16
Section 5: Maintenance
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to
come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug.
Remove ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
CHANGING TRIMMER LINES
The trimmer lines will wear with use
and eventually require replacement.
Also, you may wish to switch between
the thinner and thicker gauge lines to
handle different mowing conditions.
Replace the trimmer lines when they
wear to the point that trimming and
mowing projects take too long and
require too much maneuvering of the
machine. A good rule of thumb is to
change the lines when they reach half
their original length.
Use the extra-heavy duty gauge (.155"
diameter) line when cutting thick,
tough growth. The thinner gauge
(.130" diameter) line is for use in less
demanding conditions, and is also rec-
ommended for use near trees or orna-
mentals to help prevent girdling (cut-
ting of bark).
To Change Trimmer Lines:
1. Stop engine, allow all parts to stop
moving and then disconnect the spark
plug wire. Remove the ignition key on
electric start models. DO NOT tip the
machine. DO NOT touch the metal
wear cup on the bottom of the spindle
head. This surface may be hot.
NOTE: The two line holders on the
trimmer head are permanently secured
by a screw and a nut. Do not attempt
to remove the line holders as it is not
necessary to remove them in order to
change the trimmer lines.
2. The trimmer lines can be changed
when the trimmer head is in contact
with the ground. If necessary, you
may tip the unit back slightly for a bet-
ter view. However, do not tip the unit
all the way back or motor oil may flow
to the exhaust area and the engine may
smoke for several seconds when
started.
3. Three different line installation pat-
terns are available, as shown in Figures
5-10, 5-11 and 5-12.
4. Simply feed the line through the
loops of the line holder as shown. An
equal amount of line should project out
from each side of the line holder, creat-
ing an overall 22" wide cutting swath.
You may offset both trimmer lines
somewhat to increase the cutting
swath up to 25" wide. However, DO
NOT offset the line so that the overall
cutting swath is greater than 25". See
Warning statement at right.
IMPORTANT: Whether replacing one
or both lines, they must both be .130"
or .155" in diameter.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to replace
the second trimmer line.
Figure 5-10: Use this sin-
gle line, easy-loop pattern
for all but the more difficult
cutting conditions.
Figure 5-12: For more diffi-
cult cutting conditions, use
two of the thicker gauge
(.155" diameter) lines in
each line holder. Follow
the installation pattern
shown in Figure 5-10.
Figure 5-11: If the lines
should loosen while trim-
ming (especially in more
difficult conditions), add a
simple reverse loop. Note
that this pattern will result
in a slightly narrower over-
all cutting swath.
Offsetting the trimmer lines causes
the lines to rotate faster than when
they project an equal length on each
side. This increases the chance of
loose materials being dislodged and
propelled at high speeds.
Failure of the operator to wear safety
goggles and appropriate clothing and
to keep bystanders away can result in
severe personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Reverse Loop
