Ryobi RY44140 - Manual (Page 12)

Page 10 – English
CUTTING TIPS
See Figures 7 - 8.
DANGER:
Never cut near electric cords or lines. If blade jams on
any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE!
IT CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY
DANGEROUS. Continue to hold the hedge trimmer by
the insulated rear handle or lay it down and away from
you in a safe manner. Disconnect the electrical service
to the damaged line or cord before attempting to free
the blade from the line or cord. Contact with the blade,
other conductive parts of the hedge trimmer, or live
electric cords or lines will result in death by electrocution
or serious injury.
WARNING:
Always keep both hands on the hedge trimmer handles.
Never hold shrubs with one hand and operate hedge trim-
mer with the other. Improper handling of hedge trimmer
could result in serious injury.
WARNING:
Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as cords, lights, wire, or loose string which
can become entangled in the cutting blade and create a
risk of electric shock and serious personal injury.
 When operating the hedge trimmer, keep the extension
cord behind the trimmer. Never drape it over the hedge
being trimmed.
 Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrubbery.
This can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the
blades slow down, reduce the pace.
 Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs that are larger than
2/3 in. thick, or those obviously too large to feed into the
cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning
saw to trim large stems.
 If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the
blades to stop, and disconnect the plug from the power
source before attempting to remove the obstruction.
 If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge
level. Decide how high you want the hedge. Stretch a
piece of string along the hedge at the desired height.
Trim the hedge just above the guide line of string. Trim
the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at
the top. More of the hedge will be exposed when shaped
this way, and it will be more uniform.
 Always wear gloves when using the hedge trimmer. When
trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action, so that
the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade. Older
growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed easi-
est by using a sawing movement.
OPERATING THE HEDGE TRIMMER
WARNING:
Read the safety information for safe operation using the
blade. Extreme care must be taken when using blades to
ensure safe operation. Refer to Important Safety Instruc-
tions and Specific Safety Rules.
 Always hold hedge trimmer with both hands when op-
erating. Use a firm grip on the handles. The unit is used
for cutting in either direction in a slow, sweeping action
from side to side.
 Stand so that you are stable and balanced on both feet.
Do not overreach.
 Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects.
 Never use the hedge trimmer near power lines, fencing,
posts, buildings, or other immovable objects.
 Never use a blade after hitting a hard object without first
inspecting it for damage. Do not use if any damage is
detected.
OPERATION