DeWalt DCMST561 - Attaching the Guard; Operating the String Trimmer; Proper Hand Position; Switching Trimmer On and Off

13
ENGLISH
Proper hand position requires one hand on the main handle
14
and one hand on the auxiliary handle
4
.
Switching Trimmer On and Off (Fig.A)
To turn the appliance on, squeeze the lock-off button
2
and
then the variable speed trigger 
1
. To turn the appliance off,
release the variable speed trigger and the lock-offbutton.

WARNING: Never attempt to lock the trigger in the
onposition.
Speed Control Switch (Fig.A)
This string trimmer gives you the choice to operate at a
more efficient speed to extend the runtime for larger jobs, or
accelerate the trimmer speed for high-performancecutting.
To extend runtime, push the speed control switch
3
forward
toward the auxiliary handle
4
into the "LO" position. This mode
is best for larger projects that require more time tocomplete.
To accelerate the trimmer, pull the speed control switch back
toward the battery housing
11
into the "HI" position. This mode
is best to cut through heavier growth and for applications that
need higherRPM.
NOTE: When in "HI" mode, runtime will be decreased as
compared to when trimmer is in "LO"mode.
Trimming (Fig.H, I)
Maintain a minimum distance of 610 mm between the guard
and your feet as shown in FigureH.
With the trimmer on, angle it and swing side to side as shown
in FigureI.
Proper Hand Position (Fig. G)

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury,
ALWAYS use proper hand position asshown.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury, ALWAYS hold securely in anticipation of a
suddenreaction.
OPERATION
Instructions for Use

WARNING: Always observe the safety instructions and
applicableregulations.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury, turn tool off and disconnect battery pack
before making any adjustments or removing/
installing attachments or accessories. An accidental
start-up can cause injury.

WARNING: Keep the rotating string roughly parallel with
the ground (tilted no more than 30degrees). This trimmer
is not an edger. DO NOT TILT the trimmer so that the string
is spinning near a right angle to the ground. Flying debris
can cause seriousinjury.
Bump Feed Trimmer Line Feed
Your trimmer uses 2.0 mm diameter nylon line. Cutting line
will wear faster and require more feeding if the cutting is done
along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier weeds are
beingcut.
As you use the trimmer, the string will get shorter due to wear.
Gently bump the trimmer on the ground while running at
normal speed and the line willfeed.
NOTE: Extending nylon line beyond the 350 mm swath will
negatively affect performance, runtime, and the life of the
trimmer due to potential of damaging motor. Doing so may void
thewarranty.
Helpful Cutting Tips
• Use the tip of the string to do the cutting; do not force string
head into uncutgrass.
• Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even
breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may wear
stringrapidly.
• Do not allow spool cap to drag on ground or othersurfaces.
• In long growth, cut from the top down and do not exceed
300mmhigh.
• Keep trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the
best cuttingarea.
• The trimmer cuts when passing the unit from the left to
right. This will avoid throwing debris at theoperator.
• Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding,
and fence posts can easily be damaged by thestring.
MAINTENANCE
Your DeWALT power tool has been designed to operate
over a long period of time with a minimum of maintenance.
Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool
care and regularcleaning.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal
injury, turn appliance off and remove battery before
making any adjustments or removing/installing
attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can
causeinjury.
The charger and battery pack are notserviceable
.Maintenance Treatments (Fig.J)
• Keep the air intake slots
30
clean to avoid overheating
(Fig.J).
• Your trimmer line can dry out over time. To keep your line in
top condition, store spare line in a plastic, sealable bag with
a tablespoon ofwater.
• Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild soap and a
damprag.
Attaching Guard (Fig.E, F)

WARNING: Never remove the guard. Damage or personal
injury couldresult.

WARNING: NEVER OPERATE appliance WITHOUT
GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE. The guard must always be
properly attached on the appliance to protect theuser.
1. Assemble the guard
9
to the motor housing
5
.
2. Using a crosshead screwdriver, insert the four guard
screws
21
and tightensecurely.