16
Section 5: Maintenance
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to
come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove
ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
CHANGING TRIMMER LINES
The trimmer lines will wear with use and
eventually require replacement. Also, you
may wish to switch between the thinner
and thicker gauge lines to handle differ-
ent mowing conditions.
Replace the trimmer lines when they
wear to the point that trimming and
mowing projects take too long and
requires too much maneuvering of the
machine. A good rule of thumb is to
change the lines when they reach half of
their original length.
Use the extra-heavy duty gauge (.155"
diameter) line when cutting thick, tough
growth. The thinner gauge (.130" diame-
ter) line is for use in less demanding con-
ditions, and is also recommended for use
near trees or ornamental plantings to
help prevent girdling (cutting of bark).
To Change Trimmer Lines:
1. Stop engine, allow all moving parts to
stop and then disconnect the spark plug
wire and move it away from the spark
plug. Remove the ignition key on electric
start models. DO NOT tip the machine.
DO NOT touch the metal wear cup on the
bottom of the spindle head. This surface
may be hot.
NOTE: The two line holders on the trim-
mer head are permanently secured by a
screw and nut. Do not attempt to
remove the line holders as it is not nec-
essary to remove them in order to
change the trimmer lines.
2. The trimmer lines can be changed
when the trimmer head is in contact with
the ground. If necessary, you may tip the
unit back slightly for a better view. How-
ever, do not tip the unit all the way back
or motor oil may flow to the exhaust area
and the engine may smoke for several
seconds when started.
3. Three different line installation pat-
terns are available, as shown in Figures
5-11, 5-12 and 5-13.
4. Simply fee the line through the loops
of the line holder as shown. An equal
amount of line should project out from
each side of the line holder, creating an
overall 22" wide cutting swath. The two
lines can be offset to increase the cutting
swatch up to 25" wide. DO NOT offset the
lines so that the overall cutting swath is
greater than 25". See Warning statement
at right.
IMPORTANT: Whether replacing one or
both lines, they must both be .130" or
.155" in diameter.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to replace
the second trimmer line.
Figure 5-11: Use this
single line, easy-loop pat-
tern for all but the more
difficult cutting conditions.
Offsetting the trimmer lines causes the
lines to rotate faster than when they
project an equal length on each side.
This increases the chance of loose
materials being dislodged and pro-
pelled at high speeds.
Failure of the operator to wear safety
goggles and appropriate clothing and to
keep bystanders away can result in
severe personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Figure 5-12: If lines tend to
loosen (especially in more
difficult cutting conditions),
add a single reverse loop
and then readjust line so
that ends are even. This
pattern results in a slightly
narrower cutting swath.
Figure 5-13: For more diffi-
cult cutting conditions, use
two of the thicker (.155"
diameter) lines in each line
holder. Follow the pattern
shown in Figure 5-11.
Reverse Loop
