Homelite 26CS UT22600, 26SS UT22650 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

MANUEL D’UTILISATION MANUAL DEL OPERADOR

26CC String Trimmers

Taille-bordures à ligne 26 cc

Recortadoras de Hilo 26 cc

ALL VERSIONS	26CS
TOUTES LES VERSIONS
TODAS LAS VERSIONES	UT22600

26SS

UT22650

Your string trimmer has been engineered and manufactured to Homelite’s high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.

Thank you for buying a Homelite product.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Cette taille-bordures à ligne a été conçue et fabriquée conformément aux strictes normes de fiabilité, simplicité d’emploi et sécurité d’utilisation de Homelite. Correctement entretenue, elle vous donnera des années de fonctionnement robuste et sans problème.

AVERTISSEMENT : Pour réduire les risques de blessures, l’utilisateur doit lire et veiller à bien comprendre le manuel d’utilisation avant d’employer ce produit.

Merci d’avoir acheté un produit Homelite.

Su recortadora de hilo ha sido diseñada y fabricada de conformidad con las estrictas normas de Homelite para brindar fiabilidad, facilidad de uso y seguridad para el operador. Con el debido cuidado, le brindará muchos años de sólido y eficiente funcionamiento.

ADVERTENCIA: Para reducir el riesgo de lesiones, el usuario debe leer y comprender el manual del operador antes de usar este producto.

Le agradecemos la compra de un producto Homelite.

CONSERVER CE MANUEL POUR		GUARDE ESTE MANUAL PARA
FUTURE RÉFÉRENCE		FUTURAS CONSULTAS

See this fold-out section for all of the figures referenced­ in the operator’s manual.

Consulter l’encart à volets afin d’examiner toutes les figures mentionnées dans le manuel d’utilisation.

Consulte esta sección desplegable para ver todas las figuras a las que se hace referencia en el manual del operador.

ii

Fig. 1

g

26CS						h
	c		d
						J
						I
					f
					e
	b			K
				g		h
				f
	c	d	e
	l
A					j	i
26ss	b			k

A

M

A - Dual line string head (tête de cordon à ligne double, cabezal del hilo doble)

B - Drive shaft housing (logement d’arbre moteur, alojamiento del eje de impulsión) C - Front handle (poignée avant, mango delantero)

D - Stop switch (commutateur d’arrêt, interruptor del apagado) E - Rear handle (poignée arrière, mango trasero)

F- Starter grip and rope (poignée du lanceur et corde, mango del arrancador y cuerda)

G- Muffler (silencieux, silenciador)

H- Primer bulb (poire d’amorçage, bomba de cebado)

I- Fuel cap (bouchon de carburant, tapa del tanque)

J- Start lever (levier de volet de départ, palanca de arranque)

K- Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur, gatillo del acelerador)

L- Curved shaft grass deflector (déflecteur d’herbe d’arbre courbe, deflector de pasto del eje curvo) M- Straight shaft grass deflector (déflecteur d’herbe d’arbre droit, deflector de pasto para eje recto)

Fig. 2

A		b
			A - Front handle (poignée avant, mango
			delantero)
			B - Washer (rondelle, arandela)
			C - Bolt (boulon, perno)
	c	d	D - Wing nut (écrou à oreilles, tuerca de
			mariposa)

Fig. 3 B	C	B
A		d
		E
		A

a - drive shaft (arbre d’entraînement, eje de impulsión)

b - spool retainer (retenue de bobine, retén del carrete)

c - plastic seal (étanchéité en plastique, sello de plástico)

D - Spool (bobine, carrete)

E - string head assembly (ensemble de tête de couple, conjunto del cabezal de hilo)

Fig. 4

A

A - pull strings (tirer vers l’extérieur, tira del hilo)

Fig. 5

c

d

E	b
	A

A - Wing nut (écrou à oreilles, tuerca de mariposa)

B - Washer (rondelle, arandela) C - Bolt (boulon, perno)

D - Grass deflector (déflecteur d’herbe, deflector de pasto)

E - Bracket (support, soporte)

iii

Fig. 6

	d
	c	e
		f
	b	b
	A
		G
	H
		I

A - Gear head (carter d’engrenages, cabezal de engranajes)

B - Slot (fente, ranura)

C - Square tab (languette carrée, orejeta cuadrada)

D - Wing nut (écrou à oreilles, tuerca de mariposa)

E - Mounting bracket (support de montage, soporte de montaje)

F - Drive shaft housing (logement d’arbre moteur, alojamiento del eje de impulsión)

G - Screw (vis, tornillo) H - Pin (axe, pasador)

I- Grass deflector (déflecteur d’herbe, deflector de pasto)

Fig. 7	b
	D

A

c

Fig. 8	A

C

C B

A - Full choke position (position de volet de départ ouvert, posición de arranque)

B - Run position (position de marche, posición de marcha)

C - Choke lever (levier de volet de départ, palanca de arranque)

Fig. 9	proper operating
	position
	BONNE POSITION
	DE TRAVAIL
	POSICIÓN
	CORRECTA PARA
	EL MANEJO DE LA
	HERRAMIENTA

A - Stop switch (commutateur d’arrêt, interruptor del apagado)

B - Primer bulb (poire d’amorçage, bomba de cebado)

C - Throttle trigger (gâchette d’accélérateur, gatillo del acelerador)

D - Starter handle (poignée du lanceur, mango del arrancador)

Fig. 10

26cs

A

b

c

26Ss

A

b c

A - Dangerous cutting area (zone de coupe dangereuse, área peligrosa de corte)

B - Direction of rotation (sens de rotation, sentido de rotación)

C- Best cutting area (zone d’efficacité maximum, mejor área de corte)

Fig. 11

A

A - Spool retainer (retenue de bobine, retén del carrete)

Fig. 12

A

b

A - Eyelet (oeillet, ojillo)

B - Arrow on spool (flèche sur la bobine, flecha en el carrete)

iv

Fig. 13

b

b

A

A - Spool (bobine, carrete)

B - Eyelets (oeillets, ojillos)

Fig. 14

A

A - pull strings (tirer vers l’extérieur, tira del hilo)

Fig. 15 A

c

b

A - Latch (loquet, pestillo)

B - Pull cover to open (tirer sur le couvercle pour l’ouvrir, tire de la tapa para abrirla)

C - Air filter cover (couvercle du filtre à air, tapa del filtro de aire)

Fig. 16

A

b

c

A- Latch (loquet, pestillo)

B - Filter screen (filtre écran, filtro pantalla)

C - Air filter cover (couvercle du filtre à air, tapa del filtro de aire)

Fig. 17

A

b

A - Idle speed screw (vis de ralenti, tornillo de ajuste de la velocidad en vacío)

B - Air filter cover (couvercle du filtre à air, tapa del filtro de aire)

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE DES MATIÈRES / ÍNDICE DE CONTENIDO

 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................	2
Introduction / Introducción
 General Safety Rules.........................................................................................................................................................	3
Règles de sécurité générales / Reglas de seguridad generales
 Specific Safety Rules........................................................................................................................................................	3
Règles de sécurité particulières / Reglas de seguridad específicas
 Symbols............................................................................................................................................................................	4
Symboles / Símbolos
 Features............................................................................................................................................................................	5
Caractéristiques / Características
 Assembly........................................................................................................................................................................	5-6
Assemblage / Armado
 Operation.......................................................................................................................................................................	6-8
Utilisation / Funcionamiento
 Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................................	9-10
Entretien / Mantenimiento
 Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................................................	10-11
Dépannage / Corrección de problema
 Warranty.....................................................................................................................................................................	12-14
Garantie / Garantía
 Parts Ordering and Service................................................................................................................................	Back Page
Commande de pièces et réparation / Pedidos de piezas y servicio.................................................	Page arrière / Pág. posterio

introduction

Introduction / Introducción

This product has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

* * *

Ce produit offre de nombreuses fonctions destinées à rendre son utilisation plus plaisante et satisfaisante. Lors de la conception de ce produit, l’accent a été mis sur la sécurité, les performances et la fiabilité, afin d’en faire un outil facile à utiliser et à entretenir.

* * *

Este producto ofrece numerosas características para hacer más agradable y placentero su uso. En el diseño de este producto se ha conferido prioridad a la seguridad, el desempeño y la fiabilidad, por lo cual se facilita su manejo y mantenimiento.

Page / Página 2

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING:

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning which will cause death or serious personal injury.

read all instructions

For safe operation, read and understand all instructions before using this product. Follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can result in serious personal injury.

Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this unit.

Never start or run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting line or blade.

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.

Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind.

Product users on United States Forest Service land, and in some states, must comply with fire prevention regulations. This product is equipped with a spark arrestor; however, other user requirements may apply. Check with your federal, state, or local authorities.

Never operate this unit on the operator’s left side.

Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in moving parts.

Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft. away. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection.

Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Do not operate in poor lighting.

Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot surfaces. Keep cutting attachment below waist.

To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the bottom of the engine above waist level.

Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.

Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the unit; these parts get hot from operation.

Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire before making any adjustments or repairs except for carburetor adjustments.

Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.

The string head will rotate during carburetor adjustments­ .

It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to cold and dampness, diet, smoking, and work practices are all thought to contribute to the development of these symptoms. It is presently unknown what, if any, vibrations or extent of exposure may contribute to the condition. There are measures that can be taken by the operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:

a)Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating the unit wear gloves to keep your hands and wrists warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.

b)After each period of operation, exercise to increase blood circulation.

c)Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of exposure per day.

d)Keep the product well maintained, fasteners tightened and worn parts replaced.

If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition, immediately discontinue use and see your physician about these symptoms.

Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel.

Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames. Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 30 ft. away from refueling site before starting engine.

Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or storing the unit.

Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank into a container approved for gasoline and secure the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. Be sure the string head is properly installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause serious injury.

Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors, and handles are properly and securely attached.

Never use blades, flailing devices, wire, or rope. Use only the manufacturer’s replacement string in the cutting head.

Do not use any other cutting attachment. To install any other brand of cutting head to this string trimmer can result in serious personal injury.

Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place and in good condition.

Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming. Keep string head below waist level. Never cut with the string head located over 30 in. or more above the ground.

Page 3 — English

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL	SIGNAL	MEANING
	DANGER:	Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result
		in death or serious injury.
	WARNING:	Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result
		in death or serious injury.
	CAUTION:	Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in
		minor or moderate injury.
	CAUTION:	(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property
		damage.

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

SYMBOL	NAME	EXPLANATION
	Safety Alert Symbol	Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
	Read Operator’s Manual	To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand
		operator’s manual before using this product.
	Eye and Hearing Protection	Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to com-
		ply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection.
	Keep Bystanders Away	Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away.
	Ricochet	Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or
		property damage.
	No Blade	Do not install or use any type of blade on a product display-
		ing this symbol.

Use unleaded gasoline intended for motor vehicle use with

Gasoline and Lubricant an octane rating of 87 [(R + M) / 2] or higher. This product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires pre-mixing gasoline

and 2-cycle lubricant.

Page 4 — English

FFEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (dry)

26CS......................................................................................................................................................................	9.3 lbs.
26SS.......................................................................................................................................................................	10 lbs.
String cutting width.........................................................................................................................................................	17 in.
Engine displacement........................................................................................................................................................	26cc
String diameter........................................................................................................................................................... .	080 in.

KNOW YOUR STRING TRIMMER

See Figure 1.

The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety rules.

reel-EASY™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM

The Reel-Easy™ Tap Advance System allows easy line­ ­advance during trimmer operation.

TOP-MOUNTED MOTOR

The top-mounted motor improves balance and is located away from the dust and debris of the cutting area.

GRASS DEFLECTOR

The trimmer includes a grass deflector that helps protect you from flying debris.

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING

This product requires assembly.

nCarefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included.

WARNING:

Do not use this product if any parts on the Packing List are already assembled to your product when you unpack it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by the manufacturer and require customer installation. Use of a product that may have been improperly assembled could result in serious personal injury.

nInspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.

nDo not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.

nIf any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-800-242-4672 for assistance.

PACKING LIST (continued)

Straight Shaft Grass Deflector – 26SS

Bottle of 2-Cycle Lubricant

Operator’s Manual

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

PACKING LIST

Trimmer Assembly

Front Handle

String Head Assembly

Spool Retainer

Curved Shaft Grass Deflector – 26CS

WARNING:

To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury, always disconnect the engine spark plug wire from the spark plug when assembling parts.

Page 5 — English

ASSEMBLY

Front handle

See Figure 2.

Loosen and remove the wing nut, lock washer, washer, and bolt from the handle.

Install the handle on the drive shaft housing at the location indicated by the label on the shaft.

Adjust handle up or down, if necessary, to desired operating position.

Reinstall the bolt, washer, lock washer, and wing nut. Tighten wing nut to secure.

NOTE: On units with curved shafts, for shipping purposes only, the handle is located underneath the drive shaft housing. The handle must be rotated before operating the trimmer.

Slightly loosen the wing nut on the handle.

Rotate the handle on the drive shaft housing at the location indicated by the label on the shaft.

Retighten the wing nut to secure the handle in place.

STRING HEAD ASSEMBLY

See Figures 3 - 4.

Place the string head assembly on the end of the drive shaft. Make sure the hex-shaped opening on the string head assembly seats completely on the drive shaft. Install the spool retainer to secure.

Install the spool retainer:

Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26CS.

Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26SS.

Remove the plastic seal from the string head assembly. Pull outward on the strings to rotate the spool into the cutting position.

Push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to manually advance the string and to check for proper assembly of the string head.

curved shaft GRASS DEFLECTOR – 26cs

See Figure 5.

WARNING:

The line cutting blade on the grass deflector is sharp. Avoid contact with the blade. Failure to avoid contact can result in serious personal injury.

Remove the bolt, washer, and wing nut from grass deflector.

Press the grass deflector onto the bottom of the curved shaft as shown.

Insert the bolt through the grass deflector and the bracket on the curved shaft.

Place the washer on the bolt.

Place the wing nut on the bolt and tighten securely.

straight shaft GRASS DEFLECTOR – 26ss

See Figure 6.

Remove the wing nut and mounting bracket from the grass deflector.

Assemble straight shaft grass deflector to drive shaft so that the pin in the grass deflector fits in the locator hole in the lower side of the drive shaft near the gear head.

Place the mounting bracket over the drive shaft so the square tab on the mounting bracket fits into the slot in the straight shaft grass deflector.

Rotate the mounting bracket so the screw on the grass deflector goes into the slot on the mounting bracket.

Reinstall the wing nut and tighten securely.

OPERATION

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.

WARNING:

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.

WARNING:

Never use blades, flailing devices, wire, or rope on this product. Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

Before each use, inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please call 1-800-242-4672 or contact an authorized service center for assistance.

Page 6 — English

OPERATION

FUELING AND REFUELING the trimmer FUEL MIXTURE

This product is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires premixing gasoline and 2-cycle oil. The mixture should be at a 50:1 ratio.

NOTE: We recommend you use ONLY Homelite lubricant in your product.

To mix the fuel:

Use a clean container that is approved for use with gasoline.

Mix the 2-cycle engine oil with unleaded gasoline in the container, according to the instructions on the oil package.

This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline intended for automotive use with an octane rating of 87 [(R + M) / 2] or higher. Do not use automotive oil or 2-cycle outboard oil.

NOTE:  Most fuel mixture will stay fresh up to 30 days. DO NOT mix quantities larger than usable in a 30 day period.

PREMIUM EXACT MIX (50:1) Gasoline Lubricant

1 gallon (US)	2.6 oz.
1 liter	20 cc (20 ml)

OXYGENATED FUELS

DO NOT USE E85 FUEL. IT WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

NOTE:  Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates stated previously are not covered under warranty.

Ethanol. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume (commonly referred to as E10) or 15% ethanol by volume (commonly referred to as E15) are acceptable.

Do not use E85 fuel.

FILLING TANK

Clean surface around fuel cap to prevent contamination.

Set trimmer on its side so that the spout points up.

Loosen fuel cap slowly. Rest the cap on a clean surface.

Carefully pour fuel into the tank. Avoid spillage.

Immediately replace fuel cap and hand tighten. Wipe up any fuel spillage.

NOTE: It is normal for smoke to be emitted from a new engine after first use.

Page 7

WARNING:

Always shut off engine before fueling. Never add fuel to a machine with a running or hot engine. Move at least 30 ft. from refueling site before starting engine. Do not smoke and stay away from open flames and sparks. Failure to safely handle fuel could result in serious personal injury.

STARTING AND STOPPING

See Figures 7 - 8.

Trimmer should be on a flat, bare surface for starting.

To start a cold engine:

Slowly press the primer bulb 10 times.

NOTE: After the 7th press, fuel should be visible in the primer bulb. If it is not, continue to press the primer until you see fuel in the bulb.

Set the choke lever to the FULL CHOKE position.

Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and pull starter handle sharply until engine attempts to run. Do not pull the starter handle more than four (4) times.

NOTE: Keep throttle trigger squeezed fully.

Set the choke lever to the HALF CHOKE position.

Pull the starter grip until the engine runs. Do not pull the starter grip more than six (6) times.

NOTE: If the engine does not start, return to the full choke position and repeat the steps that follow.

Allow the engine to run for 10 seconds, then set the choke lever to the RUN position.

To restart a warm engine:

Slowly press the primer bulb 10 times.

Set the choke lever to the RUN position.

Squeeze the throttle trigger fully and pull the starter handle until the engine runs.

To stop the engine:

To stop the engine, depress the stop switch to the stop position “ ”.

if assistance is required STARTING THIS product:

Do not return this product to the retail store where it was purchased. Please call our Customer Service Department for any issues you may have.

For Help Call: 1-800-242-4672

— English

OPERATION

OPERATING THE TRIMMER

See Figure 9.

WARNING:

Engine housing may become hot during trimmer operation. Do not rest or place your arm, hand, or any body part against the engine housing during trimmer operation. Only hold the trimmer as shown in Figure 9 with all body parts clear of engine housing. Extended contact with the engine housing may result in burns or other injuries.

WARNING:

Always position the unit on the operator’s right side. The use of the unit on the operator’s left side will expose the operator to hot surfaces and can result in possible burn injury.

CUTTING TIPS

See Figures 9 - 10.

Avoid hot surfaces by always keeping the tool away from your body. (Proper operating position shown in figure 9.)

Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the best cutting area.

The curved shaft trimmer cuts when passing the unit from right to left. The straight shaft trimmer cuts when passing the unit from left to right. This will avoid throwing debris at the operator. Avoid cutting in the dangerous area shown in figure 10.

Use the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force string head into uncut grass.

Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may wear string rapidly.

Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the string.

WARNING:

To avoid burns from hot surfaces, never operate unit with the bottom of the engine above waist level.

Hold the trimmer with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle. Keep a firm grip with both hands while in operation. Trimmer should be held at a comfortable position with the rear handle about hip height.

Always operate trimmer at full throttle. Cut tall grass from the top down. This will prevent grass from wrapping around the shaft housing and string head which may cause damage from overheating. If grass becomes wrapped around the string head, STOP THE ENGINE, disconnect the spark plug wire, and remove the grass. Prolonged cutting at partial throttle will result in lubricant dripping from the muffler.

WARNING:

Always hold the string trimmer away from your body, keeping clearance between your body and the product. Any contact with the housing or string trimmer cutting head can result in burns and/or other serious personal injury.

ADVANCING STRING USING THE reel-EASY™ Tap Advance System

String advance is controlled by tapping string head on grass while running engine at full throttle.

Run engine at full throttle.

Tap string head on ground to advance string. String advances­ each time the head is tapped.

Several taps may be required until string strikes the cut off blade.

Resume trimming.

NOTE: If the string is worn too short you may not be able to advance the string by tapping it on the ground. If so, STOP THE ENGINE, disconnect the spark plug wire, and manually advance the string.

ADVANCING THE STRING MANUALLY

With the engine off and the spark plug wire disconnected, push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to manually advance the string.

CUT-OFF BLADE

This trimmer is equipped with a cut-off blade on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance string by tapping the string head until the string is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade. Advance string whenever you hear the engine running faster than normal, or when trimming efficiency diminishes. This will maintain best performance and keep string long enough to advance properly.

Page 8 — English

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:

When servicing, use only identical Homelite replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.

WARNING:

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.

WARNING:

Before inspecting, cleaning, or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, lubricant, grease, etc.

WARNING:

Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleumbased products, penetrating lubricants, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which may result in serious personal injury.

You can often make adjustments and repairs described here. For other repairs, have the trimmer serviced by an authorized service dealer.

SPOOL REPLACEMENT reel-Easy™ Tap Advance­ System

See Figures 11 - 12.

If replacing string only, refer to String Replacement later in this manual.

Use only .080 in. diameter trimmer line.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold the string head and unscrew the spool retainer.

To remove the spool retainer:

Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26CS. Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26SS.

Remove the empty spool from the string head.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the string head housing from the drive shaft.

Insert the new spool into the string head.

NOTE: Make sure the arrows on the spool are aligned with the eyelets in the string head housing. Push down and hold the spool and housing together while completing the installation.

Reinstall the spool retainer to secure.

To install the spool retainer:

Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26CS.

Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26SS.

Install string as described in String Replacement.

STRING REPLACEMENT

See Figures 12 - 14.

 Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire.Rotate the spool clockwise as necessary to align the

arrows on the spool with the eyelets in the string head housing.

nCut one piece of trimmer line 15 ft. long. Insert the line into the eyelet on the string trimmer housing. Push until the end of the line comes out the other side of the string head. Pull the line from the other side until equal amounts of line appear on both sides of the spool.

Rotate the spool clockwise to wind the string on the spool until approximately 6 in. of line is showing on each side.

Push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to manually advance the string and to check for proper assembly of the string head.

CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT

Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and amount of lubricant used, and/or your operating conditions, the exhaust port may become blocked with carbon deposits. If you notice a power loss with your gas powered tool, you may need to remove these deposits to restore performance. We highly recommend that only qualified service technicians perform this service.

SPARK ARRESTOR

The spark arrestor must be replaced every 50 hours or yearly to ensure proper performance of the product. Spark arrestors may be in different locations depending on the model purchased. Please contact the nearest service dealer for the location of the spark arrestor for your model.

CLEANING THE AIR FILTER SCREEN

See Figures 15 - 16.

For proper performance and long life, keep air filter screen clean.

Remove the air filter cover by pushing down on the latch with your thumb while gently pulling on the cover.

Brush the air filter screen lightly to clean.

Replace the air filter cover by inserting the tabs on the bottom of the cover into the slots on the air filter base; push the cover up until it latches securely in place.

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MAINTENANCE

FUEL CAP

WARNING:

Check for fuel leaks. A leaking fuel cap is a fire hazard and must be replaced immediately. If you find any leaks, correct the problem before using the product. Failure to do so could result in a fire that could cause serious personal injury.

The fuel cap contains a non-serviceable filter and a check valve. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine performance. If performance improves when the fuel cap is loosened, check valve may be faulty or filter clogged. Replace fuel cap if required.

SPARK PLUG

This engine uses a Champion RCJ6Y or equivalent spark plug with .025 in. electrode gap. Use an exact replacement and replace annually, or more frequently if necessary.

STORing the trimmer

Clean all foreign material from the trimmer. Store it in a well-ventilated place that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

Abide by all Federal and local regulations for the safe storage and handling of gasoline.

when storing 1 month or longer:

Drain all fuel from tank into a container approved for gasoline. Run engine until it stops.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Engine will not start.	No spark.	Check spark. Remove spark plug. Re-
		attach the spark plug cap and lay spark
		plug on metal cylinder. Pull the starter
		rope and watch for spark at spark plug
		tip. If there is no spark, repeat test with
		a new spark plug.
	No fuel.	Push primer bulb until bulb is full of
		fuel. If bulb does not fill, primary fuel
		delivery system is blocked. Contact
		a servicing dealer. If primer bulb fills,
		engine may be flooded, proceed to
		next item.
	Engine is flooded.	Remove spark plug, turn trimmer so
		spark plug hole is aimed at the ground.
		Rotate the choke dial to “RUN” posi-
		tion and pull starter cord 10 to 15
		times. This will clear excess fuel from
		engine. Clean and reinstall spark plug.
		Pull starter three times with choke dial
		at “RUN”. If engine does not start, ro-
		tate choke dial to “FULL CHOKE” posi-
		tion and repeat normal starting proce-
		dure. If engine still fails to start, repeat
		procedure with a new spark plug.
	Starter rope pulls harder now than	Contact an authorized servicing
	when new.	dealer­ .

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