Toro 51231 Operator's Manual

Electric Trimmer

8-Inch Cutting Width

Model No. 51231—89000001 & Up

Taille-bordures électrique

Largeur de coupe 20 cm (8 po.)

Modèle No. 51231—89000001 et suivants

FORM NO. 3319–797

Recortadora eléctrica

Anchura de corte de 20 cm (8 pulg.)

Modelos N. 51231—89000001 y siguientes

Operator’s Manual
Manuel de L’Utilisateur
Manual del Operador

English

Safety

W ARNING—To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury,
follow these safety instructions.

Read All Instructions

It is essential that you or any other operator of the appliance
read and understand the contents of this manual before
operating the appliance. Pay particular attention to the safety

alert symbol
DANGER — “personal safety instruction.” FAILURE TO
COMPLY WITH INSTRUCTION MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY, RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL
SHOCK.

• Avoid Dangerous Environment–Don’t use appliances in damp

or wet locations.

• Don’t Use In Rain.

• Keep Children Away–All visitors should be kept at a distance

from work area.

• Dress Properly–Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They

can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber gloves and
substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

• Use Safety Glasses–Always use face or dust mask if operation

is dusty. Safety glasses are available at most retail stores.

• Use Right Appliance—Do not use the appliance for any job

except that for which it was intended.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be

provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the
gardening appliance. Receptacles are available having built-in
GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.

• WARNING—To reduce the risk of electrical shock, use only

an approved UL (CSA in Canada) extension cord suitable for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord of cord type SW-A,
SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A or
SJTOW-A.

• Extension Cord–Make sure your extension cord is in good

condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An
undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. The Extension
Cord Chart shows the correct size to use depending on cord
length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the heavier the
cord. To reduce the risk of disconnection of appliance from
extension cord during operating, secure the cord as described
in this manual.

which means CAUTION, WARNING OR

polarized extension cord. A polarized extension cord will
require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into
the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit
fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does
not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall
outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord
receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.

• Avoid Unintentional Starting–Do not carry plugged–in

appliance with finger on switch. Be sure switch is off when
plugging in.

• Don’t Abuse Cord–Never carry appliance by cord or yank it to

disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.

• Keep grass shield in place and in working order.

• Keep hands and feet away from cutting area.

• Don’t Force Appliance–It will do the job better and with less

likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was
designed.

• Don’t Overreach—Keep proper footing and balance at all

times.

• Stay Alert – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.

Do not operate appliance when you are tired.

• Disconnect Appliance–Disconnect the appliance from the

power supply when not in use or before servicing.

• Store Idle Appliances Indoors–When not in use, appliances

should be stored indoors in dry, and high or locked-up place ­out of the reach of children.

• Maintain Appliance With Care –Follow instructions for

changing accessories. Inspect appliance periodically, and if
damaged, have it repaired by an Authorized Toro Service
Dealer. Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if
damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Trimmer requires no lubrication.

• Check Damaged Parts – Before further use of the appliance, 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.

• When servicing use only identical TORO replacement parts.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

EXTENSION CORD CHART

If length of extension cord is less
than or equal to:

Assure wire size gage (A.W.G.) in
cord is:

Note: Use of an extension cord over 150 feet is not recommended.

• To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a

polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) (Fig. 2) and
will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The
appliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one
way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord,
reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct

Printed in USA

100 ft. 150 ft.

16 14

1

The Toro Company – 1998

All Rights Reserved

Safety and Instruction Decals

Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential
danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or lost.

(Part No. 93-4464)

ON TUBE

Before Starting

1. Make sure spool cap is securely snapped in place. If not, align

cap tabs with slots in cutter head, press tabs in and push down
cap and spool to lock cap in place (Fig. 7).

POTENTIAL HAZARD

• Cap may loosen during shipment. A loose or

improperly installed cap or spool could fly off
trimmer.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

• Contact with a thrown spool or cap could cause injury

to operator or bystanders.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

• Be sure spool and cap are fully secured before

operating the unit. Replace spool if it is damaged or if
cap does not securely snap onto cutter head.

• Keep bystanders and pets away from trimming area.

Securing Extension Cord

Note: Use only a UL listed (CSA certified in Canada) extension
cord recommended for outdoor use. Refer to Extension Cord Chart
on page 1.

1. Secure extension cord as shown in Figure 3.

Operation

POTENTIAL HAZARD

• Objects can be thrown by the trimmer while it is in

operation.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

• Thrown objects could cause injury to the operator or

bystanders.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

• Always wear safety goggles or other suitable eye

protection, long pants and shoes while operating
trimmer.

• Keep people and pets away from trimming area.

To reduce line wear or breakage, follow these trimming techniques.

• Inspect area to be trimmed for any wire, rope or string-like

matter which could become entangled in the rotating line. Pick
up any objects or debris that could be thrown by the trimmer.

• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.

• Slowly move unit in and out of area being cut, maintaining

unit at desired cutting height. Use a forward-backward or
side-to-side motion (Fig. 4 & 5).

• Grass in excess of eight inches tall or small weeds should be

cut by cutting from the top to the bottom in small increments.

• DO NOT FORCE THE UNIT. Allow the very tip of the

nylon line to do the cutting (especially along walls).

• The tip of the cutting line will wear during use and reduce the

cutting swath. If the line is not advanced occasionally, it will
wear down to the eyelet. When the trimmer stops, the line

2

tends to relax and may retract into the cutter head. Should
this occur, remove spool, refeed the line through eyelet, and
reassemble spool to trimmer.

• After each use, feed out some line to prevent line from

retracting into cutting head.

• NEVER drag the trimmer spool on the ground while

trimming.

POTENTIAL HAZARD

• When using trimmer, objects may be thrown in

operator’s or bystander’s direction.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

• Thrown objects could cause injury to the operator or

bystanders.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

• Always wear safety goggles or other suitable eye

protection, long pants and shoes while operating
trimmer.

• Keep people and pets away from trimming area.

Lengthening Cutting Line

1. To lengthen line, tap spool on the ground while the motor
continues to run (Fig. 6); do not hold it on the ground. The
cutting knife attached to the shield will cut the line to the
proper length.

Note: To help prevent line tangle, tap only once to lengthen line. If
additional line is required, wait a few seconds before retapping
trimmer head. Do not allow line to wear too short. Keep line length
at full cutting diameter as much as possible.

Replacing Cutting Line

POTENTIAL HAZARD

• When trimmer is in operation, the cutting head is

rotating.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

• Contact with rotating cutting head could cause

personal injury.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

• Always be sure cutting head has completely stopped

rotating and trimmer is unplugged before inverting
trimmer.

• Never activate trimmer when it is in an inverted

position.

1. Disconnect trimmer from power source.

2. To remove empty spool, invert trimmer, place hand over spool

and press in tabs on each side of cap (Fig. 7).

3. If there is any line on spool, hold free end of line with one

hand to prevent spool from unraveling and with other hand
grasp spool and lift off spool and cap together (Fig. 8).

Note: If spring falls off cutter head during this procedure, reinstall
spring before reinstalling spool and cap.

4. Thoroughly clean cutter head. Inspect for any damaged or

worn parts.

5. Unwind no more than three inches of line from new spool.

Hold line and spool to prevent unraveling.

6. Place cap on spool.

7. Insert line into eyelet (Fig. 7) and hold line with one hand

while using your other hand to place spool and cap on spring.
Align cap tabs with slots in cutter head, press in tabs and push
down cap and spool to lock cap in place (Fig. 7).

Note: Spool may need to be rotated slightly to allow it to be fully
installed.

For best performance, use only Toro spools. Prewound
replacement spools can be purchased from your local Toro retailer.

POTENTIAL HAZARD

• Use of line other than proper monofilament cutting

line could cause personal injury.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

• Metal wire, rope or other string-like substances could

cut through clothes, skin, etc. and cause personal
injury.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

• Do not use any type of metal wire, rope or other

string-like substance.

• Use only TORO .050” dia. nylon monofilament

cutting line, 30 feet maximum.

POTENTIAL HAZARD

• An improperly installed cap or spool could fly off

trimmer.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

• Contact with a thrown spool or cap could cause injury

to operator or bystanders.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

• Be sure spool and cap are fully secured before

operating the unit. Replace spool if it is damaged or if
cap does not securely snap onto cutter head.

• Keep bystanders and pets away from trimming area.

8. If line should tangle or break at eyelet, unplug trimmer, remove

spool, refeed the line through eyelet, and reassemble spool to
trimmer.

9. The spool may wear during normal use of the line advance

feature and may require occasional replacement. Replacement
spools are available through your TORO retailer. See page 4
for accessories.

3

Rewinding Empty Spools

Replacement line can be purchased from your local Toro retailer.

1. Hook one end of line into slot on spool, allowing no more
than 1/8” to protrude. Push end of line all the way to the
inner end of slot. Wind line in direction of arrow on spool in

level rows between spool flanges (Fig. 9).

Trimmer will not function properly if:

• line is wound in the wrong direction

• end of line protrudes more than 1/8” at inner end of

slot

• line is wound beyond outer edges of spool

• Check and tighten all fasteners. If any part is damaged or lost,

repair or replace it.

• Scrape debris away from air intake vents in both sides of motor

housing (Fig. 10).

IMPORTANT: Keeping air intake vents free of grass and
debris prevents motor overheating and possible failure.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging shield when storing
trimmer, rest trimmer on cutter head or motor housing or
hang trimmer from handle(s). DO NOT REST TRIMMER ON
GRASS SHIELD. THE GRASS SHIELD MAY WARP AND
INTERFERE WITH CUTTING LINE.

• Any other servicing should be performed by an authorized

Toro Service Dealer.

Maintenance

POTENTIAL HAZARD

• There is the possibility that trimmer could be

inadvertently started when the extension cord is
plugged into an electrical socket.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

• Inadvertent starting could cause personal injury to

operator or bystanders.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

• Always be sure your trimmer is unplugged and the

cutting head has stopped rotating before attempting
any maintenance or repairs.

• To keep the exterior clean, wipe it with a damp cloth. Never
hose unit down.

• Wipe or scrape clean the cutter head and spool area any time
there is an accumulation of dirt or cuttings.

Accessories

  

Prewound

Spool

Model #88170 Part #73–8240 30’ of .050”

Empty Spool

Coil of

Cutting Line

Model #8801 1

Toro Service Support

If your unit requires service or maintenance, your nearest TORO
Master Service Dealer (U.S. only) is the best dealer to assist you.
Refer to the “Yellow Pages” of your local telephone directory in
the section titled “Lawn Mowers.” TORO Master Service Dealers
are listed under the TORO trademark. If you need help locating a
TORO Master Service Dealer near you, call 1-800-421-9684 (U.S.
only) for assistance.

The Toro Promise

A Full Two Year Residential Use Warranty

For the United States, Canada and Mexico

The Toro Company warrants this TORO Product for two years against defects in material or workmanship. To receive a
replacement or repair, at Toro’s option, just return the complete unit, postage prepaid, to the seller. (U.S. customers ONLY
may return their unit, with proof of purchase, to any TORO Master Service Dealer or the TORO Service Center, 5300
Shoreline Blvd., Mound, MN 55364.) This warranty covers product defects only . It does not cover incidental or

consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may have

other rights which vary from state to state. If all other remedies fail, you may contact us at The Toro Company, Customer
Service Department, 81 11 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55420-1196. (Do not return defective product to this
address.)

COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA OR MEXICO

Customers who have purchased TORO products exported from the United States, Canada or Mexico should contact their
TORO Distributor (Dealer) to obtain guarantee policies for your country, province or state. If for any reason you are
dissatisfied with your Distributor’s service or have difficulty obtaining guarantee information, contact the TORO importer.

4

Français

Sécurité

AVERTISSEMENT : pour réduire les risques d’incendie, de
choc électrique ou de blessure, respecter les consignes de
sécurité ci-dessous.

Lire attentivement toutes les
instructions

Il est essentiel que vous ou tout autre utilisateur de
l’aspirateur/souffleur lisiez et compreniez le contenu de ce
manuel avant d’utiliser l’appareil. Prêter une attention

particulière aux textes marqués du symbole de sécurité
indiquant les mises en garde telles que ATTENTION,
AVERTISSEMENT ou DANGER. TOUT MANQUEMENT À
SE CONFORMER À CES INSTRUCTIONS PEUT
ENTRAÎNER DES DOMMAGES CORPORELS, UN
RISQUE D’INCENDIE OU D’ÉLECTROCUTION.

• Eviter les situations dangereuses. Ne pas utiliser l’appareil dans

des endroits humides ou mouillés.

• Ne pas utiliser l’appareil sous la pluie.

• Tenir les enfants à distance. Ne laisser personne approcher de la

zone de travail.

• Porter des vêtements appropriés. Ne pas porter de vêtements

amples ou de bijoux risquant de s’accrocher dans les pièces en
mouvement. Le port de gants de caoutchouc et de bonnes
chaussures est conseillé pour le travail à l’extérieur. Nouer et
couvrir les cheveux longs pour qu’ils ne risquent pas d’être pris
dans l’appareil.

• Porter des lunettes de protection. Toujours porter un masque

anti-poussière si le travail soulève de la poussière. Ces articles
sont en vente chez la plupart des détaillants.

• Utiliser l’appareil approprié. Ne jamais utiliser un appareil pour

effectuer un travail pour lequel il n’est pas conçu.

• Prévoir un coupe-circuit de mise à la terre accidentelle

(protection GFCI) dans les circuits ou les prises utilisés par
l’appareil de jardinage. Employer par exemple des prises à
protection GFCI intégrée, disponibles dans le commerce.

• ATTENTION: Pour éviter les risques d’électrocution, utiliser

exclusivement un prolongateur convenant pour l’utilisation à
l’extérieur, par exemple de type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A,
STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, ou SJTOW-A.

• Cordon prolongateur - S’assurer que le cordon est en bon état.

Utiliser un prolongateur d’une section suffisante pour le
courant absorbé par l’appareil, afin d’éviter la perte de
puissance et le risque de surchauffe dus à une baisse de tension
excessive dans le cordon. Le tableau des cordons prolongateurs
indique le calibre recommandé en fonction de la longueur du
cordon et de l’ampérage nominal spécifié sur la plaque
signalétique de l’appareil. En cas de doute, utiliser un cordon
plus gros. Plus le cordon est gros, plus le numéro de calibre
américain (A.W.G) correspondant est petit. Pour réduire le
risque d’arrachage du cordon durant le travail, utiliser le
système d’accrochage décrit dans ce manuel.

TABLEAU DES CORDONS PROLONGATEURS

Si la longueur du prolongateur est
inférieure ou égale à:

S’assurer que le calibre (A.W.G.)
du cordon est de:

Remarque: L’usage d’un cordon prolongateur de plus de 46 m
(150 pi.) est déconseillé.

Imprimé aux USA

30,5 m

(100 pi.)

16 14

46 m

(150 pi.)

• Pour réduire les risques d’électrocution, cet appareil est équipé

d’une fiche polarisée (dont une broche est plus large que
l’autre) (Fig. 2), à utiliser avec un cordon prolongateur
polarisé. La fiche de l’appareil ne peut rentrer dans la fiche
femelle d’un prolongateur polarisé que dans un sens. Si elle ne
rentre pas dans un sens, essayer dans l’autre. Si elle ne rentre
pas non plus dans l’autre sens, se procurer un autre
prolongateur polarisé, de type approprié. Le prolongateur
polarisé doit être branché dans une prise de courant polarisée.
La fiche mâle du prolongateur polarisé ne peut s’enficher dans
une prise de courant polarisée que dans un sens. Si elle ne
rentre pas dans un sens, essayer dans l’autre. Si elle ne rentre
toujours pas, s’adresser à un électricien qualifié pour qu’il
place une prise de courant appropriée. La fiche de l’appareil et
les fiches du prolongateur ne peuvent en aucun cas être
modifiées.

• Eviter la mise en marche accidentelle - Ne pas garder le doigt

sur le commutateur lorsqu’on porte l’appareil branché. Avant
de brancher l’appareil, s’assurer que le commutateur est en
position d’arrêt (off).

• Prendre soin du cordon - Ne pas soulever l’appareil par le

cordon ou le débrancher en tirant sur le cordon. Tenir le cordon
à l’abri des températures extrêmes, de l’huile et des angles vifs.

• Veiller à ce que le pare-herbe soit toujours en place et en bon

état.

• Ne pas approcher les mains ou les pieds de la zone de coupe.

• Ne pas forcer l’appareil - L’appareil fonctionne mieux et de

manière plus sûre dans les conditions pour lesquelles il est
élaboré.

• Ne pas tenter d’atteindre des endroits trop éloignés - Se

maintenir toujours dans des endroits stables.

• Rester vigilant - Faire attention à ce qu’on fait. User de bon

sens. Ne pas utiliser l’appareil lorsqu’on est fatigué.

• Débrancher l’appareil - Retirer la fiche de la prise de courant

dès qu’on n’utilise plus l’appareil, et avant tout entretien.

• Ranger l’appareil à l’intérieur - Lorsqu’on n’utilise pas

l’appareil, le ranger à l’intérieur dans un endroit sec, fermé à
clé ou suffisamment haut pour être hors de portée des enfants.

• Entretenir soigneusement l’appareil - Suivre les instructions

lors du changement d’accessoires. Inspecter régulièrement
l’appareil et le faire réparer chez un concessionnaire Toro agréé
s’il est endommagé. Vérifier régulièrement l’état des cordons
prolongateurs, et les remplacer s’ils sont endommagés. V eiller à
ce que les poignées soient toujours propres et sèches, sans trace
d’huile ou de graisse. Le coupe-bordure ne nécessite pas de
lubrification.

• Contrôler les pièces endommagées - Avant d’utiliser à nouveau

l’appareil, inspecter soigneusement les protections ou autres
pièces endommagées pour s’assurer qu’elles sont en état de
fonctionner correctement et de remplir le rôle pour lequel elles
sont destinées. Contrôler le bon alignement des pièces mobiles,
l’absence de grippage, la présence éventuelle de pièces cassées,
l’état des fixations, et tout autre aspect susceptible d’affecter le
fonctionnement. Les pièces de garde et autres ayant été
endommagées doivent être correctement réparées ou
remplacées par un réparateur agréé, sauf indication contraire
dans le mode d’emploi.

• Lors des réparations, utiliser exclusivement des TORO pièces

de rechange d’origine.

CONSERVER CES INSTRUCTIONS

5

The Toro Company - 1998

Tous droits réservés