Section
4
Operation
WARNING
Before operating your machine, care- fully read and understand all safety (Section 1), controls (Section 3) and operating instructions (Section 4) in this Manual, in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and on the decals on the machine.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.
INTRODUCTION
Read this Section thoroughly before you start the engine. As with any piece of outdoor power equipment, getting the “feel” for how your machine oper- ates and knowing the best techniques for particular jobs are important to overall good performance.
NOTE: All references to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT and REAR of the machine are determined by standing in the opera- tor’s position.
PRE-START CHECKLIST
1.Review Section 1: Safety and also Section 3: Features and Controls.
2.Check for loose or missing hard- ware. Tighten or replace as needed.
3.Check the engine oil level*. It must be up to the “FULL” mark on the oil dipstick. (See the Engine Owner’s Manual for instructions.)
4.Check the fuel level* in the fuel tank. (See the Engine Owner’s Manual and this page for instructions.)
5.Check the Trimmer Head Control Bail and the Engine Throttle Control Lever for freedom of movement.
6.Select the cutting height (see Adjust Line Cutting Height in this Section).
7.Check handlebar height position.
8.On electric start models, check the wire harness connections.
9.Carefully check the area to be trimmed and remove any debris.
10.Install the correct diameter trim- mer line (see Use the Correct Diameter Trimmer Line in this Section).
11. Check that the spark plug wire is securely attached to the spark plug.
*Clean debris from around fuel cap, oil dipstick, and engine debris guard before checking oil level or adding gasoline, in order to keep dirt out of engine.
FILL FUEL TANK
DANGER
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this Manual (see Section 1) and in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety rules and instructions can result in serious personal injury and property damage.
1.Lift and tilt plastic debris shield (E, Figure
2.Clean fuel fill area and engine debris guard each time before fuel is added.
3.Fill the fuel tank with gasoline ac- cording to the directions in the sepa- rate Engine Owner’s Manual. Follow all instructions and safety rules carefully.
4.Securely replace the fuel tank cap and the fuel container cap. Promptly wipe up any fuel spills.
5.Lift and tilt the debris shield back, then push it down to secure it.
ADJUST HANDLEBAR HEIGHT
CAUTION
Before adjusting handlebar height, stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop, disconnect spark plug wire and prevent it from touching spark plug.
Failure to comply could result in personal injury or property damage.
To adjust handlebar height, refer to Install Handlebars in the Assembly Section of this Manual.
8
ADJUST LINE CUTTING HEIGHT
CAUTION
Before adjusting the cutting height, shut off the engine, wait for all mov- ing parts to stop, allow the engine to cool, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug.
Failure to comply could result in per- sonal injury or property damage.
The cutting height of the trimmer line adjusts from
In general, use higher height settings to handle taller material and to cope with tougher cutting conditions. For less demanding situations, use any trimming height desired. To adjust the cutting height:
1.The cutting line height can be changed when the wear cup is in con- tact with the ground. If necessary, you may tip the unit back slightly for a better view (do not tip unit all the way back or motor oil may flow to the ex- haust area and the engine may smoke for several seconds when started).
2.Use a 1/2" wrench to loosen both bolts (A, Figure
3.The cutting heights are marked on the side of the spindle head (Figure
4.Tighten both trimmer head bolts securely (to 75 in/lbs.) and evenly.
A
A
Figure
