Please read these instructions and the separate engine ma nual before you assemble and
use your DR
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™.
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.
Operating the Machine Safely .........................................................................................................................................5
Safety with Gas-Powered Machines................................................................................................................................6
Warning to All California and Other Users.....................................................................................................................6
TRIMMER PARTS & COMPONENTS..........................................................................................................................7
Stopping the Engine.......................................................................................................................................................16
Engaging the Trimmer Head..........................................................................................................................................16
Stopping the Cords Spinning.........................................................................................................................................16
Adjusting the Cutting Height.........................................................................................................................................21
Heavy Growth................................................................................................................................................................23
Very Dry Conditions...................................................................................................................................................... 24
Battery Care (Electric-Starting Models Only)...............................................................................................................26
To Remove the Mow-Ball
To Reassemble the Mow-Ball
™
Support Assembly ............................................................................................................27
™
Support Assembly.......................................................................................................28
To Partially Lower the Bearing Housing Assembly (to remove debris) ........................................................................29
To Check the Bearing Housing Assembly for Damage.................................................................................................29
To Remove and Replace the Bearing Housing Assembly.............................................................................................30
To Replace the Belt .......................................................................................................................................................32
To Adjust the Belt Tension through the Trimmer Control Cable ..................................................................................33
PARTS LIST.....................................................................................................................................................................39
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
· Read these Assembly & Operating Instructions and the engine manufacturer's owner's manual
before you use the DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™. Become familiar with the controls, engine and
service recommendations to ensure the best performance from your machine.
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™) while
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™. If you have
· 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
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.
· 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.
· 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.
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™ for trimming and mowing grass, weeds, and other
· As with any trimmer, the tips of the cutting cords on the DR
sticks, small stones, gravel, and bits of debris for long distances at great velocity. The faster the
cutting cords are spinning, the farther debris may be thrown. Do not move 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.
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™ can throw
· 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
MOWER™.
· Be cautious when using your DR
hoses. It is possible that these and other debris can become wound around the shaft of the
machine, potentially damaging the bearings or injuring the operator.
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™ around fencing, wires, ropes, and
®
TRIMMER/
· 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 Gas-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
with gas in the tank near an open flame or spark.
· 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 gas 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 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. All DR
MOWERS
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.
™
shipped to California and Washington state are provided with spark arresters. Failure
The following parts and assembly components should be in your DR® TRIMMER/MOWER
™
package. Please check your shipping box(es) and parts package(s) for the items listed below. If
your shipment is incomplete or if you have any questions, please call us TOLL-FREE 1(800)DR-OWNER (376-9637).
Assembly Components:
1—Upper Handlebar [#117771]
1—Lower Handlebar [#117741]
1—Axle [#114261]
1—Rubber Stone Guard [#116801]
1—PTA™ Lever [#118221]
1—Acrylic Shield Assembly [#120521]
2—Wheels [#121321, or #121761]
Parts Bag Contents:
2—Wheel Retainer Rings [#119551]
2—Handlebar Knobs [#118181]
2—Stone Guard Clamps [#115641]
2—Handlebar Bolts 1/4"-20 x 1-1/2" [#114611]
1—Black Nylon Axle Washer [#121521]
4—5/16" Washers [#121691]
5—Lock Nuts 5/16"-18 [#110761]
2—Set Screws 1/4"-20 Square Head [#120161]
7—Slotted Hex Head Bolts 10-24 x 5/8" [#114781]
7—Lock Nuts 10-24 [#118731]
2—U-Bolts [#114851]
™
1—PTA
Lever Grip [#117491]
Please refer to Figure 1 on the next page when preparing to assemble your DR
®
TRIMMER/MOWER™. We recommend laying the parts out in sets, as we have drawn them, before
assembly.
WARNING: Do not attempt to start the engine until all assembly steps are complete, and you
have ADDED GAS AND OIL to the engine.
Tools & Supplies Needed:
• flat head screwdriver
• 1/2" and 3/8" wrenches, adjustable
wrench, or socket set
• pliers
• SAE30 HD (High Detergent) motor oil
• funnel (preferably with filter)
• unleaded gasoline
THIS MACHINE IS SHIPPED WITHOUT
OIL! TRACES OF OIL MAY BE IN
RESERVOIR FROM FACTORY TESTING,
RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF OIL
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.
WARNING!
BUT YOU MUST ADD THE
Step 1: Install the Axle
1. Turn the orange housing upside down to
access the underside. Leave the front
piece of Styrofoam in place (Figure 2).
2. Place the black nylon axle washer over
the axle stud at the center back of the
housing (Figure 3).
3. Insert the axle through the slot in the side
of the housing so the plate faces the axle
stud (Figure 4).
4. Center the axle and slide the hole in the
notched plate over the stud so that it rests
flush against the nylon washer (Figures 3& 4). Be sure the axle is seated on the
axle stud solidly.
5. Screw a 5/16" lock nut onto the axle stud
using a 1/2" wrench or socket. Tighten until there is resistance, then back off 1/2 turn. [If the
bolt is too tight, it will be hard to operate the Parallel Trimming Action (PTA
1. Take one of the two stone guard clamps and spread it open. Position it around the axle (Figure
5) and squeeze the ends together. Install the second clamp midway along the opposite side of the
axle in the same way. Turn the open ends of the clamps upward.
2. Holding the rubber stone guard vertically over the axle, slip one side of the stone guard in
between the clamp end so that the hole in the guard is aligned with the holes in the clamp. Insert
a 5/8" long bolt and attach a lock nut (Figure 6). Tighten with a 3/8" wrench or socket and
screw driver until the threads show. Don't over tighten. Repeat on the other side. The stone
guard should swing freely from the axle.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Step 3: Install the Wheels
1. Mount each wheel on the axle and push it
firmly against the axle stop (Figure 7).
2. Place the retaining ring on the axle, against
the wheel, and tighten the set screw with a
wrench or pliers (Figure 7).
Step 4: Set the Machine Upright
Note: Be careful not to kink, twist or stretch the
control cables.
1. Remove the front end of the Styrofoam
packing.
2. Stand at one side of the machine, hold on to
one wheel with one hand, and the nose of the machine with the other. Lift the front-end of the
™
machine up and over until the Mow-Ball
Support is resting on the ground and the machine is
upright (most of the weight is on the wheels during this maneuver).
over the front end of the machine. Let it
rest there (Figure 8).
Caution: DO NOT add gas or oil to the
engine at this time.
Step 5: Install the Handlebars
A) Lower Handlebar
Note: There are 2 U-bolts, 4 washers, and 4
lock nuts in your parts bag that will be
needed for the lower handlebar assembly.
1. With the control cables on the inside of
the handlebars, position the lower
handlebar over the bolt holes in the
trimmer frame (Figure 9).
2. Place the U-bolts through the bolt holes
in the trimmer frame from the inside out
(Figure 9). Make sure the black control
cable is not beneath the U-bolt.
3. Mount the washers and nuts and secure
them snugly on both sides—don't tighten
them yet. Position the lower handlebar in
the middle of the slotted notch on each
side. This is the average height needed
by most users. Tighten the nuts securely.
After you install the upper handlebar
you'll be able to judge whether you need
to adjust the height.
Figure 8
Figure 9
B) Upper Handlebar
1. Making sure the control cables are over
the lower handlebar, position the upper
handlebar outside the lower handlebar
(Figure 10). The ends of the upper
handlebar are cupped half-circles and fit
on the outside of the lower handlebar.
With the holes aligned, insert one of the
two round-headed 1-1/2" handlebar bolts
from the inside facing out.
2. Secure the bolt with one of the large black
handlebar knobs on the outside of the
handlebar. Repeat on the opposite side.
3. Be sure the throttle control cable on the
Figure 10
left handlebar is secured with the black plastic clamp (Figure 10). Do not kink the control
cables.
The height of the handlebar depends on many
factors for each individual. However, it is
crucial to find a height that allows the MowBall™ Support to glide along the ground and
remain balanced without the operator having to
push down or pull up on the handlebars. At the
proper height, your hands should rest at a
comfortable level and the front end should roll
easily on the Mow-Ball™ Support.
To adjust the height of the handlebars, loosen the
lock nuts on the U-bolts. Push the handlebars
forward for more height, backward for less.
Then tighten the nuts securely.
Figure 11
Step 6: Install the Parallel Trimming Action (PTA™ ) Lever
1. Insert the straight end of the L-shaped PTA
lever through the hole in the center of the
lower handlebar (Figure 11).
2. Align the flat end of the PTA™ lever with the
corresponding hole in the PTA™ latch installed
at the center rear of the frame (Figure 12).
3. Mount a 5/8" long bolt through the two holes.
Tighten with a lock nut until there is slight
resistance, then back off two full turns.
Note: If the lock nut is too tight, the PTA
lever will be hard to engage.
4. Install the black, vinyl PTA™ lever handle grip
over the operator's end of the lever (Figure
11).
™
™
Figure 12
Step 7: Attach the Acrylic Engine Shield
Use the four remaining sets of 5/8" long bolts and
lock nuts to attach the acrylic engine shield.
We have found it's easiest to tip the machine back
on its handlebars in order to reach the underside.
1. Position the shield on the frame in front of the
engine with the bend at the top facing the
handlebars (Figure 13).