RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and proper use of the unit.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• Before each use, thoroughly inspect your unit for
loose or damaged parts. Do not use until adjustments
or repairs are made.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed
properly before operating the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at
least 50 feet (15 m) away from the unit while operating.
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this unit has a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and
will require the use of a polarized extension cord. This
unit plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension
cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit,
obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized
extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall
outlet. This plug will fit into a polarized wall outlet only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall
outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall
outlet. Do not change the unit plug, extension cord
receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection
should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be
used for this unit. Receptacles are available having
built-in GFCI protection and may be used for this
measure of safety.
•
EXTENSION CORDS:
Make sure your extension cord
is in good condition. When using an extension cord,
be sure to use a cord that is heavy enough to carry the
current that your unit will draw. An undersized
extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table
shows the correct size to use depending on the cord
length and nameplate amperage rating. If in doubt, use
the next heavier size line gauge. The smaller the gauge
number, the heavier the cord. To reduce the possibility
of disconnection of the unit from the extension cord
during operation, see Fig. 5, page 7.
• A nameplate on your unit indicates what voltage it
uses. Never connect the unit to an AC voltage that
differs from this voltage.
FOR SAFE OPERATION
• Avoid unintentional starting. Do not carry plugged-in
unit with your finger on the switch. Be sure switch is
off when plugging in.
• Always remain alert. Use common sense. To prevent
injury to yourself and others, do not operate this unit if
you are fatigued.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
drugs, alcohol or medication.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Do not overreach or use the unit from unstable
surfaces such as ladders, trees, steep slopes,
rooftops, etc. Keep proper footing and balance at all
times.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long
sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above
shoulder level.
• Always stop the motor when cutting is delayed or
when walking from one cutting location to another.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged in the cutting blades.
• When operating the hedge trimmer, always hold the
unit with both hands. Keep a firm grip on both the
housing grip and front handle. Never grip the unit by
the guard or use the guard as a handle.
• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less
likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.
• Use only genuine Ryobi replacement parts and
accessories for this unit. These are available from
your authorized service dealer. Use of any non Ryobi
parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the
user, or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
• This unit is provided with double-insulation. Use only
identical replacement parts. See instructions for
Servicing of Double-Insulated Units.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the unit immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do
not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Maintain the unit with care. Keep cutting edge sharp
and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk
of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories. Keep handles dry, clean and
free from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth
when cleaning. Never use brake fluid, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, or any strong solvents to
clean your tool.
MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES
Cord length (ft)
25
50
100
150
Amperage Rating
Wire size (AWG)
1 to 10 amps
18
16
14
12
10 to 12 amps
16
16
14
12
12 to 16 amps
14
12
NOT
RECOMMENDED