Ryobi Expand-it UT15703A - Manual (Page 8)

8
Fig. 4
OPERATION
WARNING:
To avoid burns from hot surfaces, never operate unit
with the bottom of the engine above waist level.
 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
3/8 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 engine, allow the
blades to stop, and 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 easiest
by using a sawing movement.
OPERATING THE HEDGE TRIMMER
See Figure 6.
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 Specific Safety Rules.
 Always hold hedge trimmer with both hands when oper-
ating. 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.
 The hedge trimmer should be positioned so that your
body will not come into contact with the muffler on the
power head.Stand so that you are stable and balanced
on both feet.
 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 with-
out first inspecting it for damage. Do not use if any
damage is detected.
Fig. 5
Fig. 6