GreenWorks 21212 - User Manual

This document is an owner's manual for the Greenworks 13" 4A Electric String Trimmer, model 21212. It provides comprehensive instructions for the safe operation, assembly, and maintenance of the device.

The Greenworks 13" 4A Electric String Trimmer is a power tool designed for trimming grass and light vegetation, primarily for lawn care and landscaping tasks. Its main function is to cut grass and weeds in areas that are difficult to reach with a lawnmower, such as around trees, fences, and garden beds. The trimmer operates on a 120V AC power supply, making it suitable for typical household electrical outlets. It is a double-insulated tool, which means it has an internal insulation system designed to protect the user from electrical shock, eliminating the need for a grounded power cord.

Key usage features of the string trimmer include:

Cord Retainer: A convenient feature that helps keep the extension cord connection secure during operation, preventing accidental disconnections.
Edger Guide: This easily mounted guide allows the string trimmer to be used as an edger, providing clean and precise lines along sidewalks and walkways. The edger guide can be flipped down from its stored position for use.
Front Handle: The trimmer is equipped with a front handle assembly, designed to enhance ease of operation and help the user maintain control of the tool during use.
Grass Deflector: A safety component that helps protect the operator from flying debris, such as grass clippings and small stones, during trimming.
Rotating Rear Handle: The rear handle can be locked in two different positions, offering flexibility and comfort, especially when using the tool for edging. To rotate the handle, the user needs to unplug the trimmer, pull up the edging coupler, and turn the handle end counterclockwise until it rotates 180 degrees.
Telescoping Boom: The string trimmer features a telescoping boom, allowing the user to adjust its length to different extension points. This adjustability enhances user comfort and ease of use, accommodating different heights and reaching various areas. To adjust the boom, the trimmer must be unplugged, the telescoping boom coupler unscrewed, the boom slid to the desired position, and then the coupler tightened.

For operation, the manual emphasizes several important tips:

Proper Grip: Users should hold the trimmer with their right hand on the rear handle and their left hand on the front handle, maintaining a firm grip with both hands.
Cutting Position: The trimmer should be held at a comfortable position, with the rear handle approximately at hip height.
Cutting Technique: For tall grass, it is recommended to cut from the top down to prevent grass from wrapping around the shaft housing and string head. The trimmer cuts most effectively when tilted towards the area being cut, and when passing the unit from left to right, which helps direct debris away from the operator.
String Usage: Only the tip of the string should be used for cutting; forcing the string head into uncut grass is not recommended. Users should avoid cutting in the "dangerous area" indicated in the manual.
Obstacle Avoidance: Wire and picket fences, stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood can cause rapid string wear or breakage. It is also crucial to avoid trees and shrubs, as their bark, wood moldings, siding, and fence posts can be easily damaged by the strings.

The trimmer is equipped with an auto-feed head for advancing the strings. To advance the strings, the user should release the switch trigger while the trimmer is running, wait two seconds, and then press the switch trigger again. The strings will extend approximately 1/4 inch with each stop and start until they reach the length of the grass deflector blade. If manual advancement is needed, the trimmer must be disconnected from the power supply, and the spool retainer button pushed in while pulling on the strings. The trimmer also has a cut-off blade on the grass deflector to trim strings to the correct length for optimal cutting performance. Strings should be advanced whenever the engine runs faster than normal or trimming efficiency decreases.

Maintenance features are crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the string trimmer:

General Cleaning: Users should avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts, as most plastics are susceptible to damage from commercial solvents. Clean cloths should be used to remove dirt, dust, oil, and grease. It is also important to periodically clean all foreign material from the trimmer head vents.
Spool Replacement: The trimmer uses .065 inch diameter monofilament string. To replace the spool, the trimmer must be unplugged. The tabs on the side of the spool retainer are pushed in, and the retainer is pulled up to remove it, followed by the old spool. When installing a new spool, the two strings must be captured in the slots opposite each other, with approximately 6 inches of string extended beyond each slot. The new spool is then installed so that the strings and slots align with the eyelets in the string head, and the strings are threaded through the eyelets. Finally, the spool retainer is reinstalled by depressing the tabs and pushing down until it clicks into place.
String Replacement: If replacing the string manually, the trimmer must be unplugged, and the spool removed. Any old string should be removed, but the spring attached to the spool should be kept. Two pieces of .065 inch diameter monofilament string, each approximately 9 feet long, are cut. The first string is inserted into the anchor hole in the upper part of the spool and wound counterclockwise, leaving about 6 inches extended. The same process is repeated for the second string on the bottom part of the spool. It is important not to overfill the spool; there should be at least 1/4 inch between the wound string and the outside edge of the spool. After winding, the plastic retainer, spool, and spool retainer are replaced.
Storage: When not in use, the trimmer should be stored indoors in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children. Before storing, the telescoping boom coupler should be depressed and set to the shortest setting, and all foreign material cleaned from the trimmer. It should also be kept away from corrosive agents like garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

The manual also includes a troubleshooting section to help users identify and resolve common issues, such as strings not advancing, grass wrapping around the drive shaft housing, and the motor failing to start. For more complex repairs, it is recommended to have the trimmer serviced by an authorized service center, using only identical replacement parts. Safety warnings are prominently featured throughout the manual, emphasizing the importance of wearing eye protection, appropriate clothing, and disconnecting the power source before performing maintenance or inspections.