NOTE: Remove the trimmer head and plastic shield before attaching the metal shield and installing the weed blade. To remove the trimmer head, align hole in the dust cup with the hole in the side of the gearbox by rotating the dust cup. Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from turning while loos- ening the trimmer head. Remove the trimmer head by turning clockwise. Remove the screw- driver. To remove the plastic shield, loosen and remove nut. Pivot shield to release bracket from slot. See INSTALLATION OF THE CUTTING HEAD and ATTACHING THE PLASTIC SHIELD for illustrations. Be sure to store all parts and instructions for future use. Never use the trimmer head with the metal blade installed.
1.Remove the retaining washer from the threaded shaft of the gearbox. Leave the dust cup on the shaft.
2.Install the blade and the retaining washer over the threaded shaft.
3.Make sure the raised part of the retaining washer is facing the gearbox and the raised area fits into the hole in the center of the blade.
4.Slide the blade and retaining washer onto the shaft of the gearbox.
5.Place the cupped washer onto the shaft. Make sure the cupped side of the washer is toward the blade.
6.Install the blade nut by threading onto the shaft counterclockwise.
ATTACHING THE METAL SHIELD
WARNING: The metal shield must be properly installed on the tool anytime the tool is used with a blade. Failure to install the shield in the position shown can result in serious injury to the operator. The length of the shield must be aligned with the length of the shaft.
1.Place the metal shield under the gearbox, and align the screw holes.
Shield
Dust Cup
Gearbox
Threaded Shaft
Gearbox
Shield
2.Insert and thread the 4 mounting screws through the holes of the gearbox and the metal shield. Tighten evenly and securely with the hex wrench provided.
INSTALLATION OF THE METAL BLADE
WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling or performing maintenance on the blade to avoid injury. The blade is sharp and can cut you even when it is not moving.
WARNING: Do not use any blades, or fastening hardware other than the washers and nuts shown in the following illustrations. These parts must be provided by Partner and installed as shown below. Failure to use proper parts can cause the blade to fly off and seriously hurt you or others.
NOTE: The dust cup and retaining washer are located on the gearbox shaft and not in the parts bag. All other fasteners mentioned in the follow- ing assembly steps are in the parts bag.
RetainingBlade Washer 
Cupped Washer 
Nut
NOTE: Make sure all parts are in place as il- lustrated, and the blade is sandwiched between the dust cup and the retaining washer. There should be no space between the blade and the dust cup or the retaining washer.
7.Align hole in dust cup with hole in side of gearbox by rotating the blade.
8.Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from turning while tightening the blade nut.
Screwdriver
9.Tighten blade nut firmly with a wrench while holding screwdriver in position.
10.Remove the screwdriver.
11.Turn blade by hand. If the blade binds against the shield, or appears to be uneven, the blade is not centered, and you must re- install.
NOTE: To remove blade, insert screwdriver into aligned holes. Unthread the nut and re- move parts. Be sure to store parts and instruc- tions for future use.
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