Ryobi Expand-it UT15702B - Manual (Page 9)

9
OPERATION
Adjust the shoulder harness to position the brushcutter at
a comfortable operating position and to ensure that the
shoulder harness will reduce the risk of operator contact
with the blade.
Ensure the blade has come to a complete stop before setting
the brushcutter down.
BLADE THRUST
Exercise extreme caution when using the blade with this
unit. Blade thrust is the reaction that may occur when the
spinning blade contacts anything it cannot cut. This contact
may cause the blade to stop for an instant and suddenly
“thrust” the unit away from the object that was hit. This
reaction can be violent enough to cause the operator to lose
control of the unit. Blade thrust can occur without warning if
the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to occur
in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut.
For cutting ease and safety, approach the weeds being cut
with the brushcutter from the right to the left. In the event
an unexpected object or woody stock is encountered, this
practice could minimize the blade thrust reaction.
TRI-ARC ® BLADE
The TRI-ARC ® blade is suited only for thicker weeds and
pulpy stalks. When the blade becomes dull, it can be turned
over to extend the life of the blade. Do not sharpen the TRI-
ARC
® blade.
Use only TRI-ARC ® blade, part number 06297, available at
your service center.
CUTTING TECHNIQUE - BLADE
WARNING:
Extreme care must be taken when using blades to ensure
safe operation. For safe operation when using the blade,
refer to Specific Safety Rules earlier in this manual.
DIRECTION OF ROTATION
CUTTING AREA
Fig. 6
 Always hold brushcutter on your right side with both hands
when operating. Use a firm grip on both handles.
 Maintain your grip and balance on both feet. Position
yourself so that you will not be drawn off balance by the
kickback reaction of the cutting blade.
 Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects such as
glass, rocks, concrete, fencing, wire, wood, metal, etc.,
which can be thrown or entangled in the blade.
 Never use blades near sidewalks, fencing, posts, build-
ings or other immovable objects.
 Never use a blade after hitting a hard object without first
inspecting it for damage. Do not use if any damage is
detected.
 The unit is used for cutting from the right to the left in a
broad sweeping action from side to side.
 Use only the TRI-ARC ® blade. To install any other brand
blade or cutting head to this brushcutter could result in
serious personal injury.