Trimming Instructions; Maintenance Instructions - Talon Tools AT3351A User Manual

Fig. 4G Fig. 5
• WARM ENGINE START
1. Place trimmer on firm flat surface.
2. Move ignition switch to the "RUN (I)" position (Fig. 5).
3. Grip handle firmly, squeeze throttle trigger to FULL
THROTTLE position.
4. Pull starter rope briskly until engine starts, but no
more than 6 times.
5. If engine does not start, please operate "STARTING
A COLD ENGINE" again.
• TO STOP ENGINE
Release throttle trigger. Let engine return to idle. Push and
hold ignition stop switch until engine stops.

TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS

• ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before operating your unit, review ALL SAFETY PRE-
CAUTIONS in this manual.
WARNING / CAUTION
• IF UNFAMILIAR WITH TRIMMING techniques,
practice the procedures with ENGINE in "OFF"
position.
• ALWAYS CLEAR WORK area of debris such as cans,
bottles, rocks, etc. Striking objects can cause serious
injury to operator or bystanders and also damage
equipment. If an object is accidentally hit,
immediately TURN ENGINE OFF and examine
equipment. Never operate unit with damaged or
defective equipment.
• ALWAYS TRIM OR CUT AT HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS.
Do not run engine slowly at start or during trimming
operations.
• DO NOT use equipment for purposes other than
trimming or mowing weeds.
• NEVER raise linehead above knee height during
operation.
• DO NOT operate unit with other people or animals in
the immediate vicinity. Allow a minimum of 50 feet (15
meters) between operator and other people and
animals when trimming or mowing. Allow a distance
of 100 feet (30 meters) between operator and other
people and animals when SCALPING with linehead
trimmer.
• IF OPERATING UNIT ON A SLOPE, stand below the
cutting attachment. DO NOT OPERATE on a slope or
hilly incline if there is the slightest chance of slipping
or losing your footing.
• LINEHEAD LINE RELEASE
WARNING: DO NOT use steel wire or plastic-
coated steel wire of any kind with your line-
head. Serious operator injury can result.
To release fresh line, run engine at full throttle and "bump"
linehead against lawn. Line will automatically release. The
knife in debris shield will trim excess line (Fig. 6A).
CAUTION: Periodically remove weed wrap to
prevent overheating the drive shaft. Weed wrap
occurs when strands of weed become entan-
gled around the shaft beneath the debris shield
(Fig. 6B). This condition prevents the shaft from
being properly cooled. Remove weed wrap with
screwdriver or similar device.
BUMP
Fig. 6A
Fig. 6B
• TRIMMING PROCEDURES
When properly equipped with a debris shield and line-
head, your unit will trim unsightly weeds and tall grass in
those hard-to-reach areas - along fences, walls, founda-
tions and around trees. It can also be used for scalping to
remove vegetation down to the ground for easier prepara-
tion of a garden or to clean out a particular area.
NOTE: Even with care, trimming around foundations, brick
or stone walls, curves, etc., will result in above normal line
wear.
TRIMMING / MOWING
Swing trimmer with a sickle-like motion from side to side.
Do not tilt the linehead during the procedure. Test area to
be trimmed for proper cutting height. Keep linehead at
same level for even depth of cut (Fig. 7A).
CLOSER TRIMMING
Position trimmer straight ahead with a slight tilt so bottom
of linehead is above ground level and line contact occurs
at proper cutting point. Always cut away from operator. Do
not pull trimmer in toward operator.
FENCE / FOUNDATION TRIMMING
Approach trimming around chain link fences, picket
fences, rock walls and foundations slowly to cut close
without whipping line against the barrier. If the line comes
in contact with rock, brick walls, or foundations, it will
break or fray. If line snags fencing, it will snap off.
TRIMMING AROUND TREES
Trim around tree trunks with a slow approach so line does
not contact bark. Walk around the tree trimming from left
to right. Approach grass or weeds with the tip of the line
and tilt linehead slightly forward.
WARNING: Use extreme caution when SCALP-
ING. Keep a distance of 100 feet (30 meters)
between operator, other people and animals
during these operations.
6
AU
SCALPING
Scalping refers to removal of all vegetation down to the
ground. To do this, tilt the linehead to about a 30 degree
angle to the left. By adjusting the handle you will have bet-
ter control during this operation. Do not attempt this pro-
cedure if there is any chance flying debris could injure
operator, other people or cause damage to property. (Fig.
7B)
Fig. 7A

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

• REPLACING TRIMMING LINE - STANDARD
HEAD
1. Turn knob (A) COUNTERCLOCKWISE and remove
(Fig. 8A). User knob spanner supplied.
2. Remove spool (B) and spring (C) from spindle (D).
3. Remove any remaining trimming line (H).
4. Double a 14' (4.3m) length of .080" (2mm) trimming
line. Place the looped center in one of the slots of the
spool divider (Fig. 8B).
5. Wind trimming line clockwise as shown in illustration
(Fig. 8C), keeping tension, with each half separated
by the spool divider. Wind to within 6" (15cm) of the
ends.
6. Lock each end of line (H) into a slot (F) on opposite
sides of the spool (Fig. 8D).
7. Install the spring (C) over the spindle (D). Insert each
end of the line through an eyelet (G) in the housing
(E) (Fig. 8E).
8. Lower the spool into the housing (E) while feeding the
line through the eyelets (G). Ensure the spring seats
itself into the spool (Fig. 8E).
9. Once the spool is in place, apply pressure on the
spool compressing the spring. Pull each end of the
line (H) sharply to unlock the line from the slots (Fig.
8F).
10. Continue to apply pressure to the spool until the knob
can be threaded CLOCKWISE onto the spindle.
Tighten the knob securely by hand only (Fig. 8G).
11. Trim the excess line to approximately 5" (13cm). This
will minimize load on engine during starting and
warm-up (Fig. 4A).
Fig. 8A
H
A
A. KNOB
B. SPOOL
C. SPRING
B
D. SPINDLE
E. HOUSING
F. SLOTS
G. EYELETS
H. TRIMMING LINE
Fig. 7B
Fig. 8B
F F
H
Fig. 8D
H
H
Fig. 8F
• AIR FILTER
CAUTION: NEVER operate trimmer without
the air filter. The air filter must be kept clean.
If it becomes damaged, install a new filter.
To Clean Air Filter:
1. Press down on tab (A) holding air filter cover in place,
remove cover (B) and lift filter (C) from air box . (Fig.
9)
2. Wash filter in soap and water. DO NOT USE GASO-
LINE!
3. Air dry filter.
4. Reinstall filter.
NOTE: Replace filter if frayed, torn, damaged or unable to
be cleaned.
7
AU
G
D
F
C
H
E
Fig. 8C
G
D
C
E
G
Fig. 8E
Fig. 8G