Ryobi Trimmer RY41002 User Guide

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.  
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
                                
                                
Use the right product. Use the product for the intended  
                                
                                
Do not handle the product with wet hands.  
                                
                                
Do not use the product if the switch does not turn the  
product on or off. A product that cannot be controlled  
with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.  
                                
                                
Avoid accidental starting; never carry the product with  
your finger on the trigger.  
                                
                                
Stay alert and pay attention to what you are doing. Use  
common sense when using this product.  
                                
                                
Do not force the product. It will do a better job with less  
likelihoodofariskofinjurywhenyouoperateitattherate  
for which it was designed.  
                                
                                
Use the product for cutting grass and light weeds only.  
Do not use for any other purpose.  
     
     
Wearheavy, longpants, boots, andgloves. Donotwear  
loose fitting clothing, short pants, or go barefoot. Do not  
wear jewelry of any kind.  
                                
                                
Before starting the product, position it so that the line  
doesnotcomeincontactwithanythingyoudonotintend  
to cut.  
     
     
Secure hair above shoulder level to prevent entangle-  
ment in moving parts.  
                                
                                
Keep the grass deflector in place at all times while  
operating the product. The product may overheat with-  
out the grass deflector in place.  
     
     
Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this  
product.  
     
     
Keepallbystanders, children, andpetsatleast50ft. (15  
m) away.  
                                
                                
Stop the product immediately, unplug it, and check for  
damage if you strike or become entangled with foreign  
objects. Do not operate the product before having any  
damage repaired.  
     
     
Do not operate this product when you are tired, ill, or  
under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.  
     
     
Do not operate in poor lighting.  
                                
                                
Keep hands away from the cutting line. Do not attempt  
to remove cut material or to hold material to be cut when  
the line is moving. Be sure the unplug the product and  
the release the trigger when clearing jammed material  
from the line. Do not grasp the line when picking up or  
holding the product.  
     
     
Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Over-  
reaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot  
surfaces.  
     
     
Keep all parts of your body away from moving parts.  
     
     
Inspect the product before use. Replace any damaged  
parts before use.  
                                
                                
Be cautious after turning off the product. The line coasts  
after turning off the product.  
                                
                                
     
     
     
     
                                
                                
Never operate the product without the grass deflector in  
place and in good condition.  
     
     
                                
                                
Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming.  
Keep the trimmer head below waist level. Never cut  
withthetrimmerheadover30in. (76cm)ormoreabove  
the ground.  
     
     
     
     
GENERAL SAFETY RULES  
WARNING:  
purpose only.  
When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety  
precautions should always be followed to reduce the  
risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, includ-  
ing 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.  
Do not operate the product in damp or wet locations.  
Disconnect the product from the power supply when it is  
not in use, before servicing, and when changing acces-  
sories.  
Do not use the product in the rain.  
Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to  
comply with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this  
product.  
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES  
SPECIFIC TRIMMER SAFETY RULES  
Replace the trimmer head if cracked, chipped, or dam-  
aged in any way. Be sure the trimmer head is properly  
installed and securely fastened.  
Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors, and handles  
are properly and securely attached.  
Use only the manufacturer’s replacement line in the  
trimmer head.  
Page 3  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
                                
                                
Inspectextensioncordsfordeterioration,cuts,orcracks  
     
     
Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be  
stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to  
damage or stress.  
                                
                                
A nameplate on the product indicates the unit’s voltage.  
Never connect the product to an AC voltage that differs  
from this voltage.  
     
     
Donotabusethepowercord.Nevercarrytheproductby  
the cord. Never yank the plug out of the receptacle.  
Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.  
     
     
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, use only round-  
jacketed extension cords approved for outdoor use,  
such as cords of type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-  
A, SJOW-A, SJTW-W, or SJTOW-A. Since this tool is  
double insulated, you may use a 2-wire extension cord  
(an extension cord without a ground). However, you  
mayalsousea3-wireextensioncord(anextensioncord  
withaground)thathasaNEMA-typeconnector(parallel  
blade, U ground). Extension cords are available from  
your local retailer.  
                                
                                
Maintain the product with care. Follow instructions for  
changingaccessories. Keeptheproductdry, clean, and  
free from oil and grease.  
                                
                                
Release the trigger, allow the motor to stop, and unplug  
the product before making adjustments or repairs.  
                                
                                
Do not use the product if parts have been damaged.  
Check the product to make sure that it will operate  
properly and perform the intended function. Check for  
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,  
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may  
affect the unit’s operation. Inspect the unit’s power  
connection. Any part that is damaged should be prop-  
erly repaired or replaced by a Homelite authorized  
service center.  
     
     
Be sure to use a cord that is heavy enough to carry the  
currentthatyourproductwilldraw. Thecorrectcordsize  
depends on cord length and amperage rating (see  
figures below). An undersized cord set will cause a drop  
in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheat-  
ing. Use of an improper extension cord could result in a  
risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must  
be used, make sure:  
                                
                                
Keep the product clean of grass clippings and other  
materials that may become lodged in the cutting lines.  
                                
                                
Neverdouseorsquirttheproductwithwateroranyother  
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.  
After each use, clean with a soft, dry cloth.  
                                
                                
Service on this product must be performed by qualified  
repair personnel only. Service or maintenance per-  
formed by unqualified personnel could result in injury to  
the user or damage to the product. Such service may  
also void your warranty.  
                                
                                
     
     
                                
                                
Stop the motor when you are waiting to cut or when you  
are walking from one cutting location to another.  
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
     
     
GroundFaultCircuitInterrupter(GFCI)protectionshould  
be provided on the circuits(s) or outlet(s) used for this  
product. Receptacles with built-in GFCI protection are  
available and may be used.  
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES  
ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES  
in the insulation. Repair or replace the cords if any  
defects appear.  
MAINTENANCE RULES  
a. That pins on plug of extension cord are the same  
number, size and shape as those on the plug on the  
charger.  
SERVICE RULES  
b. That the extension cord is properly wired and in good  
electrical condition; and  
c. That the wire size is large enough for the AC ampere  
rating of the product as specified below:  
Cord Length (Feet) 25'  
Cord Size (AWG) 16  
50'  
14  
100'  
12  
Useonlyidenticalreplacementpartswhenservicingthe  
product. Follow the instructions in the Maintenance  
section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or  
failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a  
riskofshock, seriousinjurytotheuser, ordamagetothe  
product. Such use may also void your warranty.  
Note: AWG = American Wire Gage  
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this product has a  
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and  
requires the use of a polarized extension cord. This  
product’s plug fits into a polarized extension cord in 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. Use of a polarized  
extension cord requires use of a polarized wall outlet.  
This product’s plug fits into a polarized wall outlet in 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 product plug, the extension cord recep-  
tacle, or the extension cord plug in any way.  
STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION RULES  
Storetheproductinsideinadryplace. Storetheproduct  
up high or lock it up to prevent unauthorized use or  
damage. Keep the product out of the reach of children.  
Secure the product when transporting it.  
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently  
and use them to instruct others who may use this  
product. If you loan someone this product, loan these  
instructions also.  
Page 4  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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.  
Keep Bystanders Away  
No Blade  
Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. (15 m) away.  
50' 15m  
Do not install any type of blade on this product.  
Class II Construction  
Double-insulated construction.  
Wet Conditions Alert  
Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.  
Read Operator’s Manual  
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and  
understand operator’s manual before using this  
product.  
Page 5  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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.  
CAUTION: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property  
damage.  
SERVICE  
WARNING:  
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should  
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For  
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest  
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When ser-  
vicing, use only identical replacement parts.  
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use  
this product until you read thoroughly and understand  
completely the operator’s manual. Save this operator’s  
manual and review frequently for continuing safe op-  
eration and instructing others who may use this prod-  
uct.  
WARNING:  
Observe all normal safety precautions related to avoid-  
ing electrical shock.  
WARNING:  
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can  
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or  
safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety  
Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection  
which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
Page 6  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
SPECIFICATIONS  
MOTOR  
Motor Type ......................................................................................................................................................... 120 V AC  
Operating RPM ......................................................................................................................................................... 7500  
Amperes................................................................................................................................................................ 6 amps  
DRIVE SHAFT AND CUTTING HEAD  
Drive Shaft ............................................................................................................................................. 1/4 in. Flex Shaft  
Cutting Head ......................................................................................................................................Bump Line Release  
Cutting Path Diameter.............................................................................................................................. 15 in. (381 mm)  
Drive Shaft Housing ................................................................................................................................. Aluminum Tube  
Cutting Line Diameter ................................................................................................................................080 in. (2 mm)  
UNPACKING  
INSTRUCTIONS  
PACKING LIST  
Carefully remove the parts from the box.  
Upper shaft (Power head) (1)  
Attachment shaft (Cutting head) (1)  
Front Handle (1)  
Inspectthepartscarefullytomakesurenobreakageor  
damage occurred during shipping.  
Do not discard the packing material until you have  
carefullyinspectedandsatisfactorilyoperatedtheprod-  
uct.  
Carriage bolt - 6 mm x 50.0 mm (1)  
Flat washer - 6 mm (1)  
Wing nut - 6 mm (1)  
If any parts are damaged or missing, please call  
1-800-860-4050 for assistance.  
Grass deflector (1)  
Wing nut - 1/4 in. (1)  
Flat washer - 1/4 in. (1)  
Lock washer - 1/4 in. (1)  
Hex bolt - 1/4 in. x 2 in. (1)  
Operator’s manual  
WARNING:  
If any parts are missing, replace them before  
operaing the product. Failure to do so could result in  
serious personal injury.  
Page 7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
FEATURES  
GRASS DEFLECTOR  
TOP-MOUNTED MOTOR  
The trimmer includes a grass deflector that helps protect  
you from flying debris.  
The top-mounted motor improves balance and is  
located away from the dust and debris of the cutting  
area.  
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.  
CORD RETAINER  
The cord retainer helps prevent accidental unplugging  
of the extension cord.  
DUAL LINE  
WARNING:  
The dual line permits more efficient and aggressive  
cutting.  
Do not attempt to modify this product or create acces-  
sories not recommended for use with this product.  
Any such alteration or modification is misuse and  
could result in a hazardous condition leading to seri-  
ous personal injury.  
EZ LINE™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM  
The EZ Line™ Tap Advance System allows easy line  
advance during trimmer operation.  
MOTOR  
HOUSING  
TRIGGER  
HANDLE  
FRONT  
HANDLE  
TRIGGER  
CORD  
RETAINER  
CORD  
BEND  
RELIEF  
DUAL  
LINE  
GRASS  
DEFLECTOR  
Fig. 1  
Page 8  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
ASSEMBLY  
CONNECTING THE ATTACHMENT TO THE  
UPPER SHAFT  
See Figure 2.  
COUPLER  
The coupler connects the attachment to the upper shaft.  
GUIDE  
RECESS  
Follow these steps to connect the attachment to the upper  
shaft.  
UPPER  
SHAFT  
Loosen the knob by turning it counterclockwise.  
Remove the end cap from the attachment shaft.  
BUTTON  
Align the button with the guide recess on the upper  
shaft.  
POSITIONING  
HOLE  
Slide the attachment shaft into the upper shaft until the  
attachment shaft clicks into place.  
KNOB  
ATTACHMENT  
SHAFT  
NOTE: If the button does not release completely in  
the positioning hole, the shafts are not locked. Slightly  
rotate the attachment shaft until the button is locked  
into place.  
Fig. 2  
Tighten the locking knob securely by turning it clock-  
wise.  
NOTE: During operation, periodically check the knob  
and tighten as necessary.  
REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE  
UPPER SHAFT  
See Figure 2.  
FRONT  
HANDLE  
Disconnecttheuppershaftandattachmentshaftforstorage  
or when a job calls for a different attachment.  
BOLT  
Follow these steps to remove the attachment from the  
upper shaft.  
Release the trigger and allow the trimmer to coast to a  
stop.  
Unplug the trimmer.  
Loosen the locking knob by turning it counterclock-  
wise.  
WASHER  
Fig. 3  
Push the button, while pulling out the attachment.  
WING NUT  
ATTACHING THE FRONT HANDLE  
See Figure 3.  
Follow these steps to attach the front handle.  
Press the front handle onto the upper shaft so that the  
handle is angled toward the trigger handle.  
Place the front handle along the upper shaft to a  
position that allows for comfortable operation.  
Slide the bolt through the holes in the front handle.  
Slide the washer onto the bolt.  
Placethewingnutontotheboltandtightenthewingnut  
securely.  
Page 9  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
      
      
An extension cord retainer is located on the bottom  
of the trimmer. This provides strain relief for the cord,  
preventing unwanted disconnects.  
      
      
Use the extension cord retainer when you connect  
the extension cord to the power cord to prevent  
disconnection. Use only an outdoor approved  
extension cord as indicated by the letters “W-A” on  
the cord’s jacket.  
ASSEMBLY  
ATTACHING THE GRASS DEFLECTOR  
See Figure 4.  
WING  
NUT  
GRASS  
DEFLECTOR  
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.  
LOCK  
WASHER  
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.  
BOLT  
CUT OFF  
BLADE  
Install the flat washer, the lock washer, and the wing  
nut.  
Tighten the wing nut securely.  
Remove the protective packaging from the line cutting  
blade.  
Fig. 4  
EXTENSION CORD RETAINER  
Note: To reduce the disconnection of the power cord  
from the extension cord during operation, use the  
extension cord retainer described below.  
METHOD OF SECURING EXTENSION CORD  
Fig. 5  
Loop the extension cord through the extension  
cord retainer slot located on the bottom end of  
the trimmer. See Figure 5.  
Pull loop of extension cord around tongue and  
pull tight. See Figure 6.  
Attach extension cord to plug on trimmer.  
See Figure 6.  
CORD  
RETAINER  
Fig. 6  
Page 10  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
OPERATION  
WARNING:  
The product may throw objects during operation, caus-  
ing 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.  
TRIGGER  
Plug the trimmer cord into an extension cord approved  
for outdoor use. Refer to “Electrical Safety Rules ”  
earlier in this manual.  
Fig.7  
Hold the trimmer with your right hand on the trigger  
handle and your left hand on the front handle.  
NOTE: Keep a firm grip with both hands during opera-  
tion.  
Placethetrimmerontherightsideofyourbodywiththe  
engine behind and away from your body.  
Press the trigger to start the trimmer.  
Trim grass and weeds in a right-to-left motion with the  
line parallel to the ground.  
CUTTING TIPS  
Inspect and clear the area to be trimmed for any rocks,  
broken glass, or wire that could be thrown or become  
entangled in the cutting line.  
Trim only when grass or weeds are dry.  
Keep the cutting line parallel to the ground.  
Cut grass or weeds over eight inches tall from the top  
to the bottom in small amounts. This will prevent grass  
becoming wrapped around the trimmer head assem-  
bly, which may result in damage due to overheating. If  
grass becomes wrapped around the trimmer head  
assembly, stop the trimmer, unplug it, and remove the  
grass.  
Move the trimmer slowly in and out of the area you are  
cutting, keeping the trimmer at the desired cutting  
height.  
Fig. 8  
Use the tip of the line to do the cutting. Do not force the  
trimmer head assembly into uncut grass.  
Feed out some line after each use to prevent the line  
from retracting into the cutting head.  
Page 11  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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.  
RETAINING  
CAP  
Never drag the trimmer head assembly on the ground  
while trimming.  
ADVANCINGTHECUTTINGLINEAUTOMATI-  
CALLY  
See Figure 9.  
The trimmer includes the EZ Line™ Tap Advance System.  
Followthesestepstoadvancethecuttinglineautomatically.  
Fig. 9  
Press the trigger.  
Tap the retaining cap lightly on the ground while the  
motor is running. Do not hold the retaining cap on the  
ground.  
LINE  
NOTE: The line cutting blade on the grass deflector  
will cut the line to the proper length.  
NOTE: To help prevent line tangle, tap only once to  
lengthen the line. If additional line is required, wait a  
few seconds before retapping the retaining cap. Keep  
the line length at or near full cutting diameter.  
RETAINING  
CAP  
ADVANCING THE CUTTING LINE MANUALLY  
See Figure 10.  
If the cutting line wears to less than the recommended  
length, you may not be able to lengthen it by tapping the  
retaining cap.  
Fig. 10  
Follow these steps to advance the cutting line manually.  
Release the trigger and allow the trimmer to coast to a  
stop.  
Unplug the trimmer.  
Pull sharply on the line while pushing down on the  
retaining cap.  
Page 12  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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.  
Use the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force string  
head into uncut grass.  
Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even  
breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may  
wear string rapidly.  
DANGEROUS CUTTING  
AREA  
BEST CUTTING  
AREA  
Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings,  
siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the  
string.  
Fig. 11  
GRASS DEFLECTOR LINE TRIMMING CUT-  
OFF BLADE  
See Figure 12.  
This trimmer is equipped with a line trimming 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.  
CUT-OFF  
BLADE  
Fig. 12  
Page 13  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
MAINTENANCE  
WARNING:  
Use only identical Ryobi replacement parts when ser-  
vicing 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.  
Fig. 13  
Wipe or scrape the trimmer head and spool area when  
they accumulate dirt or clippings.  
Scrape or brush debris away from air intake vents on  
the motor housing.  
SERVICING THE TRIMMER  
Check all fasteners and tighten as necessary. If any  
part is damaged or lost, repair it or replace it.  
Any other service should be performed at a Homelite  
Authorized Service Dealer.  
UPPER AREA  
REPLACING THE CUTTING LINE  
See Figures 13, 13a and 13b.  
WARNING:  
Use of line other than the original .080 in. monofila-  
ment cutting line could cause serious personal injury  
or damage to the trimmer.  
Follow these steps to replace the cutting line.  
Release the trigger and allow the trimmer to coast to a  
stop.  
LOWER AREA  
Fig. 13a  
Unplug the trimmer.  
TRIMMER  
HEAD  
WARNING:  
Make sure the trimmer head stops rotating when you  
release the trigger. Contact with a rotating trimmer  
head could cause personal injury.  
SPOOL  
Remove the retaining cap by turning it counterclock-  
wise.  
Remove the empty spool.  
Clean the trimmer head thoroughly. Inspect the trim-  
mer head for any damaged or worn parts.  
Cut two pieces of line approximately 9 ft. (2.7 m) long.  
Insert the end of the new line into the hole in the upper  
threaded area of the spool.  
RETAINING  
CAP  
Fig. 13b  
Page 14  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
MAINTENANCE  
Wind the line counterclockwise around the spool fol-  
lowing arrows on spool. Do not overfill.  
DRIVE  
SHAFT  
NOTE: After winding the line, there should be about 6  
in. (152 mm) between the wound line and the outside  
edge of the spool.  
TRIMMER  
HEAD  
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.  
Insert the lines into the eyelets in the trimmer head.  
Place the spool on the drive shaft.  
SPOOL  
NOTE: To install the spool, you may need to rotate it  
slightly.  
NOTE: If the line should tangle or break at the eye-  
lets, remove the spool, refeed the line through the eye-  
lets, and reassemble the spool on the trimmer.  
Fig. 14  
Release the lines from the tabs by sharply pulling each  
line while pushing down on the spool.  
Hold the spool so that its tabbed side is positioned  
upward.  
Push down on the spool to reveal the threads on the  
drive shaft.  
NOTE: On the new spool, the ends of the lines are  
secured in slots on tabs. Release the line from the  
tabs, unwind approximately six inches of line, and re-  
secure the lines in the tabs.  
Place the retaining cap on the threads inside the drive  
shaft.  
Secure the retaining cap by turning it clockwise.  
Insert the lines on the new spool into the eyelets in the  
trimmer head.  
Place the spool on the drive shaft.  
WARNING:  
NOTE: To install the spool, you may need to rotate it  
slightly.  
An improperly installed retaining cap or spool could  
fly off the trimmer. Contact with a thrown retaining  
cap or spool could cause personal injury.  
NOTE: If the line should tangle or break at the eye-  
lets, remove the spool, refeed the line through the eye-  
lets, and reassemble the spool on the trimmer.  
REPLACING THE SPOOL  
See Figure 14.  
Release the lines from the tabs by sharply pulling each  
line while pushing down on the spool.  
The spool may wear during normal use of the line advance  
feature and may require occasional replacement.  
Replacement spools are available through your local  
retailer.  
Push down on the spool to reveal the drive shaft.  
Place the retaining cap on the drive shaft.  
Secure the retaining cap by turning it clockwise.  
Release the trigger.  
Unplug the trimmer.  
WARNING:  
Make sure the trimmer head stops rotating. Contact  
with a rotating trimmer head could cause personal  
injury.  
Remove the retaining cap by turning it counterclock-  
wise.  
Remove the empty spool.  
Clean the trimmer head thoroughly. Inspect the trim-  
mer head for any damaged or worn parts.  
Page 15  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Line will not advance when tap  
retaining cap  
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.  
1. Line is welded to itself.  
2. Not enough line on spool.  
3. Line is worn too short.  
4. Line is tangled on spool.  
4. Remove line from spool and rewind (Refer to  
“Replacing the Cutting Line” earlier in this  
manual).  
Retaining cap is hard to turn  
Screw threads are dirty or dam-  
aged.  
Clean threads and lubricate with grease. If no  
improvement, replace spool retainer.  
Cut tall grass from the top down.  
Cutting tall grass at ground level.  
Grass wraps around the  
attachment shaft and the  
trimmer head assembly  
Page 16  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
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)......................................................................................................D06511  
String Refill .080 in. (2 mm); 50 ft. (15 mm)........................................................................................................D06509A  
Retaining Cap (RH thread)............................................................................................................................... DA98866A  
Retaining Cap (Power Care™) ...........................................................................................................................AP04106  
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS  
Expand-It Tiller Attachment..............................................................................................................................UT15550A  
Expand-It Edger Attachment........................................................................................................................... UT15518E  
Expand-It Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment.................................................................................................UT15522E  
UT15550A  
UT15522E  
UT15518E  
WARNING:  
The use of attachments or accessories not listed above could result in serious personal injury.  
Page 17  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
OPERATOR'S MANUAL  
15 in. (381 mm)  
String Trimmer  
RY41002 Series  
SERVICE  
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.  
MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.  
Themodelnumberofthistoolisfoundonaplateattachedtothemotorhousing.  
Please record the serial number in the space provided below.  
HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS  
When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:  
Model No. RY41002 (EL15)  
Serial No.  
RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES INC.  
1428 Pearman Dairy Road  
Post Office Box 1207  
Anderson, SC 29625  
Anderson, SC 29622  
Phone 1-800-860-4050  
983000-388  
9-04  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

Quantum Network Router TC2201 User Guide
Radio Shack Car Video System PLVWR84IR User Guide
RCA Conference Phone 25202RE3 User Guide
RCA Flat Panel Television RLED2242A WHITE User Guide
Rotel Stereo Receiver RSX 1065 User Guide
RTcom Network Card Radio Modems User Guide
Runco Flat Panel Television PL 43DHD User Guide
Samsung Bluetooth Headset GH68 19203A User Guide
Sangean Electronics MP3 Player PT 10 User Guide
Seagate Computer Drive ST1000NC000 User Guide