How to Use a Line Trimmer
A line trimmer, like most power tools, requires the right operating procedure. If this procedure isn't followed, you are likely to get injured. Cuts, scrapes, eye injuries, twisted ankles and strained backs are just a few of the injuries you can sustain from operating a trimmer. Wearing proper safety equipment and using the trimmer correctly will help minimize the risk of injury, but common sense and responsible use will prevent most accidents. Never let anyone use the trimmer who doesn't understand the correct operating procedure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Earplugs
- Work gloves
- Work boots
- Regular unleaded gasoline
- Two-cycle trimmer oil
- Approved fuel container
- Shop rag
- Brush
Instructions
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1
Put on a long-sleeved shirt, work gloves and boots, earplugs and protective eyewear before handling, operating or working on the line trimmer. Take the trimmer outside before pre-mixing the fuel.
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2
Pour regular unleaded gasoline into an approved fuel canister containing two-cycle trimmer oil. Follow your model's specific mixture ratio of gas to oil. Close the canister and shake it for several minutes to mix the oil with the gas. Fill the line trimmer's fuel tank with the pre-mixed fuel. Close the cap and wipe up any spills with a shop rag.
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3
Move the line trimmer at least 10 yards away from your fueling point. Place the engine on a flat area. Move the ignition switch to the "On" position. Place your left hand on the trigger and squeeze it. Move the choke lever to the "Start" position.
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4
Grab the starter rope firmly. Pull the rope out briskly and evenly until the engine pops. Let go of the rope while continuing to squeeze the trigger then move the choke into the "Run" position. Pull on the starter rope again until the engine starts. Let the engine run for one minute to warm up.
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5
Pick the trimmer up and hold the front handle with your left hand and the rear handle and throttle with your right hand. Hold the trimmer at waist level extended 3 to 4 inches away from the body. Keep the cutting head parallel with the ground.
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6
Depress the trigger entirely before moving the cutting head into position. Cut weeds and grasses with the tip of the string. Work the head from right to left and cut grasses taller than 8 inches from the top down.
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Slide the ignition switch to the "Off" position when finished. Let the engine cool down for five minutes. Brush the grass and weed clippings off the trimmer. Wipe down the engine, shaft and cutting head with the shop rag.
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References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
