DR Premier 6.5fpt Kohler User Manual

SAFETY & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

TRIMMER/MOWER™

Models: Premier, Premier Plus, Pro, Pro-XL

DR Power Equipment

Serial No.

Order No.

Read and understand this manual and all instructions before operating the DR TRIMMER/MOWER.

Original Language

Toll-free phone: 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) Fax: 1-802-877-1213 Website: www.DRpower.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: General Safety Rules ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Chapter 2: Setting Up The DR TRIMMER/MOWER ............................................................................................................................ 6

Chapter 3: Operating The DR TRIMMER/MOWER ............................................................................................................................. 10

Chapter 4: Maintaining The DR TRIMMER/MOWER .......................................................................................................................... 16

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Chapter 6: Parts Lists and Schematic Diagrams .................................................................................................................................. 26

Conventions used in this manual

This indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

This indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

This information is important in the proper use of your machine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in damage to

our machine or property.

Serial Number and Order Number

A Serial Number is used to identify your machine and is located on the Serial Number Label on your machine. An Order Number is used to check and maintain your order history and is located on the upper left portion of your packing slip. For your convenience and ready reference, enter the Serial Number and Order Number in the space provided on the front cover of this manual.

Additional Information and Potential Changes

DR Power Equipment 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.

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TRIMMER/MOWER

Chapter 1: General Safety Rules

Read this safety & operating Instructions manual before you use the DR TRIMMER/MOWER. Become familiar with the operation and service recommendations to ensure the best performance from your machine. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at www.DRpower.com or call toll-free 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) and one of our Technical Support Representatives will be happy to help you.

Labels

Your DR TRIMMER/MOWER carries prominent labels as reminders for its proper and safe use. Shown below are copies of the Safety and Information labels that appear on the equipment. Take a moment to study them and make a note of their location on your DR TRIMMER/MOWER as you set up and before you operate the unit. Replace damaged or missing safety and information labels immediately.

#137581

#14823

#13649

Protecting Yourself and Those Around You

This is a high-powered machine, with moving parts operating with high energy at high speeds. You must operate the machine safely. Unsafe operation can create a number of hazards for you, as well as anyone else in the nearby area. Always take the following precautions when using this machine:

 Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property, and

themselves.

 Always wear protective goggles or safety glasses with side shields while mowing to protect your eyes from possible thrown

debris.

 Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry, which can catch on the mower’s moving parts.  We recommend wearing gloves while mowing. Be sure your gloves fit properly and do not have loose cuffs or drawstrings.  Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your DR TRIMMER/MOWER. If you have safety shoes, we recommend wearing

them. Do not use the machine while barefoot or wearing sandals with exposed toes or heels.

 Wear long pants while operating the DR TRIMMER/MOWER.  Use ear protectors or ear plugs rated for at least 20 dba to protect your hearing.  Keep bystanders at least 50 feet away from your work area at all times. The tips of the cutting cords on the DR

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. Release the bail bar to stop the spinning cords and shut off the engine when another person or pet approaches.

 Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.  Never operate the machine when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.  In an emergency, to quickly stop the cutting cords, remove your hand from the bail bar.

Operating the Mower Safely

 Never allow people who are unfamiliar with these instructions to use the DR TRIMMER/MOWER. Allow only responsible

individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation to use your machine.

 Never place your hands, feet, or any part of your body on or under the mower deck in the path of the spinning cords, belt,

pulleys, or near the discharge opening while the engine is running. Keep area of discharge clear of people, animals, buildings, glass, or anything else that will obstruct clear discharge, cause injury, or damage.

 Your DR Trimmer/Mower is a powerful tool, not a plaything. Exercise extreme caution at all times. The design of your

machine is for trimming and mowing grass, weeds, and other growth as specified in this manual. Do not use it for any other purpose.

 Whenever you leave the operating position to make adjustments, change cords or if you have to remove grass or debris from

the underside of the deck, always shut off the engine and wait five (5) minutes to allow parts to cool. Remove the key, if so equipped, and disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

 When operating over uneven terrain and slopes, use extreme caution to ensure solid and firm footing. Keep a firm hold on

the handlebar and walk, never run.

 Stop the cutting cords when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.  Never operate your unit on a slippery, wet, or muddy surface. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.  Always operate the mower from behind the handlebar. Never pass or stand on the discharge side of the machine when the

engine is running or cutting cords are spinning.

 Never, under any conditions, remove, bend, cut, fit, weld, or otherwise alter standard parts on the DR TRIMMER/MOWER.

This includes all shields and guards. Modifications to your machine could cause personal injuries and property damage and will void your warranty.

 If the cutting cords strike a foreign object or if your machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration, stop the

engine and wait five (5) minutes for all moving parts to come to a complete stop and cool. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. Disconnect the spark plug wire and inspect for damage. Clean and repair and/or replace damaged parts.

 While using the DR TRIMMER/MOWER, do not hurry or take things for granted. When in doubt about the equipment or your

surroundings, stop the machine and take the time to look things over. Make sure that you have 100% control of the mower at all times.

 Watch for traffic when mowing near roadways.  Use the machine only in daylight.  Be cautious when using your DR 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.

 Do not operate the DR TRIMMER/MOWER on slopes greater than 20 degrees.  Keep all nuts and bolts tight and keep the equipment in good operating condition.

Safety for Children and Pets

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children and pets. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. precautions:

 Keep children and pets out of the working area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.  Be alert and turn the machine off if children or pets enter the work area.  Never allow children to operate the DR TRIMMER/MOWER.  Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your vision.

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TRIMMER/MOWER

Never

assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Always follow these

Safety with Gasoline - Powered Machines

Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid. Gasoline also gives off flammable vapor that can be easily ignited and cause a fire or explosion. Never overlook the hazards of gasoline. Always follow these precautions:

 Never run the engine in an enclosed area or without proper ventilation as the exhaust from the engine contains carbon

monoxide, which is an odorless, tasteless, and deadly poisonous gas.

 Store all fuel and oil in containers specifically designed and approved for this purpose and keep away from heat and open

flame, and out of the reach of children.

 Replace rubber fuel lines and grommets when worn or damaged and after 5 years of use.  Fill the gasoline tank outdoors with the engine off and allow the engine to cool completely. Don't handle gasoline if you or

anyone nearby is smoking, or if you're near anything that could cause it to ignite or explode. Reinstall the fuel tank Cap and fuel container cap securely.

 If you spill gasoline, do not attempt to start the engine. Move the machine away from the 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.

 Allow the engine to cool completely before storing in any enclosure. Never store a machine that has gas in the tank, or a fuel

container, near an open flame or spark such as a water heater, space heater, clothes dryer or furnace.

 Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Shut down the engine, wait 5 minutes, disconnect the spark plug

wire, keeping it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting before making adjustments or repairs.

 Never tamper with the engine’s governor setting. The governor controls the maximum safe operation speed and protects the

engine. Over-speeding the engine is dangerous and will cause damage to the engine and to the other moving parts of the machine. If required, see your authorized dealer for engine governor adjustments.

 Keep combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot.  Never cover the machine while the muffler is still hot.  Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner or cover over the carburetor air-intake removed, except for adjustment.

Removal of such parts could create a fire hazard. Do not use flammable solutions to clean the air filter.

 The muffler and engine become very hot with use and can cause a severe burn; do not touch. Allow the engine to cool before

refueling, doing maintenance, or making adjustments.

 Do not mow in the rain. Water on the spark plug may cause the engine to stall.  Keep combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot.  Never cover the machine while the muffler is still hot.

A Note to All Users

Under California law, and the laws of some other states, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels without an engine spark arrester. This also applies to operation on US Forest Lands. All DR TRIMMER/MOWERS shipped to California, New Mexico and Washington State are provided 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 State Park Association or the appropriate state organization for specific information in your area.

No list of warnings and cautions can be all-inclusive. If situations occur that are not covered by this manual, the operator must apply common sense and operate this DR TRIMMER/MOWER in a safe manner. Contact us at www.DRpower.com or call 1-800DR-OWNER (376-9637) for assistance.

Chapter 2: Setting Up The DR TRIMMER/MOWER

It may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the controls and features of your DR TRIMMER/MOWER as shown in Figure 1 before beginning these procedures.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at www.DRpower.com.

DR TRIMMER/MOWER Controls and Features

Bail Bar

Recoil Starter

Throttle

Fuel Fill (Briggs and Stratton 6.75 on opposite side)

Oil Fill (Briggs and Stratton 6.75 on opposite side)

Handlebar

djuster

Trimmer Guard

Figure 1

Cutting Cord

Mow-Ball

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TRIMMER/MOWER

Specifications

Engine

Engine Speed Cutting Width Cutting Height Cutting Speed Cord Size

Wheels Frame Mow-Ball

Drive Belt

Machine Dimensions

Machine Weight

Accessories

Premier Premier Plus Pro Pro-XL Kohler XT6.5 OHV Manual or Electric Start

See Engine Owners Manual for details

Briggs and Stratton 675 Quantum

Manual or Electric Start See Engine Owners

Subaru EA175 OHC Manual or Electric Start

See Engine Owners Manual for details

Subaru EA190 OHC Electric Start See Engine Owners

Manual for details

3500 rpm 3500 rpm 3500 rpm 3500 rpm 22" 22" 22" 22" 5 Heights, 1.5" to 3.5" 5 Heights, 1.5" to 3.5" 5 Heights, 1.5" to 3.5" 5 Heights, 1.5" to 3.5" 3800 RPM 3800 RPM 3800 RPM 3800 RPM Green .155" Round,

Blue .175" Spiral, 25" Long

Green .155" Round, Blue .175" Spiral, 25" Long

14" x 1.75" Wide, Resin 14" x 1.75" Wide, Resin 16" x 1.75" Wide, Resin 16" x 1.75" Wide, Resin 14 Gage Steel 14 Gage Steel 14 Gage Steel 14 Gage Steel 4" Diameter, Super-Tough Nylon

V-Belt, 3L, Gates PoweRated 6744, No Substitutions

50.4" L x 21.5" W x 38.3" H

57 Lbs Manual Start, 65 Lbs Electric Start

12" Beaver Blade, DR DuraBlade, TreeSafe Guard, and Weather Cover

4" Diameter, Super-Tough Nylon

V-Belt, 3L, Gates PoweRated 6744, No Substitutions

50.4" L x 21.5" W x 39" H

55 Lbs Manual Start, 63 Lbs Electric Start

12" Beaver Blade, DR DuraBlade, TreeSafe Guard, and Weather Cover

4" Diameter, Super-Tough Nylon

V-Belt, 3L, Gates PoweRated 6744, No Substitutions

50.4" L x 21.5" W x 39" H

62 Lbs Manual Start, 70 Lbs Electric Start

12" Beaver Blade, DR DuraBlade, TreeSafe Guard, and Weather Cover

4" Diameter, Super-Tough Nylon

V-Belt, 3L, Gates PoweRated 6744, No Substitutions

50.4" L x 21.5" W x 39" H

71 Lbs Electric Start

12" Beaver Blade, DR DuraBlade, TreeSafe Guard, and Weather Cover

FOR PROPER SETUP OF YOUR NEW DR TRIMMER/MOWER PERFORM ALL THE FOLLOWING STEPS IN THIS CHAPTER.

Adjusting the DR TRIMMER/MOWER Handlebar

The Handlebar folds down for easy storage and the DR Trimmer/Mower is shipped to you with them folded.

NOTE: Ensure that the teeth of the Handlebar Adjusters mesh correctly as you

tighten the Knobs.

1. Loosen both the Adjustment Knobs and move the Handlebar up or down

until the Notches on the Adjusters are aligned on both sides. This puts the Handlebar at a comfortable operating position for many people. Move the Handlebar up or down until you are comfortable, and then tighten the Adjustment Knobs securely. Take note of how many teeth you have moved away from the aligned notches to align both sides.

It is important to find a Handlebar height that allows the Mow-Ball

to hover just above the ground and remain balanced so you do not have to push down or pull up on the Handlebar. When in use, proper adjustment is critical to best performance. You may find you like different Handlebar heights for different mowing conditions.

Upper

Handlebar

djustment

Knob

Figure 2

Notches Lined Up

Lower Handlebar

Cord

Side Openings

Center Opening

Installing the Cutting Cords

There are two installation points on each Line Plate. Each point is 180 degrees apart. Always install two Cords, one opposite the other at the same height.

1. Insert the ends of the Cords into the side openings in the Line Plate

(Figure 3).

2. Push the Cord through until the ends come out the center hole in the Line

Plate. Adjust the Cords so the tips are even.

3. Pull the Cords under the loop and push the loop up into the Line Plate

groove above them (Figure 4) and then pull the Cords tight.

Figure 3

Cord Ends

Figure 4

In Here

Out Here

If the tips of the cords are not even, it can cause unbalance of the trimmer and will result in increased vibration.

Figure 5 illustrates the Cords installation on the Line Plates. It shows the Line Plate from a top view. It may look complicated, but once you have done it a couple of times, it’s easy. There are two installation points on each Line Plate. Each point is 180 degrees apart. Always install two Cords, one opposite the other.

In Here

Top View

Out Here

In Here

Figure 5

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TRIMMER/MOWER

Out Here

In Here

Adding Oil and Gasoline

Note: Refer to the Engine Manufacturers Manual for more detailed Engine information.

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.

Note: You will need approximately 15 to 22 ounces of SAE 30 high detergent oil depending on Engine type. Use only SAE 30 high

detergent oil classified “For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher. Do not use special additives. Other types of oil could cause problems with the operation of your machine. Please refer to your Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed information on oil quantity and cold temperature oil specifications.

 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 avoid overfilling.

 To get an accurate reading when checking the oil level:

- the machine should be on a level surface.

- the dipstick should

Note: Briggs and Stratton 6.75 Fuel and Oil fills are on opposite sides from what is

shown in figure 6.

you must add oil before starting the engine. Fill the reservoir slowly, checking the level frequently to

be screwed down to ensure an accurate oil level reading.

Oil Fill

1. Place the machine on a level surface and initially add 1/2 of the SAE 30 High

Detergent oil into the Oil Fill (Figure 6) and wait one (1) minute for the oil to

Fuel Fill

settle

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.

Fill the fuel tank outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.

Figure 6

Note: Discard the blue Protective-Shipping Cap provided by some Engine

Manufacturers. You will find this Protective-Shipping Cap under the Fuel Fill Screw Cap or in the tank Filler Tube. See your Engine Owner’s Manual for more fuel information.

3. Fill the Fuel Tank with fresh, unleaded gas (with a minimum of 85 Octane), to not more than 1/4" from the bottom of the Fill

Neck to allow for Fuel expansion. Be careful not to overfill and reinstall the Cap before starting the Engine. See your Engine Owner’s Manual for more information.

Note: To refill the Fuel Tank, turn the Engine OFF, and let the Engine cool at least two minutes before removing the Fuel Fill Cap.

Chapter 3: Operating The DR TRIMMER/MOWER

 The design of your machine is for trimming and mowing grass, weeds, and other growth as specified in this manual. Do not

use it for any other purpose as it could cause serious injury.

 Contact with internal rotating parts will cause serious personal injury. Never put hands, face, feet, or clothing under the

mower deck or discharge opening at any time.

 Before performing any adjustments to the trimmer cords or any other procedure or inspection, stop the engine, wait five

minutes to allow parts to cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire, keeping it away from the spark plug.

Oil Fill

Figure 7

Recoil Starter Handle

Throttle Control Lever

Fuel Fill

Before Starting the Engine

Note: Briggs and Stratton 6.75 Fuel and Oil fills are on opposite sides from what is

shown in figure 7.

1. Check the oil level every time you use the DR TRIMMER/MOWER (Figure 7).

2. Check the fuel level.

3. Remove any debris buildup from the top of the Engine and the underside of

the machine.

It is important for proper operation to keep the top of the engine clear of grass and debris at all times so the engine can pull air through to stay cool. If the top of the engine is clogged then the engine could overheat causing engine damage.

Note: See the Engine Manual for more detailed and specific information on operating the Engine.

Manual Starting

Note: You may use these starting methods with both Manual and Electric-Starting

models.

1. Push the Throttle Control Lever on the right side of the Handlebar (Figure 8)

all the way forward (Rabbit or Choke position depending upon model).

Figure 8

2. For Briggs and Stratton 675 Engines only, push the Primer Bulb in and

completely release it, lifting your finger and letting it pop back to its original position. Repeat three to four times.

Note: “Priming” or “Choking” the Engine is usually not necessary when restarting a warm Engine. In cool weather, you may need to

repeat the priming operation.

3. Grasp the Recoil Starter Handle and slowly pull until you feel resistance. Let the cord retract a little bit and then pull the cord

rapidly to start the Engine. One or two pulls usually starts the DR TRIMMER/MOWER.

Note: Do not engage the Bail Bar (Trimmer Head Control) until after the Engine has started.

4. Once the Engine is started, move the Throttle Lever to the RUN or IDLE position.

Note: Kohler and Subaru Engines have a throttle detent in the RUN position.

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TRIMMER/MOWER

+ 22 hidden pages

DR Premier 6.5fpt Kohler User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual