14
7 - TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS
TRIMMING AROUND TREES
Tr im around tree trunks with a slow approach so string
does not contact bark. Walk around the tree trimming from
left to right. Approach grass or weeds with the tip of the
string and tilt stringhead slightly forward.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when SCALPING. Keep a distance of
100 feet (30 meters) between operator, other people and
animals during these operations.
SCALPING
Scalping refers to removal of all vegetation down to the
ground. To do this, tilt the stringhead to about a 30 degree
angle to the left. By adjusting the handle you will have bet-
ter control during this operation. Do not attempt this proce-
dure if there is any chance flying debris could injure opera-
tor, other people or cause damage to property (Figure 7-
3B).
WARNING
DO NOT SWEEP WITH TRIMMER
Sweeping refers to tilting stringhead to sweep away debris
from walkways, etc. Your trimmer is a powerful tool and
small stones or other such debris may be hurled 50 feet (15
meters) or more, causing injury or damage to nearby prop-
erty such as automobiles, homes and windows.
7-4. CUTTING WITH BLADES
WARNING
Before operating this machine with a blade check to ensure
it is properly installed. Follow all warnings listed in the blade
safety precautions section in this manual.
Always wear eye protection and protective clothing when
cutting with a blade.
Always use the harness for blade operations.
7-5. USING WEED BLADES
SCYTHING WEEDS
Scything refers to cutting by moving the blade from side to
side in a level arc. It is most effective with grassy weeds
and light undergrowth. It should not be used to cut large,
tough weeds or woody growth (Figure 7-5A).
CAUTION
Do not use weed blades to cut brush or tree saplings.
7-6. USING A BRUSH BLADE
SCYTHING
Scything may be used with a brush blade for light brush
and undergrowth. It is not recommended for tough growth.
SAWING
Larger brush and saplings should be sawed. Do not
attempt to saw growths larger than 3 inches (7.5 cm) in
diameter.
Sawing is using the brush blade much like a circular saw.
Make gradual cuts backing out every 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) or
so to prevent binding.
BINDING
Top heavy growth such as saplings and heavy brush can
bind and stop the blade. Avoid binding by anticipating which
way the growth will lean, and cut from the opposite side.
If the blade binds in a cut stop the engine immediately. Hold
the unit up to prevent the blade from cracking or breaking
while pushing the sapling away from the cut to free the
blade.
13
7 - TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS
7-1. ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before operating your unit, review ALL SAFETY PRECAU-
TIONS in this manual.
WARNING / CAUTION
• IF UNFAMILIAR WITH TRIMMING techniques, prac-
tice the procedures with ENGINE in “OFF” position.
•ALWAYS CLEAR WORK area of debris such as cans,
bottles, rocks, etc. Striking objects can cause serious
injury to operator or bystanders and also damage
equipment. If an object is accidentally hit, immediately
TURN ENGINE OFF and examine equipment. Never
operate unit with damaged or defective equipment.
•ALWAYS TRIM OR CUT AT HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS.
Do not run engine slowly at start or during trimming
operations.
• DO NOT use equipment for purposes other than trim-
ming or mowing weeds.
• NEVER raise stringhead above knee height during
operation.
• DO NOT operate unit with other people or animals in
the immediate vicinity. Allow a minimum of 50 feet (15
meters) between operator and other people and ani-
mals when trimming or mowing. Allow a distance of
100 feet (30 meters) between operator and other
people and animals when SCALPING with stringhead
cutter.
• IF OPERATING UNIT ON A SLOPE, stand below the
cutting attachment. DO NOT OPERATE on a slope or
hilly incline if there is the slightest chance of slipping
or losing your footing.
7-2. STRINGHEAD LINE RELEASE
WARNING / CAUTION
DO NOT use steel wire or plastic-coated steel wire of any
kind with your stringhead. Serious operator injury can
result.
To release fresh line, run engine at full throttle and “bump”
stringhead against lawn. Line will automatically release.
The knife in debris shield will trim excess line (Figure 7-2A).
CAUTION
Be sure engine is off and string head has stopped before
sttempting to remove weed wrap. Periodically remove weed
wrap to prevent overheating the drive shaft. Weed wrap
occurs when strands of weeds become entangled around
the shaft beneath the debris shield (Figure 7-2B). This con-
dition prevents the shaft from being properly cooled.
Remove weed wrap with screwdriver or similar device.
7-3. TRIMMING PROCEDURES
When properly equipped with a debris shield and string-
head, your unit will trim unsightly weeds and tall grass in
those hard-to-reach areas - along fences, walls, founda-
tions and around trees. It can also be used for scalping to
remove vegetation down to the ground for easier prepara-
tion of a garden or to clean out a particular area.
NOTE: Even with care, trimming around foundations, brick
or stone walls, curves, etc., will result in above normal
string wear.
TRIMMING / MOWING
Swing trimmer with a sickle-like motion from side to side.
Do not tilt the stringhead during the procedure. Test area to
be trimmed for proper cutting height. Keep stringhead at
same level for even depth of cut (Figure 7-3A).
CLOSER TRIMMING
Position trimmer straight ahead with a slight tilt so bottom
of stringhead is above ground level and string contact
occurs at proper cutting point. Always cut away from oper-
ator. Do not pull trimmer in toward operator.
FENCE / FOUNDATION TRIMMING
Approach trimming around chain link fences, picket fences,
rock walls and foundations slowly to cut close without whip-
ping string against the barrier. If the string comes in contact
with rock, brick walls, or foundations, it will break or fray. If
string snags fencing, it will snap off.
7-2A
BUMP
7-2B
7-3A
7-3B
7-5A
7-6A
A
B
To Next Page
Loading...
