25A-258J766
Operator's Manual
22" String Trimmer
Mower
Model 258
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
Inthe State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
TROY-BILT LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00009E
(10/03)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Making Adjustments 9
Slope Gauge 6 Maintaining Your String Trimmer 10
Assembling Your String Trimmer 7 Trouble Shooting
Know Your String Trimmer Mower 8 Illustrated Parts List 14
Operating Your String Trimmer Mower g Warranty 16
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the unit. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized
service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
PleasedoNOTreturntheunit totheretailer fromwhere it waspurchased,without firstcontactingCustomerSupport.
If you have difficulty assembling this productor have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit troybilt.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support buttonand you will
get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately
available.
i
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty to engine
and service. Please refer the
manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation inthis
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GeneralOperation
1. Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to cut vegetation and
grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules inthis manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use
this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the
string trimmer mower in any direction which could
cause serious personal injury to the operator or any
others allowed in the area. Plan your trimming
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward
building, walls, roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. To help avoid trimmer line contact or a
thrown object injury, keep children, bystanders, and
helpers at least 75 feet from the string trimmer
mower while it is in operation. Stop the string
trimmer mower if anyone enters the area.
5. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
6. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
7. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area at all times as
the rotating trimmer head and lines can cause
injury.
8. Never pull the string trimmer mower back toward
you while you are walking. If you must back the
string trimmer mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind, and then
follow these steps:
a. Step back from the string trimmer mower to
fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the string trimmer mower back slowly, no
more than half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the string trimmer mower while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. The trimmer head control handle is a safety device.
Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so
makes the safety device inoperative and may result
in personal injury through contact with the rotating
head or lines. The trimmer head control handle
must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position
when released.
7. Disengage the trimmer head before starting the
engine.
8. Never operate the string trimmer mower in wet
grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall
can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you
are losing your footing, release the trimmer head
control handle immediately and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.
9. Trimormowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Walkneverrun.
10.Stopthetrimmerheadwhencrossinggraveldrives,
walksorroads.
11.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
12.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthetrimmerhead
comestoacompletestopbeforereplacingtrimmer
line,makinganyadjustmentorrepairs.Thetrimmer
headcontinuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthetrimmerheadareauntilyouaresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.
13.Neveroperatethestringtrimmermowerwithout
propershields,guards,trimmerheadcontrol
handleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace
andworking.Neveroperatethestringtrimmer
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo
so,canresultinpersonalinjury.
14.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
15.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthisstring
trimmermowerbythemanufacturer.Failuretodo
so,canresultinpersonalinjury.
16.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
dealerforassistance.Telephone1-800-520-5520
forthenameofyournearestdealer.
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury, Operation on slopes
requires extra caution, If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
trim or mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included
as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating
this unit on a sloped or hilly area. Ifthe slope is greater than
15 degrees, do not trim or mow it,
Do:
1. Trim or mow across the face of slopes; never up or
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance, release the trimmer head
control handle immediately, and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within afew seconds.
DoNot:
1. Do not trim or mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
2. Do not trim or mow slopes greater than 15 degrees
as shown on the slope gauge on page 6.
3. Do not trim or mow on wet grass. Unstable footing
could cause slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert to the
presence of children, Children are often attracted to the
string trimmer mower and the trimming or mowing activity,
They do not understand the dangers, Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them,
1. Keep children out of the trimming or mowing area
and under the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn string trimmer mower off if a child
enters the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child who may run into the string
trimmer mower.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under age 14 to operate a
string trimmer mower. Children 14 years of age and
over should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult.
Service
SafeHandlingOfGasoline:
To avoidpersonal injuryor propertydamage use extreme
care in handling gasoline.Gasoline isextremely flammable
and the vapors areexplosive.Serious personalinjury can
occur when gasolineis spilledon yourself or your clothes
which can ignite, Washyourskin andchange clothes
immediately,
1. Use only an approved gasoline container.
2. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
3. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
4. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
5. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
6. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
7. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
8. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light as
on a gas water heater, space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
9. To reduce fire hazard, keep the string trimmer
mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
4
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris.
10. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
GeneralService:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the trimmer head and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the trimmer head and engine mounting bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect trimmer head for damage. Replace
with the original equipment manufacture's (OEM)
parts only, listed in this manual. "Use of parts which
do not meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
4. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
6. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the string trimmer
mower for any damage. Repair the damage before
starting and operating.
7. Never attempt to replace the trimmer line or make a
cutting height adjustment while the engine is
running.
8. Never use other lengths, diameters, or materials as
trimmer line. Doing so can result in personal injury.
9. Trimmer head components, guards, and shields
are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
For safety protection, frequently check components
and replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (OEM) parts only, listed in this
manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!"
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
_:_ ARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions inthis manual and on the machine,
NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your string trimmer mower.
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