Ryobi RLT1238 User manual

RLT1238
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Electric Line
Trimmer

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

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Safety, performance, and dependability have
been given top priority in the design of your
electric line trimmer.
INTENDED USE
The product is only intended for use outdoors
by a standing operator.
The product is designed for cutting grass, light
weeds and other similar vegetation at or about
ground level. The cutting plane should be
approximately parallel to the ground surface.
The product should not be used to cut or trim
hedges, bushes or other vegetation where the
cutting plane is not at or about ground surface
level.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS
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 instruction safe for later
use.
WARNING
This product is not intended to be used by
children or persons with reduced physical,
mental or sensory capabilities. Children
should be adequately supervised to ensure
they do not play with the product.
WARNING
Some regions have regulations that restrict
the use of the product. Check with your local
authority for advice.
TRAINING
■Never allow children or people unfamiliar
with these instructions to use the product.
Local regulations may restrict the age of
the operator.
■Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar
with all controls and the proper use of the
product.
■Keep bystanders, children and pets 15m
away from the area of operation. Stop the
product if anyone enters the area.
■Never use the product when you are tired,
ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs
or medicine.
■Keep in mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people or their property.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
■Power 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 unintentional starting. Always check
that the switch is in Off position before
plugging in the product to the power supply.
Do not carry a plugged in product with your
finger on the switch.
■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 operate the product when there is a
risk of lightning.
■Do not expose the product to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering an appliance
will increase the risk of electric shock.
■Electrical power should be supplied via
a residual current device (RCD) with a
tripping current of not more than 30 mA.
■Before every use, examine the power cord
for damage. If there are signs of damage,
it must be replaced. Always uncoil the
power cord during use, coiled cables can
overheat.
■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.
Damaged extension cables should not be
repaired, they should be replaced with an
equivalent type.
■Do not use the product if the electric cables
are damaged or worn.
■If the power cord or extension cable
becomes damaged during use, disconnect
from the power supply immediately. Do not
touch the electric cables until the power
supply has been disconnected.
■Make sure the power cord is positioned so

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that it cannot be damaged by the cutting
means and will not be stepped on, tripped
over or otherwise subjected to damage or
stress.
■Never pick up or carry the product by the
electric cable.
■Never pull by the power cord to disconnect
from the power supply.
■Keep the power cord away from heat, oil
and sharp edges.
■Make sure voltage is correct for your
product. A nameplate on the product
indicates the product’s voltage. Never
connect the product to an AC voltage that
differs from this voltage.
■Make sure the switch is in Off position
before disconnecting from power supply.
PREPARATION
■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.
■Hearing protection may restrict the
operators ability to hear warning sounds,
pay particular attention to potential hazards
around and inside the working area.
■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.
■Before use and after any impact, check that
there are no damaged parts. A defective
switch or any part that is damaged or worn
should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorized service facility.
■Make sure the cutting attachment is
properly installed and securely fastened.
■Never operate the product unless all
guards, deflectors and handles are properly
and securely attached.
■Consider the environment in which you are
working. Keep the working area free from
wires, sticks, stones and debris which if
struck by the cutter can become thrown
objects.
LINE TRIMMER SAFETY WARNINGS
■Never allow children or people unfamiliar
with the instructions to use the product.
■Use the product in daylight or good artificial
light.
■Avoid using on wet grass.
■Do not walk backwards when using the
product.
■Keep firm footing and balance. Do not
overreach. Overreaching can result in loss
of balance. Always be sure of the footing
on slopes, and walk, never run.
■Keep bystanders, children and pets 15m
away from the area of operation, stop the
product if anyone enters the area.
■Keep the cutting attachment below waist
level.
■Never operate the product with damaged
guards or without guards in place.
■Never fit a metal replacement line.
■Keep hands and feet away from the cutting
means at all times and especially when
switching on the motor.
■Beware, the cutting elements continue to
rotate after the motor is switched off.
■Beware of objects thrown by the cutting
means. Clear debris like small stones,
gravel and other foreign objects from the
work area before starting operation. Wires
or string may become entangled with the
cutting means.
■Switch off and disconnect from the power
supply before:
●servicing
●leaving the product unattended
●cleaning your product or clearing a
blockage
●changing accessories
●checking for any damage after hitting an
object
●checking for any damage if the product
starts to vibrate abnormally
●performing maintenance
■The small blade fitted to the lawn guard
is designed to trim the new extended line
to the correct length for safe and optimum
performance. It is very sharp, do not touch
it particularly when cleaning the product.
■Always ensure that ventilation openings
are kept clear of debris.
■Make sure the cutting head attachment is
properly installed and securely fastened.
■Make sure all guards, deflectors and
handles are properly and securely attached.
■Do not modify the product in any way, this

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may increase the risk of injury to yourself
or others.
■Use only the manufacturer’s replacement
cutting line. Do not use any other cutting
attachment.
■Immediately switch off and disconnect from
the mains once in the event of accident
or breakdown. Don’t operate the product
again until it’s fully checked by authorised
service center.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
■Stop the product and allow it 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 away from corrosive agents such as
garden chemicals and de-icing salts. Do
not store outdoors.
■For storage, always disconnect from power
supply and wind cable.
■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 be a qualied service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product
to your nearest authorized service center for
repair. When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts.
■Switch off and disconnect from the mains
before conducting any maintenance or
cleaning work.
■You may make adjustments and repairs
described here. For other repairs, contact
the authorized service agent.
■For replacement line, use only nylon
filament line of the diameter described in
the specification table of this manual.
■After extending new cutter line, always
return the product to its normal operating
position before starting.
■After each use, clean the product with a
soft dry cloth. Any part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorised service centre.
■Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
ensure the product is in a safe working
condition.
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 vibration. Hold the product
by designated handles and restrict working
time and exposure.
■Exposure to noise can cause hearing injury.
Wear ear protection and limit exposure.
■Eye injury due to flying debris. Wear eye
protection at all times.
RISK REDUCTION
It has been reported that vibrations from
hand-held products may contribute to a
condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome in
certain individuals. 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 the 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