Ryobi AHF04G User manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
ARTICULATING HEDGE TRIMMER ATTACHMENT
AHF04G
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Your product has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator
safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using
this product.
Thank you for your purchase.

1
ENGLISH
WARNING
Read and understand all instructions.
Failure to follow the instructions listed below,
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious
personal injury.
This attachment is suitable for use with petrol
power heads ONLY.
This attachment is NOT suitable for use with
petrol powered products equipped with bike
handles.
WARNING
THIS HEDGE TRIMMER CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURIES. Read the instructions
carefully for the correct handling, preparation,
maintenance, starting and stopping of the
hedge trimmer. Become familiar with all
controls and the proper use of the hedge
trimmer. Become familiar with the owner's
manual before attempting to operate the
equipment.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
INTENDED USE:
This product should only be operated outdoors in a well
ventilated area.
This product is intended to cut and trim hedges, shrubs
and similar vegetation. It is NOT intended to cut grass,
trees or branches. It should not be used for any other
purpose than hedge trimming.
This attachment is approved for use with all Ryobi /
Homelite petrol driven power heads of 30cc or less.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
For safe operation, read and understand all instructions
and the instructions for power head thoroughly before
using the articulating hedge trimmer attachment.
Follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety
instructions listed below, can result in serious personal
injury.
Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use
this unit.
Wear safety glasses or goggles and hearing protection
when operating this unit.
Wear heavy trousers, boots, and gloves. Do not wear
loose fitting clothing, shorts, jewellery of any kind, or
go barefoot.
Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to
prevent entanglement in any moving parts.
Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least
15m away. Avoid operating while people, especially
children, are nearby.
Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Do not operate in poor lighting.
Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure
to hot surfaces.
Keep all parts of your body away from any moving
part.
Do not touch areas around the silencer or engine of
the power head, these parts get hot from operation.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious
personal injury.
Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
and/or ensure that the engine cut off switch remains in
the off position before making adjustments, cleaning,
clearing a blockage, and/or performing maintenance
or repairs (except for carburettor adjustments.)
Inspect unit before each use for loose fasteners,
damaged or missing parts. Correct before use. Failure
to do so can cause serious injury.
Check for damaged parts. Before further use of the
attachment, any part that is damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorised service centre.
Use only original manufacturer’s replacement
parts. Always ensure all handles and guards are
fitted when using the machine. Never attempt to
use an incomplete attachment or one fitted with an
unauthorised modification. Failure to do so, may
cause poor performance, possible injury, and will void
your warranty.
If the cutting mechanism strikes any foreign object or
the hedge trimmer starts making any unusual noise
or vibration, shut off the power source and allow the
hedge trimmer to stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire
from the spark plug and/or ensure that the engine
cut off switch remains in the off position and take the
following steps: inspect for damage; check for, and
tighten, any loose parts; have any damaged parts
replaced or repaired by an authorised service agent.
Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug
wire from the spark plug before:
1. Adjusting the working position of the cutting device.
2. Cleaning or clearing a blockage.
3. Checking, carrying out maintenance or working on the
hedge trimmer, adjusting the working position of the
cutting device, leaving the hedge trimmer unattended.

2
ENGLISH
Do not, under any circumstance, use any attachment
or accessory on this product which was not provided
with the product or identified as appropriate for use
with this product in the Operator's Manual.
Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use the
attachment in damp or wet locations. Do not use in
the rain.
Use the right attachment. Do not use for any job other
than that for which it was intended.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Never operate the product without the safety guard in
place and in good condition.
Keep the working area free from wires, nails, metallic
cable, glass, stones and debris.
Do not cut against hard objects, this could cause injury
or damage the trimmer.
Do not cross roads or gravel paths with the trimmer
still running.
As the equipment user, you are responsible for third
parties in the working area.
While operating the tool, always hold it firmly with both
hands by the two handles and ensure a firm footing,
especially if steps or ladders are used. Don’t touch the
blades!
Make sure you hold the tool firmly by both handles
and that you are well balanced with your weight evenly
distributed on both feet.
Keep hands away from cutting area and blades. Do
not reach underneath, around or over the blade while
the tool is operating. Do not attempt to remove cut
material when the blade is moving.
It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held
tools may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s
Syndrome in certain individuals. 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 these symptoms.
There are measures that can be taken by the operator
to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:
a) 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.
b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
c) 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.
CAUTION:
Certain parts of the machine may become hot
during use.
■ Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and be
on the alert for possible hazards which you may not
notice because of the noise from the machine.
■ Never grasp the tool by the blade.
■ Large variations in temperature can lead to
condensation inside the tool. Before use, give the
machine time to adjust to the temperature of the work
area.
■ Do not force the tool. It will do the job better and with
less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it
was designed.
■ Never attempt to use an incomplete machine or one
fitted with an unauthorised modification.
■ When transporting, disconnect the spark plug wire.
■ During transport or storage always cover the with the
cover.
■ Do not operate the machine with a damaged or
excessively worn cutting device.
■ To reduce fire hazard keep engine and silencer free
of debris, leaves, or excessive lubricant.
■ Always ensure all handles are fitted when using the
machine.
■ Know how to stop the machine quickly in an
emergency.
■ Please refer to the manual of your power head for
information on:
1. Instructions of how to set the carburetor and ignition.
2. instructions giving detailed explanations of all
controls.
FUEL AND REFUELING
HANDLING THE FUEL SAFELY
■ Do not smoke when mixing fuel or filling fuel tank.
Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners,
fuel leaks, etc.
■ Replace any damaged parts before use. 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 9m away
from refuelling site before starting engine.
■ Stop the engine and allow to cool before refuelling or
storing the unit.
■ Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and
secure the unit from moving before transporting in a
vehicle.
■ Always handle fuel with care, it is highly flammable.
■ Always refuel outdoors where there are no sparks
and flames. Do not inhale fuel vapours.
■ Do not let petrol or oil come in contact with your skin.

3
ENGLISH
■ Keep petrol and oil away from eyes. If petrol or oil
comes in contact with eyes, wash them immediately
with clean water. If irritation is still present, see a
doctor immediately.
■ Clean up spilled petrol immediately.
■ Always transport and store fuel in a container
approved for petroleum.
■ Loosen fuel cap slowly to release pressure and to
keep fuel from escaping around the cap.
■ Carefully pour fuel mixture into the tank. Avoid
spillage.
■ Prior to replacing the fuel cap, clean and inspect the
gasket.
■ Immediately replace fuel cap and hand tighten. Wipe
up any fuel spillage. Move 9m away from refuelling
site before starting engine.
WARNING
Check for fuel leaks. If any are found, correct
them before using the tool to prevent fire or
burn injury.
WARNING
Always shut off the engine before fueling.
Never add fuel to a machine with a running
or hot engine. Move at least 9m from refueling
site before starting engine. Do not smoke!
WARNING
A leaking fuel cap is a fire hazard and must be
replaced immediately.
WARNING
Never start or run the engine inside a closed
or poorly ventilated area; breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.
STORING THE PRODUCT
Storing the product differs depending on the amount of
time it will be in storage.
To Store the Product Short Term
Follow these steps to store the product short term.
■ Clean all foreign material from the product.
■ Store the product in a well-ventilated place that is
inaccessible to children.
To Store the Product Long Term
If you do not intend to use the product for more than one
month, follow the storage procedures below.
Follow these steps to store the product long term.
■ Drain all of the fuel from the tank into a container
approved for petroleum.
■ Run the engine until it stops.
■ Clean all foreign material from the product.
■ Store the product in a well-ventilated place that is
inaccessible to children.
NOTE: Keep the product away from corrosive agents
such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
IMPORTANT: Abide by all local regulations for the safe
storage and handling of petrol.
TO STOP THE PRODUCT IN THE CASE OF
EMERGENCY, PRESS THE ON / OFF SWITCH TO
OFF. THIS SWITCH IS LOCATED NEAR THE
DESIGNATED RIGHT HAND POSITION ON THE REAR
HANDLE.
If blades do become jammed, stop the engine, allow the
blades to stop, remove the spark plug lead and remove
the obstruction or blockage.

4
ENGLISH
SYMBOLS
Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION
Safety Alert Symbol Indicates danger, warning or caution. It means attention!!! Your
safety is involved.
Read Your Operator’s
Manual
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to
potential safety concerns as well as operating and servicing
information. Please read all the information carefully to ensure
satisfaction and safe use.
Wear eye and hearing
protection Wear eye and hearing protection when operating this equipment.
Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 15m away.
Hot Surface To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any hot
surface.
Sharp Blade Sharp cutting blades. To prevent serious injury, do not touch
cutting blades.
50'
15m
Risk of Electrocution DANGER! Risk of electrocution!
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
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.
SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and
should be performed only by a qualied service technician.
For service we suggest you return the product to your
nearest AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRE for repair.
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt
to use this product until you read thoroughly
and understand completely the operator’s
manual. If you do not understand the warnings
and instructions in the operator’s manual,
do not use this product. Call Ryobi customer
service for assistance.

5
ENGLISH
DESCRIPTION
Figure 1.
1. Attachment shaft
2. Attachment hanger
3. Hedge trimmer blade
4. Blade guard
Figure 2.
5. Knob
6. Coupler
7. Guide recess
8. Positioning hole
Figure 6.
9. Lock lever
10. Safety lock lever
11. Adjustment handle
12. Lock ratchet wheel
Figure 9
13. Button
14. Secondary hole
2. Attachment hanger
FEATURES
Blade Type: ......................................... Dual Reciprocating
Blade cut angle: ........................................................... 49˚
(by machining sharp angle)
Teeth pitch: ..............................................................35mm
Cutting capacity: ......................................................28mm
Blade length:..........................................................440mm
Cutting length: .......................................................385mm
Size(LxWxH) : ........................................ 1020x110x90mm
Weight: ....................................................................... 2Kg
Articulating Adjust Angle: ....................................... 0˚~90˚
Vibration Level
(in accordance with Annex C of EN ISO 10517)
-Front Handle.......................................... =7.38 m/s2
=7.22 m/s2, ahv, eq = 7.25 m/s2, K=1.5 m/s2
-Rear Handle .......................................... =4.60 m/s2
=8.68 m/s2, ahv, eq =8.03 m/s2 K=1.5 m/s2
Sound Pressure Level at Operator Position (LpA)
(EN ISO 10517, EN ISO 11201, EN ISO 3744)
Idling ................................................75.3 dB(A) K=3dB(A)
Racing .............................................95.3 dB(A) K=3dB(A)
Sound Power Measurements (in accordance with Annex
D of EN ISO 10517, EN ISO 3744) ....... =67.3 dB(A)
=87.8 dB(A), LpA,eq=86.8 dB(A),
LWA,eq=106.8 dB(A), K=3dB(A)
* Values measured on RBC30SESA power head
ASSEMBLY
FIXING THE POWER HEAD TO THE ATTACHMENT
(Fig. 1 & 2)
WARNING
Never attach or adjust any attachment while
power head is running. Failure to stop the
engine before mounting the attachement on
the power head may cause 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.
The attachment connects to the power head by means of
a coupler device.
■ Loosen the knob (5) on the coupler (6) of the power
head shaft and remove the attachment hanger (2)
from the attachment shaft (1).
■ Push in the button located on the attachment shaft.
Align the button with the guide recess (7) on the
power head coupler and slide the two shafts together.
Rotate the attachment shaft until the button locks into
the positioning hole (8).
Note: If the button does not release completely in the
positioning hole, the shafts are not locked into place.
Slightly rotate from side to side until the button is
locked into place.
■ Tighten the knob securely.
WARNING
Be certain the knob is fully tightened before
operating the equipment; check it periodically
for tightness during use to avoid serious injury
or product damage.
REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE POWER
HEAD (Fig. 1 & 2)
WARNING
Never attach or adjust any attachment while
power head is running. Failure to stop the
engine before mounting the attachment on the
power head may cause serious personal injury.
For removing or changing the attachment:
Loosen the knob (5).
Push in the button (13) and twist the shafts to remove
and separate ends.

6
ENGLISH
OPERATION
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.
WARNING
Hedge trimmer blades are extremely sharp.
Do not remove the blade cover until the
hedge trimmer is fully assembled and ready
to use. Always use caution when removing the
blade cover. Failure to comply could result in
possible serious personal injury.
WARNING
Clear the area to be cut before each use.
Remove all objects such as cords, lights,
wire, or string which can become entangled in
the cutting blade and create a risk of serious
personal injury.
■ To ensure exhaust fumes are directed away from
the operator, this unit must always be used on the
operators right side.
■ Both hands must be used at all times to control this
product.
■ The operators right hand should be on the rear
handle at all times to allow easy access to the stop
switch and throttle.
■ Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy
shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and
slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce the pace.
■ Do not try to cut stems or twigs that are larger than
28mm 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.
■ If desired, you can use a string to help cut your
hedge level. Decide how high you want the hedge.
Then, stretch a piece of string along the hedge at
this height. Trim the hedge just above this line of
string (Fig. 3). Trim the side of a hedge so that it will
be slightly narrower at the top (Fig. 4). More of the
hedge will be exposed when shaped this way, and it
will be more uniform.
■ Always wear gloves when using the hedge trimmer.
When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping
action, so that the stems are fed directly into the
cutting blade. Older growth will have thicker stems
and will be trimmed easiest by using a sawing
movement.
ANGLE ADJUSTMENT (Fig. 5-7)
Note: Before making an adjustment to the angle put the
hedge trimmer attachment and the power head on a flat
and even surface.
The product can be adjusted from 0˚ to 90˚ (see Fig 5).
It has a safety lock function for safe operation.
For the angle adjustment method please follow the
below process (see: fig 6)
1. Hold attachment shaft (1) with one hand, and hold
adjustment handle (11) with the other hand.
2. Pull the safety lock lever (10) up using your index
nger until it releases the lock lever (9).
3. Push the lock lever (9) down with your thumb so that it
releases the ratchet wheel (12).
4. Adjust the angle by rotating the adjustment handle
(11).
5. Make sure the lock lever and safety lock lever are
correctly engaged after you got the desired angle.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Use only original manufacturer’s replacement
parts, accessories and attachments. Failure to
do so may cause poor performance, possible
injury and may void your warranty.
You may make adjustments and repairs described in the
maintenance section. For other repairs, have the unit
serviced by an authorised servicing dealer.
BLADE REPLACEMENT
Note: We recommend that you take the hedge trimmer
attachment to your nearest authorised service dealer to
replace the blade.
LUBRICATING THE HEDGE TRIMMER BLADE
(Fig. 8)
■ For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate
the hedge trimmer attachment blade before and after
each use. Before lubricating, be sure the switch of
the power head is in the OFF position. Apply light
machine oil along the edge of the top of strap.

7
ENGLISH
■ Occasionally, you should oil your hedge trimmer
attachment during use. Before oiling, switch the
powerhead off.
Do not oil while the hedge trimmer attachment is in
operation or running.
ATTACHING THE STORAGE HANGER (Fig. 9)
There are two ways to hang your attachment for storage.
■ Use the attachment hanger (2), push in the button
(13) and place the attachment hanger (2) over the
end of the attachment shaft. Slightly rotate the cap
from side to side until the button locks into place.
■ The secondary hole (14) in the attachment shaft can
be used for hanging purposes as well.

TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES (AUSTRALIA) PTY. LTD.
Level 1, 660 Doncaster Road,
Doncaster, Victoria 3108,
Australia
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.ryobi.com.au
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES N.Z. LIMITED
Auckland: 27 Clemow Drive, Mt Wellington, N.Z.
Tel: [phone] Free Call: 0800 279 624 Fax: [phone]
Contact during normal business hours.
www.ryobi.co.nz
Subject to the guarantee condition below, this Ryobi
tool (hereinafter called “the product”) is guaranteed by
TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY
LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Company”) to be free
from defects in material or workmanship for a period
of 24 months from the date of original purchase
covering both parts and labour. Under the terms of
this guarantee, the repair or replacement of any part
shall be the opinion of the Company or its authorised
service centre. Should service become necessary
during the warranty period, the owner should contact
the customer service HELPLINE 1300 361 505 or
contact the retailer from whom the product was
purchased.
In order to obtain guarantee service, the owner must
present the sales docket and Guarantee Certificate to
confirm date of purchase. This product is sold by the
dealer or service centre as principal and the dealer
has no authority from the Company’s behalf except as
herein contained or herein referred to.
Guarantee Conditions
This guarantee only applies provided that the product
has been used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations under normal use and reasonable
care (in the opinion of the Company) and such
guarantee does not cover damage, malfunction or
failure resulting from misuse, neglect, abuse, or used
for a purpose for which it was not designed or is not
suited and no repairs, alterations or modifications
have been attempted by other than an authorised
service centre. This guarantee will not apply if the tool
is damaged by accident or if repairs arise from normal
wear and tear. The Company accepts no additional
liability pursuant to this guarantee for the costs of
travelling or transportation of the product or parts to
and from the service dealer or service centre - such
costs are not included in this guarantee.
Certain legislation, including the Trade Practices Act,
1974 (as amended) and other state and territorial laws
give rights to the buyer and impose liability on the
seller in certain circumstances. Nothing herein shall
have the effect of excluding, restricting or modifying
any condition, guarantee, right or liability imposed, to
the extent only that such exclusion, restriction or
modification would render any term herein void.