LINE INSTALLATION
Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section. Other types of
trimming line may cause the engine to overheat or fail.
NOTE: Always use the correct line length when installing trimming line. The line may
not release properly if the line is too long.
Part 1 - Removing the Inner Reel
1. Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the bump knob
counterclockwise (Fig. 13).
NOTE: The outer spool will remain attached to the unit.
2. Inspect the bolt inside the bump knob to make sure it moves freely. Replace the
bump knob if it is damaged.
3. Remove the inner reel from the outer spool (Fig. 14).
4. Remove the spring from the inner reel (Fig. 14).
5. Use a clean cloth to clean the inner reel, spring, shaft and inner surface of the
outer spool.
6. Check the indexing teeth and holding slots for wear (Fig. 15). If necessary, remove
burrs or replace the inner reel and outer spool.
Proceed to Part 2 - Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel.
Part 2 - Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel
• If using single line, refer to Winding Single Line.
• If using split line, refer to Winding Split Line.
• If using a prewound inner reel, proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Winding Single Line
1. Cut two 8-foot (2.4 m) lengths of new single trimming line.
2. Insert the end of one line into the top hole in
the inner reel (Fig. 16). Wind the line tightly in
the direction shown on the bottom of the inner
reel until about 6 inches (150 mm) of line
remains. Keep the line above the split wall.
Insert the 6-inch section into the nearest 0.095
holding slot (Fig. 17).
3. Insert the end of the other line into the bottom
hole in the inner reel (Fig. 18). Wind the line
tightly in the direction shown on the bottom of
the inner reel until about 3 to 9 inches (75 to
225 mm) of line remains. Keep the line below
the split wall. Insert the 3 to 9-inch section into
the opposite 0.095 holding slot (Fig. 19).
NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction
indicated will cause the cutting head to operate
incorrectly.
Proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Winding Split Line
1. Cut one 6-foot (1.8 m) length of new split line
trimming line. Split each end about 6 inches
(150 mm).
2. Using one split end, insert one line into the top
hole and the other line into the bottom hole in
the inner reel (Fig. 20).
3. Wind the line tightly in the direction shown on
the bottom of the inner reel. The split wall will
automatically divide the line. Wind the line until
it is completely divided and about 6 inches
(150 mm) of line remains.
NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction
indicated will cause the cutting head to operate incorrectly.
4. Insert the two 6-inch sections into the two 0.095 holding slots (Fig. 21).
Proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel
1. Pass the two line ends through the eyelets in the outer spool. Place the spring
inside the inner reel. Insert the inner reel into the outer spool. Push the inner reel
and outer spool together (Fig. 22).
NOTE: The spring must be assembled on the inner reel before reassembling the
cutting head.
2. While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, firmly pull the two line ends
to release them from the holding slots.
3. While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, screw the bump knob on clockwise. Tighten the bump knob
securely.
4
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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.
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs while the unit is running.
Always allow the unit to cool before servicing or repairing the unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to
prevent the unit from starting accidentally.
FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Every 10 hours Clean and re-oil the air filter. Refer to Maintaining the Air Filter.
Every 25 hours Check the spark plug condition and gap. Refer to Maintaining the Spark Plug.
Holding Slot
Fig. 17
Fig. 19
Holding Slots
Fig. 21
Indexing Teeth
Fig. 15
Outer Spool
Fig. 22
Holding Slots
Top Hole
Fig. 16
Fig. 18
Top Hole
Fig. 20
Split Wall
Split Wall
Bottom Hole
Split Wall
Holding SlotSplit Wall
Bottom Hole
Split Wall
Inner Reel
Bump Knob
Spring
Eyelets
Bolt
Outer Spool
Fig. 13
Outer Spool
Spring
Inner Reel
Fig. 14
Bump Knob
Shaft
WARNING:
Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or rope.
These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
OPERATION
MAINTAINING THE AIR FILTER
Failure to maintain the air filter can result in poor performance or can cause
permanent damage to the engine. Engine failure due to improper air filter
maintenance is not covered by the product warranty.
Cleaning the Air Filter
1. Open the air filter cover: press in the lock tab and swing the air filter cover to the
right (Fig. 23).
2. Remove the air filter from inside the air filter cover (Fig. 23).
3. Wash the air filter in detergent and water. Rinse the air filter thoroughly and allow it
to dry.
4. Lightly coat the air filter with clean SAE 30 oil.
5. Squeeze the air filter to spread and remove excess oil.
6. Reinstall the air filter inside the air filter cover (Fig. 23).
NOTE: Operating the unit without the air filter and air filter cover will VOID the warranty.
7. Close the air filter cover: swing the air filter cover to the left and press it closed until the lock tab snaps into place
(Fig. 23).
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always stop the engine and allow it to cool before
cleaning or maintaining the unit.
Fig. 23
Air Filter Cover
Air Filter
Lock
Tab
HOLDING THE TRIMMER
• Stand in the operating position (Fig. 10).
• Hold the shaft grip with the right hand. Keep the right arm slightly bent.
• Hold the handle with the left hand. Keep the left arm straight.
• Hold the unit at waist level.
• Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground so that it easily contacts the grass
without the need for bending over.
ADJUSTING THE TRIMMING LINE LENGTH
This unit is equipped with a Bump Head. Trimming line can be released from the
cutting head without stopping the engine.
To release more line, lightly tap the bump knob on the ground (Fig. 11) while
operating the unit at high speed. For best results, tap the bump knob on bare ground
or hard soil. Attempting to release line in tall grass may stall the engine.
NOTE: Do not rest the cutting head on the ground while the unit is running.
Each time the bump knob is tapped, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) of trimming line is released.
NOTE: Always keep the trimming line fully extended. Line release becomes more
difficult when the cutting line gets shorter.
A blade in the cutting head shield will cut the line to the proper length if any excess line is released.
TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
• Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground.
• Cut from left to right whenever possible. This improves the unit's cutting efficiency and throws clippings away from
the operator.
• Do not trim wet grass or weeds.
NOTE: Some line breakage will occur from:
• Entanglement with foreign matter
• Normal line fatigue
• Attempting to cut thick vegetation
• Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
When trimming around trees, posts, fences, etc., rotate the whole unit so that the
cutting head is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 12).
WARNING:
Always wear eye, hearing, hand, foot and body protection to reduce the risk of injury
when operating this unit.
CAUTION: Do not remove or alter the line cutting blade assembly. Excessive line length will make the
unit overheat. This may lead to serious personal injury or damage to the unit.
Fig. 10
Fig. 12
Fig. 11
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix gasoline with oil. Refer to Oil and Fuel Mixing Instructions.
2. Fill the fuel tank. Refer to Fueling the Unit.
NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off switch is in the ON ( I )
position at all times (Fig. 7).
3. Slowly press and release the primer bulb 10 times (Fig. 8). If fuel cannot be seen
in the primer bulb, press and release the primer bulb until fuel is visible.
4. Move the choke lever to Position 1 (Fig. 8).
5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 9).
6. Squeeze the throttle control (Fig. 7) and pull the starter rope with a controlled and
steady motion 5 times (Fig. 9).
NOTE: SQUEEZE and HOLD the throttle control for ALL further steps.
7. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 8).
8. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Pull the starter rope with a controlled and
steady motion 3 to 5 times to start the engine.
9. Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Allow the engine to warm up for 30 to 60
seconds.
10.Continue to squeeze the throttle control. Move the choke lever to Position 3 (Fig.
8) and continue warming the engine for an additional 60 seconds. The unit may be
used during this time.
NOTE: The engine is properly warmed up when it accelerates without hesitation.
IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 8) and continue the warm-up.
IF... the engine does not start, begin the starting procedure with step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, move the choke lever to Position 3 and squeeze the throttle
control. Pull the starter rope with a controlled and steady motion 3 to 8 times. The engine should start. If it
does not, repeat this instruction.
IF... the engine is already warm, begin the starting procedure with step 7.
STARTING AND STOPPING
WARNING: Avoid accidentally starting the unit. To avoid serious
injury, the operator and the unit must be in a stable position when
pulling the starter rope (Fig. 9).
Off (O) / Stop
On ( I ) / Start
Throttle
Control
Fig. 7
Starter
Rope
Grip
Starting
Position
Fig. 9
WARNING:
Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined area.
Fig. 8
Primer Bulb
Choke Lever
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release the throttle control and allow the engine to idle.
2. Press and hold the On/Off switch in the OFF (O) position until the engine comes to a complete stop (Fig. 7).