This document provides original instructions for the RYOBI EXPAND-IT™ Hedge Trimmer Attachment, model AHF05. It is essential to read the manual before assembling, operating, and maintaining the product. The manual is subject to technical modification.
Function Description
The RYOBI EXPAND-IT™ Hedge Trimmer Attachment (AHF05) is designed for cutting and trimming hedges, shrubs, and similar vegetation. It is intended for outdoor, home, and domestic use by a single operator standing on firm, solid ground, requiring two-handed operation for adequate control. The attachment is compatible with specific Ryobi petrol-driven power heads (25.4 cc or less) and electric-driven power heads (RPP254JO, RBC254SESO, RLT254CDSO, RLT254SDSO, RPHT2540, RLTED2540, RBC254SBSO, RLT1238, or RED1220). The product is designed to be extended to a maximum length of 2.37 m when assembled with a petrol-driven power head or 2.49 m with an electric-driven power head. It should be used in dry, well-ventilated, and well-illuminated conditions. It is not intended for cutting grass, trees, or branches, nor for use with power heads equipped with a bike handle.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: AHF05
- Blade type: Dual reciprocating
- Teeth pitch: 35 mm
- Blade length: 440 mm
- Usable cutting length: 385 mm
- Cutting capacity: 28 mm
- Weight (hedge trimmer attachment only): 2.0 kg
For assembling with petrol-driven power head (values measured with RBC30SESA power head):
- No load speed: 4,670/min
- Maximum product working length: 2.370 mm
- Weight (power head only): 4.33 kg
- Fuel tank volume: 415 mL
- Recommended tank fill: 350 mL
- Engine displacement: 30 cc
- Max. engine performance (in accordance with ISO 8893): 0.75 kW
- Fuel consumption (in accordance with ISO 8893) at max. engine performance: 0.42 kg/h
- Engine speed (rotational frequency) at idle: 2,800 - 3,800/min
For assembling with electric-driven power head (values measured with RLT 1238 or RED1220 power head):
- Rated power: 1,200 W
- Rated voltage: 230 - 240 V ~50 Hz
- No load speed: 1,800/min
- Maximum product working length: 2.640 mm
- Weight (power head only): 3.15 kg
Usage Features
- Safety First: Always read and understand all instructions and warnings in this manual and the relevant power head manual before use. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye, ear, and head protection, heavy long trousers, boots, and gloves. Secure long hair and avoid loose clothing or jewellery.
- Work Area Safety: Keep the work area clean, well-lit, and clear of bystanders, children, and pets (at least 15 m away). Check the hedge for foreign objects like wire fences. Do not operate in poor lighting.
- Operation: Hold the product firmly with both hands by the two handles. Ensure the operating position is safe and secure. The manufacturer does not recommend the use of steps or ladders.
- Starting and Stopping: Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to the power source/battery pack. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning on the power tool. For petrol-driven power heads, never start or run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated area due to exhaust fumes. Stop the engine and allow it to cool before refueling or storing. For electric-driven power heads, ensure the power tool plug matches the outlet and avoid adapter plugs with earthed power tools.
- Cutting: Do not force the product through heavy shrubbery; reduce pace if blades slow down. Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs larger than 28 mm thick; use a non-powered hand saw or pruning saw for larger stems.
- Blade Adjustment: The attachment features an adjustment handle, lock ratchet wheel, and safety lock lever for adjusting the blade's working position. The blade can be adjusted up to 90 degrees.
- Harness Use: If supplied, use the harness to support the product's weight during use and while moving. Adjust the harness comfortably and ensure quick release mechanism access.
- Electrical Safety (for electric-driven power head): Electrical power should be supplied via a residual current device (RCD) with a tripping current of not more than 30 mA. Use an outdoor-suitable extension cable with sufficient current capacity, uncoiled during use.
- Transportation and Storage: Stop the engine/disconnect power, allow to cool, and clean all foreign material. Cover the blade with the blade protector. For petrol-driven units, drain fuel from the tank into an approved container and run the engine until it stops to remove stale fuel. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, inaccessible to children, and away from corrosive agents. Secure the product against movement or falling during transportation.
Maintenance Features
- General Maintenance: Regularly check all nuts, bolts, and screws for proper tightness. Inspect the product before each use for loose fasteners, properly attached guards and handles, and damaged parts. Any damaged parts should be repaired or replaced by an authorised service centre.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean the product with a soft, dry cloth. Clean debris from the blades with a stiff brush.
- Lubrication: After cleaning the blades, carefully apply a rust-preventative lubricant before refitting the blade protector. Lubricate the blades lightly before use using the same method if needed.
- Blade Care: The blades are sharp; exercise extreme caution when cleaning, lubricating, and fitting or removing the blade protector. Do not operate the product with damaged or excessively worn blades.
- Service: Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should be performed only by a qualified service technician. Use only original manufacturer's replacement parts, accessories, and attachments.
- Vibration Reduction: To reduce the effects of vibration (which can contribute to Raynaud's Syndrome), keep your body warm in cold weather, wear gloves, exercise after operation to increase blood circulation, and take frequent work breaks to limit daily exposure. If symptoms persist, discontinue use and consult a doctor.