Ryobi P2908 Operator's Manual page 10

CUTTING TIPS
See Figures 5 - 6.
WARNING:
Never cut near electric cords or lines. If blade jams on
any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE!
IT CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY DAN-
GEROUS. Continue to hold the grass shear/shrubber by
the handle or lay it down and away from you in a safe
manner. Disconnect the electrical service to the damaged
line or cord before attempting to free the blade from the
line or cord. Contact with the blade, other conductive
parts of the grass shear/shrubber, or live electric cords or
lines will result in death by electrocution or serious injury.
WARNING:
Clear the area to be cut before each use. 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.
 Never use the grass shear/shrubber near power lines,
fencing, posts, buildings, or other immovable objects.
 Do not force the grass shear/shrubber through heavy
grass or shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind and
slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce the pace.
 When using the grass shear, never cut anything heavier
than blades of grass or pulpy stalks and stems. Woody
stems and twigs can jam or bend the shear blades.
 Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs with the shrubber
blade that are larger than 5/16 in. thick, or those obviously
OPERATION
too large to feed into its cutting blade. Use a non-powered
hand saw or pruning saw to trim large stems.
 If blades do become jammed, stop the motor, allow the
blades to stop, and remove the battery pack before at-
tempting to remove the obstruction.
 If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge
level. Decide how high you want the hedge. Stretch a
piece of string along the hedge at the desired height.
Trim the hedge just above the guide line of string. Trim
the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at
the top. More of the hedge will be exposed when shaped
this way, and it will be more uniform.
 Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth.
When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action,
so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade.
Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed
easiest by using a sawing movement.
OPERATING THE GRASS SHEAR/SHRUBBER
See Figures 5 - 6.
 Depending on the application, stand or kneel in a stable
position next to the cutting area.
 Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects.
 Grasp the handle firmly and start the grass shear/ shrubber.
 Using a slow, sweeping action begin cutting from side to
side.
 If the blade hits a hard object, stop the motor, allow the
blades to stop, and remove the battery pack. Inspect the
blade for damage. Do not use if any damage is detected.
 Do not continue use until any damaged item has been
repaired or replaced.
 Failure to do so may result in loss of function.
8 — English