OPERATION

SPARK PLUG

THROTTLE

CHOKECONTROL CONTROL

RECOIL STARTER

HANDLE

•You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row un- tilled between passes. Then go back between tilled rows. (See Fig. 9) There are two reasons for doing this. First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate than about-faces. Second, the tiller won’t be pulling itself, and you, toward the row next to it.

•Set depth stake and wheel height for shallow tilling when working extremely hard soil or sod. Then work across the first cuts at normal depth.

FIG. 8

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER

Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine control before you actually begin tilling.

• Start engine, tip tines off ground by pressing handles

down and engage tine control to start tine rotation.

Allow tines to rotate for five minutes.

• Check tine operation and adjust if necessary. See “TINE

OPERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

4

5

3

6

2

1

7

TILLING HINTS

CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in slow position.

To help tiller move forward, lift up the handles slightly (thus lifting depth stake out of ground). To slow down the tiller, press down on handles.

If you are straining or tiller is shaking, the wheels and depth stake are not set properly in the soil being tilled.The proper setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and error and depends upon the soil condition. (The harder or wetter the ground, the slower the engine and tine speed needed. Under these poor conditions, at fast speed the tiller will run and jump over the ground).

A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little effort from the operator.

•Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4"-6". A tiller will also clear the soil of unwanted vegetation.The decomposition of this vegetable matter enriches the soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may be advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing season to further condition the soil.

•Soil conditions are important for proper tilling.Tines will not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller. Hard soil should be moistened before tilling; however, extremely wet soil will “ball-up” or clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the best results. When tilling in the fall, remove vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping around the tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation.

FIG. 9

CULTIVATING

Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre- vent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the plants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Best digging depth is 1"-3".

•You will probably not need to use the depth stake.Begin by tipping the depth stake forward until it is held by the stake spring.

•Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds and grass (See Fig. 10).

FIG. 10

9

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Poulan HDF550L owner manual Breaking in Your Tiller, Tilling Hints, Cultivating
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HDF550L specifications

The Poulan HDF550L is a versatile and powerful handheld string trimmer designed for homeowners and professional landscapers alike. Engineered for efficiency and usability, this tool combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making yard maintenance a breeze.

One of the standout features of the HDF550L is its robust 50cc, 2-cycle engine. This powerful engine provides ample torque and speed, enabling users to tackle thick grass, weeds, and overgrown areas with ease. The engine's design prioritizes fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, adhering to environmental standards while allowing for extended use without frequent refueling.

The HDF550L is equipped with a dual-line bump feed head, which allows for quick line adjustments during operation. This feature eliminates the need for complex line replacement procedures, saving users valuable time. The trimmer's .095-inch line thickness ensures optimal performance, cutting through tough vegetation smoothly and effectively.

Another significant characteristic of the Poulan HDF550L is its lightweight construction, weighing in at just under 12 pounds. This design enhances maneuverability, allowing users to navigate around garden beds, trees, and other obstacles effortlessly. The adjustable straight shaft provides additional reach and comfort, making it suitable for both tall and short users.

To enhance user experience, the HDF550L incorporates an ergonomic handle with a soft grip. This reduces fatigue during prolonged use, ensuring that users can maintain their trimming tasks without discomfort. Moreover, the integrated anti-vibration technology minimizes vibrations transmitted to the operator's arms, making extended operation smoother and more enjoyable.

The Poulan HDF550L also features easy-start technology, which simplifies the ignition process. With just a few pulls, users can get the trimmer up and running, reducing frustration during those busy lawn care days. This technology is especially beneficial for novice users who may struggle with starting traditional 2-cycle engines.

In summary, the Poulan HDF550L is a powerful and efficient string trimmer, ideal for tackling a wide range of landscaping tasks. Its combination of a powerful engine, user-friendly features, and lightweight design makes it a top choice for anyone looking to maintain their yard in pristine condition. Whether you're battling overgrown weeds or maintaining perfectly trimmed borders, the HDF550L provides the reliability and performance needed to get the job done efficiently.
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