How to Operate a Honda String Trimmer
To Start the Engine:
- To start a cold engine, move the choke lever so that it is in the closed position
- To restart a warm engine leave the choke lever in the open position
- Set the throttle trigger in the starting position using the throttle set button
- To set the throttle trigger for starting, press the operator presences lever, then press and hold the throttle set button while releasing the throttle trigger
- Move the ignition switch to the on position
To Operate:
- Set the trimmer on the ground, be sure that it is resting on the debris shield and fuel tank guard. Be sure that you do not allow the cutting line or the blade to contact any obstructions.
- Always rest the trimmer on the ground for starting, rather than holding it in the operation position. This ensures that the end od of the trimmer head will not swing into something as you start the engines.
- With your left hand, hold the frame pipe just ahead of the engine
- With your right hand, pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
- If the choke lever was moved to the closed position to start the engine, gradually move it to the open position as the engine warms up.
- Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after a cold start, when the engine is warm enough to idle well, pull and release the throttle trigger to disengage the throttle set button
- With the engine idling, hook the trimmer to your shoulder harness, being careful to avoid contact with the cutting line head or blade while handling the trimmer with the engine running
- The cutting line head or blade should not rotate with the engine idling, if there is rotation at idle, adjust the idle speed correctly before using the trimmer. For idle adjustment, consult an authorized Honda servicing dealer.
Stopping the Engine:
- Release the throttle trigger
- Move the ignition switch to the stop position
- Wait for the cutting line head or blade to stop before allowing the end of the trimmer to contact anything
Trimmer Harness Quick Disconnect:
- To quickly detach the trimmer from the harness, pull the quick release tab upward
- Insert the latch tongue in the slot of the quick release latch to reattach the trimmer to the harness
Trimmer Operation:
- Operating Position:
- Hold trimmer firmly with both hands with your fingers and thumbs encircling the handles. This will help you keep the trimmer under control at all times.
- Keep firm footing and balance
- Do not over reach, it could cause you to lose your balance
- Keep the cutting attachment below your waist level
- Keep all parts of your body away from the rotating cutting attachment and hot surfaces on the trimmer
Throttle Operation:
- Pull the throttle trigger toward the grip to increase the engine speed and start cutting attachment rotation
- The Trimmer has the greatest cutting force at maximum engine speed
- Release the throttle trigger to reduce engine speed, at idle, the cutting attachment should coast to a stop.
Blade Thrust/Kickback:
- Sudden forceful and uncontrolled movement of a blade equipped trimmer that may occur if the blade binds in the cut or strikes an object
How to use the trimmer on slopes:
- Be sure that you start on the lower side of the slope and work upward, if you work form up to down, you have a higher chance of slipping and falling. Working from bottom to top also will provide a cutting angle that will let you direct debris away from you easier.
- Be sure that you do not let the cutting blade or the trimmer line cut into the slope
- Do not raise the cutting attachment above waist level during operation, this can increase the risk of thrown objects hitting you in the face.
- If you feel uncomfortable trimming on slopes, don’t do it! And if the slope is steep and slippery
Operating Tips:
- Scything:
- Swing the trimmer in a level arc by rotating your body with a smooth, easy motion, rather than moving the trimmer with your arms. Do not chop at tough weeds or brush, let the cutting line or the blade work through thicker and tougher growths gradually.
- To direct debris away from you, tilt the cutting attachment to the right side, scythe from left to right, then return without cutting
- Trimming and Edging:
- If cutting against a hard surface, use nylon line. Work from an angle where debris that strikes the heard surface will ricochet away from you
- Be sure to avoid contact with wires, wire fences, metal rods and other materials. Overlapping a wire will cause the nylon line to wrap around the wire and break off.
- Brush Clearing:
- Requires scything and sawing
- Scythe with right side of blade to direct debris away from you
- Saw through heavy brush and saplings with left side of blade to reduce kickback
- If shrubs or saplings bind the blade, stop the engine, support the weight of trimmer, push shrub or sapling away to free the blade, be sure you don’t use the blade as a lever
Jack’s Safety Tips: Before servicing or repairing any power equipment, disconnect the spark plug and battery cables. Remember to wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris. View our Disclaimer.
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