OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
WARNING:
Overfilling oil crankcase may cause serious personal injury. Check and maintain the
proper oil level in the crank case; it is important and cannot be overemphasized. Check the oil before
each use and change it as needed. See Changing the Oil.
RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is extremely
important. Check the oil before each use and change the oil regularly. Failure
to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear and failure.
Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum Institute) service
class SF, SG, SH.
ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE: INITIAL USE
NOTE:
This unit is shipped without oil. In order to avoid damage to the unit, put
oil in the crankcase before you attempt to start the unit.
Your unit is supplied with one 3.04 fluid oz. (90 ml) bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil (Fig. 8).
NOTE:
Save the bottle of oil. It can be used to measure the correct amount during
future oil changes. See Changing the Oil.
1. Unscrew the top of the bottle of oil and remove the paper seal covering the
opening. Replace the top. Next, cut the tip off the funnel spout (Fig. 8).
2. Tip unit so that the back of the engine is facing up in a vertical position.
3. Remove the oil fill plug from the crankcase (Fig. 10).
4. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole (Fig. 9).
NOTE:
Never add oil to the fuel or fuel tank.
5. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall the oil fill plug.
Check oil before each use and change as needed. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.
RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE
Old fuel is the primary reason for improper unit performance. Be sure to use fresh,
clean, unleaded gasoline.
NOTE:
This is a four cycle engine. In order to avoid damage to the unit, do not
mix oil with gasoline.
Definition of Blended Fuels
Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol
or MTBE (ether). Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1% water in the fuel
can make fuel and oil separate or form acids when stored. Use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old), when using alcohol-
blended fuel.
Using Blended Fuels
If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:
• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline
• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent
• Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit
Using Fuel Additives
WARNING:
Add fuel in a clean, well ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
WARNING:
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop the engine
and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open
flames at a distance from the area.
The use of fuel additives, such as STA-BIL® Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and minimize the
formation of gum deposits. Using a fuel additive can keep fuel from forming harmful deposits in the carburetor for up to
six (6) months. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the container.
NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's gas tank.
FUELING THE UNIT
WARNING:
Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray.
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
WARNING:
DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT. It has been
proven that fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol will likely
damage this engine and void the warranty.
1. Remove the fuel cap (Fig. 11).
2. Place the gas container's spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank (Fig. 11) and fill the tank.
NOTE:
Do not overfill the tank.
3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine.
NOTE:
Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray.
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
WARNING:
Avoid accidental starting. Make sure you are in the
starting position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 14). To avoid serious
injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting.
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 Control is in the ON ( I )
position at all times (Fig. 12).
IF COLD... In cold weather conditions (below 40°F), flip the Red Cold Weather Start
Lever (Fig. 13) down to the start/closed position and continue to step 3. DO
NOT flip this lever down if the temperature is above 40°F.
3. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount of fuel
should be visible in the primer bulb and fuel lines (Fig. 13). If fuel can not be seen
in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is visible.
4. With the unit in the starting position, do not squeeze the throttle control (Fig. 14).
With a controlled and steady motion, pull the starter rope 3 to 5 times or until
engine starts.
IF COLD... In cold weather conditions (below 40°F), flip the Red Cold Weather Start
Lever back up to the run/open position (Fig. 13) after the unit has started
and before squeezing the throttle control.
5. Wait 60 seconds and then squeeze the throttle control.
6. Continue squeezing the throttle control for an additional 30 to 60 seconds to let
the engine warm up. The unit may be used during this time.
IF...
The engine does not start, go back to step 3.
IF...
The engine stops while squeezing the throttle control, go back to step 4.
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 Control switch in the OFF (O) position until the unit comes to a complete stop (Fig. 12).
HOLDING THE TRIMMER
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position (Fig. 15). Check for the following:
• The operator is wearing eye protection and proper clothing
• With a slightly-bent right arm, the operator's hand is holding the shaft grip
Funnel
• The operator's left arm is straight, the left hand holding the J-handle
Spout
• The unit is at waist level
• The cutting head is parallel to the ground and easily contacts the grass without
the need to bend over
Fig. 8
TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
• Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground.
• Do not force the cutting head. 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.
• Cut from right to left whenever possible. Cutting to the left 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.
Fig. 9
• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
Oil Fill
• The life of your cutting line is dependent upon:
Plug
• Following the trimming techniques
• What vegetation is being cut
O-Ring
• Where vegetation is cut
For example, the line will wear faster when trimming against a foundation wall as
Oil Fill
opposed to trimming around a tree.
Hole
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
Fig. 10
Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all vegetation around trees, posts, fences and more.
Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting head is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 16).
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:
NOTE:
NOTE:
Gas Can Spout
FREQUENCY
Every 10 hours
After first 10 hours
Every 25 hours
Fuel Cap
Fuel Tank
Fig. 11
FIXED LINE INSTALLATION
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. 17).
2. Push the ends through until they stick out of
the sides of the head (Fig. 18).
3. Pull the ends through making sure that the
OFF (O)
ends are of equal length and the middle of the
ON (I)
line is centered between the insertion holes
(Fig. 19).
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.
Throttle
Control
5. Push the trimmer line until it lies flat against the
cutting head (Fig. 20). Make sure the two
Fig. 12
lengths of cutting line are of equal length. If
they are not, adjust until they are.
Red Cold Weather
Primer Bulb
Start Lever
Run/ Open
CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL
Close/ Start
Fig. 13
The importance of checking and maintaining the
Starting Position
proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be
overemphasized. Check oil before each use:
Starter
Rope
1. Stop the engine and allow oil to drain into the
crankcase.
2. Place the unit on a flat, level surface to get a
proper oil level reading (Fig. 24).
Throttle
3. Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out
Control
of the engine. Clean the area around the
Fig. 14
dipstick before removing it.
4. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick and wipe off oil. Reinsert it all the way back in. (Fig. 22)
5. Remove the oil fill plug/ dipstick and check the oil level. Oil should be up to the top of the dipstick (Fig. 21).
6. If the level is low, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and recheck (Fig. 22). Repeat this procedure until the
oil level reaches the top of the dipstick.
NOTE:
NOTE:
CHANGING THE OIL
Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The
oil will flow freely and carry away more impurities.
1. Unplug spark plug boot to prevent accidental
starting.
2. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Refill the crankcase with 3.04 fl.oz. (90 ml) of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil.
NOTE:
6. Replace the oil fill plug/dipstick.
7. Reconnect the spark plug boot.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, foot and body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating
this unit.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always
service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.
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.
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.
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.
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
WARNING:
Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or rope. These can break off and become
dangerous projectiles.
WARNING:
Always use the correct line length when installing trimming line on the unit. The line may not
release properly if the line is too long.
WARNING:
To prevent extensive engine wear and damage to the unit, always maintain the proper oil
level in the crankcase. Never operate the unit with a low oil level.
Add 1.4-
1.5 oz.
(41-44 ml)
Do not overfill the unit.
Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug/ dipstick when checking and changing the oil (Fig. 21).
CAUTION:
Wear gloves to prevent injury when handling the unit.
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 with the dipstick. If the level
is low, add a small amount of oil and recheck. Do not overfill (Fig. 22).
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Oil Fill Plug/ Dipstick
Oil Fill
Plug
O-Ring
Full
O-Ring
Oil Fill
Hole
Fig. 22
Fig. 21
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Fill Line
Fig. 25
SEE
p. 4
p. 3
p. 3
p. 4
p. 4
3