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Section 4: Operation 9
USE THE CORRECT
DIAMETER TRIMMER LINE
Before starting a project, examine the
grass or material you will be cutting and
trimming.
For tougher conditions, use two (or four)
sections of the thicker gauge, .155" diam-
eter extra-heavy duty line. For less
demanding conditions, use two sections
of the thinner gauge, .130" diameter
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 gauge line is also rec-
ommended for use near trees or orna-
mentals to help prevent girdling (cutting
the bark).
USING THE TRIMMER
HEAD CONTROL BAIL
Before starting the engine, it is essential
to know how to use the Trimmer Head
Control Bail.
1. The Trimmer Head Control Bail (A,
Figure 4-3) is used to start and stop
trimmer head motion.
2. 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.
3. When the engine is running, pull up
and hold the control bail against the han-
dlebar (Figure 4-4) to start rotation of the
trimmer head.
4. 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
TRIMMER/MOWER
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 trimmer/mower.
CHECKLIST BEFORE STARTING
1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist in
this Section of the Manual. You must
wear safety glasses or goggles.
2. Check that the line cutting height is
adjusted according to the instructions.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Move the unit to the work area.
2. Connect the spark plug wire to the
spark plug.
3. Put on safety-approved eye
protection.
4. Release (disengage) the Trimmer
Head Control Bail (A, Figure 4-3).
5. Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever
in the FAST (rabbit symbol) position.
6. Push in the fuel primer button as
instructed in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
NOTE: Do not use primer to restart a
warm engine after a short shutdown.
7. Recoil Starting: Pull recoil start rope
slowly until resistance 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 6.
Electric Starting: Stand behind handle-
bars and turn ignition key clockwise to
crank engine. If engine does not start
after five seconds of cranking, stop and
repeat step 6. When engine starts,
release key.
TO START THE TRIMMER HEAD
1. Stand in the operator’s position
directly behind the handlebars.
2. Slowly close the Trimmer Head Con-
trol Bail (Figure 4-4) against the handle-
bars 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 trimmer/mower along the path
to be cut.
TO STOP THE TRIMMER HEAD
Let go of the Trimmer Head Control Bail.
It will return to its open position and the
trimmer head will stop turning.
TO STOP THE ENGINE
Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever in
the STOP position. (If time allows, first
move throttle lever to SLOW setting
before stopping engine.)
Figure 4-2
Height
Guide
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