RYOBI R18PP22 Pole Pruner Chainsaw User Manual

RYOBI R18PP22 Pole Pruner Chainsaw

IMPORTANT!

It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before assembling, operating, and maintaining the product.
Subject to technical modification.

Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority in the design of your cordless pole pruner.

INTENDED USE

The cordless pole pruner is intended to be used only by adults who have read and understood the instructions and warnings in this manual and can be considered responsible for their actions.

The product is intended only for outdoor use in a well ventilated area. For safety reasons, the product must be adequately controlled by a two-handed operation.

The product is designed for cutting and pruning small limbs and branches (with a diameter less than or equal to the bar length) located high in the tree. While cutting and pruning, the operator maintains a steady footing on the ground.

The product is designed to extend to the maximum length specified in the specifications table. Do not exceed this working length.

The product is not intended to be used while climbing or as a conventional chainsaw for close quarter limbing and pruning of material at ground level.

Do not use the product for any other purpose.

GENERAL PRODUCT SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING! Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) product or battery-operated (cordless) product.

WORK AREA SAFETY

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/ or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

SERVICE

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

CORDLESS POLE SAW SAFETY WARNINGS

• Never allow children or people who are unfamiliar with the instructions to use the product. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

• Some regions have regulations that restrict the use of the product. Check with your local authority for advice.

• Do not use the product when there is a possibility of thunderstorm or lightning. Store the product safely indoors.

• Do not start using the product until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path away from falling branches or limbs.

• Beware of thrown, flying, or falling objects. Keep all bystanders, children, and animals at least 15 m away from the work area.

• To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate the product within 10 m of overhead electrical lines.

• Do not use the product on a ladder or on unstable support. Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off-balance.

• Operating similar tools nearby increases both the risk of hearing injury and the potential for other persons to enter the working area.

• The use of hearing protection reduces the ability to hear warnings (shouts or alarms). The operator must pay extra attention to what is going on in the working area.

• Beware of the emission of lubricant mist and saw dust. Wear a mask or respirator if required.

• Inspect the product before each use. Check for the correct operation of all controls. Check for loose fasteners. Make sure that all guards and handles are properly and securely attached. Replace any damaged parts before use.

• An incorrectly tensioned chain can jump off the guide bar and could result in serious injury. Check the chain tension before each use and frequently, especially a new chain.

• Check that all the shaft couplings on the extension pole and product are securely fastened before each use and at frequent intervals.

• To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting moving parts, always turn off the product, remove the battery pack, and allow both to cool down. Make sure that all moving parts have come to a complete stop:

  • before servicing

  • before leaving the product unattended

  • before clearing a blockage

  • before checking, cleaning, and working on the product

  • before changing accessories

  • after striking a foreign object

  • whenever performing maintenance

  • whenever the product starts to vibrate abnormally
    Do not modify the product in any way or use parts and accessories that are not recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Injuries may be caused, or aggravated, by prolonged use of the product. When using the product for prolonged periods, ensure to take regular breaks.

  • If the product is dropped, suffers heavy impact, or begins to vibrate abnormally, immediately stop the product and inspect for damage or identify the cause of the vibration. Any damage should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorised service centre.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Good quality, personal protective equipment as used by professionals helps reduce the risk of injury to the operator.

The following items should be used when operating your product:

• Safety helmet
• Hearing protection
• Eye and face protection
• Gloves
• Footwear

OPERATION

• Operate the product only in temperatures between 0°C and 40°C.

• Study the condition of the tree and branches before starting work. If there are signs of damage, rot, or decay, do not attempt to prune on your own. Damaged or rotten branches are highly unstable. Seek the services of a professional tree surgeon.

• Never stand under the branch to be pruned.

• Pruned branches do not always fall cleanly to the ground. They are easily caught and deflected by other foliage. Ensure that a safety zone at least twice the length of the branch to be cut is available and maintained during pruning. If this is not possible, seek the services of a professional tree surgeon.

• Beware of falling branches or those that rebound after hitting the ground.

• Ensure that the falling branch is not a danger to yourself, bystanders, or property, including utility cables.

• During operation, hold the product with both hands. Use one hand to firmly grasp the front hand grip. Use the other hand to grasp the rear handle and to operate the trigger release and the on/off trigger.

• Hold the product by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.

• The product comes with a harness. Use the harness while operating the product. The harness will assist you to control the drop of the product after the cut is completed. It also helps to support the weight of the product during use and while moving between pruning positions.

• Identify the quick-release mechanism and practice using it before using the product. The correct use of the quick release mechanism may prevent serious injury in the case of an emergency. Never wear additional clothing over the harness or anything that restricts access to the quick-release mechanism.

• Never operate the product with the pole at an angle of greater than 60° from the horizontal.

• Do not try to cut the branch too close to the tree trunk. Leave about 15 cm from the trunk to the cut.

• Rest the saw bar on the branch to be pruned and push the saw gently forwards so that the ribbed bumper also contacts the branch. This aids stability and cutting and provides cleaner cuts.

• Small and thin branches that are not heavy can be cut with one cut using the bottom of the saw bar.

• Use extreme caution when cutting small-size bush and saplings because slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off-balance.

• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back so that you will not be struck when tension in wood fibres is released.

• Branches that are larger in diameter and are heavier may break or split during the cut, so make a first cut from under the branch using the top of the saw bar. The first cut should be approximately one-third of the way through the branch.

• Consider pruning large branches in manageable sections rather than as a whole.

• Never try to restart a previous cut with the chain and bar in the earlier cut. Always start a new cut. This reduces the risk of kickback and potential injury.

• If the cutting performance deteriorates over time, check if the chain teeth are sharp and clean. If necessary, replace the original chain (and bar) as recommended by the manufacturer.

• If the chain and bar become pinched or trapped in branches that are too high to reach, seek advice from a professional tree service specialist about the safe removal of the cutting means.

• Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the product, resulting in serious personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the product. As a product user, take several steps to keep cutting jobs free from accident or injury. Kickback is the result of tool misuse or incorrect operating procedures or conditions, and can be avoided by taking the following precautions:

  • Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a branch, limb, or any other obstruction while operating the product.

  • Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the product, and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the product.

  • Do not overreach. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better control of the product in unexpected situations.
    Use only replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chains may cause chain breakage or kickback.

  • Sharpening the chain safely is a skilled task. The manufacturer strongly recommends that a worn or dull chain is replaced with a new one. The part number is available in the product specifications table in this manual.

ADDITIONAL BATTERY SAFETY WARNINGS

• To reduce the risk of fire, personal injury, and product damage due to a short circuit, never immerse the product, battery pack, or charger in fluid or allow fluid to flow inside them. Corrosive or conductive fluids, such as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach or bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short circuit.
• Charge the battery pack in a location where the ambient temperature is between 10°C and 38°C.
• Store the battery pack in a location where the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 20°C.
• Use the battery pack in a location where the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 40°C.

TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE

• Turn off the product, remove the battery pack, and allow the product to cool down before storing or transporting.
• Remove all foreign materials from the product.
• Do not store or transport the product with the battery pack fitted. Remove the battery pack, and secure it separately. Store the product in a cool, dry, and well ventilated place that is inaccessible to children. Keep the product away from corrosive agents, such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts. Do not store the product outdoors.
• Fit the blade cover before storing the product or during transportation.
• When storing the product for a long period of time (one month or longer), make sure that the chain is lightly lubricated to prevent rust.
• Store the product in a location where the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 40°C.
• For transportation in vehicles, secure the product against movement or falling to prevent injury to persons or damage to the product.

TRANSPORTING LITHIUM BATTERIES

Transport the battery in accordance with local and national provisions and regulations.

Follow all special requirements on packaging and labelling when transporting batteries by a third party. Ensure that no batteries can come in contact with other batteries or conductive materials while in transport by protecting exposed connectors with insulating, non-conductive caps or tape. Do not transport batteries that are cracked or leaking. Check with the forwarding company for further advice.

MAINTENANCE

• Use only original manufacturer’s replacement parts, accessories, and attachments. Failure to do so can cause possible injury, can contribute to poor performance, and may void your warranty.
• Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should be performed only by a qualified service technician. Have the product serviced by an authorised service centre only.
• You may only make adjustments or repairs described in this manual. For other repairs, contact an authorised service centre.
• Turn off the product and remove the battery pack before conducting any maintenance or cleaning work.
• The saw chain is very sharp. To prevent personal injury, exercise extreme caution when cleaning, fitting, or removing the blade cover. Always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance on the chain.
• Improper chain maintenance increases the potential of kickback. Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can cause serious injury.
• Follow instructions for lubricating the product and for checking and adjusting the chain tension.
• After each use, clean the body and handles of the product with a soft, dry cloth.
• Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to ensure that the product is in safe working condition. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorised service centre.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

The bar may be reversed to distribute wear for maximum life.
The bar should be cleaned every day of use and checked for wear and damage.

Daily check

Bar lubrication| Before each use
Chain tension| Before each use and frequently
For damaged parts| Before each use
For loose fasteners| Before each use

SYMBOLS ON THE PRODUCT

Safety alert

Read and understand all instructions before operating the product. Follow all warnings and safety instructions

Do not expose the product to rain or damp conditions. 10m

Electrical hazard. Keep at least 10 m away from the overhead electric-powered lines.

Beware of thrown or flying objects. Keep all bystanders at least 15 m away.

Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling the pole pruner and the blade.

Wear slip-resistant foot wear.

Wear ear, eye, and head protection

Guaranteed sound power level

Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).

The product meets applicable regulatory requirements.

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice.

SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL

| Safety alert
---|---
| Read and understand all instructions before operating the product. Follow all warnings and safety instructions
| Do not expose the product to rain or damp conditions.
| Electrical hazard. Keep at least 10 m away from the overhead electric- powered lines.
| Beware of thrown or flying objects. Keep all bystanders at least 15 m away.
| Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling the pole pruner and the blade.
| Wear slip-resistant foot wear.
| Wear ear, eye, and head protection
| Guaranteed sound power level
| Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). The product meets applicable regulatory requirements.
| Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice.

SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL

| Parts or accessories sold separately
---|---
| Note
| Warning

R18PP22

KNOW YOUR PRODUCT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Always wear eye, ear, and head protection when operating the product. Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves. Wear non-skid, protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve your footing on slippery surfaces.

Install the pruner attachment to the extension pole through the shaft coupling. Tighten the shaft coupling to secure the attachment.

Loosen and remove the chain lubricant cap.

Add bar and chain lubricant in the bar  lubricant tank for automatic bar and chain lubrication.
NOTE: Use bar and chain lubricant only. Other lubricants will not stick to the chain properly and will result in damage to the chain and bar.

Place the chain lubricant cap and tighten securely.

Insert the battery pack until it clicks into place.

Slide the trigger lock forward and squeeze the on/off trigger.

Install the extension pole to the shaft through the shaft coupling. Tighten the shaft coupling to secure the extension pole.

Attach the harness to the harness hanger.

Remove the guide bar cover.

Adjust the chain tension until the gap between the drive teeth and guide bar is between 3 and 4 mm using a flat-head screwdriver. To increase the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise. To reduce the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw counterclockwise.

GETTING STARTED

OPERATING THE PRODUCT

WARNING: Risk of electrocution! Do not operate within 10 m of overhead electrical power lines. Position the product at an angle of 60° or less, depending on the specific situation. Keep bystanders at least 15 m away.

WARNING: Do not use the product on a ladder or unstable support. Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off-balance.

1. Insert the battery pack. Slide the trigger lock and squeeze the on/off trigger.
   NOTE: Make sure to position the ribbed bumper to the main limb or trunk before making the cut.
   

2. Make a shallow first cut (1/4 of limb diameter) on the underside of the limb close to the main limb or trunk. Then,make a second cut from the top side of the limb outboard from the first cut. Lastly, make a final cut close to trunk. For second and final cuts (from top of limb or branch), hold the bucking spikes against the limb being cut. Allow chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure.
   

ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION

1. Remove the battery pack.
   

2. Using the wrench, loosen the bar bolt of the sprocket cover.
   

3. Adjust the chain tension until the gap between the drive teeth and guide bar is between 3 and 4 mm. To increase the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise. To reduce the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw counterclockwise. Frequently check thechain tension while turning the chain tensioning screw. Since the chain will stretch when it heats up, regularly check the chain tension during use.
   

4. Fully tighten the bar bolt and sprocket cover.
   

REPLACING THE CHAIN

1. Remove the battery pack.
   

2. Using the wrench, loosen the bar bolt of the sprocket cover.
   

3. Remove the sprocket cover and guide bar.
   

4. Dispose of the old chain and prepare the new one.
   

5. Fit the chain over the sprocket and into the bar groove. The cutters on the top of the guide bar should face toward the bar tip, in the direction of the chain rotation.
   

6. Reinstall the sprocket cover and install the bar bolt. Make sure that the chain follows the direction as shown.
   

7. Using the wrench, partially tighten the bar bolt. The bar must be free to move for tension adjustment.
   

8. Adjust the chain tension until the gap between the drive teeth and guide bar is between 3 and 4 mm. To increase the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise. To reduce the chain tension, turn the chain tensioning screw counterclockwise.
   NOTE: Frequently check the chain tension while turning the chain tensioning screw. Since the chain will stretch when it heats up, regularly check the chain tension during use.
   

9. Fully tighten the bar bolt and sprocket cover using the wrench.
   

CLEANING THE PRODUCT

1. Remove the battery pack.
   

2. Remove all foreign materials from the product with a soft, dry brush.
   WARNING: 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.
   

STORING THE PRODUCT

1. Remove the battery pack.
   

2. Cover the guide bar with the guide bar cover.
   

3. Remove the harness from the harness hanger.
   

4. Loosen the shaft coupling to release the lower tube from the pruner attachment.
   

5. Store the product in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place that is inaccessible to children and away from sources of ignition. Do not store the product outdoors.
   

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Cordless pole pruner

Model| OPP18/R18PP22
Voltage| 18 V d.c.
No-load chain speed| 5.5 m/s
Bar length| 200 mm / 8 in.
Chain pitch| 0.375 in.
Chain gauge| 0.043 in.
Chain drive links| 33
Weight with battery pack| 4.4 kg
Maximum reach| 2.9 m
Vibration level (in accordance with ISO 22867)
Front handle| 1.0 m/s2
Rear handle| 1.0 m/s2
Uncertainty of measurement| 1.5 m/s2
Noise emission level (in accordance with ISO 22868)
A-weighted sound power level at the operator’s position| ****

84.6 dB (A)

A-weighted sound power level| 97.9 dB (A)
Uncertainty of measurement| 3.0 dB

BATTERY AND CHARGER

RB18L20, RB18L20A, RB18L13, RB18L13Z, RB18L25, RB18L25A, RB18L40, RB18L40A, RB18L50, RB18L50A, RB18L90, RB18L90A, RB18L60, RB18L60A, RB18L30, RB18L30A, RB18L40, RB18L40A, RB1815C, RB1820C, RB1825C, RB1840C, RB1840X, RB1850C, RB1850X, RB1860X

REPLACEMENT PARTS

WARNING! The declared vibration total values and the declared noise emission values given in this instruction manual have been measured in accordance with a standardised test and may be used to compare one tool with another. They may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.

The declared vibration and noise emission values represent the main applications of the tool. However, if the tool is used for different applications, used with different accessories, or poorly maintained, the vibration and noise emission may differ. These conditions may significantly increase the exposure levels over the total working period. An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration and noise should take into account the times when the tool is turned off or when it is running idle. These conditions may significantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period.
Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration and noise, such as maintaining the tool and the accessories, keeping the hands warm (in case of vibration), and organising work patterns.

Customer Support

Imported by:
Techtronic Industries Australia Pty Ltd
31 Gilby Road, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149
Melbourne, Australia
Techtronic Industries N.Z. Limited
Unit C, 70 Business Parade South,
Highbrook, Auckland 2013, New Zealand
RYOBI is a trade mark of Ryobi Limited, and is used under license.

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