Trimmer/Brushcutter Model No. ZR51950A--250000001 & Up Model No. ZR51970A--250000001 & Up Model No. ZR51990A--250000001 & Up Operator's Manual WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator's manual. Save this manual. 1 READ THIS INFORMATION Before you use your new trimmer/brushcutter, read the following helpful hints to get you started. Fueling DANGER: Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline will burn you and others. 1. 2. 3. Obtain a clean container that is approved for use with gasoline. Mix all of the 2-cycle oil provided with 1 US gallon of 87-octane, unleaded gasoline. Fill the trimmer's gas tank carefully. Cold Starting vs. Warm Starting When you restart the trimmer/brushcutter and you are not sure whether the engine is still warm, set the start lever to RUN (Choke Open) and pull the starter cord. If the engine does not start within 5 pulls, refer to "To Start a Cold Engine" later in this manual. Flooded Engine Will the engine start? If not, it may be flooded. Relax, this is easy to correct. Set the start lever to RUN (Choke Open). Squeeze the trigger and pull the starter cord quickly for 10 to 12 pulls. If the engine does not start, refer to "Troubleshooting" later in this manual. WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Printed in USA All rights reserved 2 Table of Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................4 Safety Rules .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5-6 Symbols .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6-7 Product Labels ..............................................................................................................................................................................8 Features ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9-10 Product Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................................9 Assembly................................................................................................................................................................................11-15 Unpacking............................................................................................................................................................................11 Connecting the Attachment to the Upper Shaft ...................................................................................................................12 Removing the Attachment from the Upper Shaft ................................................................................................................12 Attaching the Front Handle..................................................................................................................................................12 Attaching the Shoulder Strap ...............................................................................................................................................12 Attaching the Grass Deflector..............................................................................................................................................12 Converting from Brushcutter to Trimmer............................................................................................................................14 Converting from Trimmer to Brushcutter............................................................................................................................15 Operation............................................................................................................................................................................... 16-19 Applications .........................................................................................................................................................................16 Mixing the Fuel....................................................................................................................................................................16 Filling the Tank....................................................................................................................................................................16 Starting the Product .............................................................................................................................................................17 Stopping the Product............................................................................................................................................................17 Operating the Trimmer ........................................................................................................................................................18 Operating the Brushcutter....................................................................................................................................................19 Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................................................... 20-23 Emissions Maintenance Schedule........................................................................................................................................20 Cleaning the Product............................................................................................................................................................20 Servicing the Product...........................................................................................................................................................20 Replacing the Cutting Line............................................................................................................................................ 20-21 Replacing the Spool.............................................................................................................................................................21 Checking the Fuel Cap.........................................................................................................................................................22 Cleaning the Air Filter .........................................................................................................................................................22 Replacing the Spark Arrester ...............................................................................................................................................22 Replacing the Spark Plug.....................................................................................................................................................23 Storing the Product ..............................................................................................................................................................23 Transporting the Product......................................................................................................................................................23 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................................................24 Warranty................................................................................................................................................................................ 25-26 Table of Contents 3 Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Ryobi product. We would like for you to be completely satisfied with your new product, so feel free to contact an authorized service dealer for help with service, genuine Ryobi parts, or other information you may require. Whenever you contact an authorized service dealer, always know the model and serial numbers of the product. These numbers will help the service representative provide exact information about your specific product. You will find the model and serial number decal located on the motor housing. For your convenience, write the product model and serial numbers in the space below. Model No. Serial No. Model No./Serial No. Label Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product correctly. Reading this manual will help you and others avoid personal injury and damage to the product. Although Ryobi designs, produces, and markets safe, state-ofthe-art products, you are responsible for using the product properly and safely. You are also responsible for training persons you allow to use the product about safe operation. The Ryobi warning system in this manual identifies potential hazards and has special safety messages that help you and others avoid personal injury, even death. DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION are signal words that identify the level of hazard. However, regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful. Two other words, "Important" and "Note," highlight information. Signal Word DANGER WARNING CAUTION Explanation Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage. Advises you of important information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment. Advises you of additional information concerning the operation or maintenance of the equipment. Important Note 4 Introduction Safety Rules WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious personal injury as well as damage to the product. This product has been designed and manufactured to meet or exceed the requirements of the current version of ANSI B175.3, safety requirements for gasoline-powered string trimmers and brushcutters. Physical Condition of the Operator. Do not operate this product when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Clothing Requirements. Always wear long heavy pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair so that it is above shoulder level to avoid entanglement in moving parts. Protective Accessories Requirements. Wear eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards when operating this product. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Condition of Trimmer Before Use. Inspect the product before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. 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 in the position recommended by the manufacturer. Use only flexible, non-metallic line recommended by the manufacturer. For example, never use wire or wirerope, which can break off and become a dangerous projectile. Proper Stance. Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Keep the cutting attachment below waist level. Keep all parts of your body away from the rotating cutting attachment and hot surfaces. Exhaust Gases. Never start or run the product inside a closed room or building; breathing exhaust fumes can cause illness or death. Fueling. Mix and pour fuel outdoors where there are no sparks and flames. Slowly remove the fuel cap only after stopping the engine. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe spilled fuel from the product. Move at least 30 ft. (9 m) away from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Work Area. Clear the area to be cut 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 attachment. Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 ft. (15 m) radius. Because there still may be a risk of injury to bystanders from thrown objects, bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection. I ...