Ryobi RY18HT40A User manual

RBC36X26E
RBC36X26E
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Cordless Hedge
Trimmer
RY18HT40A

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

1
Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your cordless hedge trimmer.
INTENDED USE
The cordless hedge trimmer is intended for use outdoors
only. For safety reasons, the product must be adequately
controlled by a 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, well-illuminated
conditions.
The product is not intended to cut grass, trees, or branches.
Do not use the product for any other purpose.
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations
and specifications provided with this power tool.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may
result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instruction 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.
■Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of
tools allow you to become complacent and ignore
tool safety principles. A careless action can cause
severe injury within a fraction of a second.
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.

2
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.
■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.
■Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean
and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and
grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
BATTERY TOOL CARE AND USE
■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.
■Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or
modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit
unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or
risk of injury.
■Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire
or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or
temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
■Follow all charging instructions and do not charge
the battery pack or tool outside the temperature
range specified in the instructions. Charging
improperly or at temperatures outside the specified
range may damage the battery and increase the risk
of fire.
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.
■Never service damaged battery packs. Service
of battery packs should only be performed by the
manufacturer or authorised service providers.
CORDLESS HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY
WARNINGS
■Keep all parts of the body away from the cutter
blade. Do not remove the cut material or hold the
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 reduces possible
personal injury from the cutter blades.
■When transporting or storing the hedge trimmer,
always fit the blade cover. Proper handling of the
hedge trimmer will decrease the risk of personal injury
from the blades.
■When clearing jammed material or servicing the
unit, make sure all power switches are off and
the battery pack is removed or disconnected.
Unexpected actuation of the hedge trimmer while
clearing jammed material or servicing may result in
serious personal injury.
■Hold the hedge trimmer by insulated gripping
surfaces only, because the blade may contact
hidden wiring. Blades contacting a “live” wire may
make exposed metal parts of the hedge trimmer “live”
and could give the operator an electric shock.
■Keep all power cords and cables away from cutting
area. Power cords or cables may be hidden in hedges
or bushes and can be accidentally cut by the blade.
■Do not use the hedge trimmer in bad weather
conditions, especially when there is a risk of
lightning. This decreases the risk of being struck by
lightning.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS
■Some regions have regulations that restrict the use of
the product. Check with your local authority for advice.
Read all instructions.
■Clear the work area before each use. Remove all
objects, such as cords, lights, wires, or strings, which
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 posts, buildings, or other immovable objects.
■Beware of thrown objects. Keep all bystanders,
children, and pets at least 15 m away from work area.
Stop the product if anyone enters the area.
■Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use the
product.
■Do not operate the product in poor lighting. The
operator requires a clear view of the work area to

3
identify potential hazards.
■Ensure that all handles and guards are fitted when
using the product. Never attempt to use an incomplete
product 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, etc. Make sure that all guards and handles
are properly and securely attached. Replace any
damaged parts before use. Check for battery pack
leaks.
■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, wear appropriate head protection.
■Wear heavy, long trousers, boots, and gloves. Do not
wear loose-fitting clothing, short trousers, or jewellery of
any kind. 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 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 while 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 that the cutting
blades will not come in contact with anything.
■While operating the product, 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 blades or in any
position where they could get pinched or cut. Never
touch the blade or service the product unless the
battery pack is removed.
■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 and allow the product to cool
down:
●before adjusting the working position of the cutting
means
●before servicing
●before clearing a blockage
●before checking, cleaning, or working on the product
●before changing accessories
●before leaving the product unattended
●before checking for damage after striking a foreign
object
●before performing maintenance
●whenever the product starts to vibrate abnormally
■Do not force the product 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 16 mm thick, or 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-out blades.
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.
ADDITIONAL BATTERY SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, personal injury, and product
damage due to a short circuit, never immerse your
tool, battery pack or charger in fluid or allow a fluid to
flow inside them. Corrosive or conductive fluids, such
as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach
or bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short
circuit.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
■Stop the product, remove the battery pack, and allow
both to cool down before storing or transporting.
■Clean all foreign material from the product. Store the
product in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place that
is inaccessible to children. For extra safety, store the
battery pack separately from the product. Keep the
product away from corrosive agents, such as garden
chemicals and de-icing salts. Do not store the product
outdoors.
■Cover the blade with the blade protector before storing
the product, or during transportation.
■For transportation, 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

4
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.
WARNING
The blades are extremely sharp. To prevent personal
injury, exercise extreme caution when cleaning,
lubricating, fitting, or removing the blade protector.
WARNING
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge
and should be performed only by a qualified service
technician. Have the product serviced by an authorised
service centre only. When servicing, use only original
replacement parts.
■Remove the battery pack before adjusting, maintaining,
or cleaning the product.
■You may make adjustments or repairs described in
this manual. For other repairs, contact an 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 carefully apply a rust preventative
lubricant before refitting the blade protector. The
manufacturer recommends to use a 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 an authorised service centre.
■If needed, lubricate the blades lightly before use using
the above method.
■Check all nuts, bolts, and screws 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.
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 contact with the cutting means
–The blades cannot be guarded while cutting.
Contact with the blades can cause serious injury.
Keep the blade away from yourself and others.
Cover it with the blade protector whenever you are
not cutting.
■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 hearing 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 fingers, 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 the 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 you take regular breaks.
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
See page 8
1. Blade
2. Guard
3. Operator presence switch
4. Front handle
5. Trigger
6. Rear handle
7. Charger
8. Battery latch button
9. Battery pack
10. Blade protector
SYMBOLS ON THE PRODUCT
Safety alert
Please read the instructions carefully
before starting the product.
Wear ear protection.

5
Wear eye protection.
Always hold the hedge trimmer with
both hands when operating.
Wear non-slip, heavy duty gloves.
To prevent serious injury, do not touch
cutting blades.
Do not expose to rain or damp condition
Beware of thrown or flying objects.
Keep all bystanders, especially children
and pets, at least 15 m away from the
operating area.
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.
Conforms to all regulatory standards in
the country in the EU where the product
is purchased.
EurAsian Conformity Mark
Ukrainian mark of conformity
94
The guaranteed sound power level
shown on this label is 99 dB.
SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL
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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20191104v1d1

13

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Model RY18HT40A
Rated voltage 18 V d.c.
No-load speed 1300/min ±10%
Blade length 40 cm
Cutting capacity 16 mm
Vibration level (in accordance with EN 62841-1:2015 and EN
62841-4-2:2019)
Front handle 1.7 m/s2
Rear handle 1.3 m/s2
Uncertainty of measurement 1.5 m/s2
Noise emission level (in accordance with EN 62841-1:2015 and EN
62841-4-2:2019)
A-weighted sound pressure level 84.2 dB(A)
Uncertainty of measurement 1.8 dB
A-weighted sound power level 92.2 dB(A)
Uncertainty of measurement 1.8 dB
Weight without Battery pack 1.5 kg
Maximum weight 4.5 kg
BATTERY AND CHARGER
Model RY18HT40A-113 RY18HT40A
Battery pack RB18L13
-
Weight 0.43 kg
-
Charger RC18115 -
Weight 0.93 kg
-
Compatible
battery pack
RB18L13, RB18L15, RB18L20, RB18L25,
RB18L26, RB18L40, RB18L20, RB18L30,
RB18L50, RB18L90
Compatible
charger
RC18120, RC18150U, RC18627U, BCL1418IV,
RC18115, RC18150, BCL14181H, BCL14183H
VIBRATION LEVEL
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 turned off and when it is running
idle in addition to the trigger time.

GUARANTEE
In addition to any statutory rights resulting from the purchase, this product is covered by a guarantee as stated below.
1. The warranty period is 24 months for consumers and commences on the date when the product was purchased.
This date has to be documented by an invoice or other proof of purchase. The product is designed and dedicated to
consumer and private use only. So there is no warranty provided in case of professional or commercial use.
2. There is a possibility to extend for a part of the range of garden tools (AC/DC) the warranty period over the period
described above using the registration on the www.ryobitools.eu website. The eligibility of the tools for extension of the
warranty period is clearly displayed in stores and / or on packaging / and contained within the product documentation.
The end user needs to register his/her newly-acquired tools online within 30 days from the date of purchase. The end
user may register for the extended warranty in his country of residence if listed on the online registration form where
this option is valid. Furthermore, end users must give their consent to the storage of the data that are required to be
entered online, and they have to accept the terms and conditions. The registration confirmation receipt, which is sent
out by e-mail, and the original invoice showing the date of purchase will serve as proof of the extended warranty.
3. The warranty covers all defects of the product during the warranty period due to defaults in workmanship or material
at the purchase date. The warranty is limited to repair and/or replacement and does not include any other obligations
including but not limited to incidental or consequential damages. The warranty is not valid if the product has been
misused, used contrary to the instruction manual, or being incorrectly connected. This warranty does not apply to:
– any damage to the product that is the result of improper maintenance
– any product that has been altered or modified
– any product where original identification (trade mark, serial number) markings have been defaced, altered or
removed
– any damage caused by non-observance of the instruction manual
– any non CE product
– any product that has been attempted to be repaired by a non-qualified professional or without prior authorization
by Techtronic Industries
– any product connected to improper power supply (amps, voltage, frequency)
– any product used with inappropriate fuel mixture (fuel, oil, percentage of oil)
– any damage caused by external influences (chemical, physical, shocks) or foreign substances
– normal wear and tear spare parts
– inappropriate use, overloading of the tool
– use of non-approved accessories or parts
– Any periodic adjustments to or maintenance cleaning of carburetors
– Components (parts and accessories) subject to natural wear and tear, including but not limited to bump knobs,
drive belts, clutch, blades of hedge trimmers or lawn mowers, harness, cable throttle, carbon brushes, power cord,
tines, felt washers, hitch pins, blower fans, blower and vacuum tubes, vacuum bag and straps, guide bars, saw
chains, hoses, connector fittings, spray nozzles, wheels, spray wands, inner reels, outer spools, cutting lines, spark
plugs, air filters, gas filters, mulching blades, etc.
4. For servicing, the product must be sent or presented to a RYOBI authorized service station listed for each country in the
following list of service station addresses. In some countries your local RYOBI dealer undertakes to send the product
to the RYOBI service organisation. When sending a product to a RYOBI service station, the product should be safely
packed without any dangerous contents such as petrol, marked with sender’s address and accompanied by a short
description of the fault.
5. A repair / replacement under this warranty is free of charge. It does not constitute an extension or a new start of the
warranty period. Exchanged parts or tools become our property. In some countries delivery charges or postage will
have to be paid by the sender. Your statutory rights arising from the purchase of the tool remain unaffected
6. This warranty is valid in the European Community, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Turkey and Russia.
Outside these areas, please contact your authorized RYOBI dealer to determine if another warranty applies.

AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRES
ACD PLANT LTD
145 Southbank Road
Coundon
Coventry, West Midlands
CV6 1FG
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.acdplant.co.uk
CBS Power Tools Limited
Unit 4, V P Square
Storeys Bar Rd, Fengate
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
PE1 5YS
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cbspowertools.com
C D Powertools
76 Old Road
Churwell Morley, Leeds
LS27 7TH
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web : www.cdpowertools.co.uk
C J Sinclair Limited
44 Victoria Road
St Peters
Broadstairs, Kent
CT10 2UG
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cjsinclairltd.co.uk
ToolTech Industrial Equipment
227 E Dunhill Road, Macosquin
Coleraine, Co Londonderry
BT514LQ
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
For an updated list of authorised service centres, visit http://uk.ryobitools.eu/header/service-and-support/service-agents.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Techtronic Industries GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 10, 71364 Winnenden, Germany
Herewith we declare that the product
Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Brand: RYOBI
Model number: RY18HT40A
Serial number range:
RY18HT40A : 47523101000001 - 47523101999999
is in conformity with the following European Directives and harmonized standards
2006/42/EC, 2014/30/EU, 2000/14/EC, 2005/88/EC, 2011/65/EU, EN 62841-1:2015; EN 62841-4-2:2019, EN 55014-
1:2017, EN 55014-2:2015, EN IEC 63000:2018
Measured sound power level: 92.2 dB(A)
Guaranteed sound power level: 94 dB(A)
Conformity assessment method to Annex V Directive 2000/14/EC amended by 2005/88/EC.
Todd Chipner
Sr. Director, CPT Quality and Asia Regulatory & Safety
Winnenden, Dec. 12, 2018
Authorised to compile the technical file:
Alexander Krug, Managing Director
Techtronic Industries GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 10, 71364 Winnenden, Germany

Techtronic Industries GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 10,
71364 Winnenden, Germany
961001654-01
RYOBI is a trademark of Ryobi Limited,
and is used under license.
© 2019 Techtronic Cordless GP. All rights reserved.