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
1. Lift and tilt plastic debris shield
(E, Figure 3-1) forward.
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
To adjust handlebar height, refer to Install
Handlebars in the Assembly Section of this
Manual.
ADJUST LINE CUTTING HEIGHT
The cutting height of the trimmer line can
be adjusted between 1-1/2" and 4-1/2"
high. Start at a higher setting and make
adjustments as needed.
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 4-1) securing the trimmer
head. Do not try to loosen the two nuts.
3. The cutting heights are stamped into
the spindle head (Figure 4-2). Move the
top of the trimmer head to the desired
setting.
4. Tighten both trimmer head bolts
securely and equally (to 75 in/lbs.).
Operation
4
Section
8
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.
CAUTION
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.
DANGER
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.
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Figure 4-1
A
A
