Ryobi RHT5550 User manual

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Electric Hedge
Trimmer
RHT5550

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

1
Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your electric hedge trimmer.
INTENDED USE
The electric hedge trimmer is only intended for use
outdoors. For safety reasons, the product must be
adequately controlled by using two-handed operation.
The product is designed for home or domestic use. It is
intended to cut and trim hedges, shrubs, and similar
vegetation.
It should be used in dry 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 trimming.
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure
to follow the warnings and instructions may result
in electric shock, fire, 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.
■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 injury.
■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 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 USE AND CARE
■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 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

2
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 safety of the power tool is maintained.
HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY WARNINGS
■Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter
blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material
to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the
switch is off when clearing jammed materials.
A moment of inattention while operating the hedge
trimmer 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 or its own cord. 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 that can
be thrown or become entangled in the cutting means.
■Check the hedge for foreign objects, such as wire
fences.
■Exercise additional caution when using the product near
fencing, posts, buildings, or other immovable objects.
■Beware of thrown objects. Keep all bystanders,
children, and pets at least 15m away from work area.
■Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use the
product.
■Do not operate in poor lighting. The operator requires a
clear view of the work area to identify potential hazards.
■Ensure all handles and guards are fitted when using
the hedge trimmer. Never attempt to use an incomplete
hedge trimmer or one fitted with an unauthorised
modification.
■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.
■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.
■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 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 the product 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.
■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.
■While operating the hedge trimmer, always hold it firmly
with both hands by the two handles. Ensure that the
operating position is safe and secure. The manufacturer
does not recommend the use of steps or ladders. If
higher trimming is required, use an extended-reach
tool.
■Blades are sharp. When handling the blade assembly,
wear non-slip, heavy-duty, protective gloves. Do not
place your hand or fingers between the blades or in any
position where they could get pinched or cut.
■Always stop the product, disconnect from the power
supply, make sure all moving parts have come to stop,
and allow the product 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 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 attempt to cut stems or twigs that are larger
than 22 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.

3
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.
■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.
■Before every use, examine the supply cord for damage.
If there are signs of damage, it must be replaced by
a qualified person at an authorised service centre to
avoid a hazard.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
■Stop the product, disconnect from the power supply,
and wind the cable. Allow the product to cool down
before storing or transporting.
■Clean all foreign materials from the product. 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.
■Cover the blade with the blade protector before storing
the product or during transportation.
■For transportation in vehicles, 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 qualified service
technician. For service, bring the product to an
authorised service centre. When servicing, use only
original replacement parts.
WARNING
The blades are sharp. To prevent personal injury,
exercise extreme caution when cleaning, lubricating and
fitting, or removing the blade protector.
■Switch off the motor, disconnect the product from
the power supply, and make sure all moving parts
have come to a complete stop before conducting any
maintenance or cleaning work.
■You 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
a recommended rust-preventative lubricant spray
to apply an even distribution and reduce the risk of
personal injury from contact with the blades. For
information about suitable spray product, check with
your local authorised service centre.
■Lubricate the blades lightly before use, if necessary,
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 caused by contact with the blades.
–The blade cannot be guarded while cutting. Keep
the blade away from yourself and others. Cover it
with the blade protector when the product is not in
use.
■Injury caused by vibration.
–Always use the right tool for the job. Use designated
handles and restrict working time and exposure.
■Hearing damage caused by exposure to noise.
–Wear ear protection and limit exposure.
RISK REDUCTION
It has been reported that vibrations from handheld tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome.
Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and blanching
of the 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 product, 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.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your physician.

4
WARNING
Injuries may be caused, or aggravated, by prolonged
use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods,
ensure you take regular breaks.
SYMBOL ON THE PRODUCT
Safety alert
Read and understand all instructions
before operating the product, follow all
warnings and safety instructions.
Wear ear protection.
Wear eye protection.
Always hold the hedge trimmer with
both hands when operating.
Wear non-slip, heavy duty gloves.
Remove plug from the mains
immediately before maintenance or if
cable is damaged or cut.
Sharp cutting blades. To prevent
serious injury, do not touch cutting
blades.
Do not expose to rain or damp condition.
Beware of thrown or ying objects.
Keep all bystanders, especially children
and pets, at least 15m away from the
operating area.
Class II tool, double insulation
93 dB
82 dB
A-weighted sound pressure level at the
operator position is 82 dB.
The guaranteed sound power level
shown on this label is 93 dB.
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
This product meets applicable
regulatory requirements.
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.
SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL
Connect to power outlet.
Disconnect from power outlet.
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.

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UNPACKING

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KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
1. Rear handle
2. Trigger
3. Front handle
4. Operator presence switch
5. Guard
6. Blade
7. Blade protector

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GETTING STARTED

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OVERVIEW

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OPERATION

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MAINTENANCE

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STORAGE

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Electric Hedge Trimmer
Model RHT5550
Rated power 550 W
Rated voltage 230 - 240 V ~ 50 Hz
No-load speed 1 700/min
Blade length 500 mm
Cutting capacity 22 mm
Cable length 0.35 m
Weight 2.4 kg
Vibration level (in accordance with EN 60745-1 and EN 60745-
2-15)
Vibration total value 3.152 m/s2
Uncertainty K =1.5 m/s2
Noise emission level (in accordance with EN 60745-1 and EN
60745-2-15)
A-weighted sound pressure
level LpA = 78.83 dB
Uncertainty K= 3 dB(A)
A-weighted sound power
level LwA = 89.93
Uncertainty K= 3 dB(A)
VIBRATION LEVEL
WARNING
The declared vibration value has been measured with a
standard test method and may be used to compare one
tool with another.
The declared vibration value may be used in a
preliminary assessment of exposure.
The vibration emission during actual use of power tool
can differ from the declared total value depending on the
ways in which the tool is used.
Identify safety measures to protect yourself based on an
estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use,
taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such
as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is
running idle in addition to the trigger time.

099207003001-01
Techtronic Industries Australia Pty Ltd
31 Gilby Road, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149
Melbourne, Australia
Techtronic Industries N.Z. Limited
2 Landing Drive, Mangere
Auckland, 2022, New Zealand
Imported by: