Ryobi EXPAND-IT AHF05 User manual

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Hedge Trimmer
Attachment
AHF05

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

1
Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your hedge trimmer attachment.
INTENDED USE
This hedge trimmer attachment is approved for use with
all Ryobi petrol-driven power head of 25.4 cc or less
or with RPP254JO, RBC254SESO, RLT254CDSO,
RLT254SDSO, RPHT2540, RLTED2540, RBC254SBSO,
or RLT1238 or RED1220 electric-driven power heads.
It is intended to be used only by adults who have read and
understood the instructions and warnings in this manual
and relevant power head manual and can be considered
responsible for their actions.
This product is only intended for use outdoors by a single
operator who is standing on rm solid ground. For safety
reasons, the product must be adequately controlled by
using two-handed operation.
The product is intended for home or domestic use. It
is intended to cut and trim hedges, shrubs, and similar
vegetation. The product is designed to be extended to a
maximum length of 2.37 m (for assembling with petrol-
driven power head) or 2.49 m (for assembling with electric-
driven power head). Do not exceed this working length.
It should be used in dry, well-ventilated, and well-illuminated
conditions.
It is not intended to cut grass, trees, or branches. It should
not be used for any other purpose than hedge trimmer.
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.
WARNING
The attachment is not suitable for use with power heads
equipped with bike handle.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS
FOR ASSEMBLING WITH PETROL-DRIVEN POWER HEAD
■For safe operation, read and understand all instructions
before using the product. Follow all safety instructions.
Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can
result in serious personal injury.
■Never start or run the engine in a closed or poorly
ventilated area. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
■Do not touch the area around the silencer or cylinder of
the product, these parts get hot from operation.
■To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine and the
silencer free of debris, leaves, and excessive lubricant.
■Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before
making any adjustments.
■Do not smoke when mixing fuel or filling the fuel tank.
■Mix and store fuel in a container approved for fuel.
■Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 9 m away from
refueling site before starting engine.
■Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or
storing the unit.
■Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and oil
tank (if applicable), and secure the unit from moving
before transporting in a vehicle.
WARNING
When the throttle trigger is released and the engine is
running at idle speed, the cutting attachment or blade
must not move. If it does continue to move, there is risk
of severe injury to the operator. Do not use the product.
Bring the product to an authorised service centre for
professional adjustment.
FOR ASSEMBLING WITH ELECTRIC-DRIVEN POWER
HEAD
WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure
to follow the warnings and instructions may result in
electric shock, re and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term “power tool’’ in the warnings refers to your
mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated
(cordless) power tool.
WORK AREA SAFETY
■Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas invite accidents.
■Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
■Keep children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
■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.
Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk
of electric shock.
■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 power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
■Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for
carrying, 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.

2
■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.
■If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of
electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
■Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
■Use personal protective equipment. Always wear
eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust
mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing
protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
■Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch
is in the off-position before connecting to power
source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying
the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the
switch or energising power tools that have the switch
on invites accidents.
■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.
■Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power
tool in unexpected situations.
■Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
■If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of dust collection
can reduce dust-related hazards.
POWER TOOL CARE AND USE
■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.
■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.
■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.
■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.
■Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
■Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.
■Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc,
in accordance with these instructions, 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.
SERVICE
■Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is
maintained.
HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY WARNINGS
■Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter
blades. A moment of inattention while operating the
product may result in serious personal injury.
■Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with cutter
blade stopped. When transporting or storing the
hedge trimmer always fit the cutting device cover.
Proper handling of the hedge trimmer will reduce
possible personal injury from the cutter blades.
■Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surface
only, because the cutter blade may contact hidden
wiring. Cutter Blades contacting a “live” wire may make
exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could
give the operator an electric shock.
■Keep cable away from cutting area. During operation
the cable may be hidden in shrubs and can be
accidentally cut by the blade.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS
■Some regions have regulations that restrict the use of
the product to some operations. Check with your local
authority for advice. Read all instructions.
■Clear the work area before each use. Remove all
objects such as cords, lights, wire, or string which can
be thrown or become entangled in the cutting means.
■Check the hedge for foreign objects, such as wire
fences.
■Beware of thrown objects; keep all bystanders, children,
and pets at least 15 m away from work area. Stop the
product if anyone enters the area.
■Check constantly for persons or animals behind or
inside any hedge or bush to be trimmed.
■Do not operate in poor lighting. The operator requires a
clear view of the work area to identify potential hazards.
■Ensure before each use that all controls and safety
devices function correctly. Do not use the product if the
“off” switch does not stop the motor/engine.

3
■Inspect the product before each use. Check for loose
fasteners. Make sure all guards and handles are
properly and securely attached. Replace any damaged
parts before use.
■Do not modify the product in any way.
■Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use the
product.
■Wear full eye and hearing protection while operating the
product. If working in an area where there is a risk of
falling objects, head protection must be worn.
■Wear heavy long trousers, boots, and gloves. Do not
wear loose fitting clothing, short trousers, jewellery of
any kind, or use with bare feet.
■Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to prevent
entanglement in moving parts.
■Use of hearing protection reduces the ability to hear
warnings (shouts or alarms). The operator must pay
extra attention to what is going on in the working area.
■Operating similar tools nearby increases both the risk
of hearing injury and the potential for other persons to
enter your working area.
■Do not use this machine when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
■Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
Overreaching can result in loss of balance and can
result in serious injury, or exposure to hot surfaces.
■Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
■Before starting the product, make sure the cutting
blades will not come in contact with anything.
■Never operate the product in an explosive atmosphere.
■While operating the product, always hold it firmly with
both hands by the two handles and ensure that the
operating position is safe and secure. The manufacturer
does not recommend the use of steps or ladders.
■Use the harness if it is supplied with your hedge
trimmer. It will assist you to support the weight of the
product during use and while moving between trimming
positions. Carefully adjust the harness to fit comfortably.
■Identify the quick release mechanism and practice
using it before you start using the product. Its correct
use may prevent serious injury in the case of an
emergency. Never wear additional clothing over
the harness or otherwise restrict access to the quick
release mechanism.
■To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate
within 10 m of overhead electrical lines.
■Never use the product near fencing, posts, buildings, or
other immovable objects.
■Blades are sharp. When handling the blade assembly,
wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves. Do not
place your hand or fingers between blades or in any
position where they could get pinched or cut.
■Always stop the product, disconnect from the power supply
(if applicable), make sure all moving parts have come to
stop, and allow the hedge trimmer to cool down before:
●adjusting the working position of the cutting device;
●cleaning or clearing a blockage;
●leaving the product unattended;
●checking, maintaining, or working on the product.
■Do not force the product through heavy shrubbery. This
can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the
blades slow down, reduce the pace.
■Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs that are larger
than 28 mm thick, or those obviously too large to feed
into the cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or
pruning saw to trim large stems.
■Do not operate the product with damaged or excessively
worn blades.
WARNING
If the product is dropped, suffers heavy impact, or begins
to vibrate abnormally, immediately stop the product and
inspect for damage or identify the cause of the vibration.
Any damage should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorised service centre.
WARNING
Check that all the shaft couplings on the extension shaft
and tool are securely fastened before each use and at
frequent intervals.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ASSEMBLING
WITH ELECTRIC-DRIVEN POWER HEAD
■Electrical power should be supplied via a residual
current device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more
than 30 mA.
■If you need to use an extension cable, ensure it is
suitable for outdoor use and has a current capacity
sufficient to supply your product. Check it before every
use for damage. Always uncoil it during use because
coiled cables can overheat.
■If the power cable becomes damaged, it must be
replaced before using.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
FOR ASSEMBLING WITH PETROL-DRIVEN POWER HEAD
■Stop the engine and allow it to cool before storing or
transporting.
■Clean all foreign material from the product.
■Cover the blade with the blade protector before storing
the product or during transportation.
■Drain all fuel from the tank into a container approved
for petrol. Remember to properly replace and tighten
the fuel cap.
■If applicable, drain all lubricant from tank into a
container approved for lubricant. Remember to properly
replace the lubricant cap.
■Run the engine until it stops, this will remove all fuel
that could become stale and leave varnish and gum in
the fuel system.
■Store the product 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.

4
■Do not store outdoors.
■When transporting the product in a vehicle, secure it
against movement or falling to prevent injury to persons
or damage to the product.
■Never carry or transport the product while the engine
is running.
■Abide by all government and local regulations for the
safety storage and handling of petrol.
Short term (less than 1 month)
■Stop the engine and allow it to cool before storing.
■Clean all foreign materials from the product.
■Cover the blade with the blade protector.
■Store the product 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 ASSEMBLING WITH ELECTRIC-DRIVEN POWER
HEAD
■Stop the product, disconnect from the power supply,
and wind the cable. 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 it away from corrosive agents, such
as garden chemicals and de-icing salts. Do not store
outdoors.
■Cover the blade with the blade protector before storing
the product or during transportation.
■For transportation, secure the product against
movement or falling to prevent injury to persons or
damage to the product.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Use only original manufacturer’s replacement parts,
accessories and attachments. Failure to do so can
cause possible injury, poor performance, and may void
your warranty.
WARNING
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge
and should be performed only by a qualied service
technician. For service, we suggest you bring the
product to the nearest authorised service centre. When
servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING
The blades are sharp. To prevent personal injury,
exercise extreme caution when cleaning, lubricating and
tting, or removing the blade protector.
■Switch off, disconnect the product from the power
supply (if applicable), and make sure all moving parts
have come to a complete stop before conducting any
maintenance or cleaning work.
■You may only make adjustments or repairs described
in this manual. For other repairs, contact the authorised
service centre.
■After each use, clean the product with a soft, dry cloth.
■After each use, clean the debris from the blades with a
stiff brush, and then carefully apply a rust-preventative
lubricant before refitting the blade protector. Use the
recommended rust-preventative lubricant spray. Take
care to avoid contact with the blade when applying an
even distribution of the lubricant. For information about
suitable spray product, check with your local authorised
service centre.
■If needed, lubricate the blades lightly before use using
the above method.
■Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to ensure the product is in safe
working condition. Any part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by an authorised service
centre.
RESIDUAL RISKS
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 from the blades. The blades cannot be guarded
whilst cutting. Keep the blade away from yourself and
others. Cover it with the blade protector whenever you
are not cutting.
■Injury caused by vibration. Always use the right tool for
the job. Use designated handles and restrict working
time and exposure.
■Hearing injury caused by exposure to noise. Wear ear
protection and limit exposure.
RISK REDUCTION
It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome.
Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and blanching
of the ngers, 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 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 unit, wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor
contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.
■After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
■Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.

5
■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 to take regular breaks.
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
See page 7.
1. Blade
2. Attachment hanger
3. Blade protector
4. Adjustment handle
5. Lock ratchet wheel
6. Safety lock lever
SYMBOLS ON THE PRODUCT
Safety alert
10m Electrical hazard, at least 10 m away
from the overhead electric-power lines
Beware of thrown or ying objects.
Keep all bystanders, especially children
and pets, at least 15 m away from the
operating area.
Read and understand all instructions
before operating the product, follow all
warnings and safety instructions.
Wear eye, ear, and head protection.
Wear non-slip safety footwear when
using the product.
Wear non-slip, heavy-duty gloves.
Sharp cutting blades. To prevent
serious injury, do not touch cutting
blades.
Do not expose to rain or damp
condition.
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.
SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL
Parts or accessories sold separately
Note
Warning
The following signal words and meanings are intended to
explain the levels of risk associated with this 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.

6
x 1
x 1x 1

7
43
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5 6
2

8
1
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1 2
2
1
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43

9
p.10 p.12
p.15p.14

10
2
1
≤60˚
≥15m (50’)
10m

11
1
2
3
≤90º
1
2
4
3
5
6

12
4
1
2
1
3
3
4
1
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180º
2
3

13
1
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≤90º
1
2
6
5
7
8

14
1
2

15
1
2
2
1
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2
1
3
20160622v1

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Hedge trimmer attachment
Model AHF05
Blade type Dual reciprocating
Teeth pitch 35 mm
Blade length 440 mm
Usable cutting length 385 mm
Cutting capacity 28 mm
Weight (hedge trimmer
attachment only)
2.0 kg
For assembling with petrol-driven power head (below values
measured with RBC30SESA power head)
No load speed 4 670/min
Maximum product working
length
2 370 mm
Weight (power head only) 4.33 kg
Fuel tank volume 415 mL
Recommended tank ll 350 mL
Engine displacement 30 cc
Max. engine performance (in
accordance with ISO 8893
0.75 kW
Fuel consumption (in
accordance with ISO 8893) at
max. engine performance
0.42 kg/h
Engine speed (rotational
frequency) at idle
2 800 - 3 800/min
For assembling with electric-driven power head (below
values measured with RLT 1238 or RED1220 power head)
Rated power 1 200 W
Rated voltage 230 - 240 V ~50 Hz
No load speed 1 800/min
Maximum product working
length
2 640 mm
Weight (power head only) 3.15 kg

Techtronic Industries (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
31 Gilby Road, Mount Waverley,
VIC 3149, Australia
Techtronic Industries New Zealand Ltd.
2 Landing Drive, Mangere,
Auckland, New Zealand 2022
Imported by:
961119006-02
RYOBI is a trademark of Ryobi Limited,
and is used under license.
HOMELITE is a trademark of Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology
Limited.