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10 Section 4: Operation
ADDITIONAL OPERATING TIPS
AND TECHNIQUES
TIPS FOR PRECISION CUTTING
For the most precise cutting possible, be
sure to select the appropriate line cutting
height and trimmer line size (thickness)
for the conditions at hand.
When mowing, let the cutting head rest
lightly on the ground and do not lift up on
the handlebars. This allows the cutting
head to follow the ground contour
closely, resulting in the most even cut
possible. Also, be sure to ease into
heavy growth to prevent overwhelming
the machine.
TRIM WHEN WET OR DRY
Grass and most other materials are most
efficiently trimmed when dry. But, the
trimmer/mower will do a fine job even
with damp or wet materials. When con-
ditions are moist or damp, be sure to
clean debris off the machine regularly to
keep cutting efficiency high. And watch
your footing!
CLEAN THE TRIMMER/MOWER
ON A REGULAR BASIS
Clean under the mower deck frequently to
remove any grass buildup. Also clean
around the muffler and on top of engine.
See the cleaning instructions in Section
5: Maintenance and in the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual.
DO NOT LET THE TRIMMER
LINES BECOME TOO SHORT
Once the trimmer lines are worn to less
than 1/2 their original length, trimming
jobs begin to take far longer than they
should.
As a general guideline, once the line
length becomes half of its original length,
it’s time to change to new lines.
USE EXTREME CAUTION ON SLOPES
When operating on sloping ground, use
extreme caution and common sense to
avoid possible injury or property damage.
Do not mow on excessively steep slopes!
Avoid slopes if greater than 15
0
or wher-
ever footing is unsure. If a slope is diffi-
cult to stand on, it is probably too steep
to trim or mow. In this case, it may be
wiser to establish a permanent ground
cover on this area.
Do not trim on slopes when the ground is
slippery. Trim across the face of a slope,
not up and down. Slow down and exer-
cise caution when changing direction on
slopes.
USE CORRECT WALKING SPEED
Use a walking speed that is suitable for
the conditions at hand. For example,
you’ll get better trimming and mowing
results at slower walking speeds if the
grass is tall or lush. Shorter grass or
less dense growth can be cut at faster
travel speeds.
VARY THE THROTTLE SETTING
ACCORDING TO CONDITIONS
The majority of trimming and mowing
jobs will yield the best results if the
Engine Throttle Control is set at the
fastest engine speed.
Less demanding jobs that require very
precise cutting will yield better results if
the engine throttle is backed off some-
what to reduce engine speed. (For
example, damage to trees and ornamen-
tals can be avoided by reducing the
engine speed; using the lighter .130"
diameter line; and by keeping a safe dis-
tance away.)
Again, once you begin a particular job
and get a “feel” for the conditions, you
will be able to make adjustments for the
best possible results.
KEEP THE MOWED SIDE TO YOUR
RIGHT AS YOU MOVE AHEAD
The trimmer/mower feeds cut materials
to the right side. Stay on the right side of
unmowed growth as you move along.
THROWN OBJECT HAZARD
• Objects such as rocks, pebbles,
and small debris will be thrown
violently by the cutting head,
resulting in significant hazard to
eyes and exposed body parts.
• Always wear safety-approved eye
protection and suitable clothing
and footwear.
• Keep children, pets and bystanders
50 feet away from machine while
operating.
• Be alert to hidden obstacles.
Failure to comply could result in
injury or property damage.
WARNING
NOTE: If the trimmer is operated in a
stationary position with the wear cup in
contact with dry vegetation, significant
heat will result that may deform the
plastic spindle or scorch vegetation.