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Operation
4
Section
8
INTRODUCTION
Read this Section thoroughly before you
start the engine. As with any piece of
outdoor power equipment, getting the
“feel” for how your machine operates and
knowing the best techniques for partic-
ular jobs are important to overall good
performance.
NOTE: All references to LEFT, RIGHT,
FRONT and REAR of the machine are
determined by standing in the operator’s
position.
PRE-START CHECKLIST
1. Review Section 1: Safety and also
Section 3: Features and Controls.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware.
Tighten or replace as needed.
3. Check the engine oil level*. It must
be up to the “FULL” mark on the oil dip-
stick. (See the Engine Owner’s Manual
for instructions.)
4. Check the fuel level* in the fuel tank.
(See the Engine Owner’s Manual and this
page for instructions.)
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. On electric start models, check the
wire harness connections.
9. Carefully check the area to be trimmed
and remove any debris.
10. Install the correct diameter trimmer
line (see Use the Correct Diameter
Trimmer Line in this Section).
11. Check that the spark plug wire is
securely attached to the spark plug.
* Clean debris from around fuel cap,
oil dipstick and engine (see “Cleaning
Debris” in Engine Owner’s Manual)
before checking oil level or adding
gasoline.
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 Owner’s
Manual) each time before fuel is added.
3. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline
according to the directions in the sepa-
rate Engine Owner’s 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 the Assembly Section of this
Manual.
ADJUST LINE CUTTING HEIGHT
The cutting height of the trimmer line
adjusts from 1-1/2"-to-4-1/2" high in infi-
nite increments. The cutting height has
been factory-set at one of the higher set-
tings – we recommend that you start at
this higher setting and make adjustments
as needed.
In general, use higher height settings to
handle taller material and to cope with
tougher cutting conditions. For less
demanding situations, use any trimming
height desired. 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 both
bolts (A, Figure 4-1) securing the trimmer
head.
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 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 per-
sonal 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, dis-
connect 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
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this
Manual (see Section 1) and in the sepa-
rate Engine Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety rules
and instructions can result in serious
personal injury and property damage.
DANGER
Before operating your machine, care-
fully read and understand all safety
(Section 1), controls (Section 3) and
operating instructions (Section 4) 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
Figure 4-1
A
A