Operation
4
Section
9
INTRODUCTION
Read this Section thoroughly before start-
ing the engine. As with any piece of out-
door power equipment, getting the “feel”
for how the machine operates and know-
ing the best techniques for particular jobs
are important to overall good performance.
NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT
and REAR of the unit are determined by
standing in the operator’s position.
PRE-START CHECKLIST
1. Review Section 1: “Safety” and 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 dipstick. (See
engine manual for instructions.)
4. Check the fuel level. (See engine
manual and this page for instructions.)
NOTE: Clean debris from around fuel cap,
oil dipstick and engine (see “Cleaning
Debris” in engine manual) before checking
oil level or adding gasoline.
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. Carefully check the area to be trimmed
and remove any debris.
9. Install the correct diameter trimmer
line (see “Use the Correct Diameter Trim-
mer Line” in this Section).
10. Attach the spark plug wire to the
spark plug.
FILL FUEL TANK
1. Lift and tilt plastic debris shield (E,
Figure 3-1) forward.
2. Clean fuel fill area and engine (see
“Cleaning Debris” in engine manual) each
time before fuel is added.
3. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline accord-
ing to the directions 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 Section 2.
ADJUST LINE CUTTING HEIGHT
The cutting height of the trimmer line can
be adjusted between 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". We
recommend that you start at a higher set-
ting and make adjustments as needed.
In general, use higher settings to handle
taller material and to cope with tougher
cutting conditions. Use any trimming
height for less demanding conditions.
To adjust the cutting height:
1. The cutting line height can be changed
when the wear cup is in contact with the
ground. If necessary, you may 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 started).
2. Use a 1/2" wrench to loosen the two
bolts (not the nuts) located on opposite
sides of the trimmer head (A, Figure 4-1).
3. The cutting heights are marked on the
side of the spindle head (Figure 4-2).
Move the top of the trimmer head to the
desired setting.
4. Tighten both trimmer head bolts
securely (to 75 in/lbs.) and evenly.
Before operating your machine, carefully
read and understand all safety, controls
and operating instructions 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
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this
Manual (see Section 1) and in the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety rules
and instructions can result in serious
personal injury and property damage.
DANGER
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
personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
Before adjusting the cutting height, shut
off the engine, wait for all moving parts
to stop, allow the engine to cool, discon-
nect the spark plug wire and prevent it
from touching the spark plug.
Failure to comply could result in per-
sonal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
Figure 4-1
A
A
Figure 4-2
Height
Guide
