STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
IF USING THE OPTIONAL ELECTRIC STARTER
OR POWER START BIT™ ACCESSORY
HOW TO START THE UNIT USING THE ELECTRIC STARTER OR POWER START BIT ACCESSORY
NOTE: This Unit Can Use an Electric Start or Power Start Bit™ Optional Accessory!
Please refer to the Electric Starter or Power Start Bit operator's manual for proper use of this feature.
(Items Sold Separately! Please refer to page 10 of this manual about purchasing these accessories.)
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Check the oil level in the crankcase. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.
2. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline. Refer to Fueling the Unit.
NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off Stop Control is in the ON ( I ) position at all
times (Fig. 10).
3. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount of fuel should be visible in
the primer bulb (Fig. 11). If fuel cannot be seen in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is
visible.
4. Move the choke lever to Position 1 (Fig. 11).
5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 12). Place the electric starter or Power Start Bit™ into the
back of the unit (Fig. 11). Refer to the Operation section of the Electric Starter or Power Start Bit™
operator's manual.
6. SQUEEZE and HOLD the throttle control for ALL further steps. Press and hold the electric
starter or drill ON (I) button for 2 seconds.
7. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 11).
8. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Press and hold the electric starter or drill ON (I) button
for 2-second intervals until the unit starts.
9. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Remove the electric starter or drill from the unit.
10. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Allow the engine to warm up for 30-60 seconds.
11. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever to Position 3 (Fig. 11).
12. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Run the unit for an additional 60 seconds to complete the
warm-up. The unit may be used during this step.
NOTE: The unit is properly warmed up when the engine accelerates without hesitation.
IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 and continue the warm-up.
IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, move the choke lever to Position 3 and squeeze the
throttle control. Press and hold the electric starter or drill ON (I) button for 2-second intervals until
the unit starts.
IF THE ENGINE IS HOT... Move the choke lever to Position 2, press the primer bulb 10 times,
squeeze the throttle control, and press and hold the electric starter or drill ON (I) button for 2-
second intervals until the unit starts. Run the unit for 2-5 minutes. The unit may be used during
this time. Then move the choke lever to Position 3.
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release your hand from the throttle control. Allow the engine to cool down by idling.
2. Press and hold the On/Off Stop Control switch in the OFF (O) position until the unit comes to a
complete stop (Fig. 10).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
HOLDING THE TRIMMER
WARNING:
Always wear eye, hearing, foot and body protection to reduce the risk of injury
when operating this unit.
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position (Fig. 13). Check for the following:
• The operator is wearing eye protection and proper clothing
• With a slightly-bent right arm, the operator's right hand is holding the
shaft grip
• The operator's left arm is straight, the left hand holding the assist
handle
• The unit is at waist level
• The cutting attachment is parallel to the ground and easily contacts the
grass without the need to bend over
WARNING:
Do not remove or alter the line cutting blade assembly. Excessive line length will make
the clutch overheat. This may lead to serious personal injury or damage to the unit.
TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
• For best trimming results, operate unit at full throttle.
• Keep the cutting attachment parallel to the ground.
• Do not force the cutting attachment. Allow the tip of the line to do the cutting, especially along walls.
Cutting with more than the tip will reduce cutting efficiency and may overload the engine.
• Cut grass over 8 inches (200 mm) by working from top to bottom in small increments to avoid
premature line wear or engine drag.
• Cutting from left to right improves the unit's cutting efficiency. Clippings are thrown away from the
operator.
• Slowly move the trimmer into and out of the cutting area at the desired height. Move either in a
forward-backward or side-to-side motion. Cutting shorter lengths
produces the best results.
• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
• The life of your cutting line is dependent upon proper adherence of
explained trimming techniques, what vegetation is cut, and where
vegetation is cut.
For example, the line will wear faster when trimming against a foundation
wall as opposed to trimming around a tree.
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all vegetation around trees, posts, fences and more.
Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting attachment is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 15).
4
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING:
running. Always service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure
that the unit cannot start.
Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures
should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If you are unsure about these
procedures take your unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service
dealer.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be
performed by any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
NOTE: Please read the California/EPA statement that came with the unit for a complete listing of terms
and coverage for the emissions control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler, carburetor, etc.
FREQUENCY
Every 10 hours
Change 1st 10 hours
Every 25 hours
FIXED LINE INSTALLATION
WARNING:
become dangerous projectiles.
Always use original equipment manufacturer
0.105 inch (2.67 mm) replacement line. Lines
other than those specified may make the
engine overheat or fail.
To install the trimming line:
1. Insert each end of the replacement line
into the holes on either side of retention
hook (Fig. 16).
2. Push the ends through until they stick out
of the sides of the head (Fig. 17).
3. Pull the ends through making sure that
the ends are of equal length and the
middle of the line is centered between the
insertion holes (Fig. 18).
4. If the ends are not of equal length, push
the longer end back through the head
part way and pull the shorter end to
compensate. Repeat until both ends are
the same length.
5. Push the trimmer line until it lies flat against the cutting head (Fig. 19). Make sure the two lengths of
cutting line are of equal length. If they are not, adjust until they are.
WARNING:
line may not release properly if the line is too long.
CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL
WARNING:
proper oil level in the crankcase. Never operate the unit with a low oil level.
The importance of checking and
maintaining the proper oil level in the
crankcase cannot be overemphasized.
Check oil before each use:
1. Stop the engine and allow oil to drain
into the crankcase.
2. Place the engine on a flat, level surface
with the cutting head shield hanging off
a work bench or table to get a proper oil
Fig. 13
level reading (Fig. 20).
3. Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out of the engine. Clean the area around the dipstick
before removing it.
4. Remove the oil fill plug.
5. Look into the oil fill hole, use a flashlight if needed. The oil should be
just touching the inner most thread (Fig. 21).
6. If the oil level is not touching the inner most thread on the oil fill hole,
add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and recheck (Fig. 22).
Repeat this procedure until the oil level reaches the inner most thread
on the oil fill hole.
NOTE: Do not overfill the unit.
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug when checking and changing the oil (Fig. 22).
CHANGING THE OIL
CAUTION:
Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The oil will flow freely and
carry away more impurities.
1. Remove the oil fill plug.
2. Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container by tipping the unit
to a vertical position (Fig. 23). Allow ample time for complete drainage.
Fig. 15
3. Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and
clean up any oil that may have spilled.
Dispose of the oil according to federal,
state and local regulations.
4. Refill the crankcase with 3.04 fluid ounce
(90 ml) of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil. (Fig. 24)
NOTE: Use the bottle and spout saved from
initial use to measure the correct amount
of oil. The top of the label on the bottle
measures approximately 3.04 ounces (90 ml) (Fig. 25). Check the level. See Checking the Oil Level. If
the level is low, add a small amount of oil and recheck. Do not overfill (Fig. 25).
5. Replace the oil fill plug.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Air Filter
Failure to maintain your air filter properly can result in poor performance or
can cause permanent damage to your engine.
1. Open the air filter cover. Push the tab on the under side of the cover
inward. Then pull the air filter cover out and up. (Fig. 26).
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 26).
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water. Rinse the filter thoroughly and
allow it to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat the filter.
5. Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil.
6. Replace the filter (Fig. 27).
NOTE: If the unit is operated without the air filter, you will VOID the
warranty.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Position the slots on the top of the air filter
cover onto the tabs at the top of the back plate (Fig. 26).
8. Swing the cover down until the tab on the air filter backplate snaps into
place in the slot on the air filter cover (Fig. 27).
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Clean and oil air filter
Change oil
Change oil
Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust
Check spark plug condition and gap
Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or rope. These can break off and
Fig. 16
Fig. 18
Always use the correct line length when installing trimming line on the unit. The
To prevent extensive engine wear and damage to the unit, always maintain the
Fig. 20
Wear gloves to prevent injury when handling the unit.
Fig. 24
SEE
p. 5
p. 5
p. 5
p. 5
p. 5
Fig. 17
Fig. 19
Max Oil Fill Line
Fig. 21
Oil Fill
Plug
O-Ring
Oil Fill
Hole
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fill Line
Fig. 25
Air Filter
Cover
Air
Filter
Tab
Fig. 26
Back Plate
Tabs
Air
Filter
Locking Tab
Fig. 27