Ryobi RLT36SB User manual

RLT36S/RLT36SB
36 V STRAIGHT SHAFT LINE TRIMMER
Important! It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before
assembling, maintaining and operating this machine.
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

1
English (Original Instructions)
Your product has been engineered and manufactured to
a high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and
operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you
years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
Thank you for buying a Ryobi product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
INTRODUCTION
This appliance is not intended for use by persons
(including children) with reduced understanding, or lack of
experience and knowledge, unless they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance
by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not
play with the appliance.
This product has many features for making its use more
pleasant and enjoyable.
Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of this product making it easy to
maintain and operate.
INTENDED USE
This product is designed for cutting grass and soft
vegetation alike and for trimming grass edges in private
garden areas which are not accessible with a lawn mower.
Its cutting plane should always be approximately parallel
to the ground. If it is not used in this way, the possibility
of injury to persons and property by thrown objects is
signicantly increased.
This product is not recommended to be used for cutting or
chopping hedges, shrubs, bushes and owers. It should
never be used with the cutting means rotating vertically.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
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.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
WARNING
When using power tools, basic safety precautions
should always be taken to reduce the risk of re, electric
shock and personal injury. Also, please read and heed
the advice given in these instructions.
The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to battery-
operated (cordless) power tool.
■Wear protective glasses or goggles.
■Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the
instructions to use the machine.
■Stop using the machine while people, especially
children, or pets are nearby.
■Only use the machine in daylight or good artificial light.
■Before using the machine and after any impact, check
for signs of wear or damage and repair as necessary.
■Never operate the machine with damaged guards or
without the guards in place.
■Keep hands and feet away from the cutting line at all
times, especially when switching on the motor.
■Take care against injury from any device fitted for
trimming the line length. After extending new cutting
line always return the machine to its normal operating
position before switching on.
■Never fit metal cutting elements.
■Never use replacement parts or accessories not
provided or recommended by the manufacturer.
■Disconnect the battery from the machine before
checking, cleaning or working on the machine and
when it is not in use.
■Always ensure that ventilation openings are kept clear
of debris.
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 all bystanders (especially children and pets) at
least 15 m away from the work area. 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.
PERSONAL SAFETY
■Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a

2
English (Original Instructions)
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
injuries.
■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 tool
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.
■Use of hearing protection reduces the ability to hear
warnings (shouts or alarms). The operator must pay
extra attention to what is happening around the work
area.
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 the 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
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
■Do not let debris build up on your product. Clean
often to maintain proper ventilation. Observe cleaning
guides in this manual.
■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.
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. 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.
SERVICE
■Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement parts. This will
ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
MAINTENANCE
■After use and before storage, disconnect the machine
from the battery and check for damage.
■When not in use, store the machine out of the reach
of children.
■Grass trimmers should only be repaired by an
authorised repairer.
■Use only manufacturer's recommended replacement
parts and accessories.
CAUTION
The cutter head will continue to rotate for a few seconds
after switching off.
■The vibration level during actual use of the power tool
can differ from the declared total value depending on
the ways in which the tool is used.

3
English (Original Instructions)
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation
of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool effectively and safely.
SYMBOL DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
Precautions that involve your safety.
Read the operation manual and follow all warnings and safety instructions.
Wear eye and hearing protection.
Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or property damage. Wear protective
clothing and boots.
Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 15m from the operating area.
Beware of thrown or ying objects to bystanders. Keep bystanders a safe distance away from the
machine.
Do not expose to rain or in damp conditions.
Do no expose to rain or use in damp locations.
Do not install any type of blade on this unit.
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.
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.

4
English (Original Instructions)
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
■Carefully remove the product and any accessories
from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the
packing list are included.
WARNING
Do not use this product if any parts on the Packing
List are already assembled to your product when you
unpack it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the
product by the manufacturer and require customer
installation. Use of a product that may have been
improperly assembled could result in serious personal
injury.
■Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage
or damage occurred during shipping.
■Do not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the
product.
PACKING LIST
Power head
String trimmer/Edge trimmer attachment
Grass deector
Battery (RLT36S only)
Charger (RLT36S only)
Operator's manual
WARNING
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this
product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product
with damaged or missing parts could result in 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 modication is misuse and could
result in a hazardous condition leading to possible
serious personal injury.
WARNING
To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
personal injury, always remove the battery pack from
the product when assembling parts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model RLT36S, RLT36SB
Voltage 36 Volts
Cutting head Automatic feed
Cutting Line
Diameter 1.6 mm
Cutting Path
Diameter 280 - 330 mm
Battery pack 1 x BPL3626
Charger 1 x BCL3620
Weight 4.1 kg
(with battery)
2.7 kg
(without battery)
DESCRIPTION
1. Variable speed trigger
2. Rear handle
3. Lock-out trigger
4. Front handle
5. Grass deector
6. Trimmer shaft
7. Battery housing
8. Coupler
9. Foot pedal
10. Edge trimmer wheel
11. Phillips screwdriver (not included)
12. Attachment threaded base and plug
13. String head
14. Motor housing
15. Line cut-off blade
16. Screws
17. Screw holes
18. Battery Pack
19. Latch
20. Knob
21. Direction of rotation
22. Best cutting area
23. Dangerous cutting area
24. Line
25. Line release button
26. Screw
27. Spool retainer
28. Spool
29. Tabs
30. Slot
31. Eyelet
32. Slot
33. Hole

5
English (Original Instructions)
OPERATION
WARNING
The line cut-off blade on the grass deector is sharp.
Avoid contact with the blade. Failure to avoid contact
can result in serious personal injury.
■Remove the battery pack.
■Remove the plastic hardware bag from the grass
deflector.
■Fit the grass deflector into the slots on trimmer head.
■Line up the screw holes in the grass deflector with the
holes in the motor housing.
■Install supplied screws and tighten by turning
clockwise with a phillips screwdriver.
WARNING
Do not allow familiarity with products to make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a
second is sufcient to inict serious injury.
WARNING
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result
in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in
possible serious injury.
WARNING
Never use blades, ailing devices, wire, or rope on this
product. 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.
This product will accept Ryobi 36 V lithium-ion battery
packs only.
For complete charging instructions, refer to the Operator’s
Manuals for your Ryobi battery pack and charger models.
BATTERY PROTECTION FEATURES
Ryobi lithium-ion batteries are designed with features that
protect the lithium-ion cells and maximize battery life.
If the tool stops during use, release the trigger to reset and
resume operation. If the tool still does not work, the battery
needs to be recharged.
TOOLS NEEDED
See Figure 2.
The following tool (not included or drawn to scale) is
needed for assembly:
■Philips screwdrive
CONNECTING THE POWER HEAD TO THE
ATTACHMENT
See Figure 3.
WARNING
Never install, remove, or adjust any attachment while
power head is running or with the battery pack installed.
Failure to stop the motor can cause serious personal
injury.
The attachment connects to the power head by means of
a coupler device.
■Remove the battery pack if installed.
■ Insert the plug on the string trimmer/edge trimmer
trimmer attachment into the opening on the power
head coupler. Make sure the plug is fully seated.
■Slide the threaded coupler on the power head onto the
threaded base on the attachment and turn the coupler
clockwise. Tighten securely.
NOTE: Once assembled correctly, the string trimmer/edge
trimmer trimmer attachment and power head should not
separate when pulled. Repeat above steps if pieces can
be separated.
WARNING
Failure to secure the string trimmer/edge trimmer
trimmer attachment and power head as instructed
above could result in serious personal injury.
REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE POWER
HEAD
■Remove the battery pack.
■Turn the coupler counterclockwise to unlock. Then
remove the trimmer shaft from the power head.
ATTACHING GRASS DEFLECTOR
See Figure 4.

6
English (Original Instructions)
■Set the trimmer on a flat surface and turn the knob
counterclockwise to loosen the handle.
■For trimming, adjust the handle upward.
■For edging, adjust the handle downward.
■Turn the knob clockwise until the handle is securely
tightened before reinstalling the battery pack.
OPERATING THE TRIMMER
See Figure 9.
Follow these tips when using the trimmer:
■Hold the trimmer with your right hand on the rear
handle and your left hand on the front handle.
■Keep a firm grip with both hands while in operation.
■Trimmer should be held at a comfortable position with
the rear handle about hip height.
■Cut tall grass from the top down. This will prevent grass
from wrapping around the shaft housing and cutting
head which may cause damage from overheating.
If grass becomes wrapped around the cutting head:
■Remove the battery pack from the trimmer.
■Remove the grass.
WARNING
Always hold the string trimmer away from the body
keeping clearance between the body and the string
trimmer. Any contact with the string trimmer cutting
head while operating can result in serious personal
injury.
CUTTING TIPS
See Figure 10 - 11.
■Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this
is the best cutting area.
■The trimmer will cut better when moved from left to
right across the area to be cut; it is less effective when
moved from right to left.
■Use the tip of the cutting line to do the cutting; do not
force cutting head into uncut grass.
■Wire and picket fences cause extra cutting line wear,
even breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and
wood will wear cutting line rapidly.
■Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings,
siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the
cutting line.
WARNING
Always remove battery pack from your tool when you
are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or
when not in use. Removing battery pack will prevent
accidental starting that could cause serious personal
injury.
TO INSTAL THE BATTERY PACK
See Figure 6.
■Place the battery pack in the trimmer. Align the raised
ribs on the battery pack with grooves in the trimmer’s
battery port.
WARNING
Make sure the latch on the bottom of the battery pack
snaps in place and the battery pack is fully seated and
secure in the trimmer battery port before beginning
operation. Failure to securely seat the battery pack
could cause the battery pack to fall out, resulting in
serious personal injury.
REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK
See Figure 6.
■Press and hold the battery latch button at the bottom
of the battery pack.
■Remove the battery pack from the trimmer.
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the
battery pack and keep hands clear of the lock-out
button when carrying or transporting the tool.
STARTING/STOPPING THE TRIMMER
See Figure 7.
To start the trimmer:
■Press and hold the lock-out trigger.
■Depress the switch trigger.
To stop the trimmer:
■Release the switch trigger to stop the string trimmer.
■Upon release on the switch trigger, the lock-out trigger
will automatically reset to the locked position.
ADJUSTABLE FRONT HANDLE
See Figure 8.
The angle of the front handle can be adjusted 180°.
■Remove the battery pack.

7
English (Original Instructions)
WARNING
Always hold the string trimmer away from the body
keeping clearance between the body and the string
trimmer. Any contact with the string trimmer cutting
head while operating can result in serious personal
injury.
WARNING
Never stand directly in the path of the cutting line while
edging. Always stand to the left of the grass deector
to avoid thrown debris, which could result in serious
personal injury.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
When servicing, use only genuine replacement parts.
Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.
WARNING
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result
in objects being thrown into your eyes, resulting in
possible serious injury.
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the
battery pack from the tool when cleaning or performing
any maintenance.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Before each use, inspect the entire product for damaged,
missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps,
etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps. Do not
operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are
replaced.
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.
Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE
NOTE: The trimmer is equipped with an auto-feed head.
Attempting to advance the line by bumping the head will
damage the trimmer and void the warranty.
■With the trimmer running, release the switch trigger.
■Wait two seconds, then press the switch trigger.
NOTE: The cutting line will extend approximately 6.5mm
with each stop and start of the trigger until the cutting line
reaches the length of the grass deector cut-off blade.
■Resume trimming.
ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE MANUALLY
See Figure 12.
■Remove the battery pack.
■Push the line release button located on the cutting
head while pulling on cutting line to manually advance
the cutting line.
■After extending new cutting line, always return the
machine to its normal operating position before
switching on.
LINE CUT-OFF BLADE
See Figure 13.
This trimmer is equipped with a line cut-off blade on the
grass deector. For best cutting, advance the line until it
is trimmed to length by the line cut-off blade. Advance line
whenever you hear the motor running faster than normal,
or when trimming efciency diminishes. This will maintain
best performance and keep line long enough to advance
properly.
This trimmer is currently set at the 280 mm. cutting swath.
To adjust to a cutting swath of 330 mm:
■Remove the battery pack.
■Loosen the blade screw then rotate the line cut-off
blade 180°.
■Tighten the blade screw.
LINE CUT-OFF BLADE
See Figure 14 - 15.
■Remove the battery pack.
■Step down on the foot pedal.
■Rotate the trimmer head counterclockwise placing the
tool in the edge trimmer trimmer trimmer position.

8
English (Original Instructions)
WARNING
Do not at any time let brake uids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact
with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or
destroy plastic which may result in serious personal
injury.
Only the parts shown on this parts list are intended to
be repaired or replaced by the customer. All other parts
should be replaced at an Authorised Service Centre.
SPOOL REPLACEMENT
See Figure 16.
Use only twist 1.6mm diameter monolament cutting line.
Use original manufacturer’s replacement cutting line for
best performance.
■Remove the battery pack.
■Push in tabs on the side of spool cover.
■Pull the spool cover up to remove.
■Remove the old spool.
■Make sure the cutting line is captured in the slot on the
new spool and the end of the cutting line is extended
approximately 15cm beyond the slot.
■Install the new spool so that the cutting line and slot
align with the eyelet in the cutting head. Thread the
cutting line into the eyelet.
■Pull the cutting line extending from the cutting head
such that the cutting line releases from the slot in the
spool.
■Reinstall the spool cover by depressing the tabs into
the slots and pushing them down until the spool cover
clicks into place.
CUTTING LINE REPLACEMENT
See Figures 16 - 17.
■Remove the battery pack.
■Remove the spool from the cutting head.
■Remove any old cutting line remaining on the spool.
■Cut a piece of cutting line approximately 3m long.
NOTE: Use only 1.6mm diameter monolament cutting
line.
■Insert the cutting line into the anchor hole in the upper
part of the spool. Wind the cutting line around the upper
part of the spool clockwise, as shown by the arrows on
the spool. Place the cutting line in the slot on the upper
spool flange, leaving about 15cm extended beyond
the slot. Do not overfill. After winding the cutting line,
there should be at least 6.5mm between the wound
cutting line and the outside edge of the spool.
■Replace the spool and the spool cover. Refer to "Spool
Replacement" earlier in this manual.
STORING THE TRIMMER
■Remove the battery pack from the trimmer before
storing.
■Clean all foreign material from the trimmer.
■Store it in a place that is inaccessible to children.
■Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden
chemicals and salts.
■Store and charge your batteries in a cool place.
Temperatures above or below normal room
temperature will shorten battery pack life.
■Never store batteries in a discharged condition. Wait
for battery pack to cool and then fully charge it.
■Store the battery pack where the temperature is below
27˚C and away from moisture.
■All batteries gradually lose their charge. The higher
the temperature, the quicker they lose their charge.
If you store your unit for long periods of time without
using, recharge the batteries every month or two. This
practice will prolong battery pack life.
BATTERY PACK REMOVAL AND PREPARATION FOR
RECYCLING
WARNING
Upon removal, cover the battery pack’s terminals with
heavy-duty adhesive tape. Do not attempt to destroy
or disassemble battery pack or remove any of its
components. Lithium-ion batteries must be recycled or
disposed of properly. Also, never touch both terminals
with metal objects and/or body parts as short circuit
may result. Keep away from children. Failure to comply
with these warnings could result in re and/or serious
injury.

9
English (Original Instructions)
Problem Possible cause Solution
String will not advance when using the
auto-feed head.
String is welded to itself. Lubricate with silicone spray.
Not enough string on spool. Install string. Refer to "String
Replacement" earlier in this manual.
String is worn too short. Pull string while the pressing line release
button.
String is tangled on spool.
Remove string from the spool and
rewind. Refer to "String Replacement"
earlier in this manual.
Grass wraps around shaft housing and
cutting head. Cutting tall grass at ground level. Cut tall grass from the top down to prevent wrapping.
Motor fails to start when switch trigger is
depressed.
Battery is not secure.
To secure the battery pack, make sure
the latch on bottom of the battery pack
snaps into place.
Battery is not charged. Charge the battery pack according to the
instructions included with your model.
Shaft not connected completely.
Make sure the lower curve shaft is fully
seated and secured in the shaft coupling
on the upper shaft.
TROUBLESHOOTING
20120904v1

Techtronic Industries (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Level 1, 660 Doncaster Road
Doncaster, VIC 3108, Australia
Techtronic Industries New Zealand Ltd.
27 Clemow Drive
Mt. Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand