Troy-Bilt 52052, 52051 Trimming & Mowing Techniques and Tips, Be alert to hidden obstacles

Section 4: Operation

TRIMMING & MOWING TECHNIQUES AND TIPS

WARNING

THROWN OBJECT HAZARD

Trim When Wet or Dry

Grass and most other materials are most efficiently trimmed when dry. But the trimmer/mower will do a fine job even with damp or wet materials. When conditions are moist or damp, be sure to clean debris off the machine regularly to keep cutting efficiency high. And watch your footing.

Clean the Trimmer/Mower

On a Regular Basis

Clean under the trimmer/mower fre- quently to remove any grass buildup. Also clean around the muffler and on top of engine. See cleaning instruc- tions in Section 5: Maintenance for fur- ther details.

Use the Correct Cutting Height to Suit the Job

Generally, the height of the trimming line should be adjusted upward to han- dle taller material and cope with tougher cutting conditions. Ease into heavy growth materials. For the most precise cutting possible, let the cutting head rest lightly on the ground, and do not lift up on the handlebars while mowing. This lets the cutting head fol- low the ground contour closely, result- ing in the most even cut possible.

When conditions are not so demanding, and the material to be trimmed is not so tall, the cutting height can be adjusted downward.

Don’t overwhelm the equipment with the job at hand. Your equipment will work more effectively.

Use the Right Diameter Line for the Trimming Job

Before starting a project, examine the grass or material you will be cut- ting. For tougher projects, use two sections of the red .155" diameter extra-heavy-duty line; for less demand- ing jobs, use two sections of the green

.130" diameter heavy-duty line. The thicker line has the heft to chop through tougher materials, while the thinner line provides a more precise cut.

Use Extreme Caution on Slopes

When operating on sloping ground, use extreme caution and common sense to avoid possible injury or prop- erty damage.

Do not mow on excessively steep slopes! Avoid slopes if greater than

150 or wherever footing is unsure. If a slope is difficult to stand on, it is prob- ably too steep to trim or mow. In this case, it may be wiser to establish a per- manent ground cover on this area.

Do not trim on slopes when the ground is slippery. Trim across the face of a slope, not up and down. Slow down and exercise caution when changing direction on slopes.

Use Correct Walking Speed

Use a travel speed that is suitable for the conditions at hand. For example, you’ll get better trimming and mowing results at slower walking speeds if the grass is tall or lush. Shorter grass or less dense growth can be cut at faster travel speeds.

•Objects such as rocks, peb- bles, and small debris will be thrown violently by the cutting head, resulting in significant hazard to eyes and exposed body parts.

•Always wear safety-ap- proved eye protection and suitable clothing and footwear.

•Keep children, pets and by- standers 50 feet away from machine while operating.

•Be alert to hidden obstacles.

Failure to comply could result in injury or property damage.

Less demanding jobs and projects that require very precise cutting will yield better results if the engine throttle is backed off somewhat to reduce en- gine speed. (For example, damage to trees and ornamentals can be avoided by reducing the engine speed, using the lighter .130" diameter line, and by keeping a safe distance away.)

Again, once you begin a particular job and get a “feel” for the conditions, you will be able to make adjustments for the best possible results.

Keep the Mowed Side to Your Right as You Move Ahead

The trimmer/mower feeds cut mate- rials to the right side. Stay on the right side of unmowed growth as you move along.

Do Not Let the Trimmer Lines Become Too Short

Once the lines are worn to less than 1/2 their original length, trimming jobs begin to take far longer than they should. As a general guideline, once line length becomes half of its original length, it’s time to change to new lines.

Vary the Throttle Setting to Suit the Job

The vast majority of trimming and mowing jobs will yield the best results if the engine throttle control is set at the fastest engine speed.

NOTE: If trimmer is operated in a stationary position with the wear cup in contact with dry vegetation, significant heat will result that may deform the plastic spindle or scorch vegetation.

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