Troy-Bilt 258 User manual

Operator's Manual
22" String Trimmer
Mower
Model 258
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
Inthe State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
TROY-BILT LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00009E
(10/03)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Making Adjustments 9
Slope Gauge 6 Maintaining Your String Trimmer 10
Assembling Your String Trimmer 7 Trouble Shooting
Know Your String Trimmer Mower 8 Illustrated Parts List 14
Operating Your String Trimmer Mower g Warranty 16
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the unit. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized
service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
PleasedoNOTreturntheunittotheretailer fromwhere it waspurchased,without firstcontactingCustomerSupport.
If you have difficultyassembling this productor have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit troybilt.com for many useful suggestions. Clickon Customer Support buttonand you will
get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately
available.
i
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty to engine
and service. Please refer the
manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation inthis
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GeneralOperation
1. Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to cut vegetation and
grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use
this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the
string trimmer mower in any direction which could
cause serious personal injury to the operator or any
others allowed in the area. Plan your trimming
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward
building, walls, roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. To help avoid trimmer line contact or a
thrown object injury, keep children, bystanders, and
helpers at least 75 feet from the string trimmer
mower while it is in operation. Stop the string
trimmer mower if anyone enters the area.
5. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
6. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
7. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area at all times as
the rotating trimmer head and lines can cause
injury.
8. Never pull the string trimmer mower back toward
you while you are walking. If you must back the
string trimmer mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind, and then
follow these steps:
a. Step back from the string trimmer mower to
fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the string trimmer mower back slowly, no
more than half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the string trimmer mower while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. The trimmer head control handle is a safety device.
Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so
makes the safety device inoperative and may result
in personal injury through contact with the rotating
head or lines. The trimmer head control handle
must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position
when released.
7. Disengage the trimmer head before starting the
engine.
8. Never operate the string trimmer mower in wet
grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall
can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you
are losing your footing, release the trimmer head
control handle immediately and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.

9. Trimormowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Walkneverrun.
10.Stopthetrimmerheadwhencrossinggraveldrives,
walksorroads.
11.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
12.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthetrimmerhead
comestoacompletestopbeforereplacingtrimmer
line,makinganyadjustmentorrepairs.Thetrimmer
headcontinuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthetrimmerheadareauntilyouaresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.
13.Neveroperatethestringtrimmermowerwithout
propershields,guards,trimmerheadcontrol
handleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace
andworking.Neveroperatethestringtrimmer
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo
so,canresultinpersonalinjury.
14.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
15.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthisstring
trimmermowerbythemanufacturer.Failuretodo
so,canresultinpersonalinjury.
16.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
dealerforassistance.Telephone[phone]
forthenameofyournearestdealer.
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury, Operation on slopes
requires extra caution, If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
trim or mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included
as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating
this unit on a sloped or hilly area. Ifthe slope is greater than
15 degrees, do nottrim or mow it,
Do:
1. Trim or mow across the face of slopes; never up or
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance, release the trimmer head
control handle immediately, and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.
DoNot:
1. Do not trim or mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
2. Do not trim or mow slopes greater than 15 degrees
as shown on the slope gauge on page 6.
3. Do not trim or mow on wet grass. Unstable footing
could cause slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert to the
presence of children, Children are often attracted to the
string trimmer mower and the trimming or mowing activity,
They do not understand the dangers, Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them,
1. Keep children out of the trimming or mowing area
and under the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn string trimmer mower off if a child
enters the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child who may run into the string
trimmer mower.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under age 14 to operate a
string trimmer mower. Children 14 years of age and
over should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult.
Service
SafeHandlingOfGasoline:
To avoidpersonal injuryor propertydamage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personalinjury can
occur when gasolineis spilledon yourself or your clothes
which can ignite, Wash yourskin and change clothes
immediately,
1. Use only an approved gasoline container.
2. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
3. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
4. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
5. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
6. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
7. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
8. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light as
on a gas water heater, space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
9. To reduce fire hazard, keep the string trimmer
mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
4

up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris.
10. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
GeneralService:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the trimmer head and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the trimmer head and engine mounting bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect trimmer head for damage. Replace
with the original equipment manufacture's (OEM)
parts only, listed in this manual. "Use of parts which
do not meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
4. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
6. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the string trimmer
mower for any damage. Repair the damage before
starting and operating.
7. Never attempt to replace the trimmer line or make a
cutting height adjustment while the engine is
running.
8. Never use other lengths, diameters, or materials as
trimmer line. Doing so can result in personal injury.
9. Trimmer head components, guards, and shields
are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
For safety protection, frequently check components
and replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (OEM) parts only, listed in this
manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!"
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
_:_ ARNING -YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions inthis manual and on the machine,
NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your string trimmer mower.

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SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
I1_0_.
-
15°
,_ WARNING
Do not trim or mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower or trimmer on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to
maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate walk-behind mowers or trimmers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
CO

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURSTRINGTRIMMERMOWER
IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your mower.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the string
trimmer mower is observed from the operating position.
RemovingUnitFromCarton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, safety glasses, etc.)
• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
DisconnectingSparkPlugWire
Before setting up your string trimmer mower,
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. See
Figure 1.
Stud
o o
Spark
Plug Wire
/ /
_Spark Plug _
IIw're\
Figure 1
SettingUpYourStringTrimmerMower
• Loosen each wing nut enough to separate the
plastic connectors between the upper and lower
handle. Gently lift up and pull back on the upper
handle to raise the handle toward the operating
position. See Figure 2.
• Separate the connectors and position the bottom
tip of upper handle connector in front of the bottom
tip of lower handle connector. To secure the upper
and lower handle, tighten the wing nuts and
washers (carriage bolts must be seated properly
into the handle and grooves must line up between
connectors).
Connector Connector
Carriage
Bolt
Figure 2
NOTE: If you wish to adjust the height of the upper
handle, refer to the Adjustment Section.
• Loosen the wing nut that secures rope guide to
handle. With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, pull the starter rope out of the engine.
Slip the starter rope into the rope guide and tighten
the wing nut. See Figure 3.
• Tighten the cable tie on lower left side of handle,
making sure the round tab on tie seats nicely into
the hole in handle.
Control_ f
Lever _CrorltkOltLock
Figure 3

SECTION4: KNOWYOURSTRINGTRIMMERMOWER
Control
Control Lever
Starter Handle
Handle
Trimmer
Deflector Assembly
)indle Assembly
Line
String Cutting
Blade Bracket-
Figure 4
Read this operator's manual and safety rules before
operating your string trimmer mower. Compare the
illustrations in Figure 4 with your string trimmer mower
to familiarize yourself with the location of various
controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future
reference.
ControlLever
The control lever must be depressed to engage the
spindle assembly. See Figure 4.
ControlLock Bracket
The control lock bracket is located on the upper right
handle. It is used to keep the spindle assembly
disengaged while the engine is running. See Figure 4.
StarterHandle
The starter handle isattached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind unit and pull the starter handle to start
engine. See Figure 4.
HandleConnectors
The handle connectors are on each side between lower
and upper handle. They are used to lock the upper
handle in a set position. See Figure 4.
StringCuttingBladeBracket
The string cutting blade bracket is attached to the
trimmer deflector assembly. It is used to cut the trimmer
line if it is too long. See Figure 4.
Trimmer DeflectorAssembly
The trimmer deflector assembly is connected to the
trimmer base and it is used to prevent yard debris from
being thrown. See Figure 4.
SpindleAssembly
The spindle assembly rotates the trimmer line.
Trimmer Line
The trimmer line is attached to the spindle assembly
and it is used to trim grass or weeds.
ThrottleControlLever (Not Shown)
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine's speed and stops the engine. See
separate engine manual packed with unit for details.
EngineControls
See the separate engine manual for the location and
function of the controls on the engine.
StoppingEngine
•Release control lever to disengage the spindle
assembly and to lock itin the control lock bracket.
•Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF
position.
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.

SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURSTRINGTRIMMERMOWER
WARNING: Debris thrown from the string
trimmer mower can result in foreign
objects being thrown into the eyes, which
can cause severe eye damage. Always
wear safety glasses included with unit or
eye shields when operating the string
trimmer mower.
GasAndOilFill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your string
trimmer mower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors with
engine running or until the engine has
been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.
StartingEngine
•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug. See separate engine operator's manual.
•Before each use, remove any debris from the
engine's air intake screen on top of engine. Debris
can cause engine to overheat.
• Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
• Move throttle control lever on engine to FAST or
RUN position.
• Make sure control lever is disengaged and locked
in bracket.
• Stand behind the string trimmer mower and grasp
starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine
reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull
slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind
slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm
stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let
the rope return to the starter slowly. Repeat until
engine starts.
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit
for more detailed instructions.
WARNING: Never run the engine indoors
or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair, and loose clothing away from
the trimmer and engine.
WARNING: Do not attempt to bypass the
control lever. Doing so could result in
serious personal injury or death.
UsingYourStringTrimmerMower
• Once the engine is started, release the control lock
bracket on the upper right hand side of the handle
by pushing it to the right and squeeze the control
handle against upper handle to engage spindle
assembly.
• The string trimmer mower is designed with the spin-
dle off-set to the left side. This allows the operator
to trim along a fence, landscaping, or a house with-
out having to make any adjustments to the spindle
assembly.
• If the weeds or grass are tall and thick, operate the
string trimmer mower at a slower walking speed.
• With the engine off and spark plug disconnected,
clean the underside of the trimmer before and after
each use to remove any grass or weed build up.
• If the trimmer lines become too short, approxi-
mately half the original length, or worn, itwill take
longer to complete the job. To change to a new
trimmer line see MAINTAINING YOUR STRING
TRIMMER MOWER.
• 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.
• Avoid spindle assembly contact to concrete,
asphalt, or gravel.
SECTION6: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustments without first stopping engine
and disconnecting spark plug wire.
HandleAdjustment
To adjust position of the upper handle proceed as
follows:
• Loosen each wing nut, so the carriage bolts are
unseated from the handle and the handle
connectors are slightly separated from each other.
•The lower handle connector has three marked lines
on the top and the upper handle connector has one
marked line. See Figure 5.
• To raise the upper handle, move the upper handle
forward to match the single marked line with the
front marked line on the lower handle connector.
• To lower the upper handle, move the upper handle
rearward to match the single marked line with the
rear marked line on the lower handle connector.

Securethehandleconnectorsinpositionby
tighteningeachwingnut(carriageboltsmustbe
seatedproperlyintothehandleandgroovesmust
lineupbetweenconnectors).Alsomakecertainthe
bottomtipoftheupperhandleconnectorinfrontof
thebottomtipoflowerhandleconnector.
SeeFigure5. Marked
Lines
Wing Nut jCarriage
Bolt
Lower
Connector
Connectors
° The trimmer line is connected to the spindle disc,
which can be raised or lowered. See Figure 6.
° The spindle disc in the normal position rest on the
spindle cap approximately 2" off the ground.
° Loosen, but do not remove each wing nut on
spindle shaft.
WARNING: The wings nuts are designed
not to be removed from the spindle shaft
by hand or using a tool.
° Slide spindle disc along shaft to the desired
position and tighten wing nuts to secure in position.
° The spindle disc can be adjusted from 2" to 4".
Trimmer
Base
Nut
Figure 5
Spindle HeightAdjustment
To adjust height of the spindle assembly proceed as
follows:
Sl
Disc
S_ >indle
Cap Shaft
Figure 6
Trimmer
Line
SECTION7: MAINTAININGYOURSTRINGTRIMMERMOWER
CustomerResponsibilities
MAINTENANCE _°_'_' _"°"_ ._'_'°"__'_'°'_ _'_e°_"_--°''_
SCHEDULE e_o,P .._<_ ,_o_ ._ O_.Oo<_o
LubricateWheels R_
b Clean Trimmer Deflector R_
8 CheckTrimmer Line _:_
n_ Check Belt Tension
Check Oil R_
Change Oil _
LU ReplaceAir Filter _ R_
Z
_z Clean Engine IntakeScreen R_ R_
I.U Check Spark Plug <_
CheckSpark Arrester (if any) _
SERVICE
DATES
10