Operation - MTD 260 Series Operator's Manual

Operation

Adjusting the Spindle Height
The spindle height can be adjusted for various applications. To
do so, proceed as follows:
1. Loosen the wing nut found on each side of the spindle
shaft.
Note: The wing nuts are designed so that they cannot be
removed from the spindle shaft.
2. Slide the spindle upward or downward to the desired
position before retightening the wing nuts. See Figure 5-1.
Starting and Stopping Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator's manual packed with your string
trimmer for instructions on starting and stopping the engine.
Using Your String Trimmer
Be sure trimming area is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other
objects which could damage the string trimmer or engine.
Such objects could be accidently thrown by the trimmer in any
direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and
others.
WARNING:
can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always
wear safety glasses while operating the string
trimmer, or while performing any adjustments or
repairs on it.
• The string trimmer is designed with the spindle offset to
the left side, allowing the operator to trim along a fence,
landscaping, or a house to his or her's right side without
having to make any adjustments to the machine.
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Figure 5-1
The operation of any string trimmer
• Operate the string trimmer at a slower walking speed when
trimming tall, thick weeds or grass.
• Clean the underside of the trimmer after each use to
remove any debris build up.
WARNING:
Shut the engine off and wait until the
trimmer head comes to a complete stop before
cleaning the discharge area. The trimmer head
continues to rotate for a few seconds after the
trimmer head control is released.
• Do not trim on excessively steep slopes. If a slope is difficult
to stand on, do not trim. Do not trim on slopes when the
ground is slippery or wet. Trim across the face of a slope,
not up and down.
CAUTION:
While operating the string trimmer, do not allow the
spindle to contact a concrete, asphalt, or gravel surface. Doing so
will result in premature wear.
Changing the Trimmer Line
To ease in removing worn trimmer line, change the trimmer line
before it becomes too short (i.e. approximately half its original
length).
1. Remove the worn trimmer line from the spindle.
2. Fold the replacement trimmer line in half and insert both
ends through the loop near the edge of the spindle.
3. Pull the ends of the trimmer line through the loop until the
line is securely beneath the metal tab.
4. Cross the line ends and pull each tightly to secure the
trimmer line in place. See Figure 5-2.
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Figure 5-2
Note: Always use 490-040-M035 trimmer line. Refer to
Replacement Parts on page 15 for information on ordering.
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2