Using the Trimmer Head Control Bail, Operation

Section 4: Operation 9

USE THE CORRECT DIAMETER TRIMMER LINE

Before starting a project, examine the grass or material you will be cutting and trimming.

For tougher conditions, use two (or four) sections of the thicker gauge, .155" diam- eter extra-heavy duty line. For less demanding conditions, use two sections of the thinner gauge, .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. To change trimmer lines, refer to Changing Trimmer Lines in Section 5.

NOTE: The thinner gauge line is also rec- ommended for use near trees or orna- mentals to help prevent girdling (cutting the bark).

Height

Guide

Figure 4-2

USING THE TRIMMER

HEAD CONTROL BAIL

Before starting the engine, it is essential to know how to use the Trimmer Head Control Bail.

1.The Trimmer Head Control Bail (A, Figure 4-3) is used to start and stop trimmer head motion.

2.Leave the control bail in the disen- gaged (released) position when starting the engine to prevent the trimmer head from turning when the engine starts. See Figure 4-3.

3.When the engine is running, pull up and hold the control bail against the han- dlebar (Figure 4-4) to start rotation of the trimmer head.

4.Let go of the control bail to stop the trimmer head. The control bail should spring forward to the disengaged posi- tion. If it doesn’t, do not use the machine until the control bail has been repaired.

Figure 4-3: Control bail disengaged.

Figure 4-4: Control bail engaged.

WARNING

If the trimmer head control bail is not operating properly, shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and move wire away from plug.

Adjust or repair the control bail before using the trimmer/mower.

Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or property damage.

OPERATING THE

TRIMMER/MOWER

Once you have read and understood the sections in this Manual on Safety, Assembly, Features and Controls, and Operation, you are ready to start and operate your trimmer/mower.

CHECKLIST BEFORE STARTING

1.Complete the Pre-Start Checklist in this Section of the Manual. You must wear safety glasses or goggles.

2.Check that the line cutting height is adjusted according to the instructions.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1.Move the unit to the work area.

2.Connect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

3.Put on safety-approved eye protection.

4.Release (disengage) the Trimmer Head Control Bail (A, Figure 4-3).

5.Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the FAST (rabbit symbol) position.

6.Push in the fuel primer button as instructed in the Engine Owner’s Manual. NOTE: Do not use primer to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.

7.Recoil Starting: Pull recoil start rope slowly until resistance is felt. Then pull rope out rapidly to start engine. Let rope back in slowly. NOTE: If engine fails to start after three pulls, repeat step 6.

Electric Starting: Stand behind handle- bars and turn ignition key clockwise to crank engine. If engine does not start after five seconds of cranking, stop and repeat step 6. When engine starts, release key.

TO START THE TRIMMER HEAD

1.Stand in the operator’s position directly behind the handlebars.

2.Slowly close the Trimmer Head Con- trol Bail (Figure 4-4) against the handle- bars to activate the trimmer head. Use the Engine Throttle Lever to adjust the turning speed of the trimmer head.

3.Once the trimmer head is revolving, push the trimmer/mower along the path to be cut.

TO STOP THE TRIMMER HEAD

Let go of the Trimmer Head Control Bail. It will return to its open position and the trimmer head will stop turning.

TO STOP THE ENGINE

Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the STOP position. (If time allows, first move throttle lever to SLOW setting before stopping engine.)