Columbia 260 series, Operator'S Manual

Operation

5

12

Adjusting the Spindle Height

The spindle height can be adjusted for various applications. To 

do so, proceed as follows:
1. 

Loosen the wing nut found on each side of the spindle 

shaft.

Note: 

The wing nuts are designed so that they cannot be 

removed from the spindle shaft.

2. 

Slide the spindle upward or downward to the desired 

position before retightening the wing nuts. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1

Starting and Stopping Engine 

Refer to the Engine Operator’s manual packed with your string 

trimmer for instructions on starting and stopping the engine. 

Using Your String Trimmer 

Be sure trimming area is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other 

objects which could damage the string trimmer or engine. 

Such objects could be accidently thrown by the trimmer in any 

direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and 

others. 

WARNING: 

The operation of any string trimmer 

can result in foreign objects being thrown into the 

eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always 

wear safety glasses while operating the string 

trimmer, or while performing any adjustments or 

repairs on it.

• 

The string trimmer is designed with the spindle offset to 

the left side, allowing the operator to trim along a fence, 

landscaping, or a house to his or her’s right side without 

having to make any adjustments to the machine.

• 

Operate the string trimmer at a slower walking speed when 

trimming tall, thick weeds or grass.

• 

Clean the underside of the trimmer after each use to 

remove any debris build up.

WARNING: 

Shut the engine off and wait until the 

trimmer head comes to a complete stop before 

cleaning the discharge area. The trimmer head 

continues to rotate for a few seconds after the 

trimmer head control is released.

• 

Do not trim on excessively steep slopes. If a slope is difficult 

to stand on, do not trim. Do not trim on slopes when the 

ground is slippery or wet. Trim across the face of a slope, 

not up and down.

CAUTION: 

While operating the string trimmer, do not allow the 

spindle to contact a concrete, asphalt, or gravel surface. Doing so 

will result in premature wear.

Changing the Trimmer Line

To ease in removing worn trimmer line, change the trimmer line 

before it becomes too short (i.e. approximately half its original 

length).
1. 

Remove the worn trimmer line from the spindle.

2. 

Fold the replacement trimmer line in half and insert both 

ends through the loop near the edge of the spindle.

3. 

Pull the ends of the trimmer line through the loop until the 

line is securely beneath the metal tab.

4. 

Cross the line ends and pull each tightly to secure the 

trimmer line in place. See Figure 5-2.

1

2

Figure 5-2

Note: 

Always use 490-040-M035 trimmer line. Refer to 

Replacement Parts on page 17 for information on ordering.