Ryobi CLT1223 User manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
CORDLESS STRING TRIMMER
MODEL NO. CLT1223
THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI CORDLESS STRING TRIMMER.
Your new cordless string trimmer has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for dependability,
ease of operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire operator's manual before using your new cordless string trimmer.
Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your cordless string trimmer
properly and only for what it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
Thank you again for buying Ryobi string trimmer.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Fig. 3 Fig. 5
Fig. 4
Fig.2
Fig. 1
2
AG
H
I
B
C
D
EJ
FK
A
D
C
B
A
B
C
A
A
BC

3
Fig. 6b
B
A
Fig. 8
Fig. 7
B
A
Fig. 9 Fig. 10
A
B
A
Fig. 6a

4
Fig. 11
30º
Fig. 12
B
A
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Fig. 13

3
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
WARNING:
Whenusing battery operated tools basic
safetyprecautionshouldalwaysbefollowedto
reduce the risk of fire, leaking batteries and
personalinjury,includingthefollowing
Readtheoperationmanualandfollowall
warningsandsafety instructions.
Wear eye protection andearprotection.
Keepallbystanders, especially children
and pets, at least 15m from the operating
area.
READALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
OPERATING
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar
with the controls and proper use of the unit.
Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or
under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medication.
Inspect the unit before use. Replace
damagedparts. Check for battery packleaks.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and
secure.Replacestring head or any other
parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged.
Make sure the string head is properly
installedand securely fastened. Be sure the
grassshield is properly attached, and
positionedasrecommended.Failuretodoso
canresult in personal injury to the operator
andbystanders,as well as damage to the
unit.
Use the right tool. Only use this string
trimmerforthepurposeintended.
Do not use string trimmer if switch will not
turn the unit on or off.Aunit that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and
mustberepaired.
Clear the area to be cut before each use.
Remove all objects such as rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, or string which can be
thrownorbecomeen-tangledin the string
head.
Cleartheareaof children, bystanders, and
pets.At a minimum, keep all children,
bystanders and pets outside a 15 m radius;
there still may be a risk to bystanders from
thrownobjects.Bystandersshouldbe
encouragedtoweareyeprotection. If you are
approached,stopthemotorandmakesure
thestringheadstopsimmediately.
To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not
operateunitindamporwetlocations.
Do not handle the unit with wet hands.
Useonly1.65mmdiametergenuine
replacementline.Neveruse metal-reinforced
line, wire, or rope, etc. These can break off
andbecomeadangerousprojectile.Donot
useany other attachmenton thisunit.
Do not allow children under the age of 15 or
untrained individuals to use this string
trimmer.
To reduce the risk of injury, always wear full
eye protection when using this string trimmer.
Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is
dusty.
Dressproperly. Do not wear loose clothingor
jewellery;theycanbecaughtinmovingparts.
Useofrubbergloves and substantialfootwear
isrecommendedwhenworking outdoors.
To prevent hair from being drawn into nearby
airvents andbecomingentangledinmoving
parts,wear protective hair covering to contain
longhairorsecurecoveredhairabove
shoulderlevel.
Donot use electric or battery operated units
inrainordampweather.
WHILE OPERATING
Do not use trimmer without front handle in
place.Keepbothhands on handles when unit
is in use.
To avoid accidentalstarting, never carry your
unit with your finger on the trigger.
Stayalert and payattention to what you are
doing. Use common sense when using this
stringtrimmer.
Do not operate in poor lighting. Use the unit
onlyin daylight or good artificial light.
Donotoverreachorstandonunstable
support.Keepgoodfootingandbalanceatall
times. Do not use on ladder.

4
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
Do not force the trimmer. It will do the job
better and with less likelihood of a risk of
injury at the rate for which it was designed.
Alwayshold the unit with both hands when
operating. Keep a firm grip on both the rear
handleandthefronthandle.
Releasethetrigger, allow the motor to stop,
andremovethebattery packbefore
performingmaintenance,repairor making
adjustments.
This cordless string trimmer is intended only
for cutting grass, light weeds and for
decorative trimming. Do not use this string
trimmeras an edger.
Before starting the unit, make sure the string
headwill not come in contact with anything.
Ifyou strike or become entangledwith foreign
objects,stoptheunitimmediately,removethe
batterypackand check for damage. Do not
operatebeforerepairingdamage. Donot
operatetheunitwithlooseordamagedparts.
Keepallbody partsaway from string head
and other moving parts. Do not touch or try to
stop the string head when it is rotating.
Keepstringheadbelowwaistlevel.
Always stop the motor when cutting is
delayedorwhenwalkingfromonecutting
locationtoanother.
The grass shield must always be in place
whileoperatingtheunit.Donotoperateunit
withoutthecuttinglineextended,andthe
properlineinstalled.Do not extend the
cutting line beyond the length of the shield.
Keep unit clean of grass clippings and other
materials.Theymaybecome lodged between
the string head and shield.
Store the unit inside in a dry place, either
lockedupor up high to prevent unauthorised
use or damage. Keep out of the reach of
childrenoruntrainedindividuals.
Never douse or squirt the unit with water or
anyotherliquid.Keephandlesdry,cleanand
free from debris. Clean after each use, see
CleaningandStorageinstructions.
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
Keep these instructions. Refer to them often
and use them to instruct other users. If you
loansomeonethisunit,alsoloanthemthese
instructions.
SERVICE
Serviceon unit must be performed only by
qualifiedrepairpersonnel. Service or
maintenanceperformedby unqualified
personnel could result in a risk of injury to the
user, or damage to the unit. It may also void
yourwarranty.
When servicing a unit, use only identical
replacementparts.Follow instruction in the
Maintenance section of this manual. Use of
unauthorisedpartsor failure to follow
MaintenanceInstructions may create a risk of
shock or serious injury to the user, or
damagetotheunit.Itmayalsovoidyour
warranty.

5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model CLT1223
Motor 12V DC
Noload speed 8000m-1
StringHead BumpHead
CuttingLineDiameter 1,65mm
CuttingPathDiameter 229 mm
Weight withBatterypack 2,4kg
FEATURE
Fig. 1
A - TRIGGER LOCK BUTTON
B - ANCHOR SCREW
C - FRONT HANDLE
D - SHAFTADJUSTIMENT COLLAR
E - MOTOR HOUSING
F - CUT OFF BLADE
G - BATTERY PACK
H - REAR HANDLE
I - TRIGGER
J - GRASS SHIELD
K - CUTTING LINE
Fig. 2
A - GRASS SHIELD
B - MOTOR HOUSING
C - REMOVE BOTH SCREWS
D - RE-INSTALL BOTH SCREWS
Fig. 3
A - TO UNLOCK COLLAR
B - SHAFTADJUSTMENT COLLAR
C - LOWER PORTION OF SHAFT ADJUSTMENT
COLLAR
Fig. 4
A- SLIDE OUT TO DESIRED POSITION
Fig. 5
A - SHAFT ADJUSTMENT COLLAR
B - LOWER PORTION OF SHAFTADJUSTMENT
COLLAR
C - TO LOCK COLLAR
Fig. 6b
A - BATTERY PACK
B – LATCHES
Fig. 7
A - TRIGGER LOCK BUTTON
B – TRIGGER
Fig. 10
A - CUT OFF BLADE
Fig. 12
A - BUMP KNOB
B - SLOT ON SPOOL
C - SPOOL CAP
D - TABS
E - SPOOL
F - SPRING
G - SPOOL HOUSING SLOT
H - OPENING IN SPOOL HOUSING
I - SPOOL HOUSING
Charger Input
ChargeRate
BatteryCapacity
BatteryNo.
ChargingAssemblyNo.
240V, 50Hz, AC only
3- 6hours
1,7Ah
1323709
1426803
Fig. 6a
A-BATTERYPACK
B -CHARGINGASSEMBLY

6
ASSEMBLY
INSTALLING GRASS SHIELD
Removebothscrewsonthemotorhousing.
Orient grass shield on the motor housing and
twist to lock in place as shown. Re-install
screws to secure grass shield in place.
See
Figure2.
ADJUSTING THE SHAFT
Rotatethe lower portion of the shaft
adjustmentcollar to the “Unlock” position.
See Figure 3.
Lower shaft should now be free to slide down
from inside the upper shaft. Make sure the
shaft is pulled out to the desired position.
See Figure 4.
Rotate shaft adjustment collar to the “Lock”
positionandtightensecurely .See Figure 5.
WARNING:
If any parts are missing, do not operate unit until
the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so
could result in possible serious personal injury.
OPERATION
CHARGING YOUR STRING TRIMMER
The battery pack for this tool has been shipped in
a low charge condition to prevent possible problems.
Therefore, you should charge it at least 6 hours prior
touse.
Note: Batteries will not reach full charge the first time
they are charged. Allow several cycles (Trimming
followedbyrecharging) for them to fully charge.
TO CHARGE
 Charge battery pack only with the charging
assembly provided.

Make sure power supply is normal houshold
voltage, 240 volts, 50 Hz, AC only.
 Connect charging assembly to power supply.
 Place battery pack in charging assembly.
Align raised rib on battery pack with groove in
charging assembly. See Figure 6a.

Press down on battery pack to be sure contacts
on battery pack engage properly with contacts in
charging assembly. When properly connected,
redlightwillturn on.

After normal usage, 3 hours of charging time is
required to be fully charged. A minimum charge
time of 6 hours is required to recharge a completely
dischargedbattery.

The battery pack will become slighty warm to the
touch while charging. This is normal and does not.
indicate a problem.
 DO NOT place charging assembly in an area of
extreme heat or cold. It will work best at normal
room temperature.
When battery pack has been charged, disconnect
charging assembly from power supply and remove
the battery pack.This practice will increase battery life.
INSTALLBATTERYPACK
Place the battery pack in the string trimmer.
Align raised rib on battery pack with groove in
string trimmer. See Figure 6b.
Makesure the latches on the battery pack
snap in place and that battery pack is
secured in string trimmer before beginning
operation.
REMOVE BATTERY PACK
Locatelatches of battery packand depress
both sides to release the battery pack from
the string trimmer.
See Figure 6b.
Removebatterypackfrom the string trimmer.

7
OPERATION
CAUTION:
When placing battery pack in your string
trimmer, be sure raised rib on battery pack aligns
with groove in string trimmer and latches snap in
head on your string trimmer should be
parallelto the ground and should easily
contactthe material being cut without the
operatorhavingtobendover.Asimple shaft
adjustmentaccommodatesmostuser’s
heights.
USING THE STRING TRIMMER
ADVANCING LINE
Your string trimmer is equipped with a string head,
whichallowstheoperatortoreleasemorecutting
line without stopping the motor.As the line
becomeswornorfrayed,additionallinecanbe
releasedbylightlytappingthe string head on the
ground while operating the string trimmer at full
throttle. See Figure 9 . For best results, tap the
head on bare ground or hard soil. If line release is
attemptedintallgrass, the motor may overheat.
Approximately 25.4 mm (1 inch) of cutting line is
releasedeachtimethehead is tapped on the
ground.
Alwayskeep the cutting line fully extended. If the
string is worn too short you may not be able to
advancethestringbytappingtheheadonthe
ground. If this occurs, stop the motor, remove the
spool as described in the following section, feed
the cutting line through the opening in spool
housing and reassemble the spool to the string
head.
CUTTING LINE
This string trimmer is equipped with a string cut
off blade on the grass shield.
See Figure 10 . For
best cutting, advance line until it is trimmed to
length by the string cut-off blade.Advance line
wheneveryouhearthemotorrunningfaster than
normal.This will maintain best performance and
keepthecuttinglinelongenoughtoadvance
properly.
placeproperly.Improperassemblyofbatterypack
cancausedamagetointernalcomponents.
STARTING THE STRING TRIMMER
Press and hold the trigger lock button.
See
Figure7 .This makes the trigger operational.
Releasethetriggerlockbuttonandcontinue
tosqueezethetriggerfor extended operation.
STOPPING THE STRING TRIMMER
Release the trigger to stop the string trimmer.
Upon release of the trigger, the trigger lock
buttonwillbeautomaticallyresettothelock
position.
HOLDING THE STRING TRIMMER
WARNING:
Dress properly to reduce the risk of injury
whenoperatingthisunit.Do not wear loose
clothingorjewellery. Weareyeprotection.Wear
heavy,longpants, bootsand well fitting gloves. Do
notwear short pants,sandals orgo barefoot.
Hold the string trimmer as shown.
See
Figure 8.
Right arm is slightly bent, the right
hand holding the rear handle. Left arm is
straight, the left hand holding the front
handle.The unit should be slightly below
waist level. The string

8
OPERATION
WARNING:
Don not allow familiarity with tools to make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a
second is suffcient to inflict severe injury.
Wire and picket fences cause extra line wear,
evenbreakage.Stoneandbrickwalls,curbs,
andwoodmaywearlinerapidly.Walkaround
trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood
mouldings, siding, and fence posts can easily
bedamagedbytheline.
Keepthestring trimmer tilted toward the area
being cut.To trim around trees, posts,
fences, etc., keep the string trimmer at a 30-
degreeangle. SeeFigure 11.
WARNING:
When servicing use only identical
replacement parts. Use of any other parts can
createahazardorcauseproductdamage.
Avoidusingsolvents when cleaning plastic parts.
Most plastics are susceptible to damage from
varioustypesofcommercialsolventsandmaybe
damagedby their use. Use a clean cloth to remove
dirt, oil, grease, etc.
Clear the area to be cut before each use.
Removeallobjectssuchasrocks,broken
glass,nailswire,orstringwhichcanbe thrown
or become entangled in the string head.
Keep the string trimmer tilted toward the
areabeingcut.Avioddiggingintoglass.
Slowly move the string trimmer in and out of
theareabeingcut.

Use the tip of line to do the cutting - do not
forcestringheadintouncutgrass.
Cut tall grass from the top down. This will
preventgrassfromwrappingaroundthe
stringheadthatmaycausedamagefrom
overheating. If grass or other debris becomes
wrapped around the string head, STOP THE
MOTOR byreleasingthetriggerandallowthe
stringheadtostopspinning.Removethebattery
pack and then remove the grass or debris.
OPERATING TIPS

9
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
CAUTION
Do not at any time let brake fluids,
gasoline,petroleumbasedproducts, penetrating
oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts.They
containchemicalsthatmaydamage, weaken, or
destroyplastics.
CUTTING LINE REPLACEMENT
Thecutting line may be replaced by either
rewindingtheexisting spool or installing a
convenientprewoundspool.
REWINDING THE EXISTING SPOOL
See Figure 12.
Removethebattery packfrom the string
trimmer.
Press in the tabs on each side of the spool
cap.
Removethe spool cap and spool. Discard
anyremaininglineonthespool.
NOTE: If the spring falls off the spool
housing during this procedure, reinstall the
spring before installing the spool and spool
cap.
Inspect the string head for damaged or worn
parts and clean thoroughly.
Using approximately 3 m (10 feet) of new
cutting line, insert one end of the line into the
slot on the spool. Ensure the end of the line
is pushed all the way towards the inner side
of slot.
NOTE: No more than 3.175 mm (1/8 in.) of
the line is to protrude from the slot.
Wind the line, in even and tight layers, onto
the spool. Line should be wound in the
directionof the arrow indicated on the spool.
Unwind approximately 102 mm (4 in.) of the
line from the spool. Hold the line and spool
firmly to keep it from unwinding then place
thespool cap onto the spool.
Holding the spool cap and spool by the bump
knob,place into the spool housing and insert
cutting line into the opening in spool housing.
NOTE: Tabs on the spool cap should be
aligned with the slots in the spool housing.
While pressing in the tabs, push down the
spool cap and spool to lock in place.
Completelyassembledstringheadshould
appear as shown.
See Figure 13.
Use only 1.65 mm (0.065 in) diameter
WARNING:
Use only 1.65 mm (0.065 in) diameter
genuinereplacementline.Never use metal-
reinforced line, wire, or rope, etc. These can break
off and become a dangerous projectile. Do not use
anyotherattachmentonthisunit.
INSTALLINGAPREWOUND SPOOL
See Figure 12.
Removethebattery packfrom the string
trimmer.
Press in the tabs on each side of the spool
cap.
Removethespoolcapandspool.
NOTE: If the spring falls off the spool
housing during this procedure, reinstall the
spring before installing the spool and spool
cap.
Inspect the string head for damaged or worn
parts and clean thoroughly.
Unwind approximately 102 mm (4 in.) of the
linefrom the prewound spool. Hold the line
and spool firmly to keep it from unwinding
thenplace the spool cap onto the spool.
Holding the spool cap and spool by the bump
knob,place into the spool housing and insert
cutting line into the opening in spool housing.
NOTE:Tabs on the spool cap should be
aligned with the slots in the spool housing.
While pressing in the tabs, push down the
spool cap and spool to lock in place.
Completelyassembledstringheadshould
appearas shown . See Figure 13.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this unit or create
ormount any accessory not specifically
recommended in this manual for use with this
string trimmer.Any such alteration or modification
is misuse and could result in a hazardous
conditionleadingtopossibleseriouspersonal
injury.
Examinestring trimmer frequently to assure all
partsare unbroken and securely attached. Make
sure all screws and fasteners are securely
tightenedto prevent the risk of serious personal
injury.

10
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
CLEANING THE STRING TRIMMER
WARNING:
To prevent seriouspersonalinjury,remove
thebatterypackbeforeservicing,cleaning,or
removingmaterialfromtheunit.
Removethebattery pack.
Clean the unit using a damp cloth with a mild
detergent.
Donot use any strong detergents on the
plastic housing or the handle. They can be
damaged by certain aromatic oils such as
pine and lemon, and by solvents such as
kerosene.
Moisture can cause a shock hazard. Wipe off
any moisture with a soft dry cloth. Use a
small brush or the air discharge of a small
vacuum cleaner brush to clean the air vents
onthebatterypackhousing and motor
housing.
Keep the air vents free of obstructions.
STORING THE STRING TRIMMER
Cleanthestringtrimmerthoroughlybefore
storing. Store the string trimmer in a dry, well-
ventilatedplacethatisinaccessible to
children.Keepawayfromcorrosiveagents
such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
Storeand charge your batteries in a cool
area.Temperaturesaboveor below normal
roomtemperaturewillshortenbattery pack
life.
Neverstorebatteriesin a discharged
condition. Wait for battery pack to cool and
chargeimmediately.
Allbatteriesgraduallylosetheir charge.The
higherthetemperature,thequickertheylose
their charge. If you store your unit for long
periods of time without using it, recharge the
batterieseverymonth or two.This practice
willprolongbatterypacklive.

Subject to the guarantee condition below, this Ryobi tool
(hereinafter called “the product”) is guaranteed by Ryobi
(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 agent. Should service
become necessary during the warranty period, the owner
should contact the Authorised Ryobi Retailer from whom
the Product was purchased, or the nearest Company
Branch Office. 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 agent as principal and the dealer has
no authority from the Company to give any additional
guarantee on 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 Agent. 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
agent - 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.
RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED
GUARANTEE
This Guarantee Form Should Be Retained By The Customer At All Times
For your record and to assist in establishing date of purchase (necessary for in-guarantee 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 Guarantee Service Is Required
RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED
A.B.N. 98 002 277 509
SYDNEY: 359-361 Horsley Road, Milperra, N.S.W. 2214.
Contact during normal business hours.
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - Email: [email protected]
RYOBI NEW ZEALAND PTY. LTD.
AUCKLAND: 503 Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington, N.Z.
Tel: [phone] - Free Call: 0800 279 624 - Fax: [phone] - Email: [email protected]
Contact during normal business hours.
BRISBANE: All enquiries Tel : [phone]
TOWNSVILLE: All enquires Tel : [phone]
MELBOURNE: 960 Stud Road, Rowville.Vic. 3178
Tel : [phone]
HOBART: All enquiries Tel : [phone]
ADELAIDE: All enquiries Tel : [phone]
PERTH: 33-35 Sorbonne Cres.,Canning Vale. W.A. 6155.
Tel : [phone]