®
O
/ m /
Operator's Manual
i.ght Shaft
Trimmer
TBSS
C_US LISTED
A241
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
769-00425 (9/02)
PRINTED IN USA
THANK YOU
Thank you for buying this quality product. This modern
outdoor power tool will provide many hours of useful
service. You will find it to be a great labor-saving device.
This operator's manual provides you with easy-to-
understand operating instructions. Read the whole
manual and follow all the instructions to keep your new
outdoor power tool in top operating condition.
PRODUCT REFERENCES, ILLUSTRATIONS AND
SPECIFICATIONS
All information, illustrations and specifications in this
manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to
make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright © 2002 MTD SOUTHWEST INC
All Rights Reserved.
Troy-Bilt® is a registered trademark of MTD PRODUCTS INC
SpeedSpool ® is a registered trademark of MTD
SOUTHWEST INC
SERVICE INFORMATION
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty
period should be performed only by an authorized and
approved service dealer.
Dial:
• 1-330-558-7220
Or
• 1-866-840-6483 to obtain the listing of the
authorized service dealer nearest you.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER.
NOTE: PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE,
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR
MORE US PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
Rules for Safe Operation .................... 3-6
A. Important Safety Information ............... 3-4
B. Safety and International Symbols ............. 5
C. Know Your Unit ........................... 6
II.
Operating Instructions ..................... 7-8
A. Assembling the coupler .................... 7
B. Holding the Trimmer ...................... 8
C. Adjusting Trimming Line Length ............. 8
D. Tips for Best Trimming Results .............. 8
E. Decorative Trimming ...................... 8
Ill.
Maintenance and Repair Instructions ......... 9-11
A. Line Installation for the SpeedSpool® ........ 9
B. Installing a Prewound Reel ................ 10
C. Cleaning the SpeedSpool® ................ 10
D. SpeedSpool® Replacement Parts ........... 11
E. Cleaning ............................... 11
F. Storage ................................ 11
G. Transporting ............................ 11
IV. Troubleshooting Chart ...................... 12
V. Specifications ............................. 13
Vl. Warranty ................................. 16
CONTENTS OF CARTON
This unit should consist of the following:
• TBSS Straight Shaft Trimmer
• Hanger
• Operator's Manual
• Product Registration Card
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.
2
NOTE: This product has been rated for use on both gas
and electric powerheads.
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
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates
danger, warning, or caution. Attention is
required in order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction with
other symbols or pictographs.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to
the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
IA
DANGER: Failure to obey 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: Failure to obey a safety 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.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning
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.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using the unit, the safety
rules must be followed. For your Own safety I
and that of bystanders, please read these
instructions before operating the unit. Please
keep the nstruct ons safe for ater use.
BEFORE OPERATING
• Carefully read and understand the operator's manual
of the unit that powers this Add-On.
• Read this operating instruction manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use
of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and
disengage the controls quickly.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults unfamiliar with the instructions to use the
unit. Never allow adults to operate the equipment
without proper instruction.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed
properly before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use.
• Clear the 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 attachment.
• Use only 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) diameter Genuine
Factory Parts rM replacement line. Never use metal-
reinforced line, wire, or rope, etc. These can break off
and become a dangerous projectile.
• 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 POWERHEADS AND
STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER
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.
• Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area outdoors
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.
• 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 area outdoors.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELECTRIC POWER HEADS
AND STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, use on!y extension cords approved for
outdoor use, such as an extension cord of
cord type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-W or SJTOW-A.
Extension cords are available from your local
retailer. Use only round-jacketed extension
cords approved for outdoor use.
3
• CORDSETS:Makesureyourcordsetisingood
condition.Whenusingacordset,besuretousea
cordthatisheavyenoughtocarrythecurrentthatyour
unitwilldraw.Anundersizedcordsetwillcauseadrop
inlinevoltageresultinginlossofpowerand
overheating.Seetheoperator'smanualfortheunitthat
willpowerthisadd-onfortherecommendedcordsize.
• Inspect all extension cords and the unit power
connection periodically. Look closely for deterioration,
cuts or cracks in the insulation. Also inspect the
connections for damage. Replace the cords if any
defects or damage appear.
• Prevent disconnection of the straight shaft trimmer
powerhead from extension cord during operation by
using a plug-receptacle retaining strap, connector, or
by making a knot as shown below:
Extension Straight Shaft Extension Straight Shaft
Cord Trimmer Cord Cord Trimmer Cord
• Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate your unit
in damp or wet conditions. Moisture is a shock hazard.
• Do not use the unit inthe rain. Do not use in oraround water.
• Do not handle the plug or unit with wet hands or
standing on any wet surfaces.
• Do not leave the unit plugged in when not in use, changing
attachments or add-ons, or while being serviced.
WHILE OPERATING
• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least
50 ft (15 m) away.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve
shirt. Do not wear loose clothing,jewelry, short pants,
sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less
likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.
• Do not overreach, take extra care when working on steep
slopes or inclines. 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 operate without
guards in place.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to do the job. Do not run the engine at high
speed when not in use.
• Always stop the engine/motor when operation is
delayed or when walking from one location to another.
.- If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop
the engine/motor immediately and check for damage. Have
any damage repaired before attempting further operations.
• Stop the unit IMMEDIATELY ifyou 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 necessary.
• Stop and switch the unit to off for maintenance, repair,
or for changing add-ons or other attachments. The unit
must be stopped and the cutting head no longer
turning to avoid injury.
• Use only Genuine Factory Parts TMand 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.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Allow the unit to cool before storing or transporting. Be
sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Store the unit in a locked up and dry or high and dry
place 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 unit and labels with a damp sponge. Clean after
each use.
• 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.
• Only qualified personnel should perform any repairs
or maintenance procedures that are not described
in this manual.
• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts and other
bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Inside a building store the machine away from ignition
sources. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• Always refer to the Operator's Manual instructions for
important details if the unit is to be stored for an
extended period.
• Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you have
the proper tools, and instructions for disassembly and
repair of the machine.
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
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
A
©
@
Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction 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: The operation of any power tool can be the source of thrown objects and loud noise which
can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Always wear safety glasses or goggles eye protection
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear protection when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when
needed.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the
operating area.
• THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate unit without proper attachments and guards in place.
• SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp bladeon cuttingattachmentshield.To preventseriousinjury,do nottouch line
cutting blade.
5
APPLICATIONS
With Trimmer Add-On:
• Cutting grass and light weeds.
• Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.
_ Hanger
Line Cutting Blade
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Gear Housing
Cutting Attachment Shield
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Cutting Attachment
6