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Operator's Manual
2-Cycle Gasoline
Trimmer ledger
Model TB25
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
P/N 769-00551 (12/02)
PRINTED IN USA
Content Page
Calling Customer Support .................................................... 2
Rules for Safe Operation ..................................................... 3
<now Your Unit ...................................................... 6
Assembly Instructions ................................................. 7
Oil and Fuel Information ...................................................... 8
Starting/Stopping Instructions ................................................. 9
Operating Instruet=ons ...................................................... 10
Maintenance and Repair Instructions ...................................... 13
Cleaning and Storage ....................................................... 20
Accessories and Replacement Parts ....................................... 20
Troubleshooting Chart ...................................................... 21
Specifications ........................................................... 22
Warranty Information ....................................................... 24
Paris Dst .................................................... Inside Back Cover
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land and the state of
California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require_ by law that certain internal combustion engines operated
on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be
constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to these
requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a fine, This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor, !f
it requires replacement, Accessory Part #182747 Spark Arrestor Screen is available by contacting the service department.
This operator's manual is an important part of your new trimmer. 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. This information is very important if you need help from our Customer
Support Department or an authorized dealer.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of
this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1-800-520-5520 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have your unit's model number
(,'_ and serial number ready when you call. See the previous section to locate this information. You will be asked
to enter the serial number in order to process your call.
2
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your
attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,
and their explanations, deserve your careful attention
and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or
warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
4_ ' i ' SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital
Idanger, warning or caution. Attention is
! irequired in order to avoid serious personal
mjury_ May be used in conjunction with
other symbols or pictographs.
to the operation or maintenance of the
equipment.
SYMBOL MEANING
_;i DANGER: Failure to Obey a safety warning
_k WARNING: Failureto obey a safety
4Hll
_ I i CAUTION: Failure to 0bey a safety warning
will result in serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
warning Can result in injury to yourself and
others. Always follow the safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
may result in property damage or personal
injury to yourself or to others. Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock and personal injury.
California Proposition 65 Warning:
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS
PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS
OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in
place and secure. Replace cutting attachment parts
that are cracked, chipped or damaged in any way.
Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed
and securely fastened. Be sure the cutting attachment
shield is properly attached, and positioned as
recommended. Failure to do so can result in personal
injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as
damage to the unit.
• Use only 0.095 inch (2.41 mm) diameter Genuine
Factory Parts rMreplacement line. Never use metal-
reinforced line, wire or rope. These can break off and
become dangerous projectiles.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and
feet.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire or
string. They can be thrown or become entangled in the
cutting attachment. Clear the area of children,
bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children,
bystanders and pets outside a 50-foot (15 m.) radius;
there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown
objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the engine
and cutting attachment immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments
or repairs before using unit.
• This unit was not designed to be used as a
brushcutter. Do not attach or operate this unit with any
type of brushcutting blade or brushcutting attachment.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS TRIMMERS
its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable, and
fo ow ng precaut ons:
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before
filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel
tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never
operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure
in the tank.
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where
there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel
cap only after stopping engine. Do not smoke while
fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the
unit immediately.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke. Keep sparks and open flames away from the
area while adding fuel or operating the unit.
3
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate
this unit only in a well ventilated outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards. Also wear
ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear
a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Long
sleeve shirts are recommended.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or
go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place
while operating the unit. Do not operate unit without
both trimming lines extended, and the proper line
installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond the
length of the shield.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains
stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have
the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.
• Adjust the J-handle to your size to provide the best
grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or
grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment when it is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation. They remain hot for a
short time after you turn off the unit.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at
high speed when you are not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or
when walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage.
not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance,
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or other
attachments.
Do
Use only Genuine Factory Parts rMreplacement parts
and accessories for this unit. These are available from
your authorized service dealer. Use of any
unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to
serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and
void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the cutting
attachment and shield.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark
arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass,
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
WHILE OPERATING WITH EDGER
• Inspect the unit before use. Ensure the blade is
installed correctly and secure.
• Clear the area to be edged before each use. Remove
all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or
string which can be thrown or become entangled in
the edging attachment.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is
rotating.
• A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to
spin after the engine is stopped or the throttle control
is released. Maintain proper control until the blade has
completely stopped rotating.
• Do not run the unit at high speed when not edging.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Have any damage repaired before attempting
further operations. Do not operate unit with a bent,
cracked or dull blade. Discard blades that are bent,
warped, cracked or broken.
• Stop the engine IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive
vibration. Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect
thoroughly for loose nuts, bolts or damage before
continuing. Repair or replace affected parts as
necessa_.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high
to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the
reach of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.
Clean after each use. See the Cleaning and Storage
instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use
them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this
unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
4
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning, or //._..._
caution. May be used in conjunction
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL __
with other symbols or pictographs. -/
WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
©
Read the Operator's Manual(s) and
follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury to the
operator and/or bystanders.
WEAR EYE AND HEARING
PROTECTION
WARNING: Thrown objects and
loud noise can cause severe eye
injury and hearing loss. Wear eye
protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989
standards and ear protection when
operating this unit. Usea full face
shield when needed.
MEANING
• THROWN OBJECTS AND
ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE
SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate without
the cutting attachment shield in
place. Keep away from the rotating
cutting attachment.
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF OR STOP
HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler or
cylinder. You may get burned. These
parts get extremely hot from
operation. When turned off they
remain hot for a short time.
KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders,
especially children and pets, at least
50 feet (15 m.) from the operating area.
• UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.
• OIL
Refer to operator's manual for the
proper type of oil.
SHARPBLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade on cutting
attachment shield. To prevent
serious injury, do not
touch line cutting blade.
5
APPLICATIONS
As a trimmer:
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.
With Edger Add-On:
• Edging along paths, driveways, rockeries, etc.
Fuel Cap
Other optional accessories may be used with the
TB25ET. Refer to Operating the EZ-Link System for a list
of add-ons.
EZ-Start
Air Filter/Muffler
Cover
Lever
Shaft Grip /
Throttle
Control
Shoulder Strap Clip
Starter Rope Grip
J
Throttle
Lock-Out
J-Handle
Engine Stand
Shaft
Housing
Hanger
Height
Adjustment
Wheel
Spark Plug
Edger Add-On
\
\ Muffler
\
\
\
Primer Bulb
Gear
Housing
Line Cutting Blade
6
Cutting Attachment
Shield \
\
\
\
/
Edger Blade
/
Blade Shield
-Cutting Attachment
Onsomeunits,theJ-handlemaybepre-installed.Inthis
caseyoumustloosenscrewsandadjustthehandletofit
theoperator.Gotostep5iftheJ-handleispre-installed.
INSTALL AND ADJUST THE J-HANDLE
1. Place the J-handle between the top and middle
clamp pieces (Fig. 1).
INSTALLING THE CUTTING SHIELD
Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment
shield on your unit is not installed or if you ever need to
re-install it.
J_ [WARNING: Never 0perate the trimmer ]
|without the cutting attachment shield in place |
lto prevent Serious personal injury, l
(4) Screws-_
Top Clamp
Middle Clamp
Bottom Clamp _ ,
Nuts _
Fig. 1
2. While holding the three pieces together, install the four
(4) screws through the top clamp and into middle clamp.
NOTE: The holes in the top and middle clamp will line up
only when assembled correctly.
3. Place the clamps and the J-handle over the shaft
housing and onto the bottom clamp.
4. Hold each hex nut in the bottom clamp recess with a
finger. Start screws with a large Phillips screwdriver.
Do not tighten until you make the handle adjustment.
5. Slide the J-handle inor out until the arrow/white line on
the decal touches the clamp assembly (Fig. 2). You must
first loosen the screws if the handle is pre-installed.
Decal
1. Place the cutting attachment shield onto the shaft
housing above the clamp assembly (Fig. 4).
Clamp \
Recesse
Pocket
2.
Push the cutting attachment shield down to the top
s
CuttingAttachment
Shield
Fig. 4
of the cutting attachment assembly. Then rotate the
shield until its screw holes line up with the holes in
the cutting attachment. The shield guard should fit
into the recessed pocket (Fig. 4).
\
Fig. 2
6. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 3),
position the J-handle to the location that provides you
the best grip.
Fig. 3
7. Tighten the clamp screws evenly, until the J-handle
is secure.
\\ t _i (4)Screws
F"
Fig. 5
3. Install the screws with a Phillips screwdriver (Fig. 5).
7
OIL AND FUEL MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
Old and/or improperly mixed fuel are the main reasons
for the unit not running properly. Be sure to use fresh,
clean unleaded fuel. Follow the instructions carefully for
the proper fuel/oil mixture.
Definition of Blended Fuels
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and
oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol, or MTBE (ether).
Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1%
water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate. It forms
acids when stored. When using alcohol-blended fuel,
use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old).
Using Blended Fuels
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is
unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:
• Always use the fresh fuel mix explained in your
operator's manual
• Always agitate the fuel mix before fueling the unit
• Drain the tank and run the engine dry before storing
the unit
Thoroughly mix the proper ratio of 2-cycle engine oil
with unleaded gasoline in a separate fuel can. Use a 40:1
fuel/oil ratio. Do not mix them directly in the engine fuel
tank. See the table below for specific gas and oil mixing
ratios.
NOTE: One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded gasoline mixed
with one 3.2 oz. (95 ml.) bottle of
2-cycle oil makes a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.
UNLEADED GAS 2 CYCLE OIL
1 US. GALLON + 3.2 FL OZ.
(3.8 LITERS) (95 ml)
1 LITER + 25 ml
Using Fuel Additives
The bottle of 2-cycle oil that came with your unit
contains afuel additive which will help inhibit corrosion
and minimize the formation of gum deposits. It is
recommended that you use our 2-cycle oil with this unit.
If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for
air-cooled engines along with a fuel additive, such as
STA-BIL ®Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent. Add 0.8 oz.
(23 mL) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the
instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives
directly to the unit's fuel tank.
A CAUTION: For proper engine operation and J
,_, [ maximum reliability, pay strict attention to [
the oil and fuel mixing instructions on the
2-cycle oil container. Using improperly
m xed rue can severe y damage the eng ne.
MIXING RATIO - 40:1
WARNING: Gasoline is extremely
flammable. Ignited Vapors may explode.
_k Always stop the engine and allow it to coo!
before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke
while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open
flames at a distance from the area.
WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid I
.A, I injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit
_Jwthout the fue cap secure y n p ace. J
WARNING: Add fuel in a Clean, well ]
ventilated area outdoors. Wipe up any /
spilled fuel immediately. Avoid creating a /
source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start /
the engine until fuel vapors dissipate. J
NOTE: Dispose of the old fuel/oil mix in accordance to
Federal, State and Local regulations.
8
_1 ARNING: Operate this unit Only in a well- ventilated I
outdoor area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be
ethan a confined area. l
WARNING: Avoid accidental startin 9. Make sure you
are in the starting position when pulhng the starter
rope (Fig. 8). Toavoid serious injury, the operator an,
unit must be in a stable position while starting.
Start/On (I)
J
Throttle Lock-Out
StoplOff (O)
/
J
Make sure that any Add-On is installed correctly
and secure before starting the unit.
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
................IF... You are starting a warm engine, begin at step 4.
1. Mix gas with oil. Fill fuel tank with fuel/oil mixture.
See Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions.
2. Make sure the On/Off Stop Control is in the ON (I)
position (Fig. 6).
Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times,
slowly, until FUEL IS VISIBLE IN THE PRIMER
BULB (Fig. 7). If you can't see fuel in the bulb, press
il i!
_ i_
ii ii
ii ii
' i_ IF...
ii ,_ IF,,,
;i il
................IF,,, The engine stalls before you squeeze the throttle
and release the bulb as many times as it takes before
you can see fuel in it.
Push the EZ-Start TM Lever to the left until it clicks and
locks into place (Fig. 7).
With the unit in the starting position, DO NOT
SQUEEZE THE THROTTLE CONTROL (Fig. 8). Pull
the starter rope 5times briskly, making sure the
EZ-StartTM lever is pushed to the left.
__ The engine does not start, go back to step 3.
__ The engine starts to run before the fifth pull, go to step 6.
IF...
__ The outside temperature or engine temperature
exceeds 90° F and the engine fails to start after 5
pulls, fully squeeze the throttle control and pull the
starter rope briskly 3 to 8 more times. The engine
should start within these pulls.
NOTE: When starting, the EZ-StartTM Lever will automatically
click off when you squeeze the throttle control.
When the engine starts, squeeze the throttle control
to warm up the engine for 5 to 10 seconds. The EZ-
Start TM Lever will click off automatically (Fig. 7).
IF... The engine stalls while squeezing the throttle, go
back to step 4.
control, hold the throttle control and pull the starter
rope until the trimmer starts.
-- Throttle Control
Fig. 6
Primer
Bulb
Fig. 7
4
Starter_Rope
Throttle Control /
Fig, 8
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Releaseyour hand from the throttle control
(Fig.8). Allow the engine to cool down by idling.
2. Put the On/Off Stop Control in the OFF (O)
position (Fig. 6).
9