Ryobi Trimmer PLT3043S User Guide

OPERATOR'S MANUAL  
String Trimmer  
PLT3043S  
Your new trimmer has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi’s high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator  
safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.  
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before  
using this product.  
Thank you for buying a Ryobi trimmer.  
SAVETHIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE  
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SAFETY  
Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to prevent  
b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase  
bloodcirculation.  
entanglement in any moving parts.  
Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 m  
c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of  
exposure per day.  
(50 ft.) away.  
Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under  
d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened  
andwornpartsreplaced.  
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.  
Do not operate in poor lighting.  
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,  
immediately discontinue use and see your physician  
about these symptoms.  
Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.  
Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure  
to hot surfaces.  
Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.  
Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.  
Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.  
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 9 m (30 ft. ) away from  
refueling site before starting engine.  
Do not touch areas around the muffler or cylinder of the  
trimmer, these parts get hot from operation.  
Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or  
Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire  
before making any adjustments or repairs except for  
carburetoradjustments.  
storing the unit.  
Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure  
the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.  
Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners,  
fuel leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.  
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER USE  
The string head will rotate during carburetor adjust-  
Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in  
any way. Be sure the string head is properly installed  
and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause  
serious injury.  
ments.  
It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools  
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syn-  
drome 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 develop-  
ment 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 vibra-  
tion:  
Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and handles are  
properly and securely attached.  
Use only the manufacturer's replacement string in the  
cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.  
Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place  
and in good condition.  
Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming.  
Keep string head below waist level. Never cut with the  
string head located over 76 cm (30 in.) or more above  
theground.  
a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operat-  
ing the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists  
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major  
factor contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.  
The cutting attachment should stop turning when the  
engine idles because it is equipped with a clutch. If the  
cutting attachment continues to turn when the engine  
idles, contact a service dealer for repair.  
3
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SYMBOLS  
Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper  
interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.  
SYMBOL  
NAME  
EXPLANATION  
Safety Alert Symbol  
Indicates danger, warning or caution. It means  
attention!!! Your safety is involved.  
ReadYourOperator’sManual  
Your manual contains special messages to bring  
attention to potential safety concerns as well as  
operating and servicing information. Please read all  
the information carefully to assure satisfaction and  
safe use.  
Weareyeandhearingprotection.  
Wear eye and hearing protection when operating this  
equipment.  
Keep bystanders away.  
Ricochet.  
Keep all bystanders at least (15 m) 50 feet away.  
Danger of Ricochet.  
Noblade.  
Do not install any type of blade on this unit.  
RPM Decal  
Boots  
Rotational direction and maximum speed of the shaft  
for the cutting attachment.  
9,000  
-1  
min  
Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this  
equipment.  
Gloves  
Wear non-slip, heavy-duty gloves.  
NoSmoking  
Do not smoke when mixing fuel or filling fuel tank.  
Gasoline  
Use unleaded gasoline intended for automotive use  
with an octane rating of 87 ([R + M] / 2) or higher.  
Oil  
Use 2-cycle oil for air cooled engines.  
Mix Gasoline and Oil  
Switch  
Mix the fuel mix thoroughly and also each time before  
fueling.  
On/Off Switch  
I = ON to Run  
O = OFF to Stop  
4
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SYMBOLS  
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the explanations  
with them, 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  
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or  
serious injury.  
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or  
serious injury.  
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or  
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage.  
NOTE:  
Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
TECHNICAL DATA  
Weight  
Without fuel and string head ................................................................................................................4.07 Kg  
Without fuel, w/string head ..................................................................................................................5.09 Kg  
Fuel tank volume ................................................................................................................................................... 42.5 cm3  
Cutting swath .......................................................................................................................................................... 432 mm  
Enginedisplacement ................................................................................................................................................ 30 cm3  
Maximum engine performance (in accordance with ISO 8893) ............................................................................... 0.78 kW  
Maximum rotational frequency of the spindle ..................................................................................................... 9000 min-1  
Engine Speed (rotational frequency) at recommended max. spindle rotational frequency ..................................12500min-1  
Engine speed (rotational frequency) at idle ............................................................................................... 2800 - 3200 min-1  
Fuel consumption (in accordance with ISO 8893) at max. engine performance ................................................... 0.52 kg/h  
Specific fuel consumption (in accordance with ISO 8893) at max. engine performance ...................................... 0.47 kg/h  
Vibration level idling -  
FrontHandle ................................................................................................................. 3.7 m/s2  
RearHandle .................................................................................................................. 2.7 m/s2  
FrontHandle ............................................................................................................... 11.0 m/s2  
RearHandle .................................................................................................................. 8.1 m/s2  
Vibration level racing  
Sound pressure level (in accordance with EN ISO 11806:1997, ISO 7917:1987) ......................................... 101 LpA (dBA)  
Sound power level (in accordance with ISO 10884) ................................................................................... 108 LwA (dBpA)  
5
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UNPACKING  
INSTRUCTIONS  
PACKING LIST FOR OWNER'S KIT  
Carefully remove the product from the carton.  
Grass deflector  
Inspect the product to make sure no breakage or  
Fronthandle  
damageoccurredduringshipping.  
Muffler guard, torx wrench and screws  
Hardware  
Do not discard the packing material until you have  
inspected and operated the product.  
Operator'smanual  
FEATURES  
ENGINE HOUSING  
THROTTLE  
INTERLOCK  
IGNITION  
SWITCH  
FRONT HANDLE  
STARTER GRIP  
THROTTLE TRIGGER  
COUPLER  
SHAFT  
KNOB  
GRASS DEFLECTOR  
CUTTING  
LINE  
Fig. 1  
6
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ASSEMBLY  
ATTACHING THE POWER HEAD TO THE  
TRIMMER ATTACHMENT  
See Figure 2.  
STRING TRIMMER  
SHAFT  
COUPLER  
WARNING:  
Never attach or adjust any attachment while power head is  
running. Failure to stop the engine can cause serious  
personal injury.  
GUIDE  
RECESS  
The trimmer attachment connects to the power head by  
means of a coupler device.  
1. Loosen the knob on the coupler of the power head shaft  
and remove the end cap from the attachment.  
KNOB  
POSITIONING  
HOLE  
2. Push in the button located on the trimmer attachment  
shaft. Align the button with the guide recess on the  
power head coupler and slide the two shafts together.  
Rotate the trimmer attachment shaft until the button  
locks into the positioning hole.  
TRIMMER ATTACHMENT  
Fig. 2  
NOTE: If the button does not release completely in the  
positioning hole, the shafts are not locked into place.  
Slightlyrotatefromsidetosideuntilthebuttonislockedinto  
place.  
3. Tighten the knob securely.  
HANGER CAP  
WARNING:  
Be certain the knob is fully tightened before operating  
equipment; check it periodically for tightness during use  
to avoid serious injury.  
HOLE  
REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE  
POWER HEAD  
For removing or changing the attachment:  
1. Loosen the knob.  
2. Push in the button and twist the shafts to remove and  
separateends.  
BUTTON  
ATTACHING THE STORAGE HANGER  
See Figure 3.  
There are two ways to hang your attachment for storage.  
Fig. 3  
To use the hanger cap, push in the button and place the  
hanger cap over end of the lower end attachment shaft.  
Slightly rotate the cap from side to side until the button  
locks into place.  
The secondary hole in the attachment shaft can be used  
for hanging purposes as well.  
7
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ASSEMBLY  
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:  
HANDLE BASE  
SCREWS  
GRASS DEFLECTOR  
See Figure 4.  
1. Remove wing nut, flat washer, lock washer, and bolt  
from the Owner’s Kit.  
HANDLE  
BASE  
2. Place grass deflector over shaft and bracket.  
3. Install bolt through the slots in the tabs on grass  
deflector and bracket on driveshaft housing.  
4. Install flat washer, lock washer and wing nut.  
5. TightenSecurely.  
BRACKET  
BOLT  
GRASS  
DEFLECTOR  
NUTS  
BRACKET  
LOCK WASHER  
SPACER  
FLAT  
WASHER  
WING NUT  
Fig. 4  
FRONT HANDLE  
See Figure 5.  
1. Place the handle base and the bracket on the driveshaft  
housing below the spacer.  
HANDLE GRIP  
2. Install the two handle base screws and nuts, but do not  
tighten completely.  
3. Place the handle grip onto the handle base and install the  
two screws.Tighten securely.  
4. Adjust the position of the handle for best balance and  
comfort.  
5. Tighten the two handle base screws securely.  
NOTE: Do not attempt to remove or modify the spacer.This  
spacer limits the upper position of the handle grip. See  
Figure 5.  
SCREWS  
Fig. 5  
8
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ASSEMBLY  
MUFFLER GUARD ASSEMBLY  
See Figure 6.  
REAR HOUSING  
1. Remove muffler guard and two screws from the owner's  
kit.  
TORX  
WRENCH  
2. Attach the muffler guard to the rear housing.  
NOTE: Make sure the bent end of the muffler guard fits  
securely into the opening of the rear housing.  
3. Using the torx wrench supplied, install the two screws  
and tighten securely.  
SCREWS  
MUFFLER  
GUARD  
BENT END OF  
MUFFLER GUARD  
OPENING IN REAR  
HOUSING  
Fig. 6  
9
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OPERATION  
FUEL AND REFUELING  
WARNING  
HANDLING THE FUEL SAFELY  
Always shut off engine before fueling. Never add fuel  
to a machine with a running or hot engine. Move at  
least 9 m (30 ft.) from refueling site before starting  
engine. Do not smoke!  
Always handle fuel with care, it is highly flammable.  
Always refuel outdoors where there are no sparks and  
flames. Do not inhale fuel vapors.  
Do not let gasoline or oil come in contact with your skin.  
Keep gasoline and oil away from the eyes. If gasoline or  
oil comes in contact with the eyes, wash them immedi-  
ately with clean water. If irritation is still present, see a  
doctorimmediately.  
Clean up spilled fuel immediately.  
1 Litre  
+
+
+
+
+
20 ml  
40 ml  
60 ml  
80 ml  
100 ml  
=
=
=
=
=
MIXING THE FUEL  
2 Litres  
3 Litres  
4 Litres  
5 Litres  
This product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires  
pre-mixing gasoline and 2-cycle oil. Pre-mix unleaded  
gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil in a clean container  
approvedforgasoline.  
50:1  
}
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline  
intended for automotive use with an octane rating of 87  
([R + M] / 2) or higher.  
OPERATING THE TRIMMER  
See Figure 7.  
Hold the trimmer with the right hand on the rear handle and  
the left hand on the front handle. Keep a firm grip with both  
hands while in operation.Trimmer should be held at a  
comfortable position with the rear handle about hip height.  
Do not use any type of pre-mixed gasoline/oil from fuel  
service stations, this includes the pre-mixed gasoline/oil  
intended for use in mopeds, motorcycles, etc.  
Use high a quality 2-cycle self mixing oil for air cooled  
Always operate trimmer at full throttle. Cut tall grass from  
the top down.This will prevent grass from wrapping around  
the driveshaft housing and string head which may cause  
damage from overheating. If grass becomes wrapped  
around the string head, stop the engine, disconnect the  
spark plug wire, and remove the grass. Prolonged cutting at  
partial throttle will result in oil dripping from the muffler.  
engines. Do not use automotive oil or 2-cycle outboard  
oil.  
Mix 2% oil into the gasoline. This is a 50:1 ratio.  
Mix the fuel thoroughly and also each time before  
fueling.  
Mix in small quantities. Do not mix quantities larger than  
usable in a 30 day period. A 2-cycle oil containing a fuel  
stabilizer is recommended.  
FILLING THE TANK  
1. Clean surface around fuel cap to prevent contamination.  
2. Loosen fuel cap slowly to release pressure and to keep  
fuel from escaping around the cap.  
3. Carefully pour fuel mixture into the tank. Avoid spillage.  
4. Prior to replacing the fuel cap, clean and inspect the  
gasket.  
5. Immediately replace fuel cap and hand tighten. Wipe up  
any fuel spillage. Move 9 m (30 ft.) away from refueling  
site before starting engine.  
NOTE: It is normal for smoke to be emitted from a new  
engine during and after first use.  
Fig. 7  
10  
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OPERATION  
ADVANCING THE STRING  
GRASS DEFLECTOR LINE TRIMMING CUT-  
OFF BLADE  
See Figure 9.  
ADVANCING STRING USING THE EZ LINE™ TAP  
ADVANCE SYSTEM  
This trimmer is equipped with a line trimming cut-off blade  
on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance string until  
it is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade. Advance string  
whenever you hear the engine running faster than normal.  
This will maintain best performance and keep string long  
enough to advance properly.  
String advance is controlled by tapping string head on grass  
while running engine at full throttle.  
1. Run engine at full throttle.  
2. Tap string head on ground to advance string. String  
advances each time the head is tapped.  
3. Several taps may be required until string strikes the cut  
off blade.  
4. Resumetrimming.  
NOTE: If the string is worn too short you may not be able to  
advance the string by tapping it on the ground. If so, STOP  
THE ENGINE, and manually advance the string.  
ADVANCING THE STRING MANUALLY  
Push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to  
manually advance the string.  
CUTTING TIPS  
See Figure 8.  
Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is  
the best cutting area.  
Fig. 9  
Do not cut in dangerous cutting area.  
Use the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force string  
head into uncut grass.  
Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even  
breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may  
wear string rapidly.  
Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings,  
siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the  
string.  
DANGEROUS  
CUTTING AREA  
BEST CUTTING  
Fig. 8  
AREA  
11  
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OPERATION  
STARTING AND STOPPING  
See Figures 10 and 11.  
IGNITION SWITCH  
I = ON TO RUN  
O = OFF TO STOP  
WARNING:  
Never start or run the engine inside a closed or poorly  
ventilated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.  
THROTTLE INTERLOCK  
TO START A COLD ENGINE:  
1. Lay trimmer on a flat, bare surface. Move switch to “I”  
(RUN)position.  
NOTE: Unit is equipped with a positive on-off switch,  
make sure switch is in the “I” (RUN) position before  
starting the unit.  
2. Push primer bulb 8 to 10 times.  
3. Set choke lever to choke position (  
).  
THROTTLE  
TRIGGER  
4. Depress interlock, squeeze trigger and pull starter rope  
until engine tries to run. (No more than 6 pulls.)  
Fig. 10  
5. Set choke lever to half choke position (  
).  
6. Hold trigger and pull starter rope until engine runs.  
7. Run engine 30 to 45 seconds at full throttle (with trigger  
CHOKE LEVER  
depressed fully) on half choke position (  
up. Move choke lever to run position ( ).  
) to warm  
PRIMER BULB  
RUN POSITION  
TO START A WARM ENGINE:  
1. Move choke lever to run position ( ).  
2. Hold trigger and pull starter rope until engine runs.  
TO STOP THE ENGINE:  
HALF  
CHOKE  
POSITION  
To stop the engine, depress the switch to “O” position.  
1
NOTE: Be sure to return the stop switch to the “I” (RUN)  
position before trying to start unit.  
CHOKE  
POSITION  
Fig. 11  
12  
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MAINTENANCE  
6. Make sure the string head and the spool retainer are  
installed on the drive shaft by turning the retainer  
clockwise to tighten.  
WARNING:  
Use only original manufacturer's replacement parts,  
accessories and attachments. Failure to do so can  
cause possible injury, poor performance and may  
void your warranty.  
7. Pull the strings again to rotate the spool into cutting  
position. Push the spool retainer down while pulling on  
string(s) to manually advance the string and to check for  
proper assembly of the string head.  
You may make adjustments and repairs described here.  
For other repairs, have the trimmer serviced by an  
authorizedservicedealer.  
Consequencesofimpropermaintenancemayinclude  
excess carbon deposits resulting in loss of performance  
and discharge of black oily residue dripping from the  
muffler.  
Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and handles are  
properly and securely attached to avoid the risk of  
personalinjury.  
SPOOL  
RETAINER  
SPOOL REPLACEMENT  
EZ LINE™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM  
NEW PREWOUND SPOOL  
Fig. 12  
See Figures 12 and 13.  
If replacing string only, refer to “String Replacement” later in  
this manual.  
SPRING  
Use only 2.0 mm (.080 in.) diameter monofilament string.  
Use the manufacturer's replacement string for best perfor-  
mance.  
SPOOL  
SLOTS  
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold  
the string head and unscrew the spool retainer. Turn  
counterclockwise.  
2. Remove the empty spool from the string head. Keep the  
spring attached to the spool.  
STRING HEAD  
3. To install the new spool, make sure the two strings are  
captured in the slots opposite each other on the new  
spool. Make sure the ends of each string is extended  
approximately 152 mm (6 in.) beyond each slot.  
EYELETS  
4. Thread the strings into the eyelets in the string head.  
Carefully push the spool into the string head (gently pull  
the strings to the outside if necessary). When the spool  
is positioned in the string head, grasp the strings and  
pull sharply to release them from the slots in the spool.  
DRIVESHAFT  
EYELETS  
Fig. 13  
5. Push down and turn the spool counterclockwise until it  
no longer turns. Hold the spool down and rotate clock-  
wise a small amount. Release the spool. The spool  
should be locked down in the string head. If not, hold  
down and rotate until locked.  
13  
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MAINTENANCE  
STRING REPLACEMENT  
See Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17.  
SPOOL  
SPRING  
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold  
the string head and unscrew the spool retainer. Turn  
counterclockwise.  
ARROWS ON  
SPOOL  
2. Remove the spool from the string head. NOTE: Keep  
the spring attached to the spool. Remove any old string  
remaining on the spool.  
ANCHOR  
HOLE  
3. Cut two pieces of string, each being approximately  
2.7 m (9 ft.) long.  
4. Insert the first string into the anchor hole in the upper  
part of the spool. Wind the first string around the upper  
part of the spool counterclockwise, as shown by the  
arrows on the spool. Place string in the slot on upper  
spool flange, leaving about 152 mm (6 in.) extended  
beyond the slot. Do not overfill. After winding the string,  
there should be at least 6 mm (1/4 in.) between the  
wound string and the outside edge of the spool.  
FIRST STRING  
Fig. 14  
FIRST STRING  
SLOT  
5. Repeat above step with second string, using the bottom  
part of spool. Do not overfill.  
6. Replace the spool and the spool retainer. Refer to "Spool  
Replacement " earlier in this manual.  
CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT AND  
MUFFLER  
Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and amount of  
oil used, and/or your operating conditions, the exhaust port  
and muffler may become blocked with carbon deposits. If  
you notice a power loss with your gas powered tool, a  
qualified service technician will need to remove these  
deposits to restore performance.  
Fig. 15  
SPARK ARRESTOR  
The spark arrestor must be cleaned or replaced every 25  
hours or yearly to ensure proper performance of your  
product. Spark arrestors may be in different locations  
depending on the model purchased. Please contact your  
nearest service dealer for the location of the spark arrestor  
for your model.  
SECOND  
STRING  
Cleaning Instructions:  
Remove the spark arrestor from the muffler.  
If your spark arrestor is made of a fiberglass material,  
Fig. 16  
discardandreplace.  
If your spark arrestor is made of a metal material follow  
these cleaning instructions:  
1. Spray the spark arrestor with a quality carbon  
cleaner.  
SLOT  
ARROWS ON  
SPOOL  
2. Gently clean using a wire brush.  
3. Install the new or cleaned spark arrestor and reas-  
semble completely before use.  
Fig. 17  
14  
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MAINTENANCE  
REPLACING AND CLEANING AIR FILTER  
See Figures 18 and 19.  
For proper performance and long life, keep air filter clean.  
LATCH  
1. Remove the air filter cover by pushing down on the latch  
with your thumb while gently pulling on the cover.  
2. Remove the filter, clean it in warm soapy water. Rinse  
and let dry completely. For best performance, replace  
annually.  
PULL COVER  
TO OPEN  
3. Install the filter, align tabs, push in, and make sure the  
latches are locked into place.  
FUEL CAP  
Fig. 18  
WARNING:  
A leaking fuel cap is a fire hazard and must be  
replaced immediately.  
FILTER  
The fuel cap contains a non-serviceable filter and a check  
valve. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine perfor-  
mance. If performance improves when the fuel cap is  
loosened, check valve may be faulty or filter clogged.  
Replace fuel cap if required.  
SPARK PLUG  
This engine uses a Champion RCJ-6Y with 0,63 mm  
(.025 in.) electrode gap. Use an exact replacement and  
replace annually.  
TRANSPORTING  
Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure the  
unit from moving before transporting.  
AIR FILTER  
COVER  
STORAGE  
STORAGE (LESS THAN 1 MONTH)  
1. Clean all foreign material from the trimmer. Store it in a  
well-ventilated place that is inaccessible to children.  
Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden  
chemicals and de-icing salts.  
2. Abide by all ISO and local regulations for the safe  
storage and handling of gasoline. Excess fuel should be  
used up in other 2-cycle engine powered equipment.  
Fig. 19  
STORAGE (1 MONTH OR LONGER)  
1. Drain all fuel from tank into a container approved for  
gasoline. Run engine until it stops.  
2. Clean all foreign material from the trimmer. Store it in a  
well-ventilated place that is inaccessible to children.  
Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden  
chemicals and de-icing salts.  
3. Abide by all ISO and local regulations for the safe  
storage and handling of gasoline. Excess fuel should be  
used up in other 2-cycle engine powered equipment.  
15  
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TROUBLESHOOTING  
IFTHESE SOLUTIONS DO NOT SOLVETHE PROBLEM CONTACTYOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER.  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Engine will not start:  
1. Check spark. Remove spark plug. Reattach  
the spark plug cap and lay spark plug on metal  
cylinder. Pull the starter rope and watch for  
spark at spark plug tip. If there is no spark,  
repeat test with a new spark plug.  
1. No spark.  
2. Push primer bulb until bulb is full of fuel. If  
bulb does not fill, primary fuel delivery system  
is blocked. Contact a service dealer. If primer  
bulb fills, engine may be flooded (see next  
item).  
2. No fuel.  
3. Remove spark plug, turn trimmer so spark plug  
hole is aimed at the ground. Move choke lever  
to “RUN” and pull starter cord 10 to 15 times.  
This will clear excess fuel from engine. Clean  
and reinstall spark plug. Pull starter three  
times with choke lever at “RUN”. If engine  
does not start, move choke lever to “CHOKE”  
and repeat normal starting procedure. If engine  
still fails to start, repeat procedure with a new  
spark plug.  
3. Floodedengine.  
4. Contact a service dealer.  
4. Starter rope pulls harder now than  
whennew.  
Engine starts but will not  
accelerate:  
Turn “L” needle counterclockwise 1/16 turn. If  
L” low needle can not be turned counterclock-  
wise, do not force plastic limiter caps. Contact a  
service dealer. See Figure 20.  
Carburetorrequiresadjustment.  
Engine starts but will only  
run at high speed at half  
choke:  
Turn “H” needlecounterclockwise 1/16 turn. If  
H” high needle can not be turned counterclock-  
wise, do not force plastic limiter caps. Contact a  
service dealer. See Figure 20.  
Carburetorrequiresadjustment.  
Engine does not reach full  
speed and emits excessive  
smoke:  
1. Use fresh fuel and the correct 2-cycle oil mix.  
2. Clean the air filter. Refer to “Replacing and  
Cleaning the Air Filter ” earlier in this manual.  
3. Turn H” needle clockwise 1/16 - 1/8 turn. See  
Figure20.  
1. Check oil fuel mixture.  
2. Air filter dirty.  
3. Carburetorrequiresadjustment.  
Carburetorrequiresadjustment.  
Engine starts, runs, and  
accelerates but will not idle:  
Turn idle speed screw clockwise to increase idle  
speed.  
String will not advance:  
1. Lubricate with silicone spray.  
1. String welded to itself.  
2. Install more string. Refer to “String Replace-  
ment” earlier in this manual.  
2. Not enough string on spool.  
3. Pull strings while alternately pressing down on  
andreleasingspoolretainer.  
4. Remove string from spool and rewind. Refer to  
“String Replacement” earlier in this manual.  
5. Advance string at full throttle.  
3. String worn too short.  
4. String tangled on spool.  
5. Engine speed too slow.  
16  
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TROUBLESHOOTING  
IFTHESE SOLUTIONS DO NOT SOLVETHE PROBLEM CONTACTYOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER.  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Grasswrapsaround  
driveshafthousingand  
stringhead:  
1. Cutting tall grass at ground level.  
2. Operating trimmer at part throttle.  
1. Cut tall grass from the top down.  
2. Operate trimmer at full throttle.  
Spool retainer hard to turn:  
Oil drips from muffler:  
Screw threads dirty or damaged.  
Clean threads and lubricate with grease - if no  
improvement,replacespoolretainer.  
1. Operating trimmer at part throttle  
2. Check oil/fuel mixture.  
3. Air filter dirty.  
1. Operate trimmer at full throttle.  
2. Use fresh fuel and the correct 2-cycle oil mix.  
3. Clean air filter. Refer to “Replacing and  
Cleaning the Air Filter” earlier in this manual.  
4. Turn H” needle clockwise 1/16 - 1/8 turn. See  
Figure20.  
4. Carburetorrequiresadjustment.  
NOTE:The carburetor adjustment needle(s) are equipped with plastic  
cap(s) that prevents counterclockwise rotation from the original  
factory adjustment. If your unit exhibits specific performance  
problem(s) where theTrouble Shooting Section recommends a  
counterclockwise needle adjustment and no adjustments have been  
made since original purchase, the unit should be taken to a factory  
authorized service dealer for repair. In most cases, the needed  
adjustment is a simple task for the factory trained service representa-  
tive.  
IDLE SPEED  
SCREW  
L” LO  
NEEDLE  
1
H” HIGH  
NEEDLE  
Fig. 20  
SAFETY DIRECTIVE  
SOUND POWER/PRESSURE & HANDLE VIBRATION CHART FOR STRING TRIMMERS /  
BRUSHCUTTERS  
Information on Noise Emission per European Machine Safety Directive 98/37/EC.  
The individual equipment listed was operated in a manner consistent with normal working conditions.  
The A-weighted sound pressure level (LpA) at the operator’s ear and the A-weighted sound power level (LWA) were both  
measured in accordance with Directive 79/113/EEC. Hearing protection is recommended where levels exceed 85 dBA.  
Handle vibration was measured in accordance to ISO 7916. Read the safety precautions section of the manual.  
SOUNDPRESSURE  
LpA (dBA)  
SOUNDPOWER  
LwA(dBpA)  
VIBRATION  
m/s2  
MODEL  
PLT3043S  
101  
108  
11.0  
17  
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WARRANTY  
GUARANTEE  
GUARANTEE – STATEMENT  
(RTSA / RTUK / RTG)  
All Ryobi products are guaranteed from defects in material and workmanship, for a period of twenty-four (24)  
months, effective and evidenced from date of original invoice or delivery note.  
Defects caused by normal wear and tear, unauthorized/improper maintenance/handling or overload are excluded  
from this guarantee as are accessories such as battery packs, bulbs, blades and bits,etc.  
In the event of malfunction within the guarantee period, please return the assembled product with proof of purchase,  
to your dealer or nearest Ryobi Service Centre.  
Your statutory rights in respect of defective products remain unaffected by the warranty.  
RyobiTechnologies GmbH, Itterpark 7, D-40724 Hilden, Germany  
RyobiTechnologies, Customer Services, Anvil House, Tuns Lane, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1SA, UK  
RyobiTechnologies, BP 50012 - 95945 Roissy CDG Cedex – FRANCE  
RyobiTechnologies Australia PTY Limited, 359-361 Horsley Road, Milperra, NSW 2214 Australia  
18  
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NOTES  
19  
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL  
String Trimmer  
PLT3043S  
RyobiTechnologies GmbH  
Itterpark 7  
D-40724 Hilden  
Germany  
Tel.: +49 (0)2103 / 29 58 0  
Fax : +49 (0)2103 / 29 58 29  
RyobiTechnologies  
Customer Services  
Anvil House  
Tuns Lane  
Henley-on-Thames  
RG9 1SA  
UK  
RyobiTechnologies  
BP 50012 - 95945 Roissy CDG Cedex – FRANCE  
RY70113  
983000-225  
3-03  
RyobiTechnologies Australia PTY Limited  
359-361 Horsley Road, Milperra, NSW 2214 Australia  
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