16Section 5: Maintenance

WARNING

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

CHANGING TRIMMER LINES

The trimmer lines will wear with use and eventually require replacement. Also, you may wish to switch between the thinner and thicker gauge lines to handle dif- ferent mowing conditions.

Replace the trimmer lines when they wear to the point that trimming and mowing projects take too long and require too much maneuvering of the machine. A good rule of thumb is to change the lines when they reach half their original length.

Use the extra-heavy duty gauge (.155" diameter) line when cutting thick, tough growth. The thinner gauge (.130" diam- eter) line is for use in less demanding conditions, and is also recommended for use near trees or ornamentals to help prevent girdling (cutting of bark).

TO CHANGE TRIMMER LINES:

4.Simply feed the line through the loops of the line holder as shown. An equal amount of line should project out from each side of the line holder, creating an overall 22" wide cutting swath. You may offset both trimmer lines somewhat to increase the cutting swath up to 25" wide. However, DO NOT offset the line so that the overall cutting swath is greater than 25". See Warning statement at right.

IMPORTANT: Whether replacing one or both lines, they must both be .130" or

.155" in diameter.

5.Repeat steps 2 through 4 to replace the second trimmer line.

Figure 5-10: Use this single line, easy-loop pattern for all but the more difficult cutting conditions.

WARNING

Offsetting the trimmer lines causes the lines to rotate faster than when they pro- ject an equal length on each side. This increases the chance of loose materials being dislodged and propelled at high speeds.

Failure of the operator to wear safety goggles and appropriate clothing and to keep bystanders away can result in severe personal injury or property damage.

1.Stop engine, allow all parts to stop moving and then disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the ignition key on electric start models. DO NOT tip the machine. DO NOT touch the metal wear cup on the bottom of the spindle head. This surface may be hot.

NOTE: The two line holders on the trimmer head are permanently secured by a screw and a nut. Do not attempt to remove the line holders as it is not neces- sary to remove them in order to change the trimmer lines.

2.The trimmer lines can be changed

when the trimmer head is in contact with the ground. If necessary, you may tip the unit back slightly for a better view. How- ever, do not tip the unit all the way back or motor oil may flow to the exhaust area and the engine may smoke for several seconds when started.

3.Three different line installation pat- terns are available, as shown in Figures 5-10, 5-11 and 5-12.

Figure 5-11: If the lines should loosen while trimming (espe- cially in more difficult condi- tions), add a simple reverse loop. Note that this pattern will result in a slightly narrower overall cut- ting swath.

Figure 5-12: For more difficult cutting conditions, use two of the thicker gauge (.155" diameter) lines in each line holder. Follow the installation pattern shown in Figure 5-10.

Reverse Loop

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Bolens 52068 - 5HP, 52069-6HP owner manual Changing Trimmer Lines, To Change Trimmer Lines, Trimmer lines can be changed