Ryobi 4 Cycle Trimmer Owners Manual

							875r
4-Cycle Gas Trimmer
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 in U.S. or 
1-800-265-6778 in CANADA
www.ryobi.com
IMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY 
						

							THANK YOU
Thank you for buying this quality product. This modern
outdoor power tool will provide many hours of useful
service. You will find it to be a great labor-saving device.
This operator’s manual provides you with easy-to-
understand operating instructions. Read the whole
manual and follow all the instructions to keep your new
outdoor power tool in top operating condition. The other
manual that came with your power tool, the parts
manual, contains all the information that you need to
order parts.
PRODUCT REFERENCES, ILLUSTRATIONS AND
SPECIFICATIONS 
All information, illustrations and specifications in this
manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to
make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright
©1998 Ryobi Outdoor Products, Inc. 
All Rights Reserved.
Click-Link
®is a registered trademark of Ryobi Outdoor
Products. 
SpeedSpool
®is a registered trademark of Ryobi
Outdoor Products. 
SERVICE INFORMATION 
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty
period should be performed only by an authorized and
approved service dealer. 
Dial: 
•
1-800-345-8746or www.ryobi.comon the world wide
web for authorized service dealers in the United States
Or
• 1-800-265-6778in Canada to obtain the listing of the
authorized service dealer nearest you.
to obtain the listing of the authorized service dealer
nearest you.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER.
NOTE: PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
Make sure this manual is carefully read and understood
before starting or operating this equipment. 
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE 
US PATENTS, OTHER PATENTS PENDING. 
2
INTRODUCTIONTABLE OF CONTENTS
I. California Emission Regulations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
II. Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
A. Important Safety Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
B. Safety and International Symbols  . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
C. Know Your Unit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
III. Assembly Instructions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
A. Adjusting the J handle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
IV. Oil and Fuel Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
A. Recommended Oil Type  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
B. Adding Oil to Crankcase-Initial Use . . . . . . . . . . . 10
C. Recommended Fuel Type  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
D. Fueling the Unit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
V. Starting/Stopping Instructions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
VI. Operating Instructions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
A. Operating the Click-Link System  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
B. Holding the Trimmer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
C. Adjusting Trimming Line Length  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
D. Tips for Best Trimming Results  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
E. Decorative Trimming  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
VII. Maintenance and Repair Instructions  . . . . . . . . . 15-24
A. Maintenance Schedule  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
B. Line Installation for the SpeedSpool  . . . . . . . . . . 16
C. Installing a Prewound Reel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
D. Cleaning the SpeedSpool  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
E. SpeedSpool Replacement Parts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
F. Checking the Oil Level  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
G. Changing the Oil  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
H. Air Filter Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
I. Carburetor Adjustment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
J. Rocker Arm Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
K. Replacing the Spark Plug  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
L. Spark Arrestor Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
M. Accessories/Replacement parts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
VIII. Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
IX. Troubleshooting Chart  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
X. Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
XI. Warranty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-30
CONTENTS OF CARTON This carton should include of the following:
•Model 875r Trimmer with J-Handle
•Operators Manual
•Parts Manual
•Product Registration Card
•Bottle of 4-Cycle Oil 
						

							3
CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS
WARNING
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest
Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that
certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark
arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention
of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these
requirements could subject you to liability or a fine. 
This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If it requires
replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE dealer to install the 
Accessory Part #180890 Spark Arrestor Screen.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR 1-800-265-6778 in CANADA
California Proposition 65 Warning:
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS
PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS
OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
This engine meets U.S. EPA PH1 and 2000 model year and later California emissions regulations for small off-road
engines. These units are identified by the label on the engine of your product. A typical identification label is shown.
To ensure that your unit continues to meet these regulations, refer to the following information and instructions in this
operator’s manual.
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
SPARK ARRESTOR
WARNING! 
						

							RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning
will result in serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning
can result in injury to yourself and others.
Always follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury. 
CAUTION:Failure to obey a safety warning
may result in property damage or personal
injury to yourself or to others. Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your 
attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and
their explanations, deserve your careful attention and
understanding. The safety warnings do not by 
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or 
warnings they give are not substitutes for proper 
accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:Indicates 
danger, warning, or caution. Attention is
required in order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction with other
symbols or pictographs. 
NOTE:Advises you of information or instructions vital
to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS 
BEFORE OPERATING
•Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and proper use of the unit.
•Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
•Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
•Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in
place and secure. Replace cutting attachment parts
that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.
Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed
and securely fastened. Be sure the cutting attachment
shield is properly attached, and positioned as
recommended. Failure to so can result in personal
injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as
damage to the unit.
•Use only 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) diameter genuine Ryobi
replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced line,
wire, or rope, etc.. These can break off and become a
dangerous projectile. 
•Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and
feet.
•Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or
string which can be thrown or become entangled in
the cutting attachment. Clear the area of children,
bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children,
bystanders and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m.) radius;
there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown
objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the engine
and cutting attachment immediately.•Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments
or repairs before using unit.
•This unit was not designed to be used as a 
brushcutter. Do not attach or operate this unit with any
type of brushcutting blade or brushcutting attachment.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS TRIMMERS
WARNING:Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
•Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
•Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before 
filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel
tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never 
operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure
in the tank.
•Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area outdoors
where there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove
the fuel cap only after stopping engine. Do not smoke
while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel
from the unit immediately. 
•Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
•Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke, keep sparks and open flames from the area
while adding fuel or operating the unit. 
						

							RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
5
•If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do
not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
•Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance,
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or other
attachments.
•Use only genuine Ryobi replacement parts when 
servicing this unit. These parts are available from 
your authorized service dealer. Do not use parts, 
accessories or attachments not authorized by Ryobi
for this unit. Doing so could lead to serious injury to
the user, or damage to the unit, and void your 
warranty.
•Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the cutting 
attachment and shield.
•To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark
arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass,
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
•Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark.
•Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
•Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high 
to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the
reach of children.
•Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.
Clean after each use, see 
Cleaning and Storage
instructions.
•Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use
them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this
unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WHILE OPERATING
•Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate
this unit only in a well ventilated area outdoors. 
•Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards, and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask if the operation is dusty. Long sleeve shirts
are recommended.
•Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or
go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
•The cutting attachment shield must always be in place
while operating the unit. Do not operate unit without
both trimming lines extended, and the proper line
installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond the
length of the shield.
•This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains
stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have
the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.
•Adjust the J-Handle to your size to provide the best
grip.
•Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
•Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
•Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
•Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and 
balance.
•Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or
grips.
•Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all 
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment when it is rotating.
•Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation. When turned off they
remain hot for a short time.
•Do not operate the engine faster than the speed 
needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at
high speed when not cutting.
•Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or
when walking from one cutting location to another. 
						

							RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
6
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operators manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product. 
Read the operators manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING
•SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other 
symbols or pictographs.
•WARNING - READ OPERATORS MANUAL
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions. 
Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
•FOR SERVICE INFORMATION, CALL:
USA: 1-800-345-8746
CANADA: 1-800-265-6778
•WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING:
Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss.
Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear protection when 
operating this unit.
•KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING:
Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m.) 
from the operating area. 
•PRIMER BULB
Push primer bulb, fully and slowly, 5 to 7 times.
•UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.
•OIL
Refer to operators manual for the proper type of oil. 
						

							RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
7
SYMBOL MEANING
•THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:
Do not operate without the cutting attachment shield in place. 
Keep away from the rotating cutting attachment.
•ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
•ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF OR STOP
•HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler or cylinder. You may get burned. These parts get extremely hot
from operation. When turned off they remain hot for a short time.
•SHARP BLADE
WARNING:Sharp blade on cutting attachment shield. To prevent serious injury, do not 
touch line cutting blade.
•CHOKE CONTROL
A • FULL choke position.
B • PARTIAL choke position.
C • RUN position.
WARNING:The operation of any power tool can cause foreign objects to be thrown into your
eyes. This can lead to severe eye damage. Before commencing power tool operation, always
wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards, and
a full face shield when needed.  
						

							RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
8
APPLICATIONS
As a trimmer; 
•Cutting grass and light weeds.
•Edging
•Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.
Other optional accessories may be used with the 875r.
See list of add-ons on page 13.
Cutting Attachment
Shield
Fuel Cap
Throttle
Control
J-Handle
Cutting AttachmentShaft Grip
Primer Bulb Choke Lever
Oil Fill Plug / Dipstick Air Filter Cover
Engine FeetSpark Plug On/Off Stop Control
Shaft Housing
Starter Rope Grip
KNOW YOUR UNIT
Clink-Link
Line Cutting BladeSpark Plug
Muffler
Muffler Guard
Spark Arrestor 
						

							ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
9
4. Tighten the clamp screws evenly, until the J-handle
is secure. 3. While holding the unit in the operating position 
(Fig. 3), position the J-handle to the location 
that provides you the best grip.
Decal
ADJUSTING THE J-HANDLE
1. Loosen the four (4) screws holding the J-handle in
place (Fig. 1). Do not completely remove the screws.
(4) Screws
J-Handle 
2. Slide the J-handle in or out until the arrow/white line
on the decal touches the clamp assembly (Fig. 2). 
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3 
						

							OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
10
RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the
crankcase is extremely important. Check the
oil before each use and change the oil 
regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or
using dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear and
failure.
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American
Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG, SH.
ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE – INITIAL USE
NOTE:
This unit is shipped without being filled with oil.
In order to avoid damage to the unit, put oil in
the crankcase before attempting to start unit.
Your unit is supplied with one 3.4 fluid oz. (100 ml.) 
bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil (Fig. 4).
NOTE:Save the bottle to measure the correct amount
for future oil changes. See 
Changing the Oil
Pg. 19.
1. Unscrew the top of the bottle of oil and remove the
paper seal covering the opening. Replace top. Cut
the tip off the funnel spout (Fig. 4).
2. Place the unit on a flat level surface.
3. Remove the oil plug / dipstick from the crankcase
(Fig. 5). 
Fig. 4
Fig. 6 Oil Fill
NOTE:Never add oil to the fuel or fuel tank.
5. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall
the oil fill plug / dipstick.
The importance of checking and maintaining the proper
oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized.
Check oil before each use and change as needed. See
Changing the OilPg. 19. 
Oil Fill Plug/Dipstick
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 5
4. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole 
(Fig. 6).
O-Ring
Funnel Spout