Page 1
Grass Trimmer
OWNER’S MANUAL
Model PT180H
120V., 60Hz., 3.8 Amps
CAUTION
Before using this Grass
Trimmer, read this manual
and follow all its Safety
Rules and Operating
Instructions.
FANTOM, 94 Main Mill Street, Door 16, Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901
Tel.: 1 (800) 275-9251
• Safety Instructions
• Accessories
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
Page 2
SAFETY & WARNING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING! THIS MACHINE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES.
When using the Grass Trimmer basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury. Carefully read and understand the entire owner’s manual
before using your Grass Trimmer. Pay close attention to the Operating
Instructions and Safety Warnings. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of this unit. Restrict the use of this unit to persons who read,
understand and follow unit and manual instructions and warnings. Close
attention is necessary when used near children.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING
1. Do NOT leave the grass trimmer
plugged in. Unplug from electrical
outlet when not in use or before
servicing.
2. Avoid dangerous environments.
Never operate your unit in damp
or wet conditions. Moisture is a
shock hazard.
3. Do NOT use the grass trimmer in
the rain.
4. Do NOT handle the unit with wet
hands.
5. Use the right tool for the right
job. Use the unit only as
described in this manual. Do NOT
use for any job except that for
which it is intended.
6. Clear the area to be cut before
each use. Remove all objects
such as cords, lights, wires or
string which can become
entangled in the trimmer line.
7. Do NOT abuse the extension
cord. Do NOT pull or carry the unit
by the extension cord, use the
extension cord as a handle, close
a door on the cord, or pull by the
extension cord around sharp
edges or corners. Keep the
extension cord away from heated
surfaces, oil and sharp edges.
8. Do NOT unplug by pulling on the
extension cord. To unplug, grasp
the plug, not the cord.
WARNING: The operation of any grass trimmer can result in
foreign objects being thrown in the eyes. This can lead to severe
eye damage. Before commencing power tool operation always
wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI
Z87.1 standards and a full face shield when needed.
Rev. 01/05
9. Keep extension cord away from
cutting elements.
10. Inspect all extension cords and the
unit power connection periodically.
Look closely for deterioration, cuts
or cracks in the insulation. Also
inspect the connections for damage.
Replace the cords if any defects or
damage appear.
11. Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers
and parts of the body away from
openings and moving parts.
12. Do NOT allow to be used as a toy.
Close attention is necessary when
used by or near children.
13. Risk of cuts. Keep hands away from
trimmer line. Keep both hands on
the unit when the unit is on.
14. Do NOT attempt to remove cut
material or hold material to be cut
when the trimmer line is moving.
Make sure the unit is unplugged
when clearing jammed material from
the cutting area. Do NOT grasp the
exposed trimmer line when picking
up or holding the unit.
CAUTION: Trimmer line coasts after the
unit is turned off.
15. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, use only with a two
conductor extension cord intended
for outdoor use.
16. Never connect the unit to an AC
voltage that differs from the one on
the unit’s rating plate.
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Model PT180H
ONE (1) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
FANTOM warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of
one (1) year from the date of the original purchase, when utilized for normal household use,
subject to the following conditions, exclusions and exceptions.
If your appliance fails to operate properly while in use under normal household conditions within
the warranty period, return the complete appliance and accessories, freight prepaid to:
FANTOM, 94 Main Mill Street, Door 16, Plattsburgh NY 12901
If the appliance is found by FANTOM to be defective in material or workmanship, FANTOM will
repair or replace it free of charge. Proof of purchase date and $16.95 to cover the cost of return
shipping and handling must be included. *
Non-durable parts including, without limitation, trimmer line spools, and electrical parts which
normally require replacement are specifically excluded from warranty.
The liability of FANTOM is limited solely to the cost of the repair or replacement of the unit at our
option. This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts and does not apply to any unit that has
been tampered with or used for commercial purposes. This limited warranty does not cover
damage caused by misuse, abuse, negligent handling or damage due to faulty packaging or
mishandling in transit. This warranty does not cover damage or defects caused by or resulting
from damages from shipping or repairs, service or alterations to the product or any of its parts,
which have been performed by a repair person not authorized by FANTOM.
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser of the unit and excludes all other legal and/or
conventional warranties. The responsibility of FANTOM if any, is limited to the specific obligations
expressly assumed by it under the terms of the limited warranty. In no event is FANTOM liable for
incidental or consequential damages of any nature whatsoever. Some states do not permit the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
*Important: Carefully pack item to avoid damage in shipping. Be sure to include proof of
purchase date and to attach tag to item before packing with your name, complete address
and phone number with a note giving purchase information, model number and what you
believe is the problem with item. We recommend you insure the package (as damage in
shipping is not covered by your warranty). Mark the outside of your package “ATTENTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE”. We are constantly striving to improve our products, therefore the
specifications contained herein are subject to change without notice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fill out and mail the product registration card within ten (10) days of purchase. The
registration will enable us to contact you in the unlikely event of a product safety notification. By
returning this card you acknowledge to have read and understood the instructions for use, and
warnings set forth in the accompanying instructions.
RETURN TO FANTOM: 94 Main Mill Street, Door 16, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Model PT180H
______________________________________________________________________
Appliance model
______________________________________________________________________________
Date purchased Name of store
______________________________________________________________________________
Owner’s name
______________________________________________________________________________
Address City State Zip Code
Printed in China
OWNERSHIP REGISTRATION CARD
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Page 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Care, Maintenance & Storage
WARNING: To avoid serious
personal injury, be sure that the
power cord is removed before cleaning
or performing any kind of maintenance
on the grass trimmer.
Your grass trimmer has been designed
to operate with a minimum amount of
maintenance. Continuous satisfactory
operation depends on proper tool care
and regular cleaning.
1. Remove the power cord from the
unit.
2. Regularly clean the ventilation
slots using a soft brush or dry
cloth. Never immerse trimmer
head in water.
3. Regularly clean the trimmer line
and spool housing using a soft
brush or dry cloth.
4. Remove the cutting guard and
remove the grass clippings and
dirt from underneath. The cutting
guard can be rinsed under
running water. Always replace
onto the unit once you have
finished cleaning it.
5. If parts need to be replaced or
repaired, contact FANTOM
customer service for information.
6. Store the unit indoors, away from
moisture and harmful substances
such as solvents.
7. Store the unit in a dry place,
either locked up or up high to
prevent unauthorized use or
damage. Keep out of the reach of
children.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If your grass trimmer seems not to be operating properly, follow the following
troubleshooting instructions. If this does not help to solve your problem, call FANTOM
customer service at 1 (800) 275-9251.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONPOSSIBLE CAUSEPROBLEM
1. Press on safety trigger
Machine fails to
operate
Machine
functions
intermittently
1. Power is turned off.
2. Electrical outlet faulty.
3. Extension cable damaged.
4. Fuse faulty/blown.
1. Extension cable damaged.
2. Grass trimmer’s internal
wiring damaged.
Machine labors
Machine is not
cutting
Trimmer line
can’t be fed
automatically
For replacement trimmer line spools, call FANTOM customer service at
1. Line is too short/broken off.
1. Spool is empty.
2. Line inside the spool is
entangled.
1 (800) 275-9251 and ask for part # XSP180H.
interlock and squeeze
On/Off trigger.
2. Use another electrical outlet.
3. Inspect extension cord,
replace if damaged.
4. Replace fuse.
1. Inspect extension cable,
replace if damaged.
2. Call customer service.
1. Cut in stages.1. Grass is too high.
1. Feed the line
manually/automatically.
1. Replace the spool.
2. Replace the spool.
SAFETY & WARNING INSTRUCTIONS
17. To reduce the risk of electrical shock,
this unit has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other) and will
require the use of a polarized
extension cord. This unit plug will fit
into a polarized extension cord only
one way. If the plug does not fit,
obtain a correct polarized extension
cord. A polarized extension cord
requires the use of a polarized wall
outlet. This plug will fit into a
polarized wall outlet only one way. If
the plug does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install the
proper wall outlet. Do NOT change
the unit plug, extension cord
receptacle or extension cord plug in
any way.
18. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) protection should always be
provided on electrical circuits or
outlets to be used for this unit.
19. When using an extension cord, make
sure that it is a cord that is heavy
enough to carry the current that your
unit will draw. An undersized
extension cord will cause a drop in
line voltage resulting in loss of
power and overheating. The table
below shows the correct size to use
depending on the cord length and
amperage rating.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep all
connections dry and off the ground. Do not
touch the plug with wet hands.
AMPERAGE
RATING
1-10 AMPS 18 16
20. Before each use, thoroughly
inspect your unit for loose or
damaged parts. Do NOT use until
adjustments or repairs have been
made.
21. All guards and safety attachments
must be installed properly before
operating the unit.
Extension Cord Length
25' 50’
WIRE SIZE (AWG)
22. Use the unit in daylight or good
artificial light.
23. Keep all bystanders especially pets
and children at least fifty (50) feet
from the unit while using.
24. To avoid unintentionally starting of
the unit, do NOT carry plugged-in
unit with your finger on the safety
switch. Be sure the unit is
unplugged.
25. Always remain alert and use
common sense when using this unit.
To prevent injury to yourself and to
others, NEVER use the grass
trimmer when you are tired or ill.
26. DO NOT operate this unit while
under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication.
27. Wear safety glasses or goggles
that are marked as meeting ANSI
Z87.1 standards and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit.
Wear a face or dust mask if the job
is dusty.
28. Do NOT over reach or use the
grass trimmer from unstable surfaces
such as ladders, trees, steep slopes,
rooftops, etc. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times.
29. Wear heavy, long pants, boots,
gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do
NOT wear loose clothing, jewelry,
short pants sandals or go barefoot.
Secure hair above shoulder level.
30. Always release the On/Off trigger
when cutting is delayed or when
walking from one cutting location to
another.
31. When using the grass trimmer,
always hold the unit with both hands.
Keep a firm grip on the front handle
and on the rear handle. NEVER hold
the grass trimmer by the safety
guard or use the safety guard as a
handle.
32. NEVER force the unit. It will do the
job better and with less chance of
injury at a rate for which it was
designed.
33. If you strike or become entangled
with a foreign object, stop the unit
immediately and check for damage.
Do NOT operate the grass trimmer
with loose or damaged parts.
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Page 4
SAFETY & WARNING INSTRUCTIONS
34. Maintain the grass trimmer with
care. Use only manufacturer’s
replacement parts. Follow instructions
for changing trimming line. Keep
handles dry, clean and free from oil
and grease. Always use a clean cloth
when cleaning.
35. This appliance is double insulated to
protect you from electrical shock.
36. Store the unit in a dry place either
locked up or in a high shelf out of
the reach of children to prevent
unauthorized use or damage.
37. NEVER douse or squirt the unit
with water or any other liquid. Keep
handles dry, clean and free from
debris. Clean after every use. See
cleaning and storage section for
further instructions.
38. Do NOT operate this unit in
explosive atmospheres, such as in
the presence of flammable liquids,
gases or dust.
39. Maintain grass trimmer with care.
Keep grass trimmer clean for best
performance and to reduce the risk of
injury.
40. When operating the grass trimmer,
keep the extension cord behind the
grass trimmer.
41. If the grass trimmer starts to vibrate
abnormally, turn the unit off, remove
the extension plug from the unit and
allow the moving parts to stop rotating.
Then inspect the grass trimmer for
any damage or loose parts.
WARNING
SERVICING OF A DOUBLE-INSULATED
APPLIANCE.
In a double-insulated product, two systems of
insulation are provided instead of grounding.
No grounding means are provided for a
double-insulated product, nor should
grounding means be added to the product.
Servicing a double-insulated product requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system
and should be done only by qualified service
personnel. Replacement parts for a doubleinsulated product must be identical to the
original parts. A double-insulated
product is marked with the words
" double Insulation" or "Double
Insulated". Product may also be marked with
symbol shown.
42. Use the grass trimmer ONLY in the
upright position, with the cutting line
near the ground as shown in the
instruction manual. Never use the
grass trimmer in any other position.
43. Do not work on a steep slope, always
be sure of your footing. Please note
that freshly cut grass is damp and
slippery.
44. Use only the trimmer line supplied by
the manufacturer. Never use metal
cutting or fishing line.
45. After extending new trimmer line,
return the unit to its normal operating
position before turning the unit
back on.
46. Never use the grass trimmer if the
grass is wet.
47. Use only FANTOM replacement parts.
48. Use specified trimmer spool. Make
sure that the spool is properly installed
and all parts are securely fastened.
49. Check damaged parts – Before further
use of the unit, a guard or other part
that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will
operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment
of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting,
and any other condition that may affect
its operation. A guard or other part that
is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorized
service center unless indicated
elsewhere in this manual.
WARNING: Trimmer line throws
objects violently. You and others can
be seriously injured. Wear safety glasses,
boots and leg protection. Keep body parts
clear of rotating line.
WARNING: Disconnect unit from
power source before performing
maintenance or when changing the trimmer
line.
WARNING: All electrical repairs to
this unit, including housing, motor, etc.,
must be diagnosed by qualified service
personnel. Replacement parts for a double
insulated appliance must be recommended
by the manufacturer.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Rewinding the Spool with Line
If you wish to rewind the spool yourself,
replace with a nylon cutting line that is
0.05” diameter and 30-feet long. Use of
heavier lines could overload and damage
your grass trimmer.
To rewind trimmer line onto the spool:
1. Remove the empty spool from the
grass trimmer following the
instructions on page 7.
2. Cut the new nylon cutting line to the
exact length.
3. Orient the two (2) holes on the bottom
of the hub with Slot “A” on the line
retainer. (Fig. 12)
Align
Slot “A”
4. Feed one end of the cutting line into
the hole on the right side first.
(Fig. 13) Take out about 4-inches and
pull it until it comes out of Slot “B”.
(Fig. 14)
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Slot “B”Fig. 14
5. Bend ½-inch of the other end of the
cutting line and feed through until it
comes out of slot “A”. (Fig. 15) Pull
out about 4-inches.
Slot “A”
Fig. 15
6. Pull the ends of the cutting line
alternately until you have it evenly
distributed through the openings.
(Fig. 16)
Fig. 16
7. When you have completely pulled the
cutting line through the spool, hold
the spool in your hand so that your
thumb and fingers can be used as
guides when winding the cutting line.
Rotate the hub counter-clockwise
until the line is wound around the
spool. (Fig. 17) Make sure that you
leave about 6-inches of the line on
each side for the spool to function
properly.
Fig. 17
8. Replace the spool back into the unit
following the instructions on page 7.
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Page 5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS GETTING TO KNOW YOUR GRASS TRIMMER
Using the Grass Trimmer as an
Edging Tool
To convert the grass trimmer to an
edging tool:
1. Attach the extension cord to the
grass trimmer.
2. Press the hand grip release button
and turn the hand grip 180° counter
clockwise. (Fig. 9)
3. Loosen the handle locking nut and
turn the handle 180° clockwise
also. Adjust this handle to a
comfortable position to hold.
(Fig. 9)
4. Press the safety trigger interlock
and then squeeze the “On/Off”
trigger.
3. Hold both the handgrip and the
handle when using the grass
trimmer as an edging tool.
4. Position the grass trimmer so that
the edging guide wheel is on the
ground making sure to keep it away
from your body.
5. When edging long grass, work in
stages from hard to delicate
plants. If the grass trimmer starts
to run slower, reduce the load.
6. When edging around trees or
bushes, cut carefully so that the
trimmer line does not come in
contact with the bark as this can
damage the tree or bush.
To change the unit back to a grass
trimmer:
7. Press the hand grip release button
and turn the hand grip 180°
clockwise. (Fig. 9)
8. Loosen the handle locking nut and
turn the handle 180° clockwise
also. Adjust this handle to a
comfortable position to hold.
(Fig. 9)
Replacing the Trimmer Line Spool
WARNING: To avoid serious
personal injury, be sure that the
power cord is removed before cleaning
or performing any kind of maintenance
on the grass trimmer.
To replace the trimmer line spool:
1. Remove the power cord from the unit.
2. Place the unit on a flat surface.
3. Depress the locking tabs underneath
the spool housing. (Fig. 10)
4. Lift off the spool cap. (Fig. 10)
5. Remove the trimmer line spool.
6. Remove the spring. (Fig. 10)
To replace the trimmer line spool:
1. Replace spring into trimmer head.
2. Insert new trimmer line spool. (Fig. 11)
3. Insert spool cap over spool. (Fig. 11)
4. Push spool cap down into the housing,
Trimmer Line
Locking
Tab
Slot
Trimmer Line
Spool
Spool Cap
Locking
Tab
Locking
Tab
Locking
Tab
Slot
Fig. 10
Spring
(Fig. 11
making sure that the trimmer line ends
are in position in the slots until the
spool cap snaps in place. (Fig. 11)
Spool Cap
Trimmer Line Spool
Trimmer Line
Trimmer Line
Slot
Slot
1. Hand Grip
2. On/Off Trigger
3. Trigger Safety Interlock
4. Hand Grip Release Button
5. Handle
6. Handle Locking Nut
7. Shaft
8. Ventilation Slots
Illustrations may differ from actual product.
Technical Specifications
Voltage: 120 V., 60 Hz
Current: 3.8 Amps
9. Trimmer Head
10. Edge Guide Wheel
11. Cutting Guard
12. Spool Housing
13. Power Cord Holder
14. Power Cord Restraint
15. Power Cord Connector
16. Trimmer Line Cutter
Fig. 9
Fig. 11
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Page 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Handle Assembly
WARNING: Do not connect
the grass trimmer to the power
source before the unit is completely
assembled.
1. Place the unit on a flat surface.
2. Loosen and remove the locking
nut from the handle.
3. Firmly push the handle over the
shaft. (Fig. 1)
4. Adjust the handle to the most
comfortable position.
5. Pass the bolt through the handle.
6. Screw in the locking nut into the
bolt. Do not over tighten the bolt.
(Fig. 2)
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Attaching the Cutting Guard
WARNING: Do not connect
the grass trimmer to the power
source before the unit is completely
assembled.
1. Place the cutting guard onto the
trimmer head. (Fig. 3)
2. Slide the cutting guard into place
and then secure it with the two (2)
screws provided. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Attaching the Cutting Guard
WARNING: Do not connect the
grass trimmer to the power source
before the unit is completely assembled.
1. Place the unit on a flat surface.
2. Slide the edging guide wheel into
place and screw with the two (2)
screws provided. (Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
Secure with
Slide In
screws
Connecting the Grass Trimmer to
the Power Source
WARNING: Do not connect the
grass trimmer to the power source
before the unit is completely assembled.
To connect the grass trimmer to the
power source:
1. Loop the extension cord cable
through the power cord restraint
and hook it over the power cord
holder. (Fig. 6)
2. Connect the female plug of the
extension cord to the power cord
connector. (Fig. 7)
3. Insert the plug of the extension
cord into the power outlet.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
WARNING: Use ONLY 2
conductor extension cords rated
for outdoor use.
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Turning the Grass Trimmer “On”
WARNING: Make sure that the
cutting guard is attached to the
grass trimmer before turning the unit
“On”.
WARNING: If any parts are
missing, damaged or broken, DO
NOT operate the grass trimmer until
they have been replaced. Failure to do
so could result in possible serious
injury.
WARNING: To prevent serious
personal injury, always hold onto
the handgrip and the handle to prevent
any slippage of the unit.
WARNING: To prevent serious
personal injury, keep hands away
from the trimmer head. DO NOT
attempt to remove cut material or hold
material to be cut when the grass
trimmer is working.
WARNING: Clear the area to be
cut before starting. Remove all
objects such as cords, small rocks,
lights, wire or string which may become
entangled in the trimmer head.
1. Remove the tape holding the
trimmer line to the spool housing.
2. Attach the extension cord to the
grass trimmer.
3. Press on the trigger safety interlock
and then squeeze the “On/Off”
trigger.
WARNING: Never attempt to lock
the safety trigger interlock in the
“On” position.
4. To turn the unit “Off”, release the
On/Off trigger.
CAUTION: The trimmer line will
continue to spin after the On/Off
trigger is released. Wait for trimmer line
to stop spinning before releasing your
grip on the handle.
Advancing the Trimmer Line
1. Attach the extension cord to the grass
trimmer.
2. Press on the trigger safety interlock
and then squeeze the “On/Off” trigger.
3. While in operation, tap the trimmer
head on bare ground or hard soil once
or twice to advance the trimmer line to
the correct length.
Note: The trimmer line will automatically
advance to the correct cutting length.
WARNING: Do not alter or
remove the trimmer line assembly.
Excessive line length will cause the
motor to overheat and may result in
serious personal injury.
WARNING: To prevent serious
personal injury, keep hands away
from the trimmer head when advancing
the trimmer line.
Using the Grass Trimmer
Note: For optimum results, only use the
grass trimmer to cut dry grass.
1. Attach the extension cord to the
grass trimmer.
2. Press the safety trigger interlock
and then squeeze the “On/Off”
trigger.
3. Hold both the handgrip and the
handle when using the grass
trimmer.
4. Gently swing the grass trimmer
from side to side making sure to
keep it away from your body.
(Fig. 8) Make sure that you keep
the grass trimmer parallel to the
ground. Avoid pressing the trimmer
head into the ground as this will
scalp the grass and damage the
grass trimmer.
5. When cutting long grass, work in
stages from hard to delicate
plants. If the grass trimmer starts
to run slower, reduce the load.
6. When cutting around trees or
bushes, cut carefully so that the
trimmer line does not come in
contact with the bark as this can
damage the tree or bush.
Fig. 8
CAUTION: The trimmer line will
continue to spin after the On/Off
trigger is released. Wait for trimmer
line to stop spinning before releasing
your grip on the handle.
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