Service


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Operating in extreme conditions may require more frequent service intervals: · Engine components may become dirty or plugged when operating in extreme heat, dust, or other severe conditions. · Engine oil and spark plugs may lose efficiency if machine is operated constantly at slow or low engine speeds or run for short periods of time.

Please use the following timetables to perform routine maintenance on your machine.

6-Hour Maintenance or Daily For Commercial Use

· Check air filter. For proper performance and long life, keep air filter clean.

· Inspect the cutting attachment (stringhead or blade) for wear or cracks and replace if detected.

50-Hour Maintenance or Once a Week For Commercial Use

The fuel cap contains a check valve. Clogged air passages will cause poor engine performance. If performance improves when the fuel cap is loosened, check valve may be faulty or air passages are clogged. Replace fuel cap if required.

100-Hour Maintenance

2. Hold nose of grease gun tightly over hole. Turn gear shaft while pumping grease into head.

Engine Warranty Maintenance Statement

Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems on this engine, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized John Deere dealer.

Selecting and Mixing the Proper Fuel

This machine is powered by a 2-cycle engine and requires pre-mixing unleaded gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil. Premix the gasoline and engine oil thoroughly in a clean container approved for gasoline.

Use unleaded gasoline intended for automotive use with an octane rating of 87 or higher.

The engine on this model requires the use of John Deere Premium 2-Cycle Engine Oil. The engine was designed to reach its optimal performance output, maximum endurance, and minimum preventive maintenance by using this oil.

If John Deere Premium 2-Cycle Oil is not available at your dealership, use any brand of premium 2-cycle engine oil classified as grade ISO-L-EGD or JASO-FC.

Using any other oil will shorten the engine life and increase the required maintenance. The warranty might also be voided by using a lower quality oil.

Mix John Deere Premium 2-Cycle Engine Oil with gasoline according to the instructions on the package.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use automotive oil, 2-cycle outboard oil or any 2-cycle oil other than grade ISO-L-EGD or JASO-FC. Do not use pre-mixed gasoline from fuel service stations intended for use in mopeds, motorcycles, etc.

NOTE: John Deere fuel mix contains a fuel stabilizer and will stay fresh up to 30 days. Do not mix quantities larger than usable in a 30-day period.

Fuel Mixture (50:1)


Gasoline	Oil
1 Gallon (US)	2.6 oz
1 Liter	20 cc (20 ml)
5 Liter	100 cc (100 ml)

Filling Fuel Tank


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable: · Keep fuel away from flames or sparks. · Do not smoke while handling fuel. · Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline. Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames. · Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area. · Select bare ground, stop engine, and allow to cool before adding fuel. · Loosen fuel cap slowly to release pressure and to keep fuel from escaping around the cap. · Tighten fuel cap securely after refueling. · Clean up spilled fuel immediately. · Never attempt to burn off spilled fuel under any circumstances.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and water in fuel can cause engine damage: · Clean dirt and debris from the fuel tank opening. · Use clean, fresh, stabilized fuel. · Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day's operation to keep condensation out of the fuel tank. · Use a non-metallic funnel with a plastic mesh strainer when filling the fuel tank or container.

NOTE: It is normal for smoke to be emitted from a new engine during and after first use.

2. Make sure fuel mixture is adequately mixed in a suitable container before pouring in tank.

Idle Speed Adjustment

· Your John DEERE engine has been adjusted at the factory for optimum performance and fuel consumption, and no further adjustment should be required. However, because of varying atmospheric and climatic conditions, some minor adjustment may be needed for your area.

· Adjusting idle speed should always be done with a tachometer to insure proper idle speed (2,500 rpm). If a tachometer is not available, the idle speed may be adjusted as follows:

1. Turn idle speed screw (A) clockwise until cutting head or lower drive begins to move.

3. Turn idle speed screw approximately 1/4 to 3/4 turn further counterclockwise.

· If the engine does not idle properly after this adjustment, contact your nearest John DEERE dealer for service.

· Condition of the air filter (B) is very important to the operation and life of the engine, and also has a major affect on carburetor adjustments. The air filter should be checked for cleanliness before each use, and before making any carburetor adjustments.

Cleaning Spark Arrestor

The muffler is equipped with a spark arrestor (screen inside the muffler body). Through normal use the spark arrestor can become dirty and should be periodically cleaned or replaced.

NOTE: To avoid a fire hazard, never run the trimmer without a spark arrestor in place.

3. Clean with a wire brush to remove carbon deposits. Be careful not to deform or damage the spark arrestor.

String Replacement

You can make adjustments and repairs described here. For other repairs, have the trimmer serviced by an authorized servicing dealer.

1. Stop engine. Push in the locking tabs (A) to release them from the retaining notches (B).

2. Remove the stringhead cap assembly (C) from the stringhead base (D). Spool can then be removed from the stringhead cap.

NOTE: Clean all dirt, dust, and grass out of stringhead, spool, and head cap before reassembling.

5. Fold the string at the half way point, leaving one half approximately 3 in. longer. Place the loop (E) around the notch (F) in the divider of the spool.

6. Hold the spool and feed the string on neatly by rotating the spool. String should be wound in the direction of the "LH" arrow (G) on the spool.

7. When finished, snap the string ends into notches (H) on the edge of the spool. Leave approximately 4 in. of string extended beyond the slot.

8. Once the string is wound onto the spool, place the spool and string into the stringhead cap. Pull the strings through the slots in the metal eyelets (I) on each side of the stringhead cap.

9. Install the stringhead cap assembly by aligning the locking tabs with their notches and pushing cap down until both locking tabs are securely locked.

10. Before operating the unit, make sure the strings have not become trapped and stringhead has been assembled correctly; you can do this by advancing the string manually.

NOTE: This trimmer is equipped with a cut-off blade on the grass deflector. For best cutting, advance string until it is trimmed to length by the cut-off blade. Advance string whenever you hear the engine running faster than normal. This will maintain best performance and keep string long enough to advance properly.