OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
4
INSTALL CUTTING ATTACHMENT SHIELD
Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment shield on
your unit is not installed. Use only the instructions that apply to the
type of shaft and shield that your unit is equipped with.
INSTALLING THE CUTTING HEAD SHIELD
1. Place the cutting attachment shield onto the shaft housing
above the clamp assembly (Fig. 1).
2. Push the cutting attachment shield down to the top of the
cutting attachment assembly and then rotate the cutting
attachment shield until the screw holes align and the guard
fits into the recessed pocket (Fig. 2).
3. Install the screws with a Phillips screwdriver (Fig. 2).
ADJUSTING THE D-HANDLE
1. Loosen the clamp screw on the handle just enough to move
it (Fig. 3).
2. While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 14),
move the D-handle to the location that provides you the
best grip .
3. Tighten the clamp screw, until the D-handle is secure. (Fig. 3)
STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
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. 8).
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. 9). If you can’t see fuel in the bulb, press
and release the bulb as many times as it takes before you
can see fuel in it.
4. Place the choke lever in Position 1 (Fig. 9).
5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 10). Squeeze the
throttle control lever. Pull the starter rope 5 times.
6. Place the choke lever in Position 2 (Fig. 9).
7. While squeezing the throttle control, pull the starter rope 3
to 5 times to start the engine.
8. Keep the throttle squeezed and allow the engine to warm
up for 30 to 60 seconds.
9. Continue squeezing the throttle control, move the choke
lever to Position 3 (Fig. 9) and continue warming the engine
for an additional 60 seconds. The unit may be used during
this time.
NOTE: Unit is properly warmed up when engine accelerates
without hesitation.
IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to
Position 2 (Fig. 9) and continue warm-up.
IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, place
the choke lever in Position 3 and squeeze the throttle
control. Pull the starter rope out with a controlled and
steady motion 3 to 8 times. The engine should start.
If not, repeat.
IF WARM... If the engine is already warm, start the unit with the blue choke lever in Position 2. After the
unit starts, move the choke lever to Position 3.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury,
never operate the trimmer without the cutting
attachment shield in place.
Clamp
Cutting Head
Shield
Shaft Housing
Recessed
Pocket
Fig. 1
Screws (4)
Fig. 2
D-Handle
Screw
Fig. 3
6 in.
(15.24 cm)
Minimum
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. 4).
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. 4).
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. 6).
4. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole (Fig. 5).
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 60 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
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.
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
FUELING THE UNIT
1. Remove the fuel cap (Fig. 7).
2. Place the gas container’s spout into the fill hole on the fuel
tank (Fig. 7) 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 to Federal, State and Local regulations.
Funnel
Spout
Fig. 4
Gas Can Spout
Fig. 7
WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid
injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit
without the fuel cap securely in place.
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.
WARNING: Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Carbon monoxide
exhaust fumes can be lethal in a confined area.
WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Make sure you are in the starting position when
pulling the starter rope (Fig. 10). To avoid serious injury, the operator and unit must be
in a stable position while starting.
Make sure that any Add-On item is installed correctly and secure before starting the unit.
OFF (O) ON (I)
Throttle
Control
Fig. 8
Choke Lever
Position 1 Primer Bulb
Fig. 9
Starter
Rope
Starting Position
Throttle
Control
Fig. 10
Fig. 6
Oil Fill Plug
O-Ring
Oil Fill Hole
Fig. 5
Fuel Tank Fuel Cap
IF USING THE OPTIONAL ELECTRIC STARTER OR POWER START BIT™ ACCESSORY
HOW TO START THE UNIT USING THE ELECTRIC STARTER OR POWER START BIT™ ACCESSORY.
NOTE- This Unit Can Use an Electric Start or Power Start Bit™ Optional Accessory!
Please refer to the Electric Starter or Power Start Bit operator’s manual for proper use of this
feature. (Items Sold Separately! Please refer to page 7 of this manual about purchasing these
accessories.)
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. 8).
3. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount of fuel should be visible in the
primer bulb (Fig. 9). If fuel cannot be seen in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is visible.
4. Move the choke lever to Position 1 (Fig. 9).
5. Crouch in the starting position (Fig. 10). Place the electric starter or power start bit into the back of
the unit. Refer to the Operation section of the Electric Starter or Power Start Bit operator’s manual.
6. Squeeze the throttle control lever. Press and hold the electric starter or drill ON (I) button for 2 seconds.
7. Move the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 9).
8. Squeeze the throttle control lever, press and hold the electric starter or drill ON (I) button for 2-second
intervals until the unit starts.
9. Continue to squeeze the throttle control, remove the electric starter or drill from the unit and allow
the engine to warm up for 30 to 60 seconds.
10. Continue squeezing the throttle control, move the choke lever to Position 3 (Fig. 9) and run the unit
for an additional 60 seconds. The unit may be used during this time.
NOTE: Unit is properly warmed up when engine accelerates without hesitation.
IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 9) and continue warm-up.
IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3.
IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, place the choke lever in Position 3 and squeeze the
throttle control. Press and hold the electric starter or drill ON (I) button for 2-second intervals until
the unit starts.
IF WARM... If the engine is already warm, start the unit with the blue choker lever in Position 2. After the
unit starts, move the blue choker lever to Position 3.
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. 8).