OWNERS MANUAL
STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER
MODEL SS-18
SARLO MANUFACTURING
P.O. BOX 1169 FORT MYERS, FL 33902
PHONE: 1-800-749-5296
P O W E R E D B Y
™
CONTENTS
PAGE
SAFETY RULES
ASSEMBLY
1-2
3
OPERATION
4
MAINTENANCE
SERVICE/ADJUSTMENTS
TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTES
5
6
Model
SS-18 Sting Trimmer
Straight
62.5"
34cc 4-cycle
Briggs & Stratton
15" - 18"
.095"/2.4 mm
13.2 lbs
Shaft style
Shaft length
Engine
7
7
Cutting width
Line size
Unit weight
Head type
STORAGE
8
Bump feed
Starting system
Handle type
Clutch
Shoulder harness
Warranty
Easy starting 4-cycle
Standard loop
No
ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST 9-10
WARRANTY INFORMATION 11
Yes
2 year Consumer
90 day Commercial
This unit is intended for occasional use.
P/N 10005 12/03
SAFETY RULES
• Do not allow a person to use this unit unless instructions are read and understood. Never
allow children to operate or play with the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Always wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves, and a long sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose
clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above
shoulder level.
• Inspect unit before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all
fasteners are in place and secure. Replace cutting attachment parts that are cracked,
chipped, or damaged in any way. Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed and
securely fastened. Be sure the cutting attachment shield is properly attached, and in the
position recommended by the manufacturer. Use only flexible, non-metallic line
recommended by the manufacturer. Never use, for example, wire or wire-rope which can
break off and become a dangerous projectile.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-reach. Keep cutting attachment below waist
level. Keep all parts of your body away from the rotating cutting attachment and
hot surfaces.
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
• Pour fuel outdoors where there are no sparks and flames. Slowly remove the fuel cap only
after stopping the engine. Do not smoke while fueling. Wipe spilled fuel from the unit. Move
at least 10 ft. (3 m) away from the fueling source and site before starting engine.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, broken glass,
nails, wire, or string which can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting attachment.
Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets. At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders
and pets outside a 50 ft. (15 m) radius; outside the 50 ft. zone, there is still a risk of injury
to bystanders from being struck with the moving strings in the event of a cutting lines
thrust or other unexpected reaction of the saw.
• The cutting attachment may be spinning during carburetor adjustments. Wear your
protective equipment and observe all safety instructions. When the unit is turned off make
sure the cutting attachment has stopped before the unit
is set down.
• The handles and shield must be mounted according to the instructions. The unit is
designed to be used while positioned on the right side.
2
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
I TOOL LIST
• Screwdriver (Phillips or Standard)
• Allen wrench 4mm
I INSTALLING CUTTING HEAD
• Lock gear box by inserting a pin thru hole and
finding corresponding notch
• To install head, turn counterclockwise. Hand-
tighten head securely.
• To remove head, turn clockwise
I INSTALL ASSIST HANDLE
• Use the 3 screws provided for this assembly.
Mount the back edge of the handle clamp to
match the arrow on the tube. Adjust the handle
for comfort and good balance. Check that the
cutting line of the unit is away from your feet
and legs.
I INSTALLING DEBRIS GUARD
• The top clamp is fixed to the tube in the proper
position. Attach the debris shield to the clamp
with the two screws and hardware provided.
Tighten the attaching screws firmly.
I STOP AND START SWITCH
1. Ignition switch
2. Stop
3
2
3. Start
1
I SHOULDER HARNESS
• Place the strap over your left shoulder and attach
clip to clamp eye on shaft tube.
• Loosen clamp screw and slide clamp up or down
until unit balances with head just touching
the ground.
• Tighten screw.
3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
HOLDING THE TRIMMER
NOTE: Do not rest the bump head on the ground while the
unit is running.
WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing,
Some line breakage will occur from:
foot and body protection to reduce the
•
•
•
•
Entanglement with foreign matter
Normal line fatigue
Attempting to cut thick, stalky weeds
risk of injury when operating this unit
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position
(Fig. 12). Check for the following:
Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts.
•
•
•
The operator is wearing eye protection and
proper clothing.
With a slightly-bent right arm, the operator’s hand is
holding the shaft grip.
The operator’s left arm is straight, the left hand holding
the D-handle
CAUTION: Do not remove or alter the line
cutting blade assembly. Excessive line length
will overload the engine and could cause
damage to the engine.
•
•
The unit is at waist level
The cutting attachment is parallel to the ground and easily
contacts the grass without the need to bend over.
TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS
•
•
Keep the cutting attachment parallel to the ground.
Do not force the cutting attachment. Allow the tip of the
line to do the cutting, especially along walls. Cutting with
more than the tip will reduce cutting efficiency and may
overload the engine.
•
•
•
Cut grass over 8 in. (200 mm) by working from top to
bottom in small increments to avoid premature line wear or
engine drag.
Cut from right to left whenever possible. Cutting to the left
improves the unit’s cutting efficiency. Clippings are
thrown away from the operator.
Slowly move the trimmer into and out of the cutting area at
the desired height. Move either in a forward-backward or
side-to-side motion. Cutting shorter lengths produces the
best results.
Fig. 12
ADJUSTING TRIMMING LINE LENGTH
The bump head cutting attachment allows you to release
trimming line without stopping the engine. To release more line,
lightly tap the cutting attachment on the ground (Fig.13) while
operating the trimmer at high speed.
•
•
Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
The life of your cutting line is dependent upon:
•
•
•
Following the trimming techniques
What vegetation is being cut
Where vegetation is cut
NOTE: Always keep the trimming line fully extended. Line
For example, the line will wear faster when trimming against
foundation wall as opposed to trimming around a tree.
release becomes more difficult when the cutting line
gets shorter.
DECORATIVE TRIMMING
Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all
vegetation around trees, posts, fences and more.
Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting attachment
is at 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 14)
Fig.13
Each time the head is bumped, about 1 in. (25.4 mm) of
trimming line releases. A blade in the cutting attachment shield
will cut the line to the proper length if any excess line
is released.
For best results, tap the bump knob on bare ground or hard
soil. If you attempt a line release in tall grass, the engine may
stall. Always keep the trimming line fully extended. Line release
becomes more difficult when the cutting line
gets shorter.
Fig.14
4
MAINTENANCE
Refer to your BRIGGS & STRATTON owners’ manual for engine information
1. Adding oil to a new unit
2. Adding fuel
3. Starting a NEW engine
4. Starting and Stopping
5. Starting a warm engine
6. Engine Maintenance
7. Engine Adjustments
8. Service and Storage
9. Engine Warranty
Periodic Maintenance Chart
WARNING:
Accidental engine starting can cause injury. Always remove the spark plug before
servicing the engine to prevent accidental starting.
LACK OF MAINTENANCE OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE CAN RESULT IN INJURY. MODIFYING
PARTS IN ANY MANNER OR REMOVING ANY PART OF THIS UNIT CAN RESULT IN INJURY. USE
OF NON-CONFORMING PARTS OR COMPONENTS CAN RESULT IN INJURY.
AFTER EVERY SEASON OR
MAINTENANCE
Change oil*
EACH
USE
FIRST
10 HOURS
EVERY
25 HOURS
n*
EVERY
50 HOURS
Check and replenish fuel
Check and replenish oil
n
n
Check bolts, nuts and screws for looseness
and loss
n
n
n
n
Check throttle lever operation
Check engine switch operation
Check guard assembly condition
Clean/replace in-tank fuel filter
Clean air filter element
n
n
n
Tighten bolts, nuts and screws
Clean spark plug and adjust electrode gap
Remove dust and dirt from cylinder fins
Remove carbon deposits in the exhaust
n
n
n
muffler
n
n
n
n
n
Clean spark arrester screen
Check gear case assembly lubrication
Check drive shaft lubrication
Check valve clearance
*Change engine oil after first 4 hours of use. Please refer to the engine manual for more details.
NOTE:
The service intervals indicated are to be used as a guide. Service to be performed more frequently as
necessary by operating condition.
These items must be performed with proper tools.
See your authorized dealer for service.
5
SERVICE/ADJUSTMENTS
LINE REPLACEMENT
SAFETY RULES
1. Shut down the trimmer to make certain the head cannot turn while working with
the head.
2. Check mounting of cutting head on trimmer and tighten if it is loose
3. Inspect head for wear, chips or cracks. Replace parts or entire head if needed.
4. Always use line that is the correct diameter and type for this unit. Do not use
metal reinforced or metal line.
5. Make sure the two retaining pawls spread out to the periphery of the
cover windows.
6. Check the head for deflection or abnormal noise by rotating the head by hand.
Deflection or abnormal noise may cause vibrations, which will cause the cutting
line to weld together. It is also potentially dangerous.
REFILLING TRIMMING LINE
1. For replacement line, use a diameter of .095 in.
(2.4 mm). The spool is capable for a line up to 20
ft. (6 m) on the 4 in. head. Avoid using a larger line
as it may cut down the trimming performance.
2. Pinch the slotted area on the both sides of the
spool housing to unhook the bottom cap.
3. Take out the spool and pull off the old line. Put one
end of new line through the spool holes and pull it
until the length is equal between each part of
the line.
4. Wind up the line in the correct direction as
indicated on the spool.
5. Hook each end of the line in the slot on the edge of
the spool, and then put the ends through the
eyelets on the housing. Make sure that the spring
and the washers are in place.
6. While holding the spool against the housing, pull
the line ends to release them from the slot.
7. Line up the slot on the bottom cap with the hook on
the housing, press the cap against the housing until
it clicks.
6
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Case 1. Starting failure
CHECK
Fuel tank
Fuel filter
Carburetor idle speed screw
No spark
PROBABLE CAUSES
Incorrect fuel
ACTION
Drain it and fill with correct fuel
Clean
Adjust to normal range
Clean/dry
Fuel filter is clogged
Out of normal range
Spark plug is fouled/wet
Plug gap is incorrect
Disconnected
[Correct GAP .025" (0.6~0.7 mm)]
Retighten
Spark plug
Case 2. Engine starts but does not keep running/Hard re-starting
CHECK
Fuel tank
Carburetor idle speed screw
Muffler, cylinder(exhaust port)
Air cleaner
PROBABLE CAUSES
Incorrect fuel or stale fuel
Out of normal range
Carbon is built-up
ACTION
Drain it and fill with correct fuel
Adjust to normal range
Wipe away
Clogged with dust
Wash
Cylinder fin, fan cover
Clogged with dust
Clean
If your unit needs further service, please consult with an authorized service dealer in your area.
NOTES
7
STORAGE
WARNING: Perform the following steps after each use:
• Allow engine to cool, and secure the unit before storing or transporting.
• Store unit and fuel in a well ventilated area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames form
water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
• Store unit with all guards in place. Position unit so that any sharp objects cannot accidentally cause injury.
• Store unit and fuel well out of the reach of children.
SEASONAL STORAGE
Prepare unit for storage at end of season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more. If your unit is to be
stored for a period of time:
• Drain all fuel from the fuel tank into the proper receptacles for storage.
• Press purge bulb 15 times to remove all fuel from carburetor and fuel lines. Drain this fuel into proper
receptacles. If fuel is to be disposed, please refer to local rules for proper disposal.
• Clean the entire unit before lengthy storage.
• Store in a clean dry area.
• Lightly oil external metal surfaces.
• This trimmer may be stored in a variety of positions. If possible, it is preferred to store the trimmer in a
horizontal position with the spark plug up. The trimmer should not be stored or transported with the
spark plug down.
• Storing or transporting the trimmer with the spark plug down may result in white smoke coming from the
muffler or difficulty starting.
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage.
Add stabilizer to the gasoline in the fuel tank or fuel storage container. Follow the mix instructions found on
stabilizer container. Run engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizer.
ENGINE
• Remove spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of HD30 wt. engine oil through the spark plug opening. Slowly
pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil.
• Replace spark plug with new one of recommended type and heat range.
• Clean air filter
• Check entire unit for loose screws, nuts, and bolts. Replace any damaged, broken, or worn parts.
• At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel.
OTHER
• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust.
• When removing the unit from storage, only use fresh gasoline. Perform the routine operation checks as
spelled out in the manual before any start.
8
1
10053
10017
Engine/Motor/Moteur
10014
10015
™
10016
10001
10052
10003
10032
10041
10000
10033
10002
10010
10025
10042
10011
10043
10009
10007
10069
10236
10235
10012
10013
10026
10023
10022
10031
10018
10021
ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST
1
SEE FIG.
STRAIGHT SHAFT TRIMMER SS-18
Part Number
10000
10001
10002
10003
10005
10007
10009
10010
10011
10012
10013
10014
10015
10016
10017
10018
10021
10022
10023
10025
10026
10031
10032
10033
10041
10042
10043
10052
10053
10069
10235
10236
Engine
Model Used On
BC-8/SS-18/CS-16
SS-18
SS-18/CS-16
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18
BC-8/SS-18
SS-18
Quantity
Description
Decal for pipe
Pipe assembly
Label
Pipe assembly without flex shaft
Owner’s manual
Bolt for gear case clamp
Plastic gear case hood
Regular flexible shaft with stopper
Gear case 3 bearing without holder and cover
Holder A
Guard assembly
Nose cone A
Nose cone B
Nose cone screws
Engine clamp assembly
Protector without blade
Blade to cut nylon code
Bolts for blade
Nuts for blade
Clamp for guard
Bolts for clamp
Tap and go with diameter 0.095"
Single type lever
On/Off switch
Cable, throttle
Handle assembly
Handle
Hanger assembly
Harness assembly
Bolts
Screws for loop handle
Nuts for loop handle
Engine 34cc 4-cycle Briggs & Stratton, Model 21032 0118 E1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
3
1
GB
SS-18
SS-18
CS-16/SS-18/BC-8
CS-16/SS-18/BC-8
CS-16/SS-18/BC-8
CS-16/SS-18/BC-8
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18
SS-18/CS-16
SS-18/CS-16
SS-18/CS-16
SS-18
SS-18
BC-8/SS-18
BC-8/SS-18
SS-18
SS-18/CS-16
SS-18/CS-16
SS-18/CS-16
WARNING: IT IS UNSAFE TO USE ANY AFTER MARKET HEAD,
ATTACHMENT, ACCESSORY OR BLADE ON THIS UNIT. USE
ONLY HEADS, ATTACHMENTS, BLADES AND ACCESSORIES
MANUFACTURED BY SARLO AND INTENDED FOR THIS
SPECIFIC MODEL.
1
WARRANTY
SARLO MANUFACTURING, INC. hereby warrants to the original retail purchaser ALL NEW
products of its’ own manufacture to be free from defect in material and workmanship, for a period of
two (2) years form the date of the original purchase, subject to the following exceptions.
Products
Hand Held String Trimmers
Consumer Use
2 Years
Commercial/Rental Use
90 Days
•
No warranty is extended to any equipment, which has been misused, neglected, or
damaged by accident. Sarlo shall not be responsible for damage in transit or
handling by any common carrier. Under no circumstances, within or without the
warranty period, will the company be liable for damage for loss, or damage resulting
from delay, or any consequential damage including but not limited to any cost or
expense of providing substitute equipment or service during periods of malfunction
or non-use. Sarlo will repair or replace, free of charge any part or parts of the units
found upon examination by any Factory Authorized Dealer or by the factory to be
defective in materials and or workmanship for the term of the warranty.
•
The consumer is responsible for: (1) normal maintenance such as greasing, gear
case lubrication, minor adjustment and (2) transportation of any Sarlo product to and
from the place warranty work is performed.
•
•
Sarlo warranty WILL NOT APPLY to any products repaired or altered by anyone other
than an Authorized Service Distributor or Authorized Service Dealer.
Sarlo reserves the right to incorporate any changes in design into its products
without obligation to make changes on units previously manufactured.
•
•
Warranty is valid only if Factory Card is returned.
For engine warranty, please refer to the Briggs & Stratton manual.
11
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