DR Sprint User Manual

®

And 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 have ever owned.

Please let us know of any questions or problems you
may have. We want to answer or correct them as quickly
as possible. (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 on how much
you like your new helper.

And please tell your friends about your new DR®
TRIMMER/MOWER™. Having DR® Owners spread the
word about our products and our way of doing business is
the best advertising we can have, and it's the best way to
help us provide even better service in the years to come.

Thanks once again!

for all of us at...
COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS®

®

DR

TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions i

Safety Instructions

We want you to enjoy years of productive use from your DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™. We don't
want you to get injured, so please take a few moments to read the following guidelines for safely
operating your new machine.

Dress Appropriately

• Always wear protective goggles (provided with your DR

mowing, to protect your eyes from possible thrown objects.

• Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your DR

safety shoes, we recommend wearing them. Do not use the machine while barefoot or
wearing open sandals.

• Wear long pants while trimming, and avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry which might

get caught on the mower's moving parts.

• Use ear muffs or ear plugs to protect your valuable hearing.

Preparation

®

TRIMMER/MOWER™) while

®

TRIMMER/MOWER™. If you have

• Read these Assembly & Operating Instructions and the engine manufacturer's owner's

®

manual before you use the DR
engine and service recommendations to ensure the best performance from your machine.

TRIMMER/MOWER™. Become familiar with the controls,

• Inspect the area you'll be working in for hidden objects such as large rocks, logs, rope, wire,

garden tools, etc., and remove these obstacles before mowing. Do not attempt to mow over
obstacles as this could damage the machine and cause injury.

Operating the Machine Safely

• Only use the DR

growth as specified in this manual.

• Use only manufacturer-recommended replacement parts and accessories.

• Never bend, cut, fit, weld, or alter the DR

to your machine could cause personal injuries and property damage, and may void your
warranty.

• ALWAYS shut off the engine and remove the spark plug wire prior to making any

adjustments to the machine. If you have to stop to remove grass or debris from the underside
of the deck, ALWAYS disconnect the spark plug wire first.

• The exhaust area on the engine becomes very hot. Allow the engine to cool before doing

maintenance or making adjustments.

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TRIMMER/MOWER™ for trimming and mowing grass, weeds, and other

®

TRIMMER/MOWER™ in any way. Modifications

• When operating over uneven terrain and slopes, use EXTREME CAUTION and ensure solid

and firm footing at all times.

• Use extra caution when mowing in wet, slippery conditions.

• As with any trimmer, the tips of the cutting cords on the DR

throw sticks, small stones, gravel, and bits of debris over long distances at great velocity.
The faster the cutting cords are spinning, the farther debris may be thrown. 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.

DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions ii

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TRIMMER/MOWER™ can

• Turn off the engine whenever you leave the operating position. Never leave the engine

running when refueling, changing cords or checking, cleaning or working on the machine.

• Never allow children or animals near the work area. Keep at least 50 feet clear of

bystanders, and always turn the machine off when someone approaches to avoid causing
injury from thrown objects.

• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the DR

TRIMMER/MOWER

• Be cautious when using your DR

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 the operator.

™

.

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TRIMMER/MOWER™ around fencing, wires, ropes, and

®

• 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 more

likely to prevent sediment and condensation problems.

• Refuel outdoors only, and do not smoke while refueling or operating the machine.

• If gas is spilled, 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 the

machine near an open flame or spark with gas in the tank.

• 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

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 for assistance in obtaining and installing one.

Warning to All California and Other Users

Under California and Washington State laws, 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. All DR® TRIMMER/MOWERS shipped to California and Washington state are
provided with spark arresters. Failure of the owner/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 area.

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DR

TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions iii

Table of Contents

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.......................................................................................................................................II

D

RESS APPROPRIATELY ............................................................................................................................................ II

P

REPARATION ........................................................................................................................................................... II

PERATING THE MACHINE SAFELY........................................................................................................................... II

O
S

AFETY WITH GASOLINE-POWERED MACHINES ....................................................................................................... III

ARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIA AND OTHER USERS.................................................................................................III

W

SETTING UP YOUR TRIMMER............................................................................................................................. 1

S

TEP 1: CONNECT THE BATTERY WIRES (ELECTRIC-STARTING MODELS ONLY).......................................................... 1

S

TEP 2: ADD OIL AND GAS........................................................................................................................................1

CONTROLS & FEATURES...................................................................................................................................... 2

STARTING & OPERATING ....................................................................................................................................3

E

LECTRIC-STARTING................................................................................................................................................. 3

M

ANUAL-STARTING.................................................................................................................................................. 3

S

TOPPING THE ENGINE .............................................................................................................................................. 4

NGAGING THE TRIMMER HEAD ............................................................................................................................... 4

E
S

TOPPING THE CORDS SPINNING ...............................................................................................................................4

U

SING THE PARALLEL TRIMMING ACTION (PTA

C

UTTING CORDS ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

C

ORD TIPS................................................................................................................................................................. 8

A

DJUSTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT ............................................................................................................................ 9

M

OW-BALL™ SUPPORT .............................................................................................................................................9

A

DJUSTING THE HANDLEBAR .................................................................................................................................... 9

BSTACLES ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

O
H

EAVY GROWTH.....................................................................................................................................................11

W

ET CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 11

V

ERY DRY CONDITIONS..........................................................................................................................................11

S

LOPES.................................................................................................................................................................... 12

W

INDROWS .............................................................................................................................................................12

IREBREAKS ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

F
E

ND-OF-SEASON GARDEN CLEAN-UP..................................................................................................................... 12

™

) FEATURE ................................................................................... 4

MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................................................... 13

R

EGULAR MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................................... 13

B

ATTERY CARE (ELECTRIC-STARTING MODELS ONLY)............................................................................................. 14

O REMOVE THE MOW-BALL™ SUPPORT ASSEMBLY.............................................................................................. 15

T
T

O REASSEMBLE THE MOW-BALL™ SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ...................................................................................... 16

T

O REMOVE THE STONE GUARD FLAP ....................................................................................................................17

T

O REMOVE THE BOTTOM SHIELD .......................................................................................................................... 17

T

O REMOVE AND REPLACE THE BELT .....................................................................................................................18

T

O ADJUST THE BELT TENSION THROUGH THE TRIMMER CONTROL CABLE ........................................................... 20

T

O ADJUST THE PTA™ LEVER................................................................................................................................. 21

O REMOVE THE SIDE SHIELD.................................................................................................................................21

T
T

O REMOVE THE WHEELS....................................................................................................................................... 21

TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................................................................................22

PARTS LIST .............................................................................................................................................................24

SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS..................................................................................................................................... 26

DAILY CHECKLIST FOR THE DR

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TRIMMER/MOWER™.................................................... BACK COVER

DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions iv

Setting Up Your Trimmer

Step 1: Connect the Battery Wires (Electric-Starting models only)

To prevent the battery from discharging
during shipment, all electric-starting
trimmers are shipped with at least one
battery wire disconnected.

Connect the black wire by pushing the
plastic connector onto the negative (-)
terminal (Figure 1). See the red wire for
comparison.

Figure 1

Step 2: Add Oil and Gas

Reminder: 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.

1. Use SAE30 High Detergent oil. Add

approximately 15 ounces of oil and
wait one minute for the oil to settle.
Check the dipstick, then continue
adding small amounts of oil and
rechecking the dipstick until it reaches
the full mark (Figure 2). Do not
overfill.

Important! To get an accurate
reading when checking the oil level
the machine should be on a level
surface, and the dipstick should be
screwed down.

Please refer to your engine
manufacturer's owner's manual for
detailed oil information.

2. Fill the gas tank to within 1/4 inch of

the top with fresh, unleaded gas. See
your engine manufacturer's owner's
manual for detailed fuel
recommendations.

WARNING!

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.

Figure 2

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DR

TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions 1

Controls & Features

Note: 3.5 HP Model Shown

Figure 3

DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™ Assembly & Operating Instructions 2

Starting & Operating

WARNING!

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.

Electric-Starting

(Electric-Starting models only)

1. Push the throttle lever on the right side

of the handlebar (Figure 3) all the way
forward to the START position.

2. Prime the engine.

On the 5.0 HP model the primer bulb
is located on the front of the engine.

On the 3.5 HP model the primer bulb
is located on the left side of the
engine (Figures 3 & 5).

Push the primer bulb in for three
seconds and completely release it,
letting it pop back to its original
position. Repeat three to four times.

Note: Priming is usually unnecessary when restarting a warm engine. In cool weather
priming may need to be repeated

.

3. Turn the key (Figure 4) to the START position until the engine starts, then release. The key

will snap back to the RUN position.

Figure 4

Manual-Starting

Can be used with both Manual- and
Electric-Starting models.

1. Push the throttle lever on the right side

of the handlebar (Figure 3) all the way
forward to the START position.

2. Prime the engine.

On the 5.0 HP model the primer bulb is
located on the front of the engine.

On the 3.5 HP model the primer bulb is
located on the left side of the engine
(Figures 3 & 5).

Push the primer bulb in for three seconds and completely release it, letting it pop back to its
original position. Repeat three to four times.

®

DR

TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions 3

Figure 5

Note: Priming is usually unnecessary when restarting a warm engine. In cool weather
priming may need to be repeated

3. Grasp the recoil starter handle (Figure 3), and slowly pull until resistance is felt. Let the cord

retract a little bit, then pull the cord rapidly to start the engine. One or two pulls usually starts
the DR

®

TRIMMER/MOWER™, but it may be necessary to repeat the priming.

Stopping the Engine

Move the throttle control lever (Figure 3) back to the STOP position.

Note that on Electric-Starting models the key does not stop the engine. You must throttle down.

The key has a pressure lock that prevents it from vibrating loose during operation. If you wish to
remove the key, push it in and then quickly and firmly pull it out. If the key becomes difficult to
remove, spray FLUID FILM® or a comparable lubricant into the keyhole.

Engaging the Trimmer Head

Bring the bail bar (Figure 3) toward you and grip it together with the handlebar. Keep holding
the bail bar to the handlebar. The cutting cords will now be rotating and will continue to rotate
until you release the bail bar.

Stopping the Cords Spinning

Release the bail bar from the handlebar. The trimmer head will stop spinning while the engine
continues to run.

If the trimmer head keeps spinning after the bail bar is released you may need to adjust the
trimmer control cable. See page 20.

Using the Parallel Trimming
Action (PTA

The DR® TRIMMER/MOWER'S PTA™ Feature
allows the machine to move in a straight line while
the trimmer head is both pivoted and tilted to the left
for better access to fence lines and other obstacles
(Figure 6). This feature allows you to trim in
difficult areas without having to pull the machine
back and forth.

The cutting cords extend beyond the wheel base
when in the PTA
cut under obstacles. The trimmer head and the
cutting cords also tilt slightly when in the PTA™
mode so you can edge and trim along gardens, paths
and driveways.

IMPORTANT! When using PTA™ mode, you should
install the cutting cords in one of the bottom four line
plates only. Using the upper line plates may cause
the cords to hit the wheel.

™

) Feature

™

mode, which allows you to easily

Figure 6

DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™ Assembly & Operating Instructions 4

When using your PTA
first pass with the DR

™

along garden edges, fences, and buildings, we recommend making your

®

TRIMMER/MOWER™ in the regular mowing position, staying 4 to 8

inches from the obstacle. Then, return for another pass with the machine in PTA™ mode.

Note: Use caution when edging along gravel paths and driveways. Flying debris can cause
serious damage.

To Engage Parallel Trimming Action

1. Before engaging PTA™, be sure the

cutting cords are installed in one of the
bottom four line plates.

2. Pull the PTA

the handlebar and hold it there
unlocks the axle (Figure 8).

3. Push down on the handlebar to tip the

nose of the machine a few inches off
the ground. (Balancing the weight of
the machine on the wheels will make it
is easier to pivot the front of the
trimmer to the left.)

4. While continuing to hold the PTA

lever down, grip the sides of the
handlebar pulling up with the right hand and pushing down with the left, swinging the front
of the trimmer to the left.

5. Release the PTA

If engaging the PTA
Feature” on page 21.

™

lever (Figure 7) against

. This

™

™

lever. This will lock the axle in PTA™ mode (Figure 8).

™

Feature action is difficult, please see the section “To Adjust the PTA™

Figure 7

Please Note: If you change the position of the handlebar, you will need to adjust the PTA™
lever up or down to maintain proper PTA

™

function. Please see page 21.

To Return to Flat and Forward Mode

1. Pull the PTA™ lever (Figure 7) against

the handlebar and hold it there.

2. Push down on the handlebar to tip the

nose of the machine a few inches off
the ground.

3. While continuing to hold the PTA™

lever down, grip the sides of the
handlebar pulling up with the left hand
and pushing down with the right,
swinging the front of the trimmer to
the right, stopping at center.

™

4. Release the PTA

lock the axle in flat and forward

®

DR

TRIMMER/MOWER™ Safety & Operating Instructions 5

lever. This will

mode.

Figure 8