LINE INSTALLATION
This section covers both SplitLine™ and standard single line installation.
Always use original equipment manufacturer 0.105 in. (2.67 mm) replacement line. Other types of line may make the
engine overheat or fail.
There are two methods to replace the trimming line:
• Wind the inner reel with new line
• Install a prewound inner reel
WINDING THE EXISTING INNER REEL
1. Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the Bump
Knob clockwise (Fig. 24). Inspect the bolt inside the bump
knob to make sure it moves freely. Replace the bump knob if
damaged.
2. Remove the inner reel from the outer spool (Fig. 24).
3. Remove spring from the inner reel (Fig. 24).
4. Use a clean cloth to clean the inner reel, spring, shaft and inner
surface of the outer spool (Fig. 25).
5. Check the indexing teeth on the inner reel and outer spool for wear (Fig. 26). If necessary, remove burrs or replace
the reel and spool.
NOTE: SplitLine™ can only be used with the inner reel with the
slotted holes. Single line can be used on either type of
inner reel. Use Figure 27 to identify the inner reel you
have.
NOTE: Always use the correct line length when installing
trimming line on the unit. The line may not release
properly if the line is too long.
SINGLE LINE INSTALLATION
Go To Step 8 for SplitLine™ Installation
6. Take approximately 18 feet (6 m) of new trimming line, loop it
into two equal lengths. Insert each end of the line through one
of the two holes in the inner reel (Fig. 28). Pull the line through
the inner reel so that the loop is as small as possible.
7. Wind the lines in tight even layers, onto the reel (Fig. 29). Wind
the line in the direction indicated on the inner reel. Place your
index finger between the two lines to stop the lines from overlapping. Do not overlap the ends of the line. Proceed to step
11.
SPLITLINE™ INSTALLATION
8. Take approximately 9 feet (3 m) of new trimming line. Insert
one end of the line through one of the two holes in the inner
reel (Fig. 30). Pull the line through the inner reel until only
about 4 inches is left out.
9. Insert the end of the line into the open hole in the inner reel
and pull the line tight to make the loop as small as possible
(Fig. 30).
10. Before winding, split the line back about 6 inches.
11. Wind the line in tight even layers in the direction indicated on
the inner reel.
NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction indicated will
cause the cutting attachment to operate incorrectly.
12. Insert the ends of the line into the two holding slots (Fig. 31).
13. Insert the ends of the line through the eyelets in the outer spool
and place inner reel with spring inside the outer spool (Fig. 32).
Push the inner reel and outer spool together. While holding the
inner reel and outer spool, grasp the ends and pull firmly to
release the line from the holding slots in the reel.
NOTE: The spring must be assembled on the inner reel before
reassembling the cutting attachment.
14. Hold the inner reel in place and install the bump knob by
turning counterclockwise. Tighten securely.
4
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or rope. These can break off and become
dangerous projectiles.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be
a part of any seasonal tune-up.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If you are unsure about these procedures
take your unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any
non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
NOTE: Please read the California/EPA statement that came with the unit for a complete listing of terms and
coverage for the emissions control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler, carburetor, etc.
WARNING:
To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always
service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.
FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED SEE
Before starting engine Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel p. 3
Every 10 hours Clean and re-oil air filter p. 5
Every 25 hours Check spark plug condition and gap p. 5
USING FUEL ADDITIVES
The bottle of 2-cycle oil contains a fuel additive which will help inhibit corrosion and
minimize the formation of gum deposits. It is recommended to use our 2-cycle oil
with this unit.
If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines along with
a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL® Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent. Add 0.8 oz.
(23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the
container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's fuel tank.
Thoroughly mix the proper ratio of 2-cycle engine oil with unleaded fuel in a separate fuel can. Use a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.
Do not mix them directly in the engine fuel tank. See the table for specific gas and oil mixing ratios.
NOTE:
One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded fuel mixed with one 3.2 oz. (95 ml) bottle of 2-cycle oil makes a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.
NOTE: Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.
FUELING THE UNIT
1. Turn unit on its side, with the fuel cap facing up, and remove the fuel cap.
2. Place the gas container’s spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank and fill the tank.
NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.
3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
HOLDING THE TRIMMER
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position (Fig. 20). Check for the
following:
• The operator is wearing eye protection and proper clothing
• With a slightly-bent right arm, the operator’s hand is holding the shaft grip
• The operator’s left arm is straight, the left hand holding the D-handle
• The unit is at waist level
• The cutting head is parallel to the ground and easily contacts the grass without
the need to bend over
TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
• Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground.
• Do not force the cutting head. Allow the tip of the line to do the cutting, especially along walls. Cutting with more
than the tip will reduce cutting efficiency and may overload the engine.
• Cut grass over 8 inches (200 mm) by working from top to bottom in small increments to avoid premature line wear
or engine drag.
• Cut from right to left whenever possible. Cutting to the left improves the unit's cutting efficiency. Clippings are
thrown away from the operator.
• Slowly move the unit into and out of the cutting area at the desired height. Move either in a forward-backward or
side-to-side motion. Cutting shorter lengths produces the best results.
• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
• The life of the cutting line is dependent upon:
• Following the trimming techniques
• What vegetation is being cut
• Where vegetation is cut
For example, the line will wear faster when trimming against a foundation wall
as opposed to trimming around a tree.
Some line breakage will occur from:
• Entanglement with foreign matter
• Normal line fatigue
• Attempting to cut thick, stalky weeds
• Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all vegetation around trees, posts, fences, etc.
Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting head is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 21).
USING THE CUTTING BLADE
Before operating the unit with the cutting blade, stand in the operating position
(Fig. 22). Refer to Holding the Trimmer.
Cutting Blade Operating Tips
To establish a rhythmic cutting procedure:
• Plant feet firmly, comfortably apart.
• Bring the engine to full throttle before entering the material to be cut. At full
throttle the blade has maximum cutting power and is less likely to bind, stall
or cause blade thrust (which can result in serious personal injury to the
operator or others).
WARNING:
Always wear eye, hearing, foot and body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating
this unit.
Fig. 20
MIXING RATIO - 40:1
UNLEADED GAS 2 CYCLE OIL
1 GALLON US
(3.8 LITERS)
3.2 FL. OZ.
(95 ml)
1 LITER 25 ml
CAUTION:
For proper engine operation and maximum
reliability, pay strict attention to the oil and fuel mixing instructions
on the 2-cycle oil container. Using improperly mixed fuel can
severely damage the engine.
WARNING:
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop the engine
and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open
flames at a distance from the area.
WARNING:
Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without the
fuel cap securely in place.
WARNING:
Add fuel in a clean, level and well ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix fuel with oil. See Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean fuel mix. Refer to Fueling the Unit.
NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off Control is in the ON ( I )
position at all times (Fig. 17).
3. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount of fuel
should be visible in the primer bulb and fuel lines (Fig. 18). If fuel can not be seen
in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is visible.
4. Place the choke lever in Position 1 (Fig. 18).
5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 19). Squeeze the throttle control lever. Pull the
starter rope 5 times.
6. Place the choke lever in Position 2 (Fig. 18)
7. Squeeze the throttle control, pull the starter rope in a controlled motion 3 to 5
times to start engine.
8. Keep the throttle squeezed and allow the engine to warm up for 30 to 60 seconds.
9. Continue squeezing the throttle control, move the choke lever to Position 3 (Fig. 18)
and continue warming the engine for an additional 60 seconds. The unit may be
used during this time.
NOTE: Unit is properly warmed up when engine accelerates without hesitation.
IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 18) and
continue warm-up.
IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after 2 attempts, place the choke lever in Position 3 and squeeze the throttle
control. Pull the starter rope out with a controlled and steady motion 3 to 8 times. The engine should start. If
not, repeat.
IF WARM... If the engine is already warm, start the unit with the choke lever in Position 2. After the unit starts, move
the choke lever to Position 3.
WARNING:
Avoid accidental starting. Make sure you are in the
starting position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 19). To avoid serious
injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting.
OFF (O)
ON (I)
Throttle
Control
Fig. 17
Starter
Rope
Starting Position
Fig. 19
WARNING:
Operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined area.
Fig. 18
Primer Bulb
Choke Lever
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• Cut while swinging the upper part of your body from left to right.
• Always release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.
• When you are finished, always unsnap the unit from the harness before taking off the harness.
• Swing the unit in the opposite direction as the blade spins, which increases
the cutting action.
• After the return swing, move forward to the next area to be cut and plant your
feet again.
• The cutting blade is designed with a second cutting edge. You can use it by
removing the blade, turning it upside down and reinstalling it.
To reduce the chance of material wrapping around the blade, follow these steps:
• Cut at full throttle.
• Swing the unit into material to be cut from your left to your right (Fig. 23).
• Avoid the material just cut as you make the return swing.
Fig. 21
WARNING:
Always wear eye, hearing, foot, body protection and the shoulder strap to reduce the risk of
injury when operating this unit.
WARNING:
Do not use the cutting blade for edging or as an
edger. Severe personal injury to yourself or others can result.
Fig. 22
WARNING:
Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not
immediately cut. Blade thrust can be violent enough to cause the unit and/or operator to be propelled in
any direction, and possibly lose control of the unit. Blade thrust can occur without warning if the blade
snags, stalls or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut.
WARNING:
The blade continues to spin after the engine is turned off. The coasting blade can
seriously cut you if accidentally touched.
Fig. 23
WARNING:
Do not clear away any cut material with the engine running or blade turning. To
avoid serious personal injury, turn off the engine. Allow the blade to stop before removing
materials wrapped around the blade shaft.
Inner Reel
Spring
Outer Spool
Bump Knob
Bolt
Fig. 24
Indexing Teeth
Fig. 26
Fig. 25
Fig. 27
Slotted
Holes
For Use with SplitLine™
or Single Line
For Use with Single
Line ONLY
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Loop
Fig. 31
Loop
Holding Slots
Fig. 30
Fig. 32
Spring