional for
assistance.
LIMBING AND PRUNING
See Figures 8 - 9.
This unit is designed for trimming small branches and
limbs up to 15cm in diameter. For best results, observe
the following precautions.
nPlan the cut carefully. Be aware of the direction in which
the branch will fall.
nBranches may fall in unexpected directions. Do not
stand directly under the branch being cut.
nThe most typical cutting application is to position the
unit at an angle of 60° or less, depending on the specific
situation, as shown in Figure 8 and 9. As the angle of
the pole saw shaft to ground increases, the difficulty of
making the first cut (from the underside of limb)
increases.
nRemove long branches in several stages.
nCut lower branches first to allow the top branches
more room to fall.
nWork slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a
firm grip. Maintain secure footing and balance.
nKeep the tree between you and the chain while
limbing. Cut from side of tree opposite branch you are
cutting.
nDo not cut from a ladder; this is extremely dangerous.
Leave this operation for professionals.
nDo not make the flush cut next to the main limb
or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out
to reduce the weight. Following proper cutting
procedures will prevent stripping the bark from the
main member.
nDo not use the pole saw for felling or bucking.
nTo prevent electrocution, do not operate within 15m of
overhead electrical lines.
nKeep bystanders at least 15m away.

ENGLISH
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard
or cause product damage.
WARNING
Always wear ear protection and safety goggles or
safety glasses with side shields during power tool
operation or when blowing dust. If operation is
dusty, also wear a dust mask.
WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit,
stop the motor, wait for all moving parts to stop,
and disconnect from power supply. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
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, petrol,
petroleum based products, penetrating oils, etc.,
come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can
damage, weaken, or destroy plastic, which may
result in serious personal injury.
All chain saw service, other than the items listed in the
instruction manual maintenance instructions, should be
performed by competent chain saw service personnel.
TENSIONING THE CHAIN
See Figures 10-11
WARNING
To avoid possible serious injury, never touch or
adjust the chain while the motor is running. The
saw chain is very sharp; always wear protective
gloves when performing maintenance to the chain.
Note: New chain tends to stretch; check chain tension
frequently and tension as required.
nStop the motor and disconnect from power supply
before setting the chain tension. Make sure the
guide bar nut is loose to finger tight, turn the chain
tensioning screw clockwise to tension the chain.
Refer to for additional information.
Note: A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there
is no slack on the underside of the guide bar, the
chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand without
binding.
nChain must be re-tensioned whenever the flats on
the drive links hang out of the bar groove as shown in
Fig. 10.
nDuring normal operation, the temperature of the chain
will increase. The drive links of a correctly tensioned
warm chain will hang approximately 1.3mm (0.050in)
out of the bar groove, as shown in fig. 11.
CAUTION
Chain tensioned while warm, may be too tight
upon cooling. Check the “cold tension” before next
use.
REPLACING THE BAR AND CHAIN
See Figures 12-15
nRemove the bar nut (11mm) and drivecase cover.
nThe bar contains a bar stud slot that fits over the bar
stud. The bar also contains a chain tensioning pin
hole which fits over the chain tensioning pin.
nPlace the bar onto the bar stud so that the chain
tensioning pin fits into the chain tensioning pin hole.
nFit the chain over the sprocket and into the bar
groove. The cutters on the top of the bar should
face toward the bar tip, in the direction of the chain
rotation.
nReplace the drivecase cover and install the bar nut.
Tighten the bar nut finger tight only. The bar must be
free to move for tension adjustment.
nRemove all slack from chain by turning the chain
tensioning screw clockwise, ensure that the chain
seats into the bar groove during tensioning.
nLift the tip of the bar up to check for sag. Release the
tip of the bar, and turn the chain tensioning screw 1/2
turn clockwise. Repeat this process until sag does not
exist.
nHold the tip of the bar up and tighten the bar nut
securely.
nChain is correctly tensioned when there is no slack
on the underside of the bar, the chain is snug, but it
can be turned by hand without binding.
Note: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen
the bar nut slightly and turn adjusting screw 1/4
turn counterclockwise. Lift the tip of the bar up and
retighten bar nut.
CHAIN OILER
See Figure 16
nUse Premium Bar and Chain Lubricant. It is designed

ENGLISH
for chains and chain oilers and is formulated to
perform over a wide temperature range with no
dilution required.
nRemove the cap and carefully pour approximately
60ml of bar and chain lubricant into the bar lube
reservoir.
nReplace the cap and tighten securely.
nCheck and refill the bar lube reservoir every time the
pole saw is used.
Note: Do not use dirty, used, or otherwise
contaminated lubricants. Damage may occur to the
oil pump, bar, or chain.
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
See Figure 17.
For smooth and fast cutting, the chain needs to be
maintained properly. The following conditions indicate
that the chain requires sharpening:
nWood chips are small and powdery.
nChain must be forced through the wood during
cutting.
nChain cuts to one side.
During maintenance of the chain, consider the following:
nImproper filing angle of the side plate can increase
the risk of a severe kickback.
nDepth gauge (or raker clearance) setting determines
the height the cutter enters the wood and the size of
the wood chip that is removed. Too much clearance
increases the potential for kickback. Too little
clearance decreases the size of the wood chip thus
decreasing the chain’s cutting ability.
nIf cutter teeth have hit hard objects such as nails and
stones, or have been abraded by mud or sand on the
wood, have service dealer sharpen chain.
HOW TO SHARPEN THE CUTTERS
See Figures 18 - 21.
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and
to the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained only
when all cutters are uniform.
nTighten the chain tension enough that the chain does
not wobble. Do all of your filing at the mid-point of the
bar. Wear gloves for protection.
nUse a 4mm(5/32) diameter round file and holder.
nKeep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do not
let the file dip or rock.
nUsing light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front
corner of the tooth. Lift file away from the steel on each
return stroke.
nPut a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand
cutters in one direction. Then move to the other side
and file the right hand cutters in the opposite direction.
Occasionally remove filings from the file with a wire
brush.
CAUTION
Dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause
excessive motor speed during cutting which may
result in severe motor damage.
WARNING
Improper chain sharpening increases the potential
of kickback. Failure to replace or repair damaged
chain can cause serious injury.
STORING THE PRODUCT
See Figure 22.
nClean all foreign material from the product. Store
idle unit indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area that is
inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive
agents such as garden chemicals.
nAlways place the blade cover on the saw bar when
transporting or storing the pole saw. The scabbard is
a snug fit and must be attached very carefully due to
the sharp teeth on the saw chain. This is best done
by grasping the blade cover at one end, in the center
portion of the blade cover, and carefully sliding it over
the chain as shown. Use caution to avoid the sharp
teeth of the chain.
Note: The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear
protective gloves when handling the chain.
DISPOSAL
This marking indicates that this product should
not be disposed with other household wastes
throughout the EU. To prevent possible harm to
the environment or human health from
uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it
responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of
material resources. To return your used device, please
use the return and collection systems or contact the
retailer where the product was purchased. They can take
this product for environmental safe recycling.
20131209v3

ENGLISH
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Bar and chain running hot
and smoking.
Motor runs, but chain is
not rotating.
Check chain tension for overtightened
condition
Bar lube reservoir empty.
Chain tension too tight. Check guide bar
and chain assembly.
Check guide bar and chain for damage.
Tension chain. Refer to Tensioning the chain earlier
in this manual.
Check bar lube reservoir and re-fill.
Retention chain. Refer to Tensioning the chain earlier
in this manual.
Refer to Replacing the Bar and Chain earlier in this
manual.
Inspect guide bar and chain

Techtronic Industries (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Level 1, 660 Doncaster Road
Doncaster, VIC 3108, Australia
Techtronic Industries New Zealand Ltd.
18-26 Amelia Earhart Avenue
Mangere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand