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Toro 51956 - User Manual

Toro 51956
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17 in. String Trimmer - Curved Shaft
Model No. 51956—312000001 & Up
18 in. String Trimmer - Straight Shaft
Model No. 51976—312000001 & Up
English (EN), French (FR), and Spanish (ES)
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operators manual. Save this manual.
Form No. 3373-446 Rev. A
If you have questions concerning
your trimmer, please call us
at 1-866-574-9242 (US) or
1-866-574-9243 (Canada).
NOTICE: Do not use E15 or E85
fuel (or fuel containing greater
than 10% ethanol) in this product.
It is a violation of federal law and
will damage the unit and void your
warranty.

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • M
    Morgan ValdezAug 7, 2025
    What to do if the line will not advance on my Toro Trimmer?
    • C
      Christopher NolanAug 8, 2025
      If the line on your Toro Trimmer isn't advancing when using the automatic line lengthening feature, consider these potential causes: the line might be welded to itself (lubricate with silicone spray), there might not be enough line on the spool (install more line), the line might be worn too short (pull the line while alternately pressing down on and releasing the retaining cap), the line could be tangled on the spool (remove the line and rewind it), or the engine speed might be too slow (advance the line at full throttle).
  • L
    Luke AdamsAug 19, 2025
    Why does my Toro 51956 Trimmer engine not reach full speed and emit excessive smoke?
    • W
      wallaceadrienneAug 19, 2025
      If your Toro Trimmer's engine isn't reaching full speed and is emitting excessive smoke, start by checking the oil/fuel mixture to ensure you are using fresh fuel and the correct 2-cycle oil mix. Additionally, a dirty air filter or spark arrestor screen could be the cause. Therefore, clean the air filter and the spark arrestor screen.
  • T
    Thomas BaileyAug 26, 2025
    Why is grass wrapping around the trimmer head of my Toro Trimmer?
    • A
      Andrew TorresAug 26, 2025
      If grass is wrapping around the trimmer head assembly and attachment shaft of your Toro Trimmer, it may be because you are cutting tall grass at ground level, so try cutting tall grass from the top down. Another cause might be operating the product at part throttle, so operate the product at full throttle.
  • L
    Lindsey LongAug 31, 2025
    Why is oil dripping from the muffler of my Toro 51956 Trimmer?
    • T
      tammy01Aug 31, 2025
      If oil is dripping from the muffler of your Toro Trimmer, it could be due to operating the product at part throttle, so ensure you operate it at full throttle. Also, check the oil/fuel mixture and use fresh fuel with the correct 2-cycle oil mix. A dirty air filter can also cause this issue, so clean the air filter.
  • M
    millersuzanneNov 12, 2025
    How to troubleshoot a Toro 51956 that will not start?
    • A
      Ashley LiuNov 12, 2025
      If the engine of your Toro Trimmer won't start, several factors could be at play. First, check for a spark by removing the spark plug, reattaching the cap, and laying it on the metal cylinder. Pull the starter cord to look for a spark at the tip. If there's no spark, try a new spark plug. Another possibility is a lack of fuel. Push the primer bulb until it's full; if it doesn't fill, the fuel delivery system might be blocked. Alternatively, the engine could be flooded. Remove the spark plug, turn the product so the spark plug hole faces the ground, ensure the choke is set to RUN, and pull the starter cord 10-14 times to clear excess fuel. Clean and reinstall the spark plug, then pull the starter cord 3 times with the trigger fully depressed. If the starter cord pulls harder than usual, it ...

Summary

Read This Information

Fueling

Instructions on safely refueling the trimmer and mixing fuel. Avoid E15/E85.

Cold Starting vs. Warm Starting

Guidance on starting the engine based on its temperature. Includes choke lever settings.

Flooded Engine

Steps to resolve a flooded engine by clearing excess fuel and restarting.

California Proposition 65

Warning about potential exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects.

Introduction

General Safety Rules

Specific Safety Rules

Symbols

Product Labels

Features

Product Specifications

Technical details including engine size, cutting width, line size, and weight for each model.

Know Your Product

Assembly

Unpacking

Procedure for carefully removing and checking all components from the product packaging.

Packing List

List of included parts for the 51956 Curved Shaft and 51976 Straight Shaft Trimmers.

Connecting the Attachment to the Upper Shaft

Step-by-step guide to securely connect trimmer attachments to the power head unit.

Removing the Attachment from the Upper Shaft

Instructions for safely disconnecting trimmer attachments from the power head.

Attaching the Front Handle

Procedure for installing the front handle for better control and ergonomics.

Attaching the Grass Deflector

Guide to correctly attach the grass deflector for safety and debris management.

Operation

Applications

Details the intended uses of the trimmer, such as cutting grass and edging sidewalks.

Fueling and Refueling the Trimmer

Safe practices for mixing fuel, filling the tank, and handling gasoline.

Starting the Product

Instructions for starting the trimmer engine, covering cold and warm engine procedures.

Stopping the Product

Procedure to safely shut down the trimmer's engine after use.

Operating the Trimmer

Proper holding and motion techniques for curved and straight shaft trimmers.

To Advance the Cutting Line

Methods for extending trimmer line, including automatic tapping and manual feed.

Cutting Tips

Advice on optimal cutting angles, avoiding obstacles, and string wear.

Installing Line in Reel-Easy String Head

Step-by-step guide to load monofilament line into the Reel-Easy string head.

Maintenance

Cleaning the Product

How to clean the trimmer's exterior, head, and air intake vents.

Servicing the Product

General advice on checking fasteners and replacing any damaged or missing parts.

Checking the Fuel Cap

Instructions on inspecting the fuel cap for leaks, which can be a fire hazard.

Cleaning the Air Filter

Procedure for cleaning the air filter to ensure proper engine performance.

Replacing the Spark Arrestor

Guide on how to safely remove and replace the spark arrestor screen in the muffler.

Replacing the Spark Plug

Steps for replacing the spark plug, including checking and adjusting the gap.

Idle Speed Adjustment

How to adjust the idle speed screw to stop the cutting head from turning at idle.

Storing the Product

Instructions for preparing the trimmer for short-term and long-term storage.

Transporting the Product

Steps to safely drain fuel and secure the trimmer when moving it in a vehicle.

Installing Reel-Easy String Head

Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling the Reel-Easy string head.

High Altitude Engine Operation

Troubleshooting

Warranty

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

Outlines the responsibilities of the owner regarding warranty service and maintenance.

MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY COVERAGE

Details the warranty period and coverage for the product's emissions control system.

OWNERS WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specifies owner duties for product maintenance and presenting it for warranty service.

DEFECT WARRANTY COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS

Explains conditions for warranty claims and requirements for defective parts.

EMISSIONS PARTS LIST

Lists components designated as emission-related parts covered by the warranty.

Notes

Customer Service Information

Toro 51956 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandToro
Model51956
CategoryTrimmer
LanguageEnglish

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