The String Trimmer: Taming Nature with a Tiny Plastic Whip

Grass and weeds have every right to grow wherever they want. Just not in your yard. With a string trimmer, you can keep them in line.

Basic String Trimmer Parts:

Cutting head. Holds and rotates the cutting line.
Cutting head shield. Protects you from flying plant parts.
Line cutting blade. Keep the line at the proper length.
Shaft housing. Allows the cutting head to reach the ground without you hunching.
Handle. Hold here with your left hand.
Shaft grip. Hold here with your right hand.
On/Off Switch. Switch is pre-set to ON position, switch to OFF when ready to stop.
Starter rope. For pull-starting the engine.
Throttle control. Keep the engine running and the cutting head spinning.
Muffler. Cuts down on engine noise.
Spark plug. Ignites fuel to turn it into trimming power.
Choke lever. Helps get your string trimmer engine going.
Primer bulb. Gets fuel into the carburetor for easier starting.
Air filter cover. Keeps the air filter in place, which keeps your trimmer running better.
Fuel cap. Mixed fuel goes here.

1. Fill the tank with the right mixture of gasoline and oil. Check your manual to get the recipe right.

2. Once you’re filled up, move to a different area before starting, in case any fuel spilled.

3. Keep children and pets back at least 50 feet.

1. To start, take a knee and fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times to get fuel into the carburetor.

2. Move the choke lever to position 1 and squeeze the throttle control.

3. Pull the starter rope 5 times with a controlled, steady motion.

4. Keep squeezing the throttle and move the choke lever to position 2.

5. Now pull the starter rope 3 to 5 more times until the engine starts. Don’t let go of the throttle; let it warm up for 30 seconds to a minute.

6. Move the lever to position 3. You’re ready to trim.

1. Let go of the throttle control and let the engine idle.

2. Press and hold the On/Off switch in the off position until the engine comes to a complete stop.

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