OPERATOR'S MANUAL 15 in. (381 mm) String Trimmer RY41002 Series EL15 (RY41002) Your new trimmer has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for dependability, ease of operation and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual. Thank you for buying a Ryobi trimmer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 General Safety Rules .............................................................................................................................................. 3 Specific Safety Rules ..........................................................................................................................
GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS GENERAL SAFETY RULES Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects, such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string that can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting line. Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress. Do not abuse the power cord. Never carry the product by the cord. Never yank the plug out of the receptacle. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
SYMBOLS Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool more safely and effectively. SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety. Ricochet Thrown objects can cause severe injury. Wear protective clothing and boots. Eye Protection Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when operating this product.
SYMBOLS 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 serious injury. CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
SPECIFICATIONS MOTOR Motor Type ......................................................................................................................................................... 120 V AC Operating RPM ......................................................................................................................................................... 7500 Amperes ........................................................................................................................................
FEATURES GRASS DEFLECTOR TOP-MOUNTED MOTOR The top-mounted motor improves balance and is located away from the dust and debris of the cutting area. CORD RETAINER The cord retainer helps prevent accidental unplugging of the extension cord. The trimmer includes a grass deflector that helps protect you from flying debris. ERGONOMIC DESIGN The design of the trimmer provides for easy handling. It is designed for comfort and ease of grasp when operating in different positions and at different angles.
ASSEMBLY CONNECTING THE ATTACHMENT TO THE UPPER SHAFT See Figure 2. The coupler connects the attachment to the upper shaft. Follow these steps to connect the attachment to the upper shaft. Loosen the knob by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the end cap from the attachment shaft. Align the button with the guide recess on the upper shaft. Slide the attachment shaft into the upper shaft until the attachment shaft clicks into place.
ASSEMBLY ATTACHING THE GRASS DEFLECTOR WING NUT GRASS DEFLECTOR See Figure 4. WASHER WARNING: The line cutting blade on the grass deflector is sharp. Avoid contact with the blade. Failure to avoid contact can result in serious personal injury. Follow these steps to attach the grass deflector. Slide the grass deflector onto the attachment shaft and fit it over the bracket. Install the bolt through the holes in the tabs on the grass deflector and the slots in the bracket on the attachment shaft.
OPERATION WARNING: The product may throw objects during operation, causing injury to the operator or to bystanders. Always wear suitable eye protection, boots, gloves, and long, heavy pants while operating the product. STARTING AND STOPPING THE TRIMMER See Figure 7. To start the trimmer: Press the trigger. To stop the trimmer: Release the trigger. OPERATING THE TRIMMER See Figure 8. Follow these steps to operate the trimmer. Plug the trimmer cord into an extension cord approved for outdoor use.
OPERATION The tip of the cutting line will wear during use; this reduces the cutting swath. If the line is not advanced occasionally, it will wear down to the eyelet. When the trimmer stops, the line tends to relax and may retract into the trimmer head assembly. Should this occur, unplug the trimmer, remove the spool, refeed the line through the eyelets, and reassemble the spool. Avoid hitting objects with the line, such as chain-link fences or concrete, as this causes rapid wear.
OPERATION CUT OFF BLADE This trimmer is equipped with a cut-off blade on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance string until it is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade. Advance string whenever you hear the engine running faster than normal. This will maintain best performance and keep string long enough to advance properly. DIRECTION OF ROTATION CUTTING TIPS See Figure 11. Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the best cutting area. Do not cut in dangerous cutting area.
MAINTENANCE WARNING: Use only identical Ryobi replacement parts when servicing this product. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage. CLEANING THE TRIMMER Release the trigger, allow the trimmer to coast to a stop, and unplug the trimmer before cleaning. Clean the exterior of the trimmer with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use.
MAINTENANCE Wind the line counterclockwise around the spool following arrows on spool. Do not overfill. NOTE: After winding the line, there should be about 6 in. (152 mm) between the wound line and the outside edge of the spool. Secure the line temporarily by pushing it into one of the slotted tabs on the spool. Repeat the process for the lower threaded area of the spool, winding the line clockwise and securing it in the slotted tab opposite the first secured line.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION Line will not advance when tap 1. Line is welded to itself. retaining cap 2. Not enough line on spool. 3. Line is worn too short. 4. Line is tangled on spool. 1. Lubricate with a silicone spray. 2. Install more line (Refer to “Replacing the Cutting Line” earlier in this manual). 3. Pull lines while alternately pressing down on and releasing spool retainer. 4. Remove line from spool and rewind (Refer to “Replacing the Cutting Line” earlier in this manual).
ACCESSORIES REPLACEMENT PARTS String Head (RH Thread) .080 in. (2 mm) ......................................................................................................... DA03001A Spool & Line .080 in. (2 mm) ..............................................................................................................................UP00145 String Refill .080 in. (2 mm); 390 ft. (118 mm) ......................................................................................................
OPERATOR'S MANUAL 15 in. (381 mm) String Trimmer RY41002 Series • SERVICE • MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO. Now that you have purchased your product, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service, simply contact your nearest Authorized Service Center. Be sur to provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-860-4050 for your nearest Authorized Service Center. The model number of this tool is found on a plate attached to the motor housing.
