Trimming And Mowing Techniques And Tips - Troy-Bilt 52051 Owner's Manual

Section 4: Operation
TRIMMING & MOWING TECHNIQUES AND TIPS
Trim When Wet or Dry
Grass and most other materials are
most efficiently trimmed when dry. But
the trimmer/mower will do a fine job
even with damp or wet materials.
When conditions are moist or damp, be
sure to clean debris off the machine
regularly to keep cutting efficiency
high. And watch your footing.
Clean the Trimmer/Mower
On a Regular Basis
Clean under the trimmer/mower fre-
quently to remove any grass buildup.
Also clean around the muffler and on
top of engine. See cleaning instruc-
tions in Section 5: Maintenance for fur-
ther details.
Use the Correct Cutting Height to
Suit the Job
Generally, the height of the trimming
line should be adjusted upward to han-
dle taller material and cope with
tougher cutting conditions. Ease into
heavy growth materials. For the most
precise cutting possible, let the cutting
head rest lightly on the ground, and do
not lift up on the handlebars while
mowing. This lets the cutting head fol-
low the ground contour closely, result-
ing in the most even cut possible.
When conditions are not so
demanding, and the material to be
trimmed is not so tall, the cutting
height can be adjusted downward.
Don't overwhelm the equipment with
the job at hand. Your equipment will
work more effectively.
Do Not Let the Trimmer Lines
Become Too Short
Once the lines are worn to less than
1/2 their original length, trimming jobs
begin to take far longer than they
should. As a general guideline, once
line length becomes half of its original
length, it's time to change to new lines.
Use the Right Diameter Line
for the Trimming Job
Before starting a project, examine
the grass or material you will be cut-
ting. For tougher projects, use two
sections of the red .155" diameter
extra-heavy-duty line; for less demand-
ing jobs, use two sections of the green
.130" diameter heavy-duty line. The
thicker line has the heft to chop through
tougher materials, while the thinner
line provides a more precise cut.
Use Extreme Caution on Slopes
When operating on sloping ground,
use extreme caution and common
sense to avoid possible injury or prop-
erty damage.
Do not mow on excessively steep
slopes! Avoid slopes if greater than
0
15 or wherever footing is unsure. If a
slope is difficult to stand on, it is prob-
ably too steep to trim or mow. In this
case, it may be wiser to establish a per-
manent ground cover on this area.
Do not trim on slopes when the
ground is slippery. Trim across the
face of a slope, not up and down. Slow
down and exercise caution when
changing direction on slopes.
Use Correct Walking Speed
Use a travel speed that is suitable for
the conditions at hand. For example,
you'll get better trimming and mowing
results at slower walking speeds if the
grass is tall or lush. Shorter grass or
less dense growth can be cut at faster
travel speeds.
Vary the Throttle Setting
to Suit the Job
The vast majority of trimming and
mowing jobs will yield the best results
if the engine throttle control is set at
the fastest engine speed.
10
WARNING
THROWN OBJECT HAZARD
• Objects such as rocks, peb-
bles, and small debris will
be thrown violently by the
cutting head, resulting in
significant hazard to eyes
and exposed body parts.
• Always wear safety-ap-
proved eye protection and
suitable clothing and
footwear.
• Keep children, pets and by-
standers 50 feet away from
machine while operating.
• Be alert to hidden obstacles.
Failure to comply could result
in injury or property damage.
Less demanding jobs and projects
that require very precise cutting will
yield better results if the engine throttle
is backed off somewhat to reduce en-
gine speed. (For example, damage to
trees and ornamentals can be avoided
by reducing the engine speed, using
the lighter .130" diameter line, and by
keeping a safe distance away.)
Again, once you begin a particular
job and get a "feel" for the conditions,
you will be able to make adjustments
for the best possible results.
Keep the Mowed Side to Your
Right as You Move Ahead
The trimmer/mower feeds cut mate-
rials to the right side. Stay on the right
side of unmowed growth as you move
along.
NOTE: If trimmer is operated in a
stationary position with the wear
cup in contact with dry vegetation,
significant heat will result that may
deform the plastic spindle or scorch
vegetation.