Troy-Bilt 2 Cycle Trimmer Manual

							11
OPERATION
HOLDING THE UNIT
 Stand in the operating position (Fig. 10). Stand up straight. Do
not bend over.
 Keep feet apart and firmly planted.
 Hold the shaft grip with the right hand. Keep the right arm
slightly bent.
 Hold the handle with the left hand. Keep the left arm straight.
 Hold the unit at waist level.
 Position the cutting head a few inches above the ground.
WARNING:Always wear eye, hearing, hand, foot and
body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating
this unit.
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
 To direct clippings away from the operator, tilt the cutting head
slightly down to the left; cut from right to left whenever possible.
 Do not trim wet grass or weeds.
NOTE:Some line breakage will occur from:
 Entanglement with foreign matter
 Normal line fatigue
 Attempting to cut thick vegetation
 Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts
Fig. 10
ADJUSTING THE TRIMMING LINE LENGTH
This unit is equipped with a bump head. Trimming line can be
released from the cutting head without stopping the engine. 
To release more line, lightly tap the bump knob on the ground (Fig. 11)
while operating the unit at high speed. For best results, tap the bump
knob on bare ground or hard soil. Attempting to release line in tall
grass may stall the engine.
NOTE:Do not rest the cutting head on the ground while the unit is
running.
Each time the bump knob is tapped, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) of
trimming line is released. 
NOTE:Always keep the trimming line fully extended. Line release
becomes more difficult when the cutting line gets shorter.
A blade in the cutting head shield will cut the line to the proper
length if any excess line is released.
CAUTION:Do not remove or alter the line cutting blade
assembly. Excessive line length will make the unit
overheat. This may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the unit.
Fig. 11
Bump Knob
WARNING:To prevent serious personal injury, avoid arm
contact with the engine while operating the unit. The
engine may be extremely hot. 
						

							12
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
When trimming around trees, posts, fences, etc., rotate the whole
unit so that the cutting head is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 12).
Fig. 12
EDGING
The trimmer attachment can be used for edging (Fig. 13).
Alternatively, bladed lawn edger attachments can also be purchased
for use with this unit. 
Rotating the Trimmer Attachment
When edging around sidewalks, flowerbeds, etc., rotate the trimmer
attachment 90° inside the coupler. DO NOTrotate the entire unit 90°.
1. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen the coupler (Fig. 3).
Refer to Operating the Couplerin the Assemblysection.
2. Press and hold the release button (Fig. 5).
3. Rotate the attachment until the release button snaps firmly into
the 90° edging hole (Fig. 14).
4. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten the coupler (Fig. 3).
Maintaining the Trimming Line
Hard surfaces, such as sidewalks, can cause the trimming line to
wear down quickly or break. 
 Frequently check and adjust the trimming line length. Refer to
Adjusting the Trimming Line Length. Always keep the trimming
line fully extended.
DO NOTforce the unit. Make shallow cuts in as many passes as are
necessary to achieve the desired depth. Cut at a slow, even pace.
Fig. 13
CAUTION:Only snap the release button into the 90°
edging hole when edging with the trimmer attachment.
Using the 90° edging hole with other attachments could
lead to personal injury or damage to the unit.
WARNING:To avoid serious personal injury and
damage to the unit, shut the unit off before rotating the
attachment.
Fig. 14 Release Button
90 Edging Hole 
						

							13
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency
stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any
seasonal tune-up.
NOTE:Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or
skills. If you are unsure about these procedures, take the unit to
an MTD authorized service dealer.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control
devices and system may be performed by an MTD authorized
service dealer. 
NOTE:Please read the California/EPA statement that came with the
unit for a complete listing of terms and coverage for the emissions
control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler, carburetor, etc.
WARNING:To prevent serious injury, never perform
maintenance or repairs while the unit is running. Always
allow the unit to cool before servicing or repairing the unit.
Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the unit from
starting accidentally.
FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Every 10 hours  Clean and re-oil the air filter. Refer to
Maintaining the Air Filter.
Every 25 hours  Check the spark plug condition and gap.
Refer to Maintaining the Spark Plug.
REPLACING THE TRIMMING LINE
Only use the trimming line described in the Specificationssection.
Other types of trimming line may cause the unit to overheat or fail.
NOTE:Always use the correct line length when installing trimming
line. The line may not release properly if the line is too long.
Part 1 - Removing the Inner Reel
1. Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the bump knob
counterclockwise (Fig. 15). 
NOTE:The outer spool will remain attached to the unit.
2. Inspect the bolt inside the bump knob to make sure it moves
freely. Replace the bump knob if it is damaged.
3. Remove the inner reel from the outer spool (Fig. 16). 
4. Remove the spring from the inner reel (Fig. 16).
5. Use a clean cloth to clean the inner reel, spring, shaft and inner
surface of the outer spool.
6. Check the indexing teeth and holding slots for wear (Fig. 17). If
necessary, remove burrs or replace the inner reel and outer spool.
Proceed to Part 2 - Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel.
WARNING:Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or
rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
BoltBump Knob
Outer SpoolSpringInner Reel
Indexing Teeth
Outer Spool
Shaft
Holding Slots 
						

							14
Fig. 18
Slot
Split Wall
Fig. 19
Top Hole
Bottom Hole
Split
Wall
Fig. 20
Holding
Slots
Fig. 21
Outer Spool
Bump Knob
Inner ReelSpring
Eyelets
Part 2 - Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel
 If using single line, refer to Winding Single Line.
 If using split line, refer to Winding Split Line.
 If using a prewound inner reel, proceed to Part 3 - Installing the
Inner Reel.
Winding Single Line
1. Cut one 12-foot (3.7 m) length of new single trimming line. Fold
the line in half to create a loop in the middle.
2. Insert the loop into the slot in the split wall (Fig. 18). Wind the
line tightly in the direction shown on the bottom of the inner reel
until about 6 inches (150 mm) of line remains. Keep the top half
of the line above the split wall and the bottom half of the line
below the split wall. 
3. Insert the two 6-inch sections into the two .095 holding slots
(Fig. 20).
NOTE:Failure to wind the line in the direction indicated will cause
the cutting head to operate incorrectly.
Proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Winding Split Line
1. Cut one 6-foot (1.8 m) length of new split line trimming line. Split
each end about 6 inches (150 mm). 
2. Using one split end, insert one line into the top hole and the
other line into the bottom hole in the inner reel (Fig. 19).
3. Wind the line tightly in the direction shown on the bottom of the
inner reel. The split wall will automatically divide the line. Wind
the line until it is completely divided and about 6 inches (150
mm) of line remains. 
NOTE:Failure to wind the line in the direction indicated will cause
the cutting head to operate incorrectly.
4. Insert the two 6-inch sections into the two .095 holding slots
(Fig. 20). 
Proceed to Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel.
Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel
1. Pass the two line ends through the eyelets in the outer spool.
Place the spring inside the inner reel. Insert the inner reel into
the outer spool. Push the inner reel and outer spool together
(Fig. 21). 
NOTE:The spring must be assembled on the inner reel before
reassembling the cutting head.
2. While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, firmly pull
the two line ends to release them from the holding slots.
3. While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, screw the
bump knob on clockwise. Tighten the bump knob securely. 
						

							15
ADJUSTING THE IDLE SPEED
If the engine will not idle properly:
1. Drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel. Refer to
Oil and Fuel.
2. Clean the air filter. Refer to Maintaining the Air Filter. 
If the engine still will not idle properly, adjust the idle speed:
1. Start the engine. Refer to Starting and Stopping.
2. Release the throttle control and let the engine idle. 
 If the engine stops, increase the idle speed. Use a small
Phillips screwdriver to turn the idle speed screw clockwise,
1/8 of a turn at a time, until the engine idles smoothly (Fig. 23).
 If the cutting head spins when the engine idles, reduce the idle
speed. Turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise, 1/8 of a
turn at a time, until the cutting head stops moving (Fig. 23).
If the engine still will not idle properly, and any of the following
conditions are true, take the unit to an authorized service dealer:
 the engine hesitates or stalls on acceleration
 there is a loss of engine power
WARNING:The cutting head may spin during idle speed
adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all
safety instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
MAINTAINING THE AIR FILTER
Failure to maintain the air filter can result in poor performance or can
cause permanent damage to the engine. Engine failure due to
improper air filter maintenance is not covered by the product warranty.
Cleaning the Air Filter
1. Open the air filter cover: press in the lock tab and swing the air
filter cover to the right (Fig. 22).
2. Remove the air filter from inside the air filter cover (Fig. 22).
3. Wash the air filter in detergent and water. Rinse the air filter
thoroughly and allow it to dry.
4. Lightly coat the air filter with clean SAE 30 oil.
5. Squeeze the air filter to spread and remove excess oil.
6. Reinstall the air filter inside the air filter cover (Fig. 22).
NOTE:Operating the unit without the air filter and air filter cover  will
VOID the warranty.
7. Close the air filter cover: swing the air filter cover to the left and
press it closed until the lock tab snaps into place (Fig. 22).
WARNING:To avoid serious personal injury, always stop
the engine and allow it to cool before cleaning or maintaining
the unit.
Fig. 22
Air Filter
Air Filter CoverLock Tab
Fig. 23
Idle Speed Screw 
						

							16
Fig. 24
0.025 in.
(0.635 mm)
MAINTAINING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the spark plug boot
firmly and pull it from the spark plug.
2. Clean around the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the
cylinder head with a 5/8-inch socket, turning counterclockwise.
3. Inspect the spark plug. If the spark plug is cracked, fouled or
dirty, replace it with replacement part #753-06193, a Champion
RDJ7J or an equivalent spark plug. 
4. Use a feeler gauge to set the air gap at 0.025 in. (0.635 mm)
(Fig. 24). 
5. Install the spark plug in the cylinder head. Tighten the spark plug
with a 5/8-inch socket, turning it clockwise until snug.
NOTE:If using a torque wrench, torque to:

6. Reattach the spark plug boot.
WARNING:Do not sand blast, scrape or clean spark plug
electrodes. Grit in the engine could damage the cylinder. 
						

							17
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING 
Use a small brush to clean the outside of the unit. Do not use strong
detergents. Household cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as
pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage
plastic. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.
STORAGE
 Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark.
 Allow the engine to cool before storing.
 Lock up the unit to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
 Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area.
 Store the unit out of the reach of children.
Short-term Storage (1-2 weeks)
1. Store the unit in a horizontal position. If this is not possible, store
the unit vertically with the engine at the top.
Long-term Storage
1. Remove the fuel cap, tip the unit and drain the fuel into an
approved container. Reinstall the fuel cap.
2. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. This ensures
that all fuel has been drained from the carburetor.
3. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 5
drops of any high-quality motor oil or 2-cycle oil into the
cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall
the spark plug.
4. Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it for any loose or
damaged parts. Repair or replace damaged parts and tighten
loose screws, nuts or bolts.
Preparing the Unit for Use after Long-term Storage
1. Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder.
NOTE:Do not use fuel that has been stored for more than 30 days.
Dispose of old fuel according to federal, state and local regulations. WARNING:To avoid serious personal injury, always stop
the engine and allow it to cool before cleaning or maintaining
the unit. 
						

							18 If further assistance is required, contact an authorized service dealer. The cutting head is bound with grass Stop the engine and clean the cutting head
The cutting head is out of lineRefill the cutting head with new line
The inner reel is bound up Rewind the line
The cutting head is dirtyClean the inner reel and outer spool
The line is welded Open the cutting head and remove the welded section
The line is twistedRewind the line
Not enough line is extendedStop the unit, push the bump knob and pull the line until 4 inches
(102 mm) is outside of the cutting head
There is oil, cleaner or lubricant in the cutting head Clean and thoroughly dry the cutting head The fuel tank is empty Fill the fuel tank with properly mixed fuel
The primer bulb was not pressed enoughPress the primer bulb 10 times or until fuel is visible
The engine is floodedMove the choke lever to Position 3, squeeze the throttle control and
pull the starter rope
The fuel is old (over 30 days) and/or improperly mixedDrain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel
The spark plug is fouled Replace the spark plug
TROUBLESHOOTING
The fuel is old (over 30 days) and/or improperly mixed Drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel
The cutting head is bound with grassStop the engine and clean the cutting head
The air filter is dirty Clean or replace the air filter
PROBLEMSOLUTION
The air filter is dirty Clean or replace the air filter
The fuel is old (over 30 days) and/or improperly mixedDrain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel
The idle speed is incorrect Adjust the idle speed
The fuel is old (over 30 days) and/or improperly mixed Drain the fuel tank and add fresh, properly-mixed fuel
The air filter is dirtyClean or replace the air filter
The spark plug is fouled Replace the spark plug
THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
THE ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE
THE ENGINE WILL NOT ACCELERATE
THE ENGINE LACKS POWER OR STALLS
THE CUTTING HEAD WILL NOT ADVANCE LINE
THE CUTTING LINE ADVANCES UNCONTROLLABLY 
						

							19
NOTES 
						

							20
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Troy-Bilt LLC (Troy-Bilt) with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United
States, its possessions and territories.
Troy-Bilt warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original
purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in material or workmanship. This limited
warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the
product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, alteration, vandalism, theft,
fire, water or damage because of other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use of any accessory or attachment
not approved by Troy-Bilt for use with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damage. This
warranty is limited to ninety (90) days from the date of original retail purchase for any Troy-Bilt product that is used for rental or commercial
purposes, or any other income-producing purpose.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE:Warranty service is available, WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED SERVICE
DEALER. To locate the dealer in your area, visit our website at www.troybilt.comor www.troybilt.ca, check for a listing in the Yellow Pages,
call 1-800-828-5500in the United States or 1-800-668-1238in Canada, or write to P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, OH 44136-0019. No
product returned directly to the factory will be accepted unless prior written permission has been extended by the Customer Service
Department of Troy-Bilt.
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases:
A. Tune-ups - Spark Plugs, Carburetor Adjustments, Filters
B. Wear items - Bump Knobs, Outer Spools, Cutting Line, Inner Reels, Starter Pulley, Starter Ropes, Drive Belts, Saw Chains, Guide Bars,
Cultivator Tines, Blades.
C. Troy-Bilt does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the United States of America, its possessions and
territories, except those sold through Troy-Bilt’s authorized channels of export distribution.
Troy-Bilt reserves the right to change or improve the design of any Troy-Bilt Product without assuming any obligation to modify any product
previously manufactured.
No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, applies after the
applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other express warranty or guaranty, whether
written or oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity, including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product
shall bind Troy-Bilt. During the period of the Warranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set forth
above.(Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.)
The provisions as set forth in this Warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sales. Troy-Bilt shall not be liable
for incidental or consequential loss or damages including, without limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn
care services, for transportation or for related expenses, or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product.(Some
states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.)
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration of the safety features
of the product shall void this Warranty. You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others
and their property arising out of the use or misuse or inability to use the product.
This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser, original lessee or the person for whom it was purchased
as a gift.
How State Law Relates to this Warranty:This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
To locate your nearest service dealer, dial 1-800-828-5500in the United States or 1-800-668-1238in Canada.
TROY-BILT LLC
P.O. Box 361131
Cleveland, OH 44136-0019