Funnel
Spout
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Oil Fill Plug
O-Ring Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 6

OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION

STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: OVERFILLING THE CRANKCASE WITH OIL MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. Check and maintain the proper oil level in the crank case; it is important and cannot be overemphasized. Check the oil before each use and change it as needed. See Changing the Oil.

RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE

 

Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is

 

extremely important. Check the oil before each use and

 

change the oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil,

 

can cause premature engine wear and failure. Use a high-quality SAE 30

Fill Level

weight oil of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG, SH.

Adding Oil to Crankcase: Initial Use

NOTE: This unit is shipped without oil. In order to avoid damage to the unit, put oil in the crankcase before you attempt to start the unit.

Your unit is supplied with one 3.04 fluid oz. (90 ml.) bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil (Fig. 4).

NOTE: Save the bottle of oil. It can be used to measure the correct amount during future oil changes. See Changing the Oil.

1. Unscrew the top of the bottle of oil and remove the paper seal covering the opening. Replace the top. Next, cut the tip off the funnel spout (Fig. 4).

2. Place the unit on a flat level surface (Fig. 5).

3. Remove the oil plug / dipstick from the crankcase (Fig. 6).

4.Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole (Fig. 5).

NOTE: Never add oil to the fuel or fuel tank.

5. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall the oil fill plug / dipstick.

Check oil before each use and change as needed. Refer to Changing the Oil.

RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE

Old fuel is the primary reason for improper unit performance. Be sure to use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.

3.Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount of fuel should be visible in the primer bulb and fuel lines (Fig. 9). If you can’t see fuel in the bulb, press and release the bulb as many times as it takes before you can see fuel in it.

4.With the unit in the starting position, do not squeeze the throttle control (Fig. 10). Pull the starter rope out a short distance, until you feel some resistance. This is usually around 2-4 inches. Then pull the rope smoothly and briskly. Repeat this 5 times. The engine should start.

IF COLD... For cold weather conditions (below 40°F), flip the Cold Weather Start Lever back up to the run/open position after the unit has started and before squeezing the throttle control.

5.Squeeze the throttle control to warm up the engine for 15 to 30 seconds. In cold weather, let the engine warm up for 30 to 60 seconds.

IF... The engine does not start, go back to step 3.

IF... The engine stops while you are squeezing the throttle, go back to step 4.

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1.Release your hand from the throttle control. Allow the engine to cool down by idling.

2.Press and hold the On/Off Stop Control in the OFF

(O) position.

Stop/ Off (O)

Start/ On (I)

Throttle

Control

 

Fig. 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cold Weather

 

 

 

Primer Bulb

Start Lever

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Run/ Open

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close/ Start

Fig. 9

Starter

Rope

Throttle

Control

Fig. 10

NOTE: This is a four cycle engine. In order to avoid damage to the unit, do not mix oil with gasoline.

Definition of Blended Fuels

Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether). Alcohol-blended fuel

absorbs water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate or form acids when stored. Use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old), when using alcohol-blended fuel.

Using Blended Fuels

If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:

Always use fresh unleaded gasoline

Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent

Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit

Using Fuel Additives

WARNING: Add fuel in a clean, well ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open flames at a distance from the area.

The use of fuel additives, such as STA-BIL® Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and minimize the formation of gum deposits. Using a fuel additive can keep fuel from forming harmful deposits in the carburetor for up to six (6) months. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml.) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's gas tank.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

HOLDING THE TRIMMER

WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, foot and body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating this unit.

Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position (Fig. 11). Check for the following:

• The operator is wearing eye protection and proper clothing

• With a slightly-bent right arm, the operator’s right hand is

 

holding the shaft grip

Fig. 11

The operator’s left arm is straight, the left hand holding the handle

The unit is at waist level

The cutting attachment is parallel to the ground and easily contacts the grass without the need to bend over Some line breakage will occur from:

Entanglement with foreign matter

Normal line fatigue

Attempting to cut thick, stalky weeds

Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts

TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS

For best trimming results, operate unit at full throttle.

Keep the cutting attachment parallel to the ground.

FUELING THE UNIT

WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.

1.Remove the fuel cap (Fig. 7).

2.Place the gas container’s spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank (Fig. 7) and fill the tank.

NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.

3.Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.

4.Reinstall the fuel cap.

Gas Can Spout

Fuel Tank

 

Fuel Cap

 

 

 

 

Fig. 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Do not force the cutting attachment. Allow the tip of the line to do the cutting, especially along walls.

Cutting with more than the tip will reduce cutting

efficiency and may overload the engine.

• Cut grass over 8 inches (200 mm) by working from top to bottom in small increments to avoid

premature line wear or engine drag.

• Slowly move the trimmer into and out of the cutting area at the desired height. Move either in a

forward-backward or side-to-side motion. Cutting shorter lengths produces the best results.

• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.

• The life of your cutting line is dependent upon:

• Proper adherence of explained trimming techniques

What vegetation is cut

Where vegetation is cut

5.Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine.

NOTE: Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.

STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined area.

WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Make sure you are in the starting position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 10). To avoid serious injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. Make sure that any Add-On item is installed correctly and secure before starting the unit.

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1.Check the oil level in the crankcase. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.

2.Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline. Refer to Fueling the Unit.

NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off Stop Control is in the ON (I) position at all times (Fig. 8).

IF COLD... For cold weather conditions (below 40°F), flip the Cold Weather Start Lever (Fig. 9) down to the start/closed position and continue to step 3. DO NOT flip this lever down if the temperature is above 40°F.

For example, the line will wear faster when trimming against a

 

foundation wall as opposed to trimming around a tree.

 

DECORATIVE TRIMMING

 

Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all vegetation

 

around trees, posts, fences and more.

 

Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting attachment is at a 30°

Fig. 12

angle to the ground (Fig. 12).

 

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.

NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If you are unsure about these procedures take your unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.

WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.

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