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RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
• 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 exten-
sion 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 num-
ber, the heavier the cord. To reduce the possibility of
disconnection of the unit from the extension cord dur-
ing operation, see Fig. 5, page 9.
• A nameplate on your unit indicates what voltage it
uses. Never connect the unit to an AC voltage that dif-
fers from this voltage.
BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and proper use of the unit.
• 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.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace cutting attachment parts that are cracked,
chipped, or damaged in any way. Make sure the
cutting attachment is properly installed and securely
fastened. Be sure the cutting attachment shield is
properly attached, and positioned as recommended.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury to the
operator and bystanders, as well as damage to the
unit.
• Use only 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) diameter genuine Ryobi
replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced line,
wire, or rope, etc.. These can break off and become a
dangerous projectile.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and
feet.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or
string which can be thrown or become entangled in
the cutting attachment. Clear the area of children,
bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children,
bystanders and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m.) radius;
there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown
objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the engine
and cutting attachment immediately.
• This unit was not designed to be used as a
brushcutter. Do not attach or operate this unit with any
type of brushcutting blade or brushcutting attachment.
WHILE OPERATING
• Avoid unintentional starting. Do not carry plugged-in
unit with your finger on the switch. Be sure switch is
off when plugging in.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing pro-
tection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust
mask if the operation is dusty.
• 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.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place
while operating the unit as a trimmer. Do not operate
unit without both trimming lines extended, and the
proper line installed. Do not extend the trimming line
beyond the length of the shield.
• Adjust the assist handle to your size to provide the
best grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or
grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment when it is rotating.
• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less
likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.
• Always stop the unit when operation is delayed or
when walking from one work location to another.
• 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.
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