USE CORRECT DIAMETER
TRIMMER LINE
For tougher cutting conditions, use two
(or four) sections of the thicker gauge,
.155" diameter extra-heavy duty line.
For less demanding conditions, use two
sections of the thinner gauge, .130" diam-
eter heavy-duty line.
The thicker line has the heft to chop
through tougher materials, while the
thinner line provides a more precise cut.
To change trimmer lines, refer to
Changing Trimmer Lines in Section 5.
NOTE: The thinner line is also recom-
mended for use near trees or shrubs to
help prevent girdling (cutting the bark).
HOW TO USE THE TRIMMER
HEAD CONTROL BAIL
The Trimmer Head Control Bail (A, Figure
4-3) is used to start and stop trimmer
head motion.
1. Leave the control bail in the disen-
gaged (released) position when starting
the engine to prevent the trimmer head
from turning when the engine starts. See
Figure 4-3.
2. When the engine is running, pull the
control bail against the handlebar (Figure
4-4) to start rotation of the trimmer head.
3. Let go of the control bail to stop the
trimmer head. The control bail should
spring forward to the disengaged posi-
tion. If it doesn’t, do not use the machine
until the control bail has been repaired.
OPERATING THE MACHINE
Once you have read and understood the
sections in this Manual on Safety,
Assembly, Features and Controls, and
Operation, you are ready to start and
operate your machine.
Starting Engine
1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist in
this Section of the Manual. You must
wear safety glasses or goggles.
2. Move the unit to the work area.
3. Put on safety-approved eye
protection.
4. Release the Trimmer Head Control
Bail (A, Figure 4-3).
5. Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever
in the FAST position.
6. Push in the fuel primer button as
instructed in the engine manual.
NOTE: Do not use primer to restart a
warm engine after a short shutdown.
7. Recoil Starting:
Pull recoil start rope slowly until resis-
tance is felt. Then pull rope out
rapidly to start engine. Let rope back
in slowly.
NOTE: If engine fails to start after
three pulls, repeat step 5.
Electric Starting:
Stand behind handlebars and turn
ignition key clockwise to crank engine.
If engine does not start after five sec-
onds of cranking, stop and repeat step
5. When engine starts, release key.
To Start Trimmer Head
1. Stand in the operator’s position
directly behind the handlebars.
2. Slowly pull the Trimmer Head Control
Bail (Figure 4-4) against the handlebars
to activate the trimmer head. Use the
Engine Throttle Lever to adjust the
turning speed of the trimmer head.
3. Once the trimmer head is revolving,
push the unit forward to trim.
To Stop Trimmer Head
Let go of the Trimmer Head Control Bail.
To Stop Engine
Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever in
the STOP position. (If time allows, first
move throttle lever to SLOW setting
before stopping engine.)
ADDITIONAL OPERATING TIPS
AND TECHNIQUES
Tips for Precision Cutting
For the most precise cutting possible,
select the appropriate line cutting height
and trimmer line size (thickness) for the
conditions.
When mowing, let the cutting head rest
lightly on the ground and do not lift up or
push down on the handlebars. This
allows the cutting head to follow the
ground contour closely, resulting in the
most even cut possible. Also, be sure to
ease into heavy growth to prevent over-
whelming the machine.
Section 4: Operation
9
Figure 4-3: Control bail disengaged.
A
Figure 4-4: Control bail engaged.
NOTE: If the unit is operated in a sta-
tionary position with the wear cup in
contact with dry vegetation, significant
heat will result that may deform the
plastic spindle or scorch vegetation.
Figure 4-2
Height
Guide
If the trimmer head control bail is not
operating properly, shut off the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and
move wire away from plug. Remove
key on electric start models.
Adjust or repair the control bail before
using the trimmer/mower.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
