Ryobi RPT-43W, Owner'S Operating Manual

WARNING! 

Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the Trimmer. 
Mix and pour fuel outdoors WHERE THERE ARE NO 
SPARKS OR FLAMES.
The 2-cycle engine on your Trimmer requires that fuel and 
2-cycle engine oil be pre-mixed before adding to the 
trimmer’s fuel tank. To mix the fuel/ 2-cycle oil:

1. Throttle

(Fig. 15)

    The throttle lever (12) is located on the top crossbar on 

the upper handle. Depressing the throttle lever will 
increase the engine speed. At idle speed the clutch is 
disengaged and the trimmer head will not turn. As engine 
speed is increased, the automatic clutch will engage and 
rotate the trimmer head. Upon release, the throttle lever 
is spring loaded to return to idle speed. 

2. Swivel to offset trimmer head (Fig. 16)

    Your wheeled string trimmer mower is designed with the 

ability to offset the trimming head from a centered 
position to a right side position. This is accomplished by 
depressing the swivel control lever (13) on the right 
upper handle. By depressing the swivel control lever, the 
head becomes unlocked and can be swiveled to two 
positions to the right. Upon release of the swivel control 
lever, a pin will lock the trimmer head into the desired 
position. Swiveling the trimmer head allows for easy 
mowing / trimming around obstacles such as posts or trees 
and under fences.

3. Bevel trimming adjustment

(Fig. 17)

    The line will normally cut approximate 50mm high. When 

it is desired that the line cut closer to the ground, a bevel 
adjustment is available. Bevel handle (4) is located just in 
front of the left wheel. This handle can be deflected 
outward and rotated to two different positions. This will 
position the trimmer head at an angle and allow the line 
to cut closer to the ground. This is especially useful when 
trimming next to raised sidewalks or building foundations.

4. Start / Stop switch (Fig. 18)

   On/Off ignition switch (17) is located on the engine air 

filter housing. The switch must be in the “On” position for 
the engine to run. Moving the switch to the “Off” position 
will stop the engine.

1. Your Trimmer performs best when the engine operates at 

high speed and the tips of the line cut the vegetation. Do 
not force the trimmer line into grass faster than the 
Trimmer’s cutting speed permits.

2. The tips of the line can cause damage to trees, shrubs 

and fences. To avoid damage in these conditions, you 
may choose to run the engine at lower speeds and 
should carefully monitor the location of the cutting line.

3. Because the cutting head can be pivoted to the right side, 

plan to trim objects (fences, buildings, etc.) in a clockwise 
manner.

4. When trimming next to wire type fencing, avoid 

cutting-line contact with the fence. Contact will result in 
rapid line wear. Likewise, contact with concrete and brick 
surfaces will result in rapid line wear.

5. Do not allow the trimmer head metal bowl to ride on top 

of concrete or asphalt surfaces. This will cause wear to 
the metal bowl. The bowl was designed to ride on grass 
surfaces.

6. It is recommended that the line be replaced when it is 

worn to approximately ½ the original length. This will help 
maintain a high tip speed and result in a clean cut. It is 
strongly recommended that the engine cooling air screen 
be wiped clean at every string change. This will prevent 
engine overheating.

7. Choose your line diameter according to the following 

criteria:
a. 2.4 / 2.7 mm diameter: Best overall choice for yard 

use. This diameter results in a good quality of cut and 
moderate wear rate.

b. 4.0 mm diameter: Ability to cut larger diameter stalks 

and has the best wear rate.

9

Recommendations

1. Use fresh unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 

or higher. Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% 
ethanol. 

NOTICE:

Use of gasoline containing more than 10% 

ethanol can damage Trimmer. Use of non-ethanol 
gasoline is best.

  2. Always use 2-cycle oil that meets or exceeds JASO – FC 

specifications and is intended for mixing at a fuel/oil ratio 
of 50:1

  3. Do not use automotive or 2-cycle marine outboard oil. 

These will damage your Trimmer’s engine and void the 
warranty.

  4. Always mix the gasoline and 2-cycle oil in a container 

approved for gasoline. Never mix fuel directly in the 
trimmer’s fuel tank.

Before Starting Engine

Mixing Fuel / 2-Cycle Oil