Ryobi RPT4045 User manual

RPT4045
ELECTRIC POLE HEDGE TRIMMER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL (Original Instructions)
Important! It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before
operating this machine. Subject to technical modifications.

1
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
Your Pole hedge trimmer has been engineered and
manufactured to Ryobi's 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.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to
follow the warnings and instructions may result in
electric shock, fire and serious injury.
The term “power tool” in the warnings refer to
your mains-operated corded power tool.
INTENDED USE: This product is designed for use by
one operator, for trimming hedges and bushes, utilising
one or more liner reciprocating cutter blades. It is not
intended for wood cutting.
WORK AREA SAFETY
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas invite accidents.
Donotoperatepowertoolsinexplosiveatmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases
or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite
the dust or fumes.
Keepchildrenandbystandersawaywhileoperatinga
power tool. Distractionscancause youto losecontrol.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Powertoolplugsmustmatchtheoutlet.Nevermodify
thepluginanyway.Donotuseanyadapterplugswith
earthed(grounded)powertools.Unmodifiedplugsand
matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoidbodycontactwithearthedorgroundedsurfaces,
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators.
Thereisan increasedrisk ofelectric shockif yourbody
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.
Donotabusethecord.Neverusethecordforcarrying,
pullingorunpluggingthepowertool.Keepcordaway
fromheat,oil,sharpedgesormovingparts.Damaged
or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an
extensioncord suitablefor outdooruse. Use ofa 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)
protectedsupply,thetrippingcurrentof 30mAorless.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stayalert,watchwhatyouaredoingandusecommon
sensewhenoperatingapowertool.Donotuseapower
toolwhileyouaretiredorundertheinfluenceofdrugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the
off-position before plugging in. Carrying power tools
withyourfingerontheswitchorplugginginpowertools
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.
Donotoverreach.Keepproperfootingandbalance at
all times. This enables better control of the power tool
in unexpected situations.
Dressproperly.Donotwearlooseclothingorjewellery.
Keepyourhair,clothingandglovesawayfrommoving
parts.Looseclothes,jewelleryorlonghaircanbecaught
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 these devices
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 the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storingpowertools.Suchpreventativesafetymeasures
reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Storeidle powertools outofthe reachof childrenand
do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool
orthese instructionsto operatethe powertool. Power

2
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
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.
Keepcuttingtoolssharpandclean.Properlymaintained
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
accordancewith theseinstructions andinthe manner
intended for the particular type of power tool, taking
intoaccounttheworkingconditionsandtheworktobe
performed.Useofthepowertoolforoperationsdifferent
from intended could result in a hazardous situation.
SERVICE
Haveyourpowertoolservicedbyaqualifiedrepair
person using only genuine replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is
maintained.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTION
Never allow children to use the machine.
Beware of overhead power lines.
Avoid operating while people, especially children are
nearby.
Stop the engine or disconnect from mains before:
- Cleaning or clearing a blockage;
- Checking, maintenance or working on the machine;
- When adjusting the working position of the cutting
device.
Wherethehedgetrimmer isprovidedwith adjustments
to the angle of the cutting device and / or the length
of the handle shaft, never hold the cutter blades when
making adjustments to the working position of the
cutting device. Always ensure that the cutting device
is correctly located in a designated working position
before starting the engine or plugging the machine in
to the mains.
While operating the machine, be always sure of a safe
and secure operating position, especially when using
steps or a ladder.
Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you are
qualified to do so.
Do not operate the machine with a damaged or
excessively worn cutting device.
Always ensure all handles and guards are fitted when
usingthemachine.Neverattempttouseanincomplete
machineoronefittedwithanunauthorisedmodification.
Whereahedgetrimmerisprovidedwithmorethanone
handle, always use two hands to operate it.
When transporting or storing the machine, always fit
the cutting device guard.
Knowhowtostopthemachinequicklyinanemergency.
Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert
for possible hazards that you may not hear due to the
noise of the machine.
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 unit is unplugged and the switch is off when
clearing jammed material. A moment of inattention
whileoperatingthehedgetrimmermayresultinserious
personal injury.
Carry the hedge trimmer by the handle with the
cutterbladestopped.Whentransportingorstoring
the hedge trimmer, always fit the cutting device
cover.Properhandlingofthehedgetrimmerwillreduce
possible personal injury from the cutter blades.
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces
only. The cutter blade may contact hidden wiring or
its own cord. Cutter blade contacting "live" wire may
expose metal parts of the power tool "live" and could
give the operator an electric shock.
Keepcableawayfromcuttingarea.Duringoperation
the cable may be hidden in shrubs and can be
accidentally cut by the blade.
WARNING
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. Operators need to identify safety measures
to protect themselves based on an estimation of
exposure in the actual conditions of use.

3
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper
interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.
SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watt Power
hrs Hours Time
Class II Construction Double-insulated construction
Wet ConditionsAlert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
Safety Alert Symbol Precautions that involve your safety.
Read the Operator’s Manual To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand
operator’s manual before using this product.
Eye and ear Protection Weareyeand earprotection when operatingthis equipment.
Gloves Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling
the pole saw and the blade.
Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 15m away.
Electric Shock Precaution Remove plug from the mains immediately if cable is dam-
aged or cut.
Sharp Blade Do not install or use any type of blade on a product display-
ing this symbol.
Risk of Electrocution Electrical hazard. Stay at least 15m away from the over-
head lines

4
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
SYMBOLS
SERVICE
Servicingrequires extremecareand knowledgeandshould
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When
servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt
to use this product until you read thoroughly
and understand completely the operator’s
manual. If you do not understand the warnings
and instructions in the operator’s manual, do
not use this product. Call customer service for
assistance.
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 SafetyAlert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property
damage.

5
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage :................................................220~240 V, 50 Hz
Power : ...................................................................400 W
Cutting Capacity :...................................................18 mm
Blade Length : ......................................................450 mm
Blade Speed :....................................................1700 /min
Weight : ...................................................................4.1 kg
Sound Pressure Level :.............................LpA: 87 dB (A)
Sound Power Level : ................................LWA: 97 dB (A)
Vibration : .........................................2.5 m/s2, K=1.5 m/s2
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1
1. Scabbard
2. Blades
3. Four-Position Pivoting Head
4. Telescopic Pole
5. Lock-Off Button
6. Rear Handle
7. Switch Trigger
8. Cord Retainer
Fig. 2
9. Packaged Tool
10. Cord Protector
11. Cord
12. Threaded Collar
13. Trimmer Head
14. Lock Hole
15. Egg-Shaped Pole
16. Threaded Base
Fig. 4
17. Pivot Button
18. Notches
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
Carefullyremovethe productandany accessoriesfrom
the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing
list are included.
Inspectthe productcarefullyto makesureno breakage
or damage occurred during shipping.
Donotdiscard thepackingmaterial untilyou havecare-
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.
If any parts are damaged or missing, please contact
an authorised service center.
PACKING LIST
Pole Hedge Trimmer
Operator’s Manual
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not
operate this product until the parts are replaced.
Failure to heed this warning 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 modification is
misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not connect to power supply until assembly is
complete. Failure to comply could result in
accidental starting and possible serious personal
injury.
ASSEMBLING THE TOOL
See Figure 2.
Before using the pole hedge trimmer, a one-time assem-
bly is required.
The telescopic pole and trimmer head come
unassembled. Remove from packaging and extend
the telescopic pole to its longest operating position as
shown in Figure 7.
Unscrew the threaded collar from the trimmer head
base and pull back over the cord to the extended
telescopic pole as shown.
Remove and discard both rubber cord protectors from
the telescopic pole.
Insert the telescopic pole into the trimmer head
threaded base until the lock holes click into place. The
tubes are egg-shaped and will only fit one way. The
threaded base will spread open during assembly.
NOTE: You may need to slightly rotate the pole from
side to side until it locks into place.
Lower the threaded collar onto the threaded base and
rotate clockwise to secure.
WARNING:
Failure to lock telescopic pole as directed above
could result in serious injury or death.

6
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
OPERATION
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with this product to make
you careless. Remember that a careless fraction
of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields when operating power tools.
Failure to do so could result in objects being
thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible
serious injury.
WARNING:
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.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this product for the purpose listed below:
Trimming and shaping hedges and shrubbery.
STARTING AND STOPPING
See Figure 3.
Connect the hedge trimmer to power supply.
Attach the outlet end of an extension cord to the plug
on the rear of the hedge trimmer. Route the extension
cord through the cord retainer as shown.
NOTE: Use only an approved outdoor extension cord
as described previously in this manual.
Grasp the telescopic pole with your left hand and the
rear handle with your right hand.
The switch trigger and the lock-off button must be
depressed simultaneously to begin blade movement.
To stop blade movement, release the switch trigger.
ADJUSTING PIVOTING HEAD
See Figure 4.
Disconnect the plug from the power source.
Place the hedge trimmer on a sturdy flat surface.
Pushthe pivotbutton andadjustthe trimmerhead until
it snaps securely into place at one of the four positions
indicated by the notches.
CAUTION :
Do not place hand between pivoting head and
threaded base. Failure to heed this caution could
result in a pinch point injury.
ADJUSTING TELESCOPIC POLE
See Figure 5.
Rotatethe threadedcollar counterclockwiseto loosen.
Push the poles towards each other to shorten the pole
or pull away from each other to lengthen the pole.
NOTE: Extend the telescopic pole only to the length
required to reach the hedges being trimmed. Do not
extend the handle above waist height.
When the desired length is achieved, rotate the
threaded collar clockwise to secure.
NOTE: Adjust hand placement on the telescopic pole of the
pole hedge trimmer to keep proper balance. Do not attempt
to use the pole hedge trimmer at a length which does not
allow you to achieve proper footing and balance at all times.
CUTTING TIPS
See Figure 6 - 7.
WARNING:
Always keep both hands on the hedge trimmer
handles. Never hold shrubs with one hand and
operate hedge trimmer with the other. Failure to
heed this warning can result in serious injury.
WARNING:
Clear the area to be cut before each use.
Remove all objects such as cords, lights, wire,
or loose string which can become entangled in
the cutting blade and create a risk of serious
personal injury.
Whenoperatingthehedgetrimmer,keeptheextension
cordbehindthetrimmer.Neverdrapeit overthehedge
being trimmed.
Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrub-
bery.Thiscancausethebladestobindandslowdown.
If the blades slow down, reduce the pace.
Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs that are thicker
than 3/4 in., or those obviously too large to feed into
the cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or
pruning saw to trim large stems.
Ifblades dobecome jammed,stopthe motor, allowthe
bladestostop,and disconnect theplug fromthepower
source before attempting to remove the obstruction.
Ifdesired,youcanuseastringtohelptocutyourhedge
level.Decidehowhighyouwantthehedgetobe.Stretch
a piece of string along the hedge at the desired height.
Trim the hedge just above the guide line of string. Trim
the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower
at the top. More of the hedge will be exposed when
shaped this way, and it will be more uniform.

7
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth.
When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping ac-
tion, so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting
blade. Older growth will have thicker stems and will be
trimmed easiest by using a sawing movement.
OPERATING THE HEDGE TRIMMER
WARNING:
Read the safety information for safe operation
using the blade. Extreme care must be taken
when using blades to ensure safe operation.
Hold unit firmly with both hands. Always keep your
left hand on the telescopic pole and your right hand on
the rear handle. The unit is used for cutting in either
direction in a slow, sweeping action from side to side.
Standsothatyouarestableandbalancedonbothfeet.
Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects.
 To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate
within 50 feet of overhead electrical lines.
Neverusethehedgetrimmernearpowerlines,fencing,
posts, buildings, or other immovable objects.
Never use a blade after hitting a hard object without
inspecting it for damage. Do not use if any damage is
detected.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts. Use of any other parts may create a
hazard or cause product damage.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields during product operation. If
operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
WARNING:
Before inspecting, cleaning, or servicing the
machine, disconnect the plug from the power
source and wait for all moving parts to stop.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
serious personal injury or property damage.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercialsolventsand maybe damagedby theiruse. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, 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 the parts list are intended to be
repairedor replacedby thecustomer.All otherparts should
be replaced at an Authorised Service Center.
WARNING:
Blades are sharp. When handling the blade
assembly, wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective
gloves. Do not place your hand or fingers
between blades or in any position where they
could get pinched or cut. NEVER touch blades or
service unit with the power supply connected.
LUBRICATING THE BLADE
See Figure 8.
For easier operation and longer blade life, lubricate the
hedge trimmer blade before and after each use.
Stop the motor and disconnect from the power supply.
 Lay the hedge trimmer on a flat surface. Apply light
weight machine oil along the edge of the top blade.
If you will be using the hedge trimmer for an extended
period, it is advisable to oil the blade during use.
NOTE: Do not oil while the hedge trimmer is running.
Stop the motor and disconnect from power supply.
 Lubricate the hedge trimmer as described above.
 Reconnect to the power source and resume use.
CLEANING THE HEDGE TRIMMER
Stop the motor and disconnect from the power supply.
 Clean dirt and debris from the body of the hedge trim-
mer, using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.
NOTE: Do not 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.
STORING THE TRIMMER
Clean all foreign material from the product.
Store it in a well-ventilated place that is inaccessible
to children.
Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden
chemicals and de-icing salts.

8
ENGLISH (Original Instructions)
DISPOSAL
Thismarking indicatesthatthis productshould notbedisposed withotherhousehold wastesthroughout theEU.Toprevent
possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote
the sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems
or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. They can take this product for environmental safe recycling.

LIMITED WARRANTY (Original Instructions)
TTI warrants this outdoor product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for 24 months from the date of purchase by the
original purchaser, subject to the limitations below. Please keep your invoice as proof of date of purchase.
This warranty is only applicable where the product is used for personal and non-commercial purposes. This warranty does not
cover damage or liability caused by / due to misuse, abuse, accidental or intentional acts by user, improper handling, unreasonable
use, negligence, failure by end user to follow operating procedures outlined in the user’s manual, attempted repair by non-qualified
professional, unauthorized repair, modification, or use of accessories and/or attachments not specifically recommended by authorized
party. Please see your local dealer for list of authorized service centers in your area.
This warranty does not cover belts, brushes, bags, bulbs or any part which ordinary wear and tear results in required replacement during
warranty period. This warranty does not cover transportation cost or consumable items such as fuses and batteries.
This limited warranty is void if the product’s original identification (trade mark, serial number, etc.) markings have been defaced, altered or
removed or if product is not purchased from an authorized reseller or if product is sold AS IS and / or WITH ALL FAULTS.
Where permitted, the provisions of this limited warranty are in lieu of any other written warranty, whether express or implied, written or oral,
including any warranty of MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE
FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. OUR MAXIMUM LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE
ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT.
This warranty is valid only in the European Union, Australia and New Zealand. Outside these areas, please contact your authorized Ryobi
dealer to determine if another warranty applies.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (Original Instructions)
(Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Annex II., sub. A)
Manufacturer: Techtronic Product Development Ltd.
Address: 24/F, CDW building, 388 Castle Peak Road, Tsuan Wan, Hong Kong
Name and address of the person authorised to compile the technical file:
Name: Simon Del-Nevo (Director of Outdoor Power Equipment)
Address: Techtronic Industries (UK) Ltd., Medina House, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1TB, United Kingdom
Herewith we declare that the product
Category...............................................................................................Pole Hedge Trimmer
Model......................................................................................................................RPT4045
Serial number................................................................................See products rating label
Year of Construction......................................................................See products rating label
is in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)
is in conformity with the provisions of the following other EC-Directives
2004/108/EC (EMC-Directive) and
2000/14/EC (Noise Directive) incl. modifications (2005/88/EC)
And furthermore, we declare that
the following (parts/clauses of) European harmonised standards have been used
EN55014-1:2006+A1:2009, EN55014-2:1997+A1:2001+A2:2008, EN61000-3-2:2006+A1:2009+A2:2009,
EN61000-3-3:2008, EN 60745-1:2009+A11:2010, EN60745-2-15:2009+A1:2010, ISO 3744:1995
the following (parts/clauses of) other technical standards and specifications have been used
ISO11094:1991,
Measured sound power level LwA : 95.6 dB(A)
Guaranteed sound power level 97 dB(A)
Conformity assessment method to Annex V/ Directive 2000/14/EC
Place, date: Hong Kong, 22/08/2011 Signature: Andrew John Eyre (BEng, CEng, MIET)
Vice President of Engineering