How to fix Ryobi cordless shredder?

Craig25

Ryobi R36XSHR10 cordless shredder.

It operates in reverse but not forward - no power at all, no warning lights (Tension, Overload, Bin), just silence apart from the click of the ON/SPEED button.

 Given it a good clean out with the blade cover removed. No debris at all.

 Thanks in advance

 Craig25

EricL

Hello @Craig25 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your Ryobi shredder.

If your Ryobi R36XSHR10 cordless shredder operates in reverse but is completely unresponsive in forward mode—no power, no warning lights, and only a click from the ON/SPEED button—it’s likely an issue related to safety interlocks or internal controls rather than debris, especially since you’ve already cleaned it thoroughly.

One of the most common causes is a misaligned or improperly seated safety sensor. Although reverse mode can sometimes bypass these, forward mode won’t function unless all interlocks—such as the bin sensor, blade guard sensor, and top cover—are perfectly engaged. Try reseating the bin and lid carefully, ensuring all edges are firmly clicked in place.

Also check your battery, as forward mode draws more current than reverse; a battery that works in reverse may not have enough charge or voltage under load for forward operation. Make sure it's fully charged, try another 36V battery if available, and inspect the terminals for any corrosion or looseness.

Another possibility is a soft overload lockout. Even without a warning light, the overload protection might still be engaged. To reset it, remove the battery, wait about 30 seconds, then hold down the ON/SPEED button for 5–10 seconds before reinserting the battery and trying again.

If these steps don’t work and the reverse function continues to operate normally, the issue could lie in a fault with the motor controller or the forward-direction circuit on the internal PCB, which can sometimes fail independently.

If your unit is still under warranty—Ryobi provides a five-year warranty on tools when registered—it’s worth contacting their customer service (1300 361 505 in Australia) or visiting the customer service desk at the store where you bought it.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric