Congratulations on your purchase of a new DR TRIMMER/MOWER We have done our
utmost to ensure that your DR
will be one of the most trouble-free and satisfying pieces of
equipment you’ve ever owned.
Please let us know if you have any questions or problems. We want to answer or correct
them quickly. (When you do call or write, please have your serial number and/or order
number handy;
it will speed things up.) We also hope to hear from you about how you like your new
machine.
Please tell your friends about your new DR
TRIMMER/MOWER. Having new owners spread
the word about our products and the way we conduct business is the best advertising we
have and it’s the best way we can provide you with even better service in the years to come.
Thanks once again!
for all of us at
Country Home Products, Inc.
COPYRIGHT
2002 Country Home Products, Inc. All rights reserved.
D
OCUMENTATION
Written by: Ann Zuccardy, Page Designs Inc.
Country Home Products, Inc.
Meigs Road
P.O. Box 25
Vergennes, VT 05491
DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions iii
iv DR
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions
Chapter 1: Introducing the DRChapter 1: Introducing the DR TRIMMER/MOWER TRIMMER/MOWER
Thank you for the purchase of your new DR TRIMMER/MOWER. Over 500,000 people have
chosen the DR
TRIMMER/MOWER since 1987 to help make property care faster and easier
than ever before.
This manual is shipped with DR
models. It will help you set up and safely operate your new DR
TRIMMER/MOWER SPRINT, PRO, and COMMERCIAL
TRIMMER/MOWER. Careful
adherence to the safety and operating instructions in this manual will ensure many years of
productive use.
Please let us know if you have any questions or problems by contacting us via e-mail or our
toll-free phone number. Our contact information is listed inside the front cover of this
manual. When you call or write, please have your serial number or order number available
so we can help you quickly.
About This Manual
This manual is broken down into six main chapters:
Chapter 1: Introducing the DR
■ Explains the organization of this manual.
■ Provides contact information for Country Home Products, Inc.
Chapter 2: Safety Considerations
■ Explains guidelines for safe operation of your machine.
Chapter 3: Setting Up Your DR
■ Provides instructions for setting up and using your machine after shipment.
Chapter 4: Operating Your DR
■ Provides instructions for starting and stopping the machine’s engine.
■ Explains the many cutting and trimming features of your machine.
■ Provides tips for dealing with obstacles.
Chapter 5: Maintaining the DR
■ Provides machine maintenance tips.
TRIMMER/MOWER
TRIMMER/MOWER
TRIMMER/MOWER
TRIMMER/MOWER
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Warranty
■ Lists common problems and their solutions.
■ Explains how to contact Country Home Products, Inc. should you need further
assistance.
■ Provides warranty information.
In addition to these chapters, there is a section at the end of this manual for your notes as
well as a checklist of daily maintenance procedures on the back cover which will keep your
trimmer performing well for years to come.
alerts you to essential operating, safety, and maintenance (servicing)
Important!
or damage to your trimmer.
Tip: This is a helpful hint to guide you in getting the most out of your trimmer.
Tools needed: This indicates you will need a special tool to perform a maintenance function
on your machine.
Note: This information may be is helpful to you.
If you are ever unsure about an action you are about to take, contact Country Home
Product’s toll-free support at 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637).
WARNING! The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle
This information is important in the proper use of your
machine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in injury to you
Taking the time to read and observe all safety instructions will ensure many years of
productive use from your DR
TRIMMER/MOWER and help you avoid injury. Please take a
few moments to read the following guidelines for safely operating your new machine.
Preparing to Use the DR
■ Read these Safety and Operating Instructions and the engine manufacturer’s owner’s
manual before you use the DR
■ Inspect the area in which you will be working. Look for rocks, sticks, rope, wire, garden
TRIMMER/MOWER.
TRIMMER/MOWER
tools, etc. and remove these objects before trimming or mowing. Mowing over these
objects could damage the machine and cause injury.
Safety Information Labels
Take some time to become familiar with the following standard safety cautions applicable to
your trimmer. Replace damaged or missing safety labels immediately. (#148231)
Read the Safety and
Operating Instructions.
Do not operate the machine
near people or animals.
Always wear safety glasses
or goggles while operating
the machine.
Keep body parts away from
the trimmer line.
Remove all objects that could
be thrown by the trimmer
line.
Use caution operating the
machine on slopes.
Make sure you add oil before starting the
engine; the unit is shipped without oil.
Fill the oil reservoir slowly to make sure
you don’t overfill it. (#127811)
A warning notice about the danger
inherent in the spinning cords.
(#144761; SPRINT model only)
To avoid injury, keep your hand and feet away from the
spinning cords. (#136491)
Yet another warning notice for your
safety. (#148221; PRO and
COMMERCIAL models only)
)
In the parallel trimming action (PTA
mode, the
trimmer’s wheels stay straight while the trimmer head
tilts , causing the cords to extend beyond the
The bail bar is an important safety feature: release it
to immediately stop the engine. (#153081)
This notice is a handy reminder of your
equipment’s name and how you can
contact us. (#148241; PRO and
COMMERCIAL models only)
This label reminds you about the
importance of reading and
understanding the Safety &
Operating Instructions manual and
of paying attention to the safety
warnings. (#142671; SPRINT model
only)
■ Always wear the protective goggles while mowing to protect your eyes from possible
thrown objects. Goggles are provided with your DR
■ Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your DR
TRIMMER/MOWER.
TRIMMER/MOWER. If you have
safety shoes, we recommend wearing them. Do not use the machine while barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
■ Wear long pants while trimming or mowing.
■ Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry which might be caught on the mower’s moving
parts.
■ Use earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing.
Operating the Machine Safely
■ Only use the DR
■ Use only manufacturer-recommended replacement parts and accessories.
■ Never bend, cut, fit, weld, or alter the DR
■ ALWAYS shut off the engine and remove the spark plug wire before adjusting the
■ The exhaust area on the engine becomes very hot with use. Allow the engine to cool
■ When operating over uneven terrain and slopes, use EXTREME CAUTION to ensure solid
■ Use extra caution when mowing in wet or slippery conditions.
■ The tips of the cutting cords on the DR
■ Turn off the engine whenever you are not operating the machine. Never leave the
■ Never allow children or animals near the work area. Keep at least 50 feet clear of
■ Never allow children or people who are unfamiliar with these instructions to use the DR
WARNING!The items listed in this section will help you keep your
DR
TRIMMER/MOWER
running smoothly and, most importantly,
prevent injury to yourself or others. Please review them carefully
TRIMMER/MOWER for trimming and mowing grass, weeds, and other
growth as specified in this manual.
TRIMMER/MOWER in any way. Modifications
to your machine could cause personal injuries and property damage and may void your
warranty.
machine. If you have to stop to remove grass or debris from the underside of the deck,
ALWAYS disconnect the spark plug wire first.
before doing maintenance or making adjustments.
and firm footing.
TRIMMER/MOWER™ can throw sticks, small
stones, gravel, and bits of debris over long distances at great velocity. Do not travel over
loose materials such as gravel or mulch with the trimmer head spinning. Doing so could
cause personal injury or property damage from thrown objects.
engine running when refueling, changing cords, checking, cleaning or working on the
machine.
bystanders and always turn the machine off when someone approaches.
TRIMMER/MOWER around fencing, wires, ropes, and
hoses. It is possible that these and other debris can become wound around the line
plates of the machine, potentially damaging the bearings or injuring you.
■ Use the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
■ Never operate the machine with a damaged shield or without the shield in place.
■ Do not operate the machine when under the influence of alcohol or medication.
■ Watch for traffic when mowing near roadways.
Safety with Gasoline-Powered Machines
■ Do not run the engine in an enclosed area or without proper ventilation.
■ Store all fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose. Plastic containers are
■ Refuel your trimmer outdoors only.
■ Do not smoke while refueling or operating the machine.
■ If you spill gasoline, do not attempt to start the engine. Move the machine away from the
■ Allow the engine to cool completely before storing in any enclosure. Never store the
■ Do not change the engine governor settings or modify the engine speed.
■ Some state and local regulations require the use of a spark arrester on gasoline-powered
WARNING!The items listed in this section will help you keep your
DR
TRIMMER/MOWER
running smoothly and, most importantly,
prevent injury to yourself or others. Please review them carefully
more likely to prevent sediment and condensation problems.
area of the spill and avoid creating any source of ignition until the gas vapors have
dissipated. Wipe up any spilled fuel to prevent a fire hazard and properly dispose of the
waste.
machine near an open flame or spark with gas in the tank.
engines. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information
pertaining to your area. If you are required to use a spark arrester, please contact one of
our Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) who will assist
you in obtaining and installing one.
A Note to All California and Washington State
Users
California and Washington state laws and the local regulations of some other states prohibit
you from operating an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels without an
engine spark arrester. All DR
state are shipped with spark arresters. Failure of the owner or operator to maintain this
equipment in compliance with state regulations is a misdemeanor under California law and
may be in violation of other state and/or federal regulations. Contact your local fire marshal
or forest service for specific information in your state.
TRIMMER/MOWERS shipped to California and Washington
Chapter 3: Setting Up Your DRChapter 3: Setting Up Your DR TRIMMER/MOWER TRIMMER/MOWER
This chapter outlines a few simple steps you will need to follow to set up your new machine
before you use it. It may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the controls and features on
your trimmer by reviewing the picture in the next section before beginning the steps outlined
in this chapter.
DR TRIMMER/MOWER Package Checklist
Country Home Products ships the following items with your new machine. Please check to
make sure you have everything listed below:
■ 2 keys (for electric models only). The key is attached to the trimmer just below the bail
bar spring.
■ 1 pair of goggles
■ 1 metal head locking tool
■ 1 bundle of light trimmer cord
■ 1 bundle of heavy trimmer cord
Note: Remove and discard the plastic shipping caps from the ends of the wheel nuts on your
new machine before using it.
If you are missing any of the items listed above, please call Customer Service at:
1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) for assistance.
Country Home Products, Inc. reserves the right to discontinue, change, and improve its
products at any time without notice or obligation to the purchaser. The descriptions and
specifications contained in this manual were in effect at printing. Equipment described within
this manual may be optional. Some illustrations may not be applicable to your machine.
Connecting the Battery Wire
(Electric-Starting Models Only)
We ship all electric-starting trimmers with the negative terminal battery wire disconnected.
This prevents the battery from discharging during shipment. Before using your trimmer, you
must connect the battery wire.
1. Connect the wire by pushing
the plastic connector onto the
negative (–) terminal as shown
in Figure 2.
⇒ The dipstick should NOT be screwed down on Kawasaki engines.
approximately 15 ounces of SAE 30 high detergent oil.
Tip: To avoid confusion, we recommend leaving the caps on the fuel and oil fills until you
are ready to pour either gasoline or oil into the correct fill.
Tools needed: You will need approximately 15 ounces of SAE 30 high detergent oil.
Use only SAE 30 high detergent oil. Other types of oil could cause problems operating your
machine. Please refer to your engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual for detailed oil
information.
WARNING! You must add oil before starting the engine.
This machine is shipped without oil. Traces of oil may be
in the reservoir from factory testing, but you must add oil
before starting the engine. Fill the reservoir slowly
checking the dipstick frequently to avoid overfilling. Use
To get an accurate reading when checking the oil level:
⇒ The machine should be on a level surface.
⇒ The dipstick should be screwed down
on Briggs and Stratton engines.
1. Add 15 ounces of SAE 30 high detergent oil and wait one minute for the oil to settle.
(Figure 3)
2. Check the dipstick and continue adding
a few ounces of oil at a time,
rechecking the dipstick until the oil
reaches the fill mark. Be careful not to
overfill.
3. Fill the gas tank to within ¼ inch of the
top with fresh, unleaded gas. See your
engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual
for more information.