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Section 5: Maintenance
15
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to
a 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
When trimmer lines wear, it takes longer
to complete mowing and trimming pro-
jects. A good rule of thumb is to change
the lines when they reach half their origi-
nal length.
Use the extra-heavy duty (.155" diameter)
line when cutting thick, tough growth.
Use the thinner (.130" diameter) line for
less demanding conditions and for use
near trees or shrubs to help prevent
girdling (cutting of bark).
To Change Trimmer Lines:
1. Stop engine, allow all parts to stop
moving and then disconnect the spark
plug wire. Remove the ignition key on
electric start models. DO NOT touch the
metal wear cup on the bottom of the
spindle head—it may be hot.
NOTE: The two line holders on the trim-
mer head are permanently secured. Do
not attempt to remove the line holders.
2. If necessary, you may tip the unit
back slightly when changing lines.
However, do not tip the unit all the way
back as motor oil may flow to the exhaust
area and the engine may smoke for sev-
eral seconds when started.
3. Three different line installation pat-
terns are available, as shown in Figures
5-8, 5-9 and 5-10.
4. Feed 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.
• You may offset both trimmer lines
somewhat to increase the cutting swath
up to 25" wide. However, DO NOT off-
set the line so that the overall cutting
swath is greater than 25". See Warning
statement at right.
• Whether replacing one or both lines,
they must both be .130" or .155" in
diameter.
Figure 5-8: Use this single line,
easy-loop pattern 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 propelled 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 5-9: If lines tend to
loosen (especially in more diffi-
cult 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 5-10: For more difficult
cutting conditions, use two of the
thicker (.155" diameter) lines in
each line holder. Follow the
pattern shown in Figure 5-8.
Reverse Loop