Expand-it UT15522B User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Expand-it™
Straight Shaft
Trimmer Attachment
UT15522B
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
TM
Your new Expand-it™ Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment has been engineered and manufactured to a high standard for
dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual.
Thank you again for buying an Expand-it™ Accessory.

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zIntroduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
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zSafety Rules ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
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zSymbols ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
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zUnpacking .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
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zFeatures ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
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zAssembly ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
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zOperation ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 - 9
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zMaintenance ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 - 12
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zWarranty ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13
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zParts, Ordering, and Service....................................................................................................................................... 14
With the Expand-it™ Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment,
trimming your lawn to keep it well manicured is simple. Just
connect the Expand-it™ Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment
to your attachment capable trimmer and trimming weeds
and grass from around porches and decks will be an easy
task. Safety, performance, and dependability have been
given top priority in the design of this straight shaft trimmer
attachment making it easy to maintain and operate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Look for this symbol to point out important safety
precautions. It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
WARNING:
Carefully read through this entire operator’s manual
before using your new Expand-it™ Straight Shaft
Trimmer Attachment. Pay close attention to the safety
rules, warnings, and cautions. If you use your tool
properly and only for its intended use, you will enjoy
years of safe, reliable service.
The operation of any tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes which can result in
severe eye damage. Before beginning tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over
eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always wear eye protection that is marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1.
WARNING:

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zAlways stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
before making any adjustments or repairs except for
carburetor adjustments.
zInspect unit before each use for loose fasteners,
damaged or missing parts. Correct before using the
straight shaft trimmer attachment. Failure to do so can
cause serious injury.
zUse only original manufacturer’s replacement parts.
Failure to do so, may cause poor performance, possible
injury, and will void your warranty.
zDo not, under any circumstance, use any attachment or
accessory on this product which was not provided with
the product or identified as appropriate for use with this
product in the Operator’s Manual.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER USE
zReplace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in
any way. Be sure the string head is properly installed
and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause
serious injury.
zMake sure all deflectors and handles are properly and
securely attached.
zUse only the manufacturer's replacement string in the
cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.
zNever operate unit without the grass deflector in place
and in good condition.
zMaintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming.
Keep string head below waist level. Never cut with the
string head located over (30 in.) 76 cm or more above
the ground.
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow
all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock,
fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
zFor safe operation, read and understand all instructions
before using the straight shaft trimmer attachment.
Follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety
instructions listed below, can result in serious personal
injury.
zDo not allow children or untrained individuals to use this
unit.
zWear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1 standards and hearing protec-
tion when operating this unit.
zWear heavy long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear
loose fitting clothing, short pants, jewelry of any kind, or
go barefoot.
zSecure long hair so it is above shoulder level to prevent
entanglement in any moving parts.
zKeep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft
(15 m ) away.
zDo not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
zDo not operate in poor lighting.
zKeep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure
to hot surfaces.
zKeep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
zDo not touch areas around the muffler or cylinder of the
power head, these parts get hot from operation. Failure
to do so could result in possible serious personal injury.
SAFETY RULES

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Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your unit. Please study them and learn their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOL NAME EXPLANATION
Safety Alert Symbol Indicates danger, warning or caution. It means
attention!!! Your safety is involved.
Read Your Operator’s Manual Your manual contains special messages to
bring attention to potential safety concerns,
machine damage as well as helpful operating and
servicing information. Please read all the
information carefully to avoid injury and machine
damage.
Wear eye and hearing protection. Wear eye protection which is marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing protection
when operating this equipment.
Keep bystanders away. Keep all bystanders at least 50 feet (15 m)
away.
Ricochet. Danger of Ricochet.
No blade. Do not install any type of blade on this unit.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SYMBOLS
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the explanations
with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves eliminate any
danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious
injury.
CAUTION:Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

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UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS
We have shipped the Expand-it™ Straight Shaft Trimmer
Attachment completely assembled.
zCarefully remove the tool from the box. Make sure that
all items listed in the packing list are included.
zInspect the tool carefully to be sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.
zDo not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.
zIf any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-chainsaw (1-800-242-4672).
PACKING LIST
Expand-it™ Straight Shaft Trimmer Attachment (Completely
Assembled)
Hanger Cap
Operator’s Manual
WARNING:
If any parts are missing, replace them before operating
the tool. Failure to do so could result in serious personal
injury.

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Fig. 1
FEATURES
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recommended for use with this tool. Any such alteration or
modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.
Before using the Expand-it™ Straight Shaft Trimmer
Attachment, familiarize yourself with all operating features
and safety requirements.
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with your tool to make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a
second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.
GRASS DEFLECTOR
STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER SHAFT
GEAR HEAD
STRING HEAD
END CAP

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The straight shaft trimmer attachment is fully assembled at the
factory and requires no further assembly.
JOINING THE POWER HEAD TO THE
STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER ATTACHMENT
See Figure 2.
WARNING
Never attach or adjust any attachment while power head is
running. Failure to stop the engine may cause serious
personal injury.
The straight shaft trimmer attachment connects to the power
head by means of a coupler device.
1. Loosen the knob on the coupler of the power head shaft
and remove the end cap from the attachment shaft.
2. Push in the button located on the straight shaft trimmer
attachment shaft. Align the button with the guide recess
on the power head coupler and slide the two shafts
together. Rotate the straight shaft trimmer attachment
shaft until the button locks into the positioning hole.
NOTE: If the button does not release completely in the
positioning hole, the shafts are not locked into place.
Slightly rotate from side to side until the button is locked into
place.
3. Tighten the knob securely.
WARNING
Be certain the knob is fully tightened before operating
equipment; check it periodically for tightness during use
to avoid serious injury or product damage.
REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE
POWER HEAD
For removing or changing the attachment:
1. Loosen the knob.
2. Push in the button and twist the shafts to remove and
separate ends.
STRAIGHT SHAFT
TRIMMER ATTACHMENT
POWER HEAD SHAFT
GUIDE RECESS
COUPLER
KNOB
POSITIONING
HOLE Fig. 2
ASSEMBLY

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OPERATING THE TRIMMER
Hold the trimmer with the right hand on the rear handle and
the left hand on the front handle. Keep a firm grip with both
hands while in operation. Trimmer should be held at a
comfortable position with the rear handle about hip height.
See Figure 3.
Always operate trimmer at full throttle. Cut tall grass from
the top down. This will prevent grass from wrapping around
the shaft and string head which may cause damage from
overheating. If grass becomes wrapped around the string
head, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and
remove the grass. Prolonged cutting at partial throttle will
result in oil dripping from the muffler.
ADVANCING THE STRING
ADVANCING STRING USING THE EZ LINE™ TAP
ADVANCE SYSTEM
String advance is controlled by tapping string head on grass
while running engine at full throttle.
1Run engine at full throttle.
2Tap string head on ground to advance string. String
advances each time the head is tapped.
3Several taps may be required until string strikes the cut
off blade.
4Resume trimming.
NOTE: If the string is worn too short you may not be able to
advance the string by tapping it on the ground. If so, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and manually
advance the string.
ADVANCING THE STRING MANUALLY
Push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) to
manually advance the string.
OPERATION
Fig. 3

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CUTTING TIPS
See Figure 4.
zKeep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is
the best cutting area.
zDo not cut in dangerous cutting area.
zUse the tip of string to do the cutting; do not force string
head into uncut grass.
zWire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even
breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may
wear string rapidly.
zAvoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings,
siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the
string.
GRASS DEFLECTOR LINE TRIMMING CUT-
OFF BLADE
See Figure 5.
This trimmer is equipped with a line trimming cut-off blade
on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance string until
it is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade. Advance string
whenever you hear the engine running faster than normal.
This will maintain best performance and keep string long
enough to advance properly.
Fig. 5
OPERATION
BEST CUTTING AREA
DANGEROUS
CUTTING AREA
Fig. 4
CUT-OFF BLADE

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You may make adjustments and repairs described in the
maintenance section. For other repairs, have the unit
serviced by an authorized servicing dealer.
SPOOL REPLACEMENT
EZ LINE™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM
NEW PREWOUND SPOOL
See Figures 6 and 7.
If replacing string only, refer to “String Replacement” later in
this manual.
Use only .095 in. (2.4 mm) diameter monofilament string.
Use the manufacturer's replacement parts for best perfor-
mance.
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold
the string head and unscrew the spool retainer. Turn
clockwise.
2. Remove the empty spool from the string head. Use the
spring from the empty spool if one is not provided with
the new spool and string.
3. To install the new spool, make sure the two strings are
captured in the slots opposite each other on the new
spool. Make sure the ends of each string is extended
approximately 6 in. (152 mm) beyond each slot.
4. Thread the strings into the eyelets in the string head.
Carefully push the spool into the string head (gently pull
the strings to the outside if necessary). When the spool
is positioned in the string head, grasp the strings and
pull sharply to release them from the slots in the spool.
5. Push down and turn the spool counterclockwise until it
no longer turns. Hold the spool down and rotate clock-
wise a small amount. Release the spool. The spool
should be locked down in the string head. If not, hold
down and rotate until locked.
WARNING:
Use only original manufacturer's replacement parts,
accessories and attachments. Failure to do so may
cause poor performance, possible injury and may
void your warranty.
6. Make sure the string head and the spool retainer are
installed on the shaft by turning the retainer counter-
clockwise to tighten.
7. Pull the strings again to rotate the spool into cutting
position. Push the spool retainer down while pulling on
string(s) to manually advance the string and to check
for proper assembly of the string head.
MAINTENANCE
EYELETS
SPRING
SLOTS
STRING HEAD
DRIVESHAFT
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
EYELETS
SPOOL
RETAINER
SPOOL

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FIRST STRING Fig. 8
SPOOL
ANCHOR
HOLE
SECOND
STRING
ARROWS ON
SPOOL
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
FIRST STRING
SLOT
SLOT ARROWS ON
SPOOL
SPRING
STRING REPLACEMENT
See Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11.
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold
the string head and unscrew the spool retainer. Turn
clockwise.
2. Remove the spool from the string head. NOTE: Keep
the spring attached to the spool. Remove any old string
remaining on the spool.
3. Cut two pieces of string, each being approximately 9 ft.
(2.7 m) long.
4. Insert the first string into the anchor hole in the upper
part of the spool. Wind the first string around the upper
part of the spool counterclockwise, as shown by the
arrows on the spool. Place string in the slot on upper
spool flange, leaving about 6 in. (152 mm) extended
beyond the slot. Do not overfill. After winding the string,
there should be at least 1/4 in. (6 mm) between the
wound string and the outside edge of the spool.
5. Repeat above step with second string, using the bottom
part of spool. Do not overfill.
6. Replace the spool and the spool retainer. Refer to
"Spool Replacement " earlier in this manual.
STRING REPLACEMENT PARTS
.095 in. (2.4 mm)
Complete String Head Replacement AP04101
Spool and String 88046
Spool Retainer AP04103
MAINTENANCE

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STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER
ATTACHMENT SHAFT
Fig. 12
MAINTENANCE
STORING THE STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER
ATTACHMENT
Store the straight shaft trimmer attachment in a well
ventilated place that is inaccessible to children. Keep away
from corrosive agents such as garden chemicals and de-
icing salts.
To remove the straight shaft trimmer attachment from the
power head for storage:
1. Loosen the knob on the coupler device.
2. Push the button in, then twist the shafts to remove and
separate the power head from the attachment.
For storing information: Please refer to the Operator’s
Manual of your power head.
ATTACHING THE STORAGE HANGER
See Figure 12.
There are two ways to hang your attachment for storage.
zTo use the hanger cap, push in the button and place the
hanger cap over end of the straight shaft trimmer
attachment shaft. Slightly rotate the cap from side to
side until the button locks into place.
zThe secondary hole in the straight shaft trimmer attach-
ment shaft can be used for hanging purposes as well.
BUTTON
HANGER CAP
SECONDARY HOLE

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WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT
Homelite Consumer Product, Inc. warrants to the original retail
purchaser that this Expand-it™ product is free from defect in material
and workmanship and agrees to repair or replace, at Homelite
Consumer Products, Inc.’s discretion, any defective product free of
charge within these time periods from the date of purchase.
zz
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zOne year for the following units: UT08110, UT20760, UT10901;
zz
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zTwo years for all other Homelite products, if the product is used
for personal, family or household use;
zz
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z90 days, if any of the above products are used for product used
for any other purpose, such as commercial or rental.
This warranty extends to the original retail purchaser only and
commences on the date of the original retial purchase.
Any part of the Expand-it™ product manufactured or supplied by
HOMELITE and found in the reasonable judgment of HOMELITE to be
defective in material or workmanship will be repaired or replaced by an
authorized service dealer without charge for parts and labor.
The Expand-it™ product including any defective part must be
returned to an authorized service dealer within the warranty period.
The expense of delivering the Expand-it™ product to the dealer for
warranty work and the expense of returning it back to the owner after
repair or replacement will be paid for by the owner. HOMELITE’S
responsibility in respect to claims is limited to making the required
repairs or replacements and no claim of breach of warranty shall be
cause for cancellation or rescission of the contract of sale of any
Expand-it™ product. Proof of purchase will be required by the dealer
to substantiate any warranty claim. All warranty work must be
performed by an authorized service dealer.
This warranty is limited to ninety (90) days from the date of original
retail purchase for any Expand-it™ product that is used for rental or
commercial purposes, or any other income-producing purpose.
This warranty does not cover any Expand-it™ product that has been
subject to misuse, neglect, negligence, or accident, or that has been
operated in any way contrary to the operating instructions as specified
in the Expand-it™ operator’s manual. This warranty does not apply to
any damage to the Expand-it™ product that is the result of improper
maintenance or to any Expand-it™ product that has been altered or
modified so as to adversely affect the products operation,
performance or durability or that has been altered or modified so as to
change its intended use. The warranty does not extend to repairs
made necessary by normal wear or by the use of parts or
accessories which are either INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE Expand-
it™ product or adversely affect its operation, performance or
durability. In addition, this warranty does not cover:
A. Tune-ups – Spark Plugs, Carburetor Adjustments, Filters
B. Wear items – Bump Knobs, Outer Spools, Cutting Lines, Inner
Reels, Starter Pulley, Starter Ropes, Drive Belts
HOMELITE reserves the right to change or improve the design of any
Expand-it™ product without assuming any obligation to modify any
product previously manufactured.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE
STATED WARRANTY PERIOD. ACCORDINGLY, ANY SUCH
IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE, ARE
DISCLAIMED IN THEIR ENTIRETY AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF
THE APPROPRIATE TWO-YEAR, ONE-YEAR, OR NINETY DAY
WARRANTY PERIOD. HOMELITE’S OBLIGATION UNDER THIS
WARRANTY IS STRICTLY AND EXCLUSIVELY LIMITED TO THE
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PARTS AND
HOMELITE DOES NOT ASSUME OR AUTHORIZE ANYONE TO
ASSUME FOR THEM ANY OTHER OBLIGATION. SOME STATES
DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED
WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY
TO YOU. HOMELITE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES
INCLUDING, BUT NO LIMITED TO EXPENSE OF RETURNING THE
HOMELITE PRODUCT TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER
AND EXPENSE OF DELIVERING IT BACK TO THE OWNER,
MECHANIC’S TRAVEL TIME, TELEPHONE OR TELEGRAM
CHARGES, RENTAL OF A LIKE PRODUCT DURING THE TIME
WARRANTY SERVICE IS BEING PERFORMED, TRAVEL, LOSS OR
DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERLY, LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS
OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, LOSS OF TIME, OR
INCONVENIENCE, SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR
EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, any you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty applies to all Expand-it™ products manufactured by
HOMELITE and sold in the United States and Canada.
To locate your nearest service dealer, dial 1-800-242-4672 or log on
to our website at www.homelite.com.

983000-219
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Expand-it™
Straight Shaft
Trimmer Attachment
UT15522B
TM
HOMELITE CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
1428 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson, SC 29625
Post Office Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622
Phone 1-800-chainsaw (1-800-242-4672)
www.homelite.com
SERVICE
For parts or service, contact your nearest Expand-it™ authorized service center. Be sure to provide
all relevant information when you call or visit. For the location of the authorized service center nearest
you, please call 1-800-chainsaw (1-800-242-4672) or visit us online at www.homelite.com.
REPAIR PARTS
The model number of this tool is found on a plate or label attached to the housing. Please record the
serial number in the space provided below.
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
UT15522B