This document is an operator's manual for a RYOBI 40-Volt X Power Head (Model RY40002) and a Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment (Model RY15523A). It provides instructions for assembly, operation, and maintenance, along with important safety information.
Function Description:
The RYOBI 40-Volt X Power Head is a versatile outdoor power tool designed to be used with various Expand-It attachments, including the Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment. The power head provides the motor and control for these attachments, allowing users to perform different gardening tasks. The Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment is specifically designed for trimming grass and weeds around porches, fences, and decks. It uses a flexible, non-metallic line for cutting.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Head (RY40002):
- Voltage: 40-Volt (uses lithium-ion battery packs, sold separately).
- Variable Speed Switch Trigger: Delivers higher speed with increased trigger pressure.
- Trigger Lock-Out: Prevents accidental starting.
- Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment (RY15523A):
- Line Cutting Width: Adjustable from 13 in. to 15 in.
- Line Diameter:
- Gas Power Head: 0.080 in. to 0.095 in. max.
- Cordless and Electric Power Head: 0.080 in. max.
- Line Type: Flexible, non-metallic line (wire, wire rope, or flail blades are not recommended).
- Grass Deflector: Included to protect the operator from flying debris.
- Spool Type: REEL-EASY™ Tap Advance System.
- Replacement Line (0.080 in. Twisted): Available in bulk (AC04138) and pre-cut (AC04139).
Usage Features:
- Power Head:
- Adjustable Front Handle: Can be adjusted 180° for ease of operation and to prevent loss of control.
- Handle Overmold: Provides added user comfort.
- Battery System: Uses Ryobi 40V lithium-ion battery packs (sold separately). The battery pack must be securely seated before operation.
- Starting/Stopping: Press and hold the trigger lock-out, then depress the switch trigger to start. Release the switch trigger to stop. The trigger lock-out automatically resets to the locked position upon release.
- Operating Position: Hold the power head with the right hand on the rear handle and the left hand on the front handle, maintaining a firm grip. The rear handle should be about hip height. Operate at full throttle (for gas power heads) or with the switch trigger fully pressed (for cordless/electric power heads).
- Trimmer Attachment:
- Line Trimming Cut-Off Blade: Equipped on the grass deflector to maintain optimal line length.
- Adjustable Cutting Diameter: The line cut-off blade can be rotated 180° to adjust the cutting swath from 13 in. to 15 in.
- Line Advance (REEL-EASY™ Tap Advance System): Line is advanced by tapping the string head's spool retainer on the ground while the engine is running at full throttle or the switch trigger is fully pressed. Multiple taps may be needed. Manual line advance is also possible by pushing down the spool retainer and pulling the line(s).
- Cutting Tips:
- Keep the tool away from the body to avoid hot surfaces.
- Tilt the trimmer toward the area being cut for best efficiency.
- Cut from left to right to avoid throwing debris at the operator.
- Use the tip of the line; do not force the string head into uncut grass.
- Avoid wire fences, picket fences, stone/brick walls, curbs, wood moldings, siding, and fence posts as they can cause rapid line wear or damage.
- Avoid trees and shrubs to prevent bark damage.
- Storage Hanger: The attachment can be hung for storage using the hanger cap or the secondary hole in the attachment shaft.
Maintenance Features:
- General Maintenance:
- Clean dirt and debris from the power head using a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Avoid using solvents (brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc.) on plastic parts, as they can cause damage.
- Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, damaged, or missing parts.
- Replace the string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged.
- Ensure all deflectors and handles are properly and securely attached.
- Use only original manufacturer's replacement parts.
- Spool Replacement (REEL-EASY™ Tap Advance System):
- Stop the unit, disconnect power (spark plug wire for gas, battery pack for cordless, power supply for electric), hold the string head, and unscrew the spool retainer.
- Remove the empty spool and insert the new spool, ensuring arrows on the spool align with eyelets in the housing.
- Reinstall the spool retainer.
- Line Replacement:
- Stop the unit and disconnect power.
- Rotate the spool clockwise to align arrows with eyelets.
- Cut a 10 ft. piece of trimmer line and insert it into an eyelet, pushing until it exits the other side. Pull until equal amounts of line are on both sides.
- Rotate the spool clockwise to wind the line, leaving approximately 6 in. showing on each side.
- Push the spool retainer down while pulling on the line(s) to manually advance and check assembly.
- Storage:
- Remove the battery pack from the power head before storing.
- Clean all foreign material.
- Store in a well-ventilated place, inaccessible to children.
- Keep away from corrosive agents like garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
The manual emphasizes reading and understanding all instructions and safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury, fire, or electric shock. Key safety points include:
- Always wear eye protection (ANSI Z87.1 compliant) and, if dusty, a face or dust mask.
- Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Avoid loose clothing, short pants, sandals, or going barefoot.
- Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft. away.
- Do not operate the unit when tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
- Keep all body parts away from moving parts.
- Disconnect the battery pack (or spark plug wire for gas models) before servicing, cleaning, or changing accessories.
- Use only specified Ryobi Expand-It attachments.
- Do not modify the product or use unrecommended accessories.
- Do not use metal wire, rope, or flail blades as cutting attachments.
- Do not operate without the grass deflector in place and in good condition.
- Maintain a firm grip on both handles.
- Keep the string head below waist level and never cut above 30 in. from the ground.
- Store idle appliances indoors, in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.
- Avoid contact with hot surfaces on the power head.
- For battery-powered units, do not charge or use in rain or wet conditions.
- Properly dispose of damaged lithium-ion batteries according to local codes.
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