Ryobi RLT18X20M User manual

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Cordless Lawn
Trimmer / Edge
Trimmer
RLT18X20M
OLT1825M

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

1
Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your cordless lawn trimmer or
edge trimmer.
INTENDED USE
The cordless lawn trimmer or edge trimmer is intended
to be used only by adults who have read and understood
the instructions and warnings in this manual and can be
considered responsible for their actions.
The product is intended only for outdoor use by a standing
operator in a well-ventilated area. For safety reasons, the
product must be adequately controlled by a two-handed
operation.
When tted with the lawn trimmer head (and appropriate
guard), the product is intended for cutting long grass, pulpy
weed, and similar vegetation at or about ground level.
The cutting plane should be approximately parallel to the
ground surface when trimming and approximately vertical
when edging.
The product should not be used to cut or trim hedges,
bushes, or other vegetation where the cutting plane is not
parallel to the ground surface.
Do not use the product for any other purpose.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS
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.
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
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 that 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
■Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with all
controls and the proper use of the product.
■Never allow children or people who are unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the product. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator.
■Keep bystanders, children, and pets 15 m away from
the area of operation. Stop the product if anyone enters
the area.
■Never use the product while tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
■Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
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 operator’s 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, or jewellery
of any kind, and do not use the product with bare feet.
■Secure long hair so that 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 authorised service centre.
■Make sure that 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.
BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
■Recharge only with the charger specified by the
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of
battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with
another battery pack.
■Use power tools only with specifically designated
battery packs. The use of any other battery packs may
create a risk of injury and fire.
■When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from
other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails,
screws, or other small metal objects that can make a
connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the
battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
■Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from
the battery. Avoid contact. If contact accidentally
occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes,
additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the
battery may cause irritation or burns.
LAWN TRIMMER / EDGE TRIMMER SAFETY
WARNINGS
■Never allow children, persons with reduced physical,
sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience
and knowledge or people who are unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the product.
■Use the product in daylight or with good artificial light.
■Avoid using the product on wet grass.

2
■Keep proper footing and balance at all times, and be
sure of proper footing on slopes.
■Do not walk backwards when using the product. Walk,
never run.
■Keep the head attachment below waist level.
■Never use 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, especially when turning on the motor.
■Beware, the cutting means continue to rotate after the
motor is turned 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.
■To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting
moving parts, always turn off the product, remove the
battery pack, and allow both to cool down. Make sure
that all moving parts have come to a complete stop:
●before servicing
●before clearing a blockage
●before checking, cleaning, and working on the
product
●before changing accessories
●after striking a foreign object
●whenever leaving the product unattended
●whenever performing maintenance
●whenever the product starts to vibrate abnormally
■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 operator’s 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, or jewellery
of any kind, and do not use the product with bare feet.
■Secure long hair so that it is above shoulder level to
prevent entanglement in moving parts.
■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. The blade is very sharp.
Do not touch the blade, particularly when cleaning the
product.
■Always ensure that ventilation openings are kept clear
of debris.
■Before use and after any impact, check that there are
no damaged parts on the product. A defective switch
or any part that is damaged or worn should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorised service centre.
■Make sure that the cutting head attachment is properly
installed and securely fastened.
■Make sure that all guards, deflectors, and handles are
properly and securely attached.
■Do not modify the product in any way. This 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 turn off and remove the battery pack in
the event of accident or breakdown. Do not operate
the product again until it has been fully checked by an
authorised service centre.
WARNING
Ensure that the line cut-off blade in the guard is properly
positioned and secured before each use.
ADDITIONAL BATTERY SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
To reduce the risk of re, personal injury, and product
damage due to a short circuit, never immerse your
tool, battery pack or charger in uid or allow a uid to
ow inside them. Corrosive or conductive uids, such
as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach
or bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short
circuit.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
■Turn off the product, remove the battery pack, and allow
the product to cool down before storing or transporting.
■Clean all foreign material from the product.
■Do not store or transport the product with the battery
pack fitted. Remove the battery pack and secure it
separately. Store the product in a cool, dry, and well-
ventilated place that is inaccessible to children. Keep
the product away from corrosive agents, such as
garden chemicals and de-icing salts. Do not store the
product outdoors.
■For transportation in vehicles, secure the product
against movement or falling to prevent injury to persons
or damage to the product.
TRANSPORTING LITHIUM BATTERIES
Transport the battery pack in accordance with local and
national provisions and regulations.
Follow all special requirements on packaging and labelling
when transporting batteries by a third party. Ensure that
no batteries can come in contact with other batteries
or conductive materials while in transport by protecting
exposed connectors with insulating, non-conductive caps
or tape. Do not transport batteries that are cracked or
leaking. Check with the forwarding company for further
advice.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Use only original manufacturer’s replacement parts,
accessories, and attachments. Failure to do so can cause
possible injury, can contribute to poor performance, and
may void your warranty.

3
WARNING
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge
and should be performed only by a qualied service
technician. Have the product serviced by an authorised
service centre only. When servicing, use only original
replacement parts.
■Turn off the product and remove the battery the pack
before conducting any maintenance or cleaning work.
■You may only make adjustments and repairs described
in this manual. For other repairs, contact an authorised
service centre.
■For the replacement line, use only a nylon filament line
of the diameter described in the specifications table of
this manual.
■After extending the new cutter line, always return the
product to its normal operating position before starting.
■Clean all foreign material from the product with a soft,
dry brush. Any part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorised service centre.
■Check all nuts, bolts, and screws before each use and
at frequent intervals for proper tightness to ensure that
the product is in safe working condition. Any part that is
damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorised service centre.
■Bring the product to an authorised service centre to
replace damaged or unreadable labels.
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 during use, and
the operator should pay special attention to avoid the
following:
■injury caused by vibration
–Hold the product by the designated handles, and
restrict working time and exposure.
■injury caused by exposure to noise
–Wear hearing protection, and limit exposure.
■injury caused by flying debris
–Wear eye protection at all times.
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.
WARNING
Injuries may be caused, or aggravated, by prolonged
use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods,
ensure that you take regular breaks.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
See page 5.
■Power head and upper boom assembly x 1
■Trimmer head assembly x 1
■Screw x 4
■Manual x 1
NOTE: The battery, charger, and phillips screwdriver are
sold separately.
SYMBOLS ON THE PRODUCT
Read and understand all instructions
before operating the product. Follow all
warnings and safety instructions.
Beware of thrown or ying objects.
Keep all bystanders, especially children
and pets, at least 15 m away from the
operating area.
Wear eye protection.
Wear ear protection.
Wear non-slip safety footwear when
using the product.
Do not use metal blade(s) on the
product.
Do not expose the product to rain or
damp condition.
Keep hands away from blades.

4
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.
96
Guaranteed sound power level
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
Product meets applicable regulatory
requirements.
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.
SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL
Parts or accessories sold separately
Note
Warning

5
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
x 1
OLT1825M
x 1
x 1
x 4

6
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
x 1
RLT18X20M
x 1
x 1
x 1
x 4
x 1

7
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
2
3
11 10
1
6
7
8
9
5
4
13
14
12
1. Lock-out trigger
2. Rear handle
3. On/Off trigger
4. Edging button
5. Upper shaft
6. Spool cover
7. Spool
8. Eyelet
9. Slider
10. Safety guard
11. Cutting line
12. Cut-off blade
13. Lower shaft
14. Front handle

8
GETTING STARTED
1
2
x 4
3
1 2
5
2
1
6
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
when operating the product. Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective
gloves. Wear non-skid, protective footwear that will protect your
feet and improve your footing on slippery surfaces.
Install the safety guard to the trimmer head. Screw the safety
guard into place with a phillips screwdriver.
Push the upper shaft into the lower shaft until the lock button
clicks into place.
Push the slider. Pull the cutting line until it reaches the line cut-
off blade.

9
GETTING STARTED
1
2
8
1
2
4
3
7
Attach the upper shaft to the lower shaft. Rotate the lower shaft counterclockwise until the lines on both the
lower shaft and upper shaft are aligned.
Insert the battery pack until the battery latch button clicks into
place.
Hold the lock-out trigger, and squeeze the on/off trigger to operate
the product.

10
OVERVIEW
p.11 p.14
p.17p.16p.15
Operating the trimmer Operating the edger
Replacing the spool Cleaning the product Storing the product

11
OPERATION
1
OPERATING THE TRIMMER
WARNING: Always use two hands to operate
the product. Hold the product with the right hand
on the rear handle and the left hand on the front
handle.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: Exercise extreme caution when
using the product. Keep hands and feet away
from the cutting means.
1. Insert the battery pack until the battery latch
button clicks into place.

12
OPERATION
1
2
3
2
1
2
2. Hold the lock-out trigger, and squeeze the
on/off trigger to operate the product.
NOTE: Holding and releasing both the lock-
out trigger and the on/off trigger automatically
releases a quarter inch of line.
WARNING: Do not bump the spool head on the
ground when operating the product. Bumping
the spool head causes damage to the product
and may void your warranty.
NOTE: The line cut-off blade fitted to the cutting
attachment guard is designed to trim the new
extended line.

13
OPERATION
1
2
3
NOTE: The line cut-off blade on the grass
deflector cuts the line to the correct length for safe
and optimum performance.
NOTE: Cut tall grass from the top down. This
prevents grass from wrapping around the shaft
housing and bump head, which may cause
damage from overheating.
NOTE: Cut grass from the right side to the left side
for cutting ease and safety.

14
OPERATION
1
2
180°
2
1
2
1
3
1
2
3
4
OPERATING THE EDGER
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Push the edging button. Rotate the upper
shaft counterclockwise to turn to the edger
position.
3. Insert the battery pack until the battery latch
button clicks into place. Hold the lock-out
trigger, and squeeze the on/off trigger to
operate the product.
4. Use the edger along sidewalks, driveways,
flower beds, curbs, and similar areas.
NOTE: Cut at a steady pace. If the blade
begins to bog down, you are edging too fast.
Slow your pace. Do not force the blade into
the ground.

15
MAINTENANCE
4
3
2
1
1
2
1
2
3
4
REPLACING THE SPOOL
1. Remove the battery pack. Push the slider on
the side of the spool retainer, and remove
the spool cover.
2. Remove the spool.
3. Thread the line of the new spool through the
eyelet. Install the new spool with the line and
slot aligned with the eyelet in the string head.
4. Install the spool cover until the spool cover
latch clicks into place.

16
MAINTENANCE
12
1
2
CLEANING THE PRODUCT
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Clean all foreign material from the product
with a soft, dry brush.
WARNING: Avoid using solvents when cleaning
plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible
to damage from various types of commercial
solvents and may be damaged by their use.
WARNING: The line cut-off blade that is tted to
the cutting attachment guard is very sharp. Keep
hands away from the line cut-off blade at all times.
20200511v2

17
STORAGE
20200511v2
12
1
2
STORING THE PRODUCT
NOTE: Ensure that the product is clean before
storing.
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Store the product in a cool, dry, and well-
ventilated place that is inaccessible to children
and away from sources of ignition. Do not
store the product outdoors.
NOTE: Store the product vertically.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Cordless Lawn Trimmer / Edge Trimmer
Model
RLT18X20M / OLT1825M
Voltage 18 V
No-load speed 9,500 min-1
Cutting line diameter 1.6 mm
Cutting capacity 25 cm
Vibration level (in accordance with EN 50636-2-91 Annex BB)
Rear handle 3.1 / 5.1 m/s²
Front handle 5.5 / 6.8 m/s²
Uncertainty of measurement 1.5 m/s
2
Noise emission level (in accordance with EN 50636-2-91 Annex
CC)
A-weighted sound pressure
level at the operator’s position 82.0 dB(A)
Uncertainty of measurement 3.0 dB
A-weighted sound power level 94.5 dB(A)
Uncertainty of measurement 1.1 dB
Weight without battery pack 1.3 kg
Maximum weight with heaviest
pack and accessory 2.482 kg
BATTERY AND CHARGER
Model RLT18X20M OLT1825M
Battery pack RB18L20
-
Weight
-
Charger RC18115
-
Compatible
battery packs
RB18L13, RB18L15, RB18L20, RB18L25,
RB18L26, RB18L20A, RB18L40, RB18L40A,
RB18L50, RB18L60A, RB18L90A, RB18L15A,
RB18L15B, RB18L25A, RB18L50A, RB18L60,
RB18L90
Compatible
chargers
BCL-1800, RC18120, RC18627U, BCL1418IV,
RC18115, RC18150, BCL14181H, BCL14183H
REPLACEMENT PART
1.6 mm cutting line PWFTL1650T
Complete spool (3 pcs) RAC1211
Plastic ailing blade RAC1103
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.