Ryobi 4 Cycle Trimmer Owners Manual

							OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
11
FUELING UNIT
WARNING:Gasoline is extremely flammable
and its vapors can explode if ignited. To
avoid serious personal injury, always stop the
engine and allow it to cool before filling the
fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank.
Keep sparks and open flames away from the
area.
1. Remove fuel cap (Fig. 7).
WARNING:Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid
injury from 
gasolinespray. 
Fig. 7
Fuel CapFuel Tank Gas Can Spout
2. Place spout of gas container into the fill hole on the
fuel tank (Fig. 7) and fill tank.
WARNING: Add gasolinein a clean, well 
ventilated area outdoors. Avoid creating a
source of ignition for spilt fuel.
NOTE:Do not overfill tank. 
3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled 
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
WARNING:Never operate the unit without
the fuel cap securely in place.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. 
NOTE:Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to
Federal, State, and Local regulations.
RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE
Old fuel is the primary reason for the unit not
running properly. Be sure to use fresh, clean,
unleaded Gasoline.
NOTE:This is a four cycle engine. In order to avoid
damage to the unit,
do not mix oil with
Gasoline
.
Definition of Blended Fuels
Todays fuels are often a blend of gasoline and 
oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether).
Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1%
water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate or form
acids when stored. Use fresh fuel (less than 60 days
old), when using alcohol-blended fuel.
Using Blended Fuels
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is
unavoidable, follow recommended precautions.
•Always use fresh unleaded gasoline 
•Use the fuel additive STA-BIL
®or an equivalent.
•Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit.
Using Fuel Additives
The use of fuel additives, such as STA-BIL®Gas
Stabilizer or an equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and 
minimize the formation of gum deposits. Using a fuel
additive can keep fuel from forming harmful deposits in
the carburetor for up to six (6) months. Add 0.8 oz. 
(23 ml.) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the
instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives
directly to the units gas tank. 
Unleaded
Gasoline 
						

							STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
12
WARNING:Avoid accidental starting. Be in
the starting position whenever pulling the
starting rope. To avoid serious personal
injury, the operator and unit must be in a 
stable position while starting.STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Cold Start - First Start of the Day or Engine Ran Out
of Fuel
WARNING:Operate this unit only in a well
ventilated area outdoors. Carbon monoxide
exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined
area.
1. Check oil level in crankcase. See Checking the Oil
Level
Pg. 19.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline
(see page 11).
3. Put the Start/Stop Engine Control in the 
START[I]
position (Fig. 8).
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
4. Place the choke lever in the FULL choke (A) 
position (Fig. 9).
NOTE:Slide the choke lever directly above the 
appropriate symbol on air filter cover decal 
(Fig. 9).
5. Fully press and release the primer bulb slowly 7
times. Gasoline should be felt and visible in the bulb
(Fig. 9). If gasoline has not entered the bulb, press
three more times, or until it does.
11. Release the throttle control to the idle position and
begin operation. 
NOTE:If the engine does not start using these 
procedures, repeat steps 5 through 11 using
TWO (2) pulls in the 
FULL choke (A) position.
Engine Re-Start - Warm Engine With Fuel
1. Put the Start/Stop Engine Control in the START[I]
position (Fig. 8).
2. Move the choke lever to the 
PARTIAL(B) position
(Fig. 9).
3. Fully press and release the primer bulb slowly 7
times. Gasoline should be felt and visible in the bulb
(Fig. 9). If gasoline has not entered the bulb, press
three more times, or until it does.
4. Squeeze the throttle control to the wide open 
(full throttle) position.
5. With the unit in the starting position (Fig. 10), pull the
starter rope briskly until the engine starts.
6. When the engine starts, move the choke lever to the
RUN(C)  position, and run at full throttle for 30 
seconds. 
NOTE:If the engine does not start using the Engine 
Re-start
procedures, revert to the Cold Start
procedures.
NOTE:4-stroke engines, like cars, are able to start in 
the idle position. As an alternate method, you
may want to start your unit in the idle position
when the unit is warm. With the Start/Stop
control in the 
STARTposition, pull the starter
rope briskly. When the engine starts, run at full
throttle for 30 seconds. If the unit fails to start or
dies, revert to the 
Engine Re-Startproceedure.
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release your hand from the throttle control (Fig. 10).
Allow the engine to idle.
2. To stop the engine, put the Start/Stop Engine
Control in the 
STOP[O] position (Fig. 8).
6. Squeeze the throttle control to the wide open 
(full throttle) position.
7. With the unit in the starting position (Fig. 10) pull the
starter rope briskly 5 times in the 
FULL choke (A) 
position. If the engine attempts to run before the fifth
pull, proceed to step 8.
8. Move the choke lever to the 
PARTIAL(B) position
(Fig. 9).
NOTE:The engine will not run in the FULL choke (A) 
position.
9. Pull the starter rope 1 to 3 pulls until the engine
starts. Run for 15-30 seconds. If the unit fails to start
return to step 7.
10. Move the choke lever to the 
RUN(C) position and
run at full throttle for 30 seconds.
Start / Stop
Control
Primer Bulb
Choke Lever
Starter Rope
Throttle Control 
						

							OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
13
CAUTION: The cutting attachment and 
add-ons with the Click-Link® system are to
be used in the primary hole unless stated
otherwise in the specific add-ons operator’s
manual. Using the wrong hole could lead to
personal injury, or damage to the unit.
For edging when using the line head cutting attachment
with Click-Link® models, lock the release button of the
cutting attachment into the 
90°edging holeor the 180°
edging hole
(Fig. 12).
OPERATING THE CLICK-LINK®SYSTEM
The Click-Link®system enables the use of these 
optional add-ons.
Blower/Vacuum  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BV720r
Cultivator  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GC720r
Edger  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LE720r
Hedge Trimmer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HS720r
Snow Thrower  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ST720r
Straight Shaft Trimmer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SS725r
Sweeper/Blower  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SB720r
Tree Pruner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TP720r
Turbo Blower  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TB720r
WARNING:Read and understand operator’s
manual for add-on prior to operation.
Removing the Cutting Attachment or Add-Ons:
1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 11).
2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 11).
3. While firmly holding the upper shaft housing, pull the
cutting attachment or add-on straight out of the
Click-Link
®coupler (Fig. 12).
Installing the Cutting Attachment or Add-Ons:
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury
and damage to the unit, shut unit off before
removing or installing add-ons.
NOTE:To make installing or removing the add-on 
easier, place the unit on the ground or on a work
bench.
1. Turn knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig.11).
Fig. 11
Click-Link® Coupler
Release Button
Guide Recess Knob
Primary Hole
Upper Shaft Housing
90˚ Edging Hole
Click-Link®Coupler
2. While firmly holding the add-on, push it straight into
the Click-Link®coupler (Fig. 12).
NOTE:Aligning the release button with the guide recess
will help installation (Fig. 11).
3. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 13).
CAUTION:Lock the release button in the 
primary hole and securely tighten the knob
before operating this unit.
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Knob 180˚ Edging Hole Lower Shaft HousingRelease Button 
						

							OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
14
Each time the head is bumped, about 1 inch (25.4 mm.)
of trimming line is released. A blade in the cutting
attachment shield will cut the line to the proper length if
excess line is released.
For best results, tap the Bump Head™ on bare ground
or hard soil. If line release is attempted in tall grass, the
engine may stall. Always keep the trimming line fully
extended. Line release becomes more difficult as the
cutting line becomes shorter.
NOTE:Do not rest the Bump Head™ on the ground
while the unit is running .
CAUTION:Do not remove or alter the line
cutting blade assembly. Excessive line length
will make the clutch overheat. This may lead
to serious personal injury or damage to the
unit.
Some line breakage will occur from:
•Entanglement with foreign matter
•Normal line fatigue
•Attempting to cut thick, stalky weeds
•Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence
posts
TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
•Keep the cutting attachment parallel to the ground.
•Do not force the cutting attachment. Allow the tip of
the line to do the cutting, especially along walls.
Cutting with more than the tip will reduce cutting 
efficiency and may overload the engine.
•Cut grass over 8 inches (200 mm) by working from
top to bottom in small increments to avoid
premature line wear or engine drag.
•Cut from left to right whenever possible. Cutting to
the right improves the units cutting efficiency.
Clippings are thrown away from the operator.
•Slowly move the trimmer into and out of the cutting
area at the desired height. Move either in a forward-
backward or side-to-side motion. Cutting shorter
lengths produces the best results.
•Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
•The life of your cutting line is dependent upon;
•Following the previous trimming techniques
•What vegetation is being cut
•Where it’s being cut
For example, the line will wear faster when trimming
against a foundation wall as opposed to trimming
around a tree. 
HOLDING THE TRIMMER
WARNING:Always wear eye, hearing, foot
and body protection to reduce the risk of
injury when operating this unit.
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position
(Fig. 14). Check for the following:
•The operator is wearing eye protection and proper
clothing.
•The right arm is slightly bent, and the hand is holding
the shaft grip.
•The left arm is straight, and the hand is holding the
J-handle.
Fig. 14
•The unit is at waist level.
•The sweeper/blower is parallel to the ground and is
positioned so debris is blown away from operator.
ADJUSTING TRIMMING LINE LENGTH
The Bump Head™ cutting attachment allows you to
release trimming line without stopping the engine. To
release more line, lightly tap the cutting attachment on
the ground (Fig. 15) while operating the trimmer at high
speed.
NOTE: Always keep the trimming line fully extended.
Line release becomes more difficult as cutting
line becomes shorter
Fig. 15 
						

							OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
15
WARNING:To prevent serious injury, never
do maintenance or repairs with unit running.
Always do maintenance and repairs on a 
cool unit. Disconnect spark plug wire to
ensure the unit will not start.
Fig. 16
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all
vegetation around trees, posts, fences, etc.
Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting attachment is at
a 30°angle to the ground (Fig. 16).
NOTE:Some maintenance procedures may require 
special tools or skills. If you are unsure about
these procedures take your unit to an authorized
service dealer. 
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
These required maintenance procedures should be 
performed at the frequency stated in the table. They
should also be included as part of any seasonal tune-up.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel 
Check oil
Clean and re-oil air filter.
Change oil
Change oil
Clean Spark Arrestor
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust as
required
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust as
required
Check spark plug condition and gap
FREQUENCY
Before Starting Engine
Every 10 Hours
1st Change at 10 Hours
Every 25 Hours there after
Every 25 Hours
10 hours on new engine
Every 50 Hours
Every 50 Hours
REFER TO:
Page 11
Page 19
Page 20
Page 19
Page 19
Page 24
Page 22-23
Page 22-23
Page 24 
						

							MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
16
Line Locking Hole
Trimming Line
Line Loading Hole Eyelet
5. Insert the line into the locking hole (Fig. 18). Do not
push the line more than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) into the
line locking hole. When inserted correctly the line 
will form a small loop (Fig. 19).
6. Pull the line from the outer spool until the line is tight
against the inner reel (Fig. 20).
LINE INSTALLATION FOR THE SPEEDSPOOL®
Always use genuine Ryobi 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) 
replacement line. Line other than specified may make
the engine overheat or fail.
WARNING:Never use metal-reinforced line,
wire, or rope, etc. These can break off and
become a dangerous projectile. 
There are two methods to replace the SpeedSpool
®
trimming line.
• Wind the inner reel with new line
• Install a prewound inner reel
Winding the Inner Reel With New Line
NOTE:
It Is unnecessary to remove the bump knob to
install new trimming line.
1. Cut two pieces of 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) trimming
line, 10 feet (3 m) long.
WARNING:Always use the correct line
length when installing trimming line on the
unit. The line may not release properly if the
line is too long.
2. Hold the outer spool and turn the inner reel 
counterclockwise to line up the arrows on the outer
spool and inner reel (Fig. 17).
3. Pull old line out of the line loading and line locking
holes (Figs. 18 and 19).
4. Insert a piece of trimming line into one of the two
eyelets in the outer spool. Push it up through the line
loading hole in the inner reel (Fig. 18). Do not bend
the line when inserting it into the eyelet.
Top View Of The SpeedSpool®
Outer SpoolArrows
Inner Reel
Bump Knob
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 20
Fig. 19 
						

							MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
17
Bump Knob
Foam Seal
Spring
Inner Reel
INSTALLING A PREWOUND REEL
1. Turn the Bump Knob counterclockwise and remove
the bump knob, spring, and foam seal (Fig. 23).
9. If winding the line becomes difficult or the line jams,
pull the ends of the line from the spool (Fig. 22).
Continue winding the inner reel counterclockwise .
4. Hold the inner reel in place and install the bump
knob, spring and foam seal. Press down and turn the
bump knob clockwise. Grasp the ends and pull 
firmly to release the line from the holding slots in the
inner reel. (Fig. 22).
Releasing the Inner Reel
If the SpeedSpool®does not release line correctly, pull
the ends of the line firmly from the spool (Fig. 22). If this
does not release line, follow the 
Cleaning the
SpeedSpool®instructions. 2. Pull the old inner reel with existing line from the outer
spool.
3. Insert the ends of the prewound inner reel line into
the outer spool eyelets (Fig. 24). Push the new inner
reel, arrow side up, into the outer spool. 7. Repeat procedures 4-6 with the second piece of line.
8. Hold the outer spool. Wind the inner reel 
counterclockwise until approximately four (4) inches
(102 mm) of line remain (Fig. 21). 
NOTE:Do not wind the inner reel before installing the
second piece of line.
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24 
						

							MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
18
2. Pull out the bump knob, spring, and foam seal 
(Fig. 23, Pg. 17).
3. Pull the inner reel with existing line from the outer
spool (Fig. 23, Pg. 17).
4. Remove any existing line from the inner reel before
cleaning. Remove any debris or grass from the knob,
spring, inner reel, and foam seal. Wash the inner reel
with warm soapy water (Fig. 26).
Inner Reel
Shaft
Plunger
NOTE:The inner reel must be totally dry before 
reinstalling it into the outer spool. Do not 
lubricate the inner reel or outer spool assembly.
6. Place the inner reel into the outer spool. 
7. Place the bump knob, spring, and foam seal into the
inner reel (Fig. 23, Pg. 17).
8. Press the bump knob down and tighten clockwise.
9. Install new line as described in 
Line Installation for
the SpeedSpool®Pg. 16. 5. Clean the shaft and the inner surface of the outer
spool. To clean the shaft underneath the plunger,
press down on the plunger (Fig. 27). Remove any dirt
or debris from the shaft.
Fig. 25
Fig. 27
Fig. 26
CLEANING THE SPEEDSPOOL®
Cleaning the SpeedSpool®may be necessary,
•To remove jammed or excess line, 
•If the SpeedSpool
®becomes difficult to wind or
does not operate correctly when bumping the head
on the ground,
1. Hold the outer spool, and unscrew the bump knob
counterclockwise (Fig. 25).
SPEEDSPOOL®REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement Line  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181472
Replacement Line Cartridge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181460
Inner Reel Spring  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181465
Foam Seal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181467
Inner Reel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181460
Bump Head Knob Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181468
(Bump Head, Inner Reel, Spring, )
These SpeedSpool
®replacement parts can be 
purchased from your local authorized dealer. 
						

							MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
19
CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL
CAUTION:To prevent extensive engine wear
and damage to the unit, always maintain the
proper oil level in the crankcase. Never 
operate the unit with the oil level below the
bottom of the dipstick.
The importance of checking and maintaining the proper
oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized.
Check oil before each use:
1. Stop engine and allow oil to drain into the crankcase.
2. Place the unit on a flat, level surface to get a proper
oil level reading.
3. Keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the engine.
Clean the area around the oil fill plug/dipstick before
removing it.
4. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick and wipe off oil.
Reinsert it all the way back in.
5. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick and check oil level.
Oil should be up to the top of the dipstick (Fig. 28).
6. If the level is low, add a small amount of oil to the oil
fill hole and recheck (Fig. 29). Repeat until the oil
level reaches the top of the dipstick.
NOTE:Do not overfill the unit.
Top of Dipstick
O-Ring Oil Fill Plug/Dipstick
CHANGING THE OIL
For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours
of operation. Change the oil while the engine is still
warm. The oil will flow freely and carry away more 
impurities.
CAUTION:Wear gloves to prevent injury
when handling the unit.
1. Unplug spark plug boot to eliminate starting
2. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick.
3. Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container
by tipping the unit to a vertical position (Fig. 30).
Allow ample time for complete drainage.
Fig. 30
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
NOTE:Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill
plug/dipstick when checking and changing the
oil (Fig. 29).
Oil Fill Plug/Dipstick
Oil Fill Hole
O-Ring
Full
Add 1.4-1.5 Oz.
(41-44 ml)
6. Replace the oil fill plug/dipstick.
7. Reconnect spark plug boot. 
Fig. 31
4. Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and clean up any
oil that may have spilled. Dispose of the oil 
according to Federal, State and local regulations.
5. Refill the crankcase with 3.4 fluid ounce (100 ml) of
SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil. 
NOTE:Use the bottle and spout saved from initial use to
measure the correct amount. 3.4 ounce (100 ml)
is approximately to the top of the label on the 
bottle (Fig. 31). Check the level with the dipstick.
If the level is low, add a small amount of oil and
recheck (Fig. 28). Do not overfill.
Fill Level 
						

							MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
20
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Air Filter
WARNING:To avoid serious personal injury,
always turn your trimmer off and allow it to
cool before you clean or do any maintenance
on it.
Clean and re-oil the air filter every 10 hours of operation.
It is an important item to maintain. Not maintaining the
air filter will 
VOIDthe warranty.
1. Open the air filter cover. Push the tab on the right
side of the cover in, pull the air filter cover out and to
the left (Fig. 32).
NOTE:It may be necessary to remove the fuel cap to
completely remove the air filter cover
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 32).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water (Fig. 33). Rinse
the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat
the filter (Fig. 34).
Air FilterChoke Lever
Air Filter Cover
Tab
Fig. 32
Fig. 33
Fig. 34
Fig. 35
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil
(Fig. 35).
Fig. 36
Back Plate Slot
SlotsChoke Lever
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 36).
NOTE:If the unit is operated without the air filter, you
will 
VOIDthe warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the hooks on
the left side of the air filter cover into the slots at the
left side of the back plate (Fig. 36). 
NOTE:It may be necessary to remove the fuel cap to
reinstall the air filter cover
8. Swing the cover to the right until the tab on the air
filter cover snaps into place in the slot on the back
plate (Fig. 36).
9. Replace the fuel cap, if removed. 
Back Plate