RYOBI 18V Brushless Hole Auger Instruction Manual

RYOBI 18V Brushless Hole Auger

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

See this fold-out section for all of the figures referenced in the operator’s manual.

GENERAL POWER TOOL 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) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

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 ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI 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 energizing 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 jewelry.
  Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry 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.

• Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn into rotating parts.

• Ensure before each use that all controls and safety devices function correctly. Do not use the product if the OFF switch does not stop the motor.

• Be aware of thrown, flying, or falling objects; keep all bystanders, children, and animals at least 50 feet away from work area.

• Do not operate in poor lighting. The operator requires a clear view of the work area to identify potential hazards.

• 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 authorized service center.

• It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to cold and dampness, diet, smoking, and work practices are all thought to contribute to the development of these symptoms. It is presently unknown what, if any, vibrations or extent of exposure may contribute to the condition. There are measures that can be taken by the operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:
  a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating the unit wear gloves to keep hands and wrists warm.
  It is reported that cold weather is a major factor contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.
  b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase blood circulation.
  c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of exposure per day.
  d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened, and worn parts replaced.

• If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition, immediately discontinue use and see your physician about these symptoms

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 the battery pack 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 children or 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 265°F 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.
• When servicing a power tool, 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.

HOLE AUGER SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING!
Contact your local utility for underground service marking before using this product to avoid contact with underground utilities

WARNING!
Maintain a firm grip on the handles with both hands while using the auger. Keep the auger bit away from your body and below waist level.

• To reduce the risk of electrocution, never use the auger near any buried electrical power cables. Contact with or use near buried electrical power cables may cause serious injury or electric shock resulting in death.

• To reduce the risk of explosion, never use the auger near any buried gas lines, including water lines and pipes. Contact with or use near buried water or gas lines may result in bursting of water lines and explosion from gas lines which may cause serious injury or death.

• Replace augers if cracked, bent, or damaged in any way.
  Operating the tool with a damaged auger can result in serious injury.

• Never use the auger with the handles above waist level.
  Operation above the waist restricts control of the auger and may increase the risk of injury.

• Be sure the auger bit is properly installed and securely fastened. Failure to do s o can cause serious injury.

• Replace auger pin if it is bent or damaged.

• Make sure the handles are properly and securely attached.

• Consider the environment in which you are working. Keep the working area free from electric cables or underground utilities.

• Use only the manufacturer’s replacement augers. Do not use any other attachment.

• Replace the auger bit immediately if there are any cracks or any damage.

• Do not touch the auger bit when the product is switched on.

• If the auger bit jams, stop the product immediately.

• Maintain a firm grip on both handles during operation.

• Do not use the product with the handle above waist level to avoid serious chest injuries when the product hits a hard object.

• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury

• Always keep the handles dry and clean.

• Ensure all handles are properly fitted and are in good condition.

• Do not start using the product until you have a clear work area and secure footing.

• Remove all objects such as cords, lights, wire, or loose string which can become entangled in the cutting blade and create a risk of serious personal injury.

• Do not modify the product in any way or use it to power any attachments or devices not recommended by the manufacturer.

• Before starting the product, make sure the bit is not contacting any object.

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

• Turn off the product and remove the battery pack. Make sure all moving parts have co me 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
  • whenever performing maintenance
  • whenever the product starts to vibrate

• Hold the tool with both hands at the intended handles.
  Loss of control can cause personal injury.

• Keep all parts of the body away from the auger. The auger will continue to move after the switch is turned off.
  A moment of inattention while operating the auger may result in serious personal injury.

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

• Store the unit inside in a dry place, either locked up or up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children or untrained individuals.

• Stop the motor, wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop, and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments, cleaning, storing, or removing material from the unit, or when not in use.

• 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/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, 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.

• 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.

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 when operating this equipment.
| Wet Conditions Alert| Do not expose battery, battery compartment, or electronic components to rain, water, or liquids. Do not charge battery or expose product to rain or damp locations.
| Rain Symbol| Do not expose to rain.
| Wear Gloves| Always wear nonslip, heavy-duty protective gloves when operating this product.
| Wear Safety Footwear| Always wear nonslip safety footwear when operating this product.
| Keep Bystanders Away| Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away
| Ricochet| Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or property damage.
| Remove Battery| Remove battery pack when tool is not in use
| Rotating Blade| Keep feet and legs away from blade
| Do Not Drill Near Utility Lines| Never operate auger in an area with underground electric, gas, water or telephone lines.
| Kickback| Maintain firm grip with both hands during operation

V

| 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.

hrs

| Volts| Voltage
| Hours| Time
| Direct Current| Type or a characteristic of current
| No Load Speed| Rotational speed, at no load
…/min| Per Minute| Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

KNOW YOUR HOLE AUGER

See Figure 1.
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information on the tool 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.

ANTI-KICKBACK MECHANISM

The anti-kickback feature is designed to protect the user from injury. When the tool detects tough soil or debris, the kickback feature will activate to aid in protecting the user. This feature will automatically stop the tool.

BRUSHLESS MOTOR

This product features a brushless motor that maximizes power and performance as well as battery run time.

DIRECTION OF ROTATION SELECTOR

The direction of the auger rotation is reversible and can be operated in forward or reverse with kickback protection enabled; or in forward with kickback protection off.

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:
Items in this Assembly section 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 1-800-860-4050 for assistance.

PACKING LIST

• Handle Assembly
• 6” Auger Bit
• Locking Pin with Pin Clip
• 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 pack from the product when assembling parts.

ASSEMBLING THE HOLE AUGER

See Figures 2 – 3.

• Stand the auger bit upright with tip pointing down.
• Remove the locking pin from the auger.
• Install the drive shaft into the auger.
• Align the holes on the auger and drive shaft.
• Insert the locking pin and secure with the pin clip.
  

OPERATION

WARNING:
Contact your local utility for underground service marking before using this product to avoid contact with underground utilities.

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electrocution, never use the auger near any buried electrical power cables. Contact with or use near buried electrical power cables may cause serious injury or electric shock resulting in death.

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of explosion, never use the auger near any buried gas lines, including water lines and pipes. Contact with or use near buried water or gas lines may result in bursting of water lines and explosion from gas lines which may cause serious injury or death.

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. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury.

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.

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 an authorized service center for assistance.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this product for the purpose listed below:

• Planting trees, shrubs and flowers
• Cultivating and preparing soil
• Digging of light duty fencing and posts

The cordless hole auger is only intended for use outdoors.
For safety reasons, the tool must be adequately controlled by a two-handed operation.
The hole auger is designed to make the task of digging holes much easier for the operator. The recommended maximum depth of hole for the product is 600 mm.
Do not use the tool for any other purpose.

INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERY PACK

See Figures 4.

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

To install:

• Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.

WARNING:
Make sure the latches on the bottom of the battery pack snap in place and the battery pack is fully seated and secure in the tool’s 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

To remove:

• Depress the latches on the battery pack and remove from the hole auger.

WARNING:
Battery tools are always in operating condition. Remove battery pack when transporting or carrying to avoid accidental starting, which may result in serious injury

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

STARTING AND STOPPING THE HOLE AUGER

See Figure 5.

WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields 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.

To start:

• To begin digging, press and hold the lockout button and squeeze the switch trigger.

To stop:

• Release the switch trigger to stop the hole auger.

SWITCH POSITION

See Figure 6.

DIRECTION OF ROTATION SELECTOR

See Figures 6 – 7.
The direction of the auger rotation is reversible and is controlled by a selector located on the motor top handle control assembly. With the auger held in normal operating position, set the direction of rotation selector to the right for digging with kickback protection. Position the direction of rotation selector to the left to reverse the digging direction. Set the direction of rotation selector in the center position to turn the kickback protection off.

ACTIVE KICKBACK

See Figure 7.
The Kickback feature is active when the green lights are flashing. When the product detects tough soil or debris, the feature is activated to protect the user.
NOTE: It is not recommended to switch off kickback protection at any time, however, in the event it is deactivated, the tool still has overload protection.

• Always ensure that the operator has a firm grip and solid stance when using this tool.
• If kickback occurs, the tool will stop and the green light will flash for 5 seconds. You will not be able to turn the unit back on until 5 seconds have elapsed.
• Lift the tool from the hole, restart the tool and gently lower it back into the hole.

LED DISPLAY

The following chart explains the different LED displays:

OVERLOAD PROTECTION

When the tool is forced or overloaded, the Li-ion battery pack will automatically shut off the tool.

• If an overload protection event occurs, the tool will stop and a red light will illuminate for 5 seconds.
• When the product stops, release the trigger, and lift it from the hole.
• You may need to find an alternate place to dig if a large obstruction has caused the machine to stop.

USING THE HOLE AUGER

See Figures 8 – 10.

WARNING!
Maintain a firm grip on the handles with both hands while using the auger. Keep the auger bit away from your body and below waist level.

• Select the operating mode. When digging, always have kickback engaged to ensure user safety.
  NOTE: Do not touch the auger bit when the product is switched on.

• Make sure feet are firmly planted above the work surface. Stand with hips locked. The curve of the handle should be held close to the user’s body below waist level.

WARNING:
Always stand with the forward/reverse button close to waist during operation.

• Before starting the hole auger, make sure you have a firm grip with both hands on the handle and the auger bit pointed downward at a 90° angle above the surface. Always use the hole auger properly.

WARNING:
Always keep both hands on the handles. Improper operation of the may result in serious injury.

• Lift the tool above the surface. Press the lock out button and squeeze the switch trigger.
• Allow the auger to gain full speed (2-3 seconds).
• Lower the auger into the surface maintaining the 90° angle. Allow the auger to bite into the material, letting the auger do the work.
• As the hole begins to fill with debris, it is important to constantly clear it to produce a clean cut and reduce the amount of effort required.
• While auger is operating at full speed, slowly lift it from the hole and allow the debris to clear from the auger.

MAINTENANCE

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

WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. 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 may create a hazard or cause product damage.

WARNING:
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/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, 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.

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 an authorized service center for assistance.

WARNING:
The auger bit is very sharp. To prevent personal injury, exercise extreme caution when cleaning, fitting or removing the auger bit. Always wear protective gloves when performing maintenance on the bit.

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 may result in serious personal injury.

CLEANING THE HOLE AUGER

• Remove the battery pack.
• Remove the auger bit from the drive shaft by unlocking the quick release pin.
• Store the locking pin in the auger when not in use.
• Clean dirt and debris from the auger bit, using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.

WARNING:
Remove the auger bit from the digging tool before cleaning with water. Do not wet the motor housing.

NOTE: Do not use any strong detergents on the plastic housing or the handle. They can be damaged by certain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and by solvents such as kerosene.

• Moisture can cause a shock hazard. Wipe off any moisture with a soft dry cloth.
• Use a small brush or the air discharge of a small vacuum cleaner brush to clear dust or debris from the air vents on the motor housing

TRANSPORTING AND STORING

• Remove the battery pack.

• Stop the product, and allow it to cool down before storing or transporting.

• Remove the auger bit from the drive shaft by unlocking the locking pin.
  NOTE: Store the locking pin in the auger when not in use.

• For transportation, secure the pro duct against movement or falling to prevent injury to persons or damage to the product.

• Clean the hole auger thoroughly before storing.

• Store the hole auger in a dry, well-ventilated place that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts. Do not store outdoors.

CALL US FIRST
For any questions about operating or maintaining your product, call the RYOBI Help Line!
Your product has been fully tested prior to shipment to ensure your complete satisfaction.

This product has a Three-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) 1-800-860-4050.

References

• REIMAGINE WITH RYOBI - RYOBI Tools

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