OPERATOR'S MANUA
Assembly
° Operation
° Maintenance
• Service and Adjustments
• Storage
• Troubleshooting
177817 Rev. 3 03.16.06 BY Printed in U.S.A.
Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4
Assembly ................................................. 4
Operation ............................................. 5-9
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 10
Maintenance .................................... 10-13
Service and Adjustments ................. 14-15
Storage ............................................ 15-16
Troubleshooting ..................................... 17
A WARNING: This trimmer 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 ap-
plicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator.
In the 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 autho-
rized service center/department.
The operation of any trimmer can result in foreign objects thrown into
SAFETYGLASSES
the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while operating your trimmer or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over
spectacles or standard safety glasses.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual
before starting. Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of
the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
• Keep all parts of your body away from
muffler and spinning line. A hot muffler
can cause serious burns.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to oper-
ate the machine.
• Stay away from breakable objects, such
as house windows, auto glass, green-
houses, etc.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the
spinning lines.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before trimming, particularly small chil-
dren and pets. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a
long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Also wear
long trousers or slacks. Do not wear
shorts.
• Do not wear loose clothing which could
get caught in this equipment.
• Do not operate the machine when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear work gloves and sturdy footwear.
Leather work shoes or short boots work
well for most people. These will protect
the operator's ankles and shins from
small sticks, splinters, and other debris,
and improve traction.
• Do not pull machine backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Do not operate the machine without
proper guards, plates or other safety
protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructions for prop-
er operation and installation of accesso-
ries. Only use accessories approved by
the manufacturer.
• Never use blades, wire, or flailing de-
vices. This unit is designed for line trim-
mer use only. Use of other accessories
or attachments will increase the risk of
injury.
• Stopthe rotatingtrimmerheadwhen
crossinggraveldrives,walks,or roads.
Waitfor thecuttinglinesto stop rotating.
• Stoptheengine(motor)wheneveryou
leavethe equipmentandallowit tocool,
beforecleaning,repairingor inspecting
theunit.Be surethe trimmer headand
all movingpartshavestopped.
• Operateonlyin daylightor goodartificial
light.
• Do not operatethe machinewhileunder
theinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
• Neveroperatemachinein wet grass.
Alwaysbe sureof your footing:keepa
firm holdon the handleandwalk;never
run.
• Ifthe equipmentshouldstart to vibrate
abnormally,stop the engine(motor)and
checkimmediatelyforthe cause. Vibra-
tion is generallya warningof trouble.
• Alwayswearsafetygogglesor safety
glasseswithsideshieldswhen oper-
atingmachine.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not trim it.
DO:
• Trim across the face of slopes: never up
and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not trim on wet grass. Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine
and the trimming activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are flammable and
vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow en-
gine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel con-
tainer inside where there is an open
flame, such as a water heater.
Move away from fueling site before
starting engine.
• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acci-
dental starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially trimmer
head and engine bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
cleaning or storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine.
• Clean and replace safety and instruction
decals as necessary.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
3
_L,WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new trimmer.
IMPORTANT: This trimmer is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.
Your new trimmer has been assembled
at the factory with the exception of those
parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. All parts such as nuts, wash-
ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the
assembly have been placed in the parts
bag. To ensure safe and proper operation
of your trimmer, all parts and hardware
you assemble must be tightened securely.
Use the correct tools as necessary to
ensure proper tightness.
Loose Parts Packed Separately
Trimmer Lines
(2) Sets
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRIMMER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Loosen handle knobs enough to allow
upper handle to be unfolded from the
shipping position.
2. Raise upper handle section into place
on lower handle and tighten handle
knob.
3. Remove handle padding holding trim-
mer head control bar to upper handle.
22" MODELS ONLY: Your trimmer handle
can be adjusted for your trimming com-
fort. Refer to "ADJUST HANDLE" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
Bottle of oil
(0.130 dia. x 16.75" long)
(0.155 dia. x 18.75" long)
TO REMOVE TRIMMER FROM
CARTON
1. Remove loose parts included with trim-
mer.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials.
4. Roll trimmer out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts.
)er handle
LIFT UP
\\
Handle
knob
Lower
handle
KNOW YOUR TRIMMER (TECUMSEH MODELS)
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
TRIMMER. Compare the illustrations with your trimmer to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your trimmer or in literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning.
[ ,AWARNING
AVOIDSERIOUSINJURYORDEATH
CAUTION ENGINE OFF
.IIII,
FAST SLOW
Throttle
Starter handle
Handle knob
Engine oil cal
with dipstick
IMPORTANT: This trimmer
is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR
GASOLINE in the engine.
FUEL OIL
head control bar
lever
(if equipped)
Gasoline cap
ine cover
Primer
Muffler
Chassis cover
head
line
Trimmer head control bar - must be held
down to the handle to engage trimmer
head. Release to stop the trimmer head.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Throttle control - used for starting and
stopping the engine and allows you to
select either fast or slow engine speed.
Starter handle - used for starting engine.
Trimmer head control lever (if equipped)
5 - used to engage trimmer head.
KNOWYOUR TRIMMER (BRIGGS & STRATTON MODELS)
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
TRIMMER. Compare the illustrations with your trimmer to familiarize yourself with the
location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your trimmer or in literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning.
FAST SLOW CAUTION ENGINE OFF FUEL OIL
AVOIDSERIOUS
INJURYORDEATH
Throttle control
Starter handle
Handle knob
Gasoline cap
Primer
IMPORTANT: This trimmer is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Trimmer head control bar - must be held
down to the handle to engage trimmer
head. Release to stop the trimmer head.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Trimmer head control bar
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Muffler
Chassis cover
__ Trimmer head
/Trimmer line
Throttle control - used for starting and
stopping the engine and allows you to se-
lect either FAST or SLOW engine speed.
Starter handle - used for starting the
engine.