RYOBI RY404017 40V HP BRUSHLESS WHISPER SERIES Instruction Manual

June 5, 2024
RYOBI

RYOBI RY404017 40V HP BRUSHLESS WHISPER SERIES Instruction Manual
RYOBI RY404017 40V HP BRUSHLESS WHISPER SERIES

When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS BLOWER. To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

  • Know your power blower. Read operator’s manual carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this blower. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious injury.

  • Do not permit children to use blower. It is not a toy. Close attention is necessary when used near children.

  • Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model described in this manual. Accessories that may be suitable for one blower may create a risk of injury when used on another blower. Use only as described in this manual.

  • Do not handle charger, including charger plug, and charger terminals with wet hands.

  • Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.

  • Do not charge the unit outdoors.

  • Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.

  • Turn off all controls before removing battery.

  • Use extra care when cleaning on stairs or steps.

  • Do not operate blowers in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Blowers create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

  • Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.

  • Keep bystanders, children, and visitors at least 50 ft. away while operating a blower. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

  • A battery operated blower with integral batteries or a separate battery pack must be recharged only with the specified charger for the battery. A charger that may be suitable for one type of battery may create a risk of fire when used with another battery.

  • Use battery operated blower only with specifically designated battery pack. Use of any other batteries may create a risk of fire.

  • Use this product only with batteries and chargers listed in tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supplement 988000-842.

  • Do not operate charger with a damaged cord or plug, which could cause shorting and electric shock. If damaged, have the charger replaced by an authorized service center.

  • If appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center.

  • Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power blower. Do not use blower while tired, upset, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating blowers may result in serious personal injury.

  • Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in moving parts.

  • Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is in the locked or off position before inserting battery pack. Carrying blowers with your finger on the switch or inserting the battery pack into a blower with the switch on invites accidents.

  • Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

  • Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn into air vents.

  • Do not use on a ladder, rooftop, tree, or other unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the blower in unexpected situations.

  • Do not use blower if switch does not turn it on or off. A blower that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

  • Disconnect battery pack from blower or place the switch in the locked or off position before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the blower. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the blower accidentally.

  • 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 sparks, burns, or a fire.

  • Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the blower’s operation. If damaged, have the blower serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained blowers.

  • Keep the blower and its handle dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or any strong solvents to clean your blower. Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.

  • Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of eye injury.

  • Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection when operating this equipment.

  • Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

  • Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

  • To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting rotating parts, stop the motor before installing or removing attachments. Do not operate without all guard(s) and tubes in place. Always remove the battery pack before performing maintenance or accessing any movable parts.

  • Rotating impeller blades can cause severe injury. Do not put hands or any other object into the blower housing air outlet or blower tubes.

  • Battery blowers do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery powered blower or when changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.

  • 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 appliance that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.

  • Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265°F may cause explosion.

  • Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance where the temperature is less than 50°F or more than 100°F. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

  • Do not modify or attempt to repair the appliance or the battery pack except as indicated in the instructions for use and care.

  • Do not place battery powered blowers or their batteries near fire or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and possibly injury.

  • Don’t expose blowers to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a blower will increase the risk of electric shock.

  • Wear heavy long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of the machine or its motor.

  • Do not operate the equipment while barefoot or when wearing sandals or similar lightweight footwear. Wear protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve your footing on slippery surfaces.

  • Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.

  • Check the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which can be thrown or become entangled in the machine.

  • Do not point the blower nozzle in the direction of people or pets.

  • Always hold the throttle control handle in your right hand. Refer to the Operation section later in this manual for additional information.

  • Never run the unit without the proper equipment attached. Always ensure the blower tubes are installed.

  • When not in use, blower should be stored indoors in a dry, locked up place—out of the reach of children.

  • Do not hang unit so that the switch trigger is depressed.

  • Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft. away.

  • Do not dispose of a severely damaged or worn out battery pack or this blower by incinerating. The battery can explode in fire.

  • Stop the motor, wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop, and disconnect from the power supply before cleaning or performing any maintenance.

  • Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product and do not expose the product to rain or wet conditions. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can enter the product’s electronic components and cause damage, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth occasionally.

  • Blower service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.

  • When servicing a blower, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure
    to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of shock or injury.

  • Never use blower near fires, fireplaces, hot ashes, barbecue pits, etc. Use near fires or ashes can spread fires and result in serious injury and/or property damage.

  • Never use blower to spread chemicals, fertilizers, or any other toxic substances. Spreading these substances could result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.

  • Never place blower on any surface, except a hard, clean surface when motor is running. Gravel, sand, and other debris can be picked up by the air inlet and thrown at the operator or bystanders, causing possible serious injuries.

  • For household use only.

  • Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

| DANGER:| Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.


| WARNING:| Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.


| CAUTION:| Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.


| NOTICE:| (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered important, but not related to a potential injury (e.g. messages relating to property damage).

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION

| Safety Alert Symbol| Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.

| **** Read Operator’s Manual| To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator’s manual before using this product

| Eye and Hearing Protection| Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection.


| Impeller Blades| Contact with rotating impeller blades can cause severe injury.

| Wet Conditions Alert| Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

| Keep Bystanders Away| Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away.

| Long Hair| Risk of long hair being drawn into air inlet.

Symbols

| Blower Tubes| Do not operate without tubes in place.

| Loose Clothing| Risk of loose clothing being drawn into air intake.

| **** Ricochet| Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or property damage.


| Recycle Symbol| This product uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Local, state, or federal laws may prohibit disposal of batteries in ordinary trash. Consult your local waste authority for information regarding available recycling and/ or disposal options.

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
min Minutes Time
  Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current
no No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
…/min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per

minute

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Motor: 40 Volts DC
Air Velocity (MPH): 140 without speed tip and 165 with speed tip
Air Volume (CFM): 730

KNOW YOUR BLOWER

The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information on the product and in this operator’s manual as well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules.

ADJUSTABLE HARNESS AND CHEST STRAPS
The blower comes with fully adjustable harness and chest straps to ensure user comfort and ease of operation.

ADJUSTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL HANDLE
Easily adjust throttle control handle by loosening handle knob to position handle in desired location.

CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control feature allows the user to operate the blower without holding the switch trigger.

DUAL SEQUENTIAL ACTIVE BATTERY PORTS
The blower has active battery ports on the left and right side of the motor housing. Only one battery pack needs to be installed for operation. If two battery packs are installed, each time the blower is turned on, it will pull energy from the battery pack with the most charge.

HANGER BRACKET
The blower has a hanging feature for convenient, space saving storage.

MESH BACKING
The blower comes equipped with a mesh backing which aids in user comfort.

TURBO BOOST
The turbo boost feature temporarily increases air flow to maximum velocity.

VARIABLE SPEED SWITCH TRIGGER
The variable speed switch trigger delivers higher speed with increased trigger pressure and lower speed with decreased trigger pressure.

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.

  • Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included.

WARNING:
Do not use this product if any parts on the Packing List are already assembled to your product when you unpack it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by the manufacturer and require customer installation. Use of a product that may have been improperly assembled could result in serious personal injury.

  • Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
  • Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.
  • If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.
PACKING LIST
  • Backpack Blower
  • Bellows
  • Throttle Control Handle Tube
  • Straight Tube
  • Nozzle
  • Tube Clamp (2)
  • Speed Tip
  • Assembly Tool
  • Operator’s Manual

NOTE: Read and remove all hang tags and store with your operator’s manual.

WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

WARNING:
To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury, always remove the battery packs from the tool when assembling parts.

ASSEMBLING THE BLOWER TUBES

  • Attach upper end of the bellows onto the blower housing by sliding it over the air outlet. The raised ridge on the air outlet should securely fit into the slot inside the bellows when the bellows is properly installed.

  • Place a tube clamp onto the outer slot of the end of the bellows.
    NOTE: Be sure to place the throttle cable inside the slot in the tube clamp.

  • With the provided assembly tool, insert a screw on the back side of the tube clamp closest to the unit as shown and tighten securely.

  • Insert a screw into the other side of the tube clamp and tighten securely.
    NOTE: Make sure not to pinch the throttle cable when installing the tube clamps.

  • Press the throttle control handle tube into the other side of the bellows. The raised ridge on the throttle control handle tube should securely fit into the slot inside the bellows when properly installed. Place a tube clamp over the end of the bellows. Tighten the tube clamp using the assembly tool.
    NOTE: The position of the throttle control handle may be adjusted for comfort after the blower is strapped onto the operator’s back.

  • Join the straight tube and nozzle together by aligning the raised locking tabs on straight tube with the raised locking slots on the nozzle and twist until the tubes snap into the locked position to secure. To attach the speed tip, repeat the steps above.
    NOTE: Always make sure the arrows are aligned as shown. Only then are the tubes in the locked correctly position.

NOTICE:
When correctly assembled, the tubes are difficult to separate. If they can easily be twisted apart, the tubes are not locked. Continue twisting together until the tubes snap into the locked position. Tubes that are not fully locked together can separate during blower operation.

  • Assemble the connected straight tube and nozzle to the throttle control handle tube by aligning raised locking tabs on the throttle control handle tube with the raised locking slots on connected lower tubes by twisting to secure.

NOTE: Check all locking connections after initial run to ensure they are tightly secured.

CAUTION:
Make all adjustments to the harness straps before starting the blower to avoid the possibility of injury.

ADJUSTING HARNESS

Straps should be adjusted to a comfortable position before starting the blower.

To adjust harness strap assembly:

  • Blower should be in operating position before adjusting the harness straps. Slip arm through harness strap and onto shoulder, then repeat for the other shoulder.
  • Grasp the lower adjustment strap and tighten (pull down on strap) until the backpack blower rests comfortably against the small of the back.
  • Next, grasp the upper adjustment straps and tighten (pull down on strap) until the backpack blower fits comfortably on the shoulders.
  • Once the blower feels comfortable, secure the chest strap.
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE CONTROL HANDLE
  • Loosen locking screw by turning counterclockwise.
  • Move the throttle control handle to the desired position, then secure the locking screw by turning clockwise.

OPERATION

WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.

WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.

WARNING:
Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:
Verify that all guards and tubes are in place prior to use. If the blower is dropped, stop blower and verify that no damage has occurred. If any guard, part, or tube is damaged or missing, do not use blower until it has been repaired or replaced by a qualified service center. Use of blower with damaged or missing guards, parts, or tubes can result in serious personal injury or further damage to the blower.

NOTICE:
Before each use, inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or a qualified service center for assistance.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this product for the purposes listed below:

  • Clear leaves and other debris from your lawn
  • Keeping decks and driveways free from grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, and other debris
TO INSTALL/REMOVE BATTERY PACKS

The blower has active battery ports on the left and right side of the motor housing. Only one battery pack needs to be installed for operation. If two battery packs are installed, each time the blower is turned on, it will pull energy from the battery pack with the most charge.

**WARNING:**
Always remove battery packs from your tool when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use. Removing battery packs will prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.

To install:

  • Place a battery pack in the blower. Align the raised rib on the battery pack with groove in the blower’s battery port.

WARNING:
Make sure the latch on the bottom of the battery pack snaps in place and the battery pack is fully seated and secure in the blower battery port before beginning operation. Failure to securely seat the battery pack could cause the battery pack to fall out, resulting in serious personal injury.

NOTICE:
When placing battery pack in the tool, be sure raised rib on battery pack aligns with the bottom of the tool and latches into place properly. Improper installation of the battery pack can cause damage to internal components.

  • Repeat process to install second battery pack.
    To remove:

  • Locate the latches on the bottom of the battery packs and depress to release the battery packs from the blower.

WARNING:
Battery tools are always in operating condition. Therefore, switch should always be in the OFF position when not in use or carrying at your side. Remove battery packs
when transporting or carrying blower to avoid accidental starting, which could result in serious injury.

For complete charging instructions, see the operator’s manuals for your battery packs and charger.

STARTING AND STOPPING
  • To start the blower, depress the switch trigger.
  • To stop the blower, release the switch trigger.
TURBO BOOST BUTTON
  • While the switch trigger is depressed, press and release the turbo boost button to increase the air flow to the maximum velocity.
  • Press the turbo boost button again to return to the previous speed.
    NOTE: If the turbo boost button is not pressed a second time, the blower will run at maximum velocity for approximately two minutes and then gradually return to the previous speed. The turbo boost can be restarted immediately.
OPERATING THE BLOWER

NOTICE:
Always operate your product in compliance with all applicable laws and ordinances

  • Slip arm through harness strap and onto shoulder, then repeat for the other shoulder. Adjust the straps to a comfortable position. Refer to Adjusting Harness Straps earlier in this manual. Remove unit for starting.
  • The unit should be operated on the operator’s right side as shown.
  • Start the blower. Refer to Starting and Stopping earlier in this manual.
  • To keep from scattering debris, blow around the outer edges of a debris pile. Never blow directly into the center of a pile.
  • Operate power equipment at reasonable hours only — not early in the morning or late at night when people might be disturbed. Comply with the times listed in local ordinances.
  • To reduce sound levels, limit the number of pieces of equipment used at any one time.
  • Operate blower at the lowest possible speed to do the job.
  • Use rakes and brooms to loosen debris before blowing. In dusty conditions, slightly dampen surfaces when water is available.
  • Conserve water by using power blowers instead of hoses for many lawn and garden applications, including areas such as gutters, screens, patios, grills, porches, and gardens.
  • Watch out for children, pets, open windows, or freshly washed cars, and blow debris safely away.
  • Use the nozzle for larger volume, so the air stream can work close to the ground.
  • After using blowers or other equipment, CLEAN UP! Dispose of debris properly.

WARNING:
Do not place blower on top of or near loose debris. Debris can be sucked into blower intake vent resulting in serious personal injury and possible damage to the unit.

CRUISE CONTROL

The cruise control can be used to operate the blower without holding the switch trigger.

To engage the cruise control:

  • Depress the switch trigger and stop at the desired speed.
  • Push cruise control lever down.
  • Release switch trigger.
  • To release the cruise control, pull cruise control lever all the way up.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the product when cleaning or performing any maintenance.

WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury.

WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts can create a hazard or cause product damage.

NOTICE:
Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not
operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or a qualified service center for assistance.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

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. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.

WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which can result in serious personal injury.

STORAGE
  • Clean all foreign material from the blower.
  • Store indoors in a secure place that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.
  • Do not hang unit so that the switch trigger is depressed.
  • The hanger bracket may be used to store your blower on the wall and out of the way.
    NOTE: Make sure the hook used for hanging will support the weight of the blower and is securely mounted into a wall stud.

This product has a Five-year Limited Warranty for personal, family, or household use (90 days for business or commercial use). For warranty details, visit www.ryobitools.com or call (toll free) 1-800-525-2579

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

MANUEL D’UTILISATION / MANUAL DEL OPERADOR 40 VOLT BACKPACK BLOWER SOUFFLANTE DORSALE DE 40 V SOPLADORA DE MOCHILA DE 40 V RY404017

PARTS AND SERVICE: Prior to requesting service or purchasing replacement parts, please obtain your item, manufacturing, and serial numbers from the product data plate.

ITEM NO:
MANUFACTURING NO: 

SERIAL NO:

Model/item number on product may have additional letters at the end. These letters designate manufacturing information and should be provided when calling for service.

HOW TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT PARTS: Replacement parts can be purchased online at www.ryobitools.com or by calling 1-800-525-2579. Replacement parts can also be obtained at one of our service centers.

HOW TO LOCATE A SERVICE CENTER: Service centers can be located online at www.ryobitools.com or by calling 1-800-525-2579.

HOW TO OBTAIN CUSTOMER OR TECHNICAL SUPPORT: To obtain customer or technical support please contact us at 1-800-525-2579.

RYOBI is a registered trademark of Ryobi Limited and is used pursuant to a license granted by Ryobi Limited.
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References

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