8
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 operates and knowing the best techniques for partic- ular 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 operator’s position.
PRE-START CHECKLIST
1.Review Section 1: Safety and also Section 3: Features and Controls.
2.Check for loose or missing hardware. Tighten or replace as needed.
3.Check that the engine oil level is up to the “FULL” mark on the oil dipstick. (See engine manual for instructions.)*
4.Check the fuel level. (See engine 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 trimmer 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 (see “Cleaning Debris” in engine manual) before checking oil level or adding gasoline.
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 sepa- rate 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 each time before fuel is added (see “Cleaning Debris” in engine manual).
3.Add gasoline according to the direc- tions in the engine 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 per- sonal injury or property damage.
To adjust handlebar height, refer to Install Handlebars in the Assembly Section of this Manual.
ADJUST LINE CUTTING HEIGHT
CAUTION
Before adjusting the cutting height, shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, allow the engine to cool, dis- connect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug. Remove key on electric start models.
Failure to comply could result in per- sonal injury or property damage.
The cutting height of the trimmer line can be adjusted between
In general, use higher height settings to handle taller material and to cope with tougher cutting conditions. Use any trim- ming height for less demanding condi- tions. To adjust the cutting height:
1.The cutting line height can be changed when the wear cup is resting on the ground. If necessary, tip the unit back slightly for a better view (do not tip unit all the way back or motor oil may flow to the exhaust area and the engine may smoke for several seconds when restarted).
2.Use a 1/2" wrench to loosen both bolts (A, Figure
A
A
Figure
3.The cutting heights are stamped into the spindle head (Figure
4.Tighten both trimmer head bolts securely and equally (to 75 in/lbs.).
