8
Section 4: Operation
USE CORRECT DIAMETER
TRIMMER LINE
For tougher cutting conditions, use two
(or four) sections of the thicker, .155" di-
ameter extra-heavy duty line.
For less demanding conditions, use two
sections of the thinner, .130" diameter
heavy-duty line.
The thicker line has the heft to chop
through tougher materials, while the thin-
ner 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 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 and
hold the control bail up against the han-
dlebar (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 The 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. Connect the spark plug wire to the
spark plug.
4. Put on safety-approved eye
protection.
5. Release (disengage) the Trimmer
Head Control Bail (A, Figure 4-3).
6. Start the engine as follows:
a) Put the Engine Throttle Control
Lever in the FAST position.
b) 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 shut-
down.
c) Pull recoil start rope slowly until re-
sistance 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 steps b-c.
To Start the Trimmer Head
1. Stand in the operator’s position di-
rectly 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 Control 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 the Trimmer Head
Let go of the Trimmer Head Control Bail.
To Stop the Engine
Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever in
the STOP position. (If time allows, first
move throttle lever to SLOW setting be-
fore stopping engine.)
OPERATING TIPS AND
TECHNIQUES
Tips for Precision Cutting
For the most precise cutting possible, se-
lect the most appropriate line cutting
height and trimmer line size (thickness)
for the conditions.
Figure 4-3: Control bail disengaged.
A
Figure 4-4: Control bail engaged.
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.
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
NOTE: If unit is operated in a station-
ary position with the wear cup in con-
tact with dry vegetation, significant
heat will result that may deform the
plastic spindle or scorch vegetation.
