Troy-Bilt TB32 EC Straight Shaft String Trimmer User Manual

Table of Contents

Troy-Bilt TB32 EC Straight Shaft String Trimmer

SERVICE INFORMATION

DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE. For assistance regarding the assembly, controls, operation, or maintenance of the unit, please call the Customer Support Department at 1-800-828-5500 in the United States or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada. Additional information about the unit can be found on our website at www.troybilt.com or www.troybilt.ca.

For service, please call the Customer Support Department to obtain a list of authorized service dealers near you. Service on this unit, both within and after the warranty period, should only be performed by an authorized and approved service dealer. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.

SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE

NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon, and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon, and Washington require, by law, that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability or a fine.

This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. If it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE DEALER to install the Accessory Part #753-05997 Muffler Assembly.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.
Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before operating the unit.
Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.
Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands, and feet.
Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection. If approached, stop the unit immediately.
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs before using the unit.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS

Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved for the storage of such materials.
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank before fueling. Do not smoke.
Always add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Do not smoke.
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately before starting the engine. Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke.
Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Only operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

WHILE OPERATING

Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards. Also, wear ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Long-sleeve shirts are recommended.
Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary when the engine is idling. If they do not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.
Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything before starting the unit.
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. See Starting and Stopping Instructions.
Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit backwards.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take extra care when working on steep slopes or inclines.
Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on the handle.
Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the tines while they are rotating.
Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from operation. They remain hot for a short time after turning off the unit.
Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed for the job. Do not run the engine at high speed when the unit is not in use.
Always stop the engine when work is delayed or when walking from one location to another.
If striking or becoming entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
Stop and switch the engine off for maintenance or repair.
Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from an authorized service dealer. The use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user or damage to the unit and void the warranty.
Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials that may become lodged or entangled in the unit.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive grease, or carbon build-up.

AFTER USE

Clean the unit with household cleaner to remove any gum buildup. Oil the tines with machine oil to prevent rust.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

Never store a fueled unit inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from debris. Clean after each use. See the Cleaning and Storage instructions.
Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If loaning someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.

KNOW YOUR UNIT

APPLICATIONS

As a trimmer:

Cutting grass and light weeds
Edging
Decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.

ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED:

Phillips #2 Screwdriver

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALL CUTTING ATTACHMENT SHIELD

Use the following instructions if the cutting attachment shield on the unit is not installed.

Place the cutting head shield onto the guard mount bracket, making sure to align the holes on the shield with the ones in the guard mount bracket (Fig. 1).
Take the 2 shield screws and screw each one into the shield until finger-tight.
Using an appropriate screwdriver, tighten the screws until the shield is firmly in place.

INSTALL AND ADJUST THE D-HANDLE

Push the D-handle down onto the shaft housing (Fig. 2). The hex bolt hole in the handle should be on the left side.
Insert the bolt into the hex hole in the handle and push it through. Place the washer on the bolt, then screw the wing nut onto the bolt. Do not tighten until making the handle adjustment.
Rotate the D-handle to place the grip above the top of the shaft housing. Place it a minimum of 6 inches (15.24 cm) from the end of the shaft grip.
While holding the unit in the operating position (Fig. 9), move the D-handle to the location that provides the best grip.
Tighten the wing nut until the D-handle is secure.

REMOVING THE ADD-ON

Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 5).
Press and hold the release button (Fig. 3).
While firmly holding the upper shaft housing, pull the lower shaft housing straight out of the EZ-Link™ coupler (Fig. 4).

INSTALLING THE ADD-ON

NOTE: To make installing or removing the add-on easier, place the unit on the ground or on a workbench.

Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen (Fig. 5).
While firmly holding the add-on, push it straight into the EZ-Link™ coupler (Fig. 5). NOTE: Aligning the release button with the guide recess will help installation (Fig. 3).
Turn the knob clockwise to tighten (Fig. 5). For decorative trimming/edging with the line cutting head, lock the release button into the 90° hole (Fig. 5).

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

HOLDING THE UNIT

Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position (Fig. 10). Check for the following:

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
The unit is at waist level
The cutting head is parallel to the ground and easily contacts the grass without the need to bend over

ADJUSTING TRIMMING LINE LENGTH

The Bump Head™ cutting head allows the release of trimming line without stopping the engine. To release more line, lightly tap the cutting head on the ground (Fig. 11) while operating the unit at high speed.

NOTE: Always keep the trimming line fully extended. Line release becomes more difficult when the cutting line gets shorter. Each time the head is bumped, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) of trimming line releases. A blade in the cutting head 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 attempting 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.

NOTE: Do not rest the Bump Head™ on the ground while the unit is running. Some line breakage will occur from:

Entanglement with foreign matter
Normal line fatigue
Attempting to cut thick, stalky weeds
Forcing the line into objects such as walls or fence posts

TIPS FOR BEST TRIMMING RESULTS

Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground.
Do not force the cutting head. 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 inches (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 by the operator.
Slowly move the unit 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.
Trim only when the grass and weeds are dry.
The life of the cutting line is dependent upon:
Following the trimming techniques
What vegetation is being cut
Where vegetation is cut

For example, the line will wear faster when trimming against a foundation wall as opposed to trimming around a tree.

DECORATIVE TRIMMING

Decorative trimming is accomplished by removing all vegetation around trees, posts, fences, etc. Rotate the whole unit so that the cutting head is at a 30° angle to the ground (Fig. 12).

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.

NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If you are unsure about these procedures, take your unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual, or authorized service dealer.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment, individual, or authorized service dealer.

NOTE: Please read the California/EPA statement that came with the unit for a complete listing of terms and coverage for the emissions control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler, carburetor, etc.

REPLACING THE TRIMMING LINE

Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section. Other types of trimming line may cause the engine to overheat or fail.

NOTE: Always use the correct line length when installing the trimming line. The line may not release properly if the line is too long.

Part 1 – Removing the Inner Reel

Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the bump knob counterclockwise (Fig. 13). NOTE: The outer spool will remain attached to the unit.
Inspect the bolt inside the bump knob to make sure it moves freely. Replace the bump knob if it is damaged.
Remove the inner reel from the outer spool (Fig. 14).
Remove the spring from the inner reel (Fig. 14).
Use a clean cloth to clean the inner reel, spring, shaft, and inner surface of the outer spool.
Check the indexing teeth and holding slots for wear (Fig. 15). If necessary, remove burrs or replace the inner reel and outer spool.

Proceed to Part 2 – Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel.

Part 2 – Winding New Trimming Line onto the Inner Reel

If using a single line, refer to Winding Single Line.
If using a split line, refer to Winding Split Line.
If using a prewound inner reel, proceed to Part 3 – Installing the Inner Reel.

Winding Single Line

Cut two 8-foot (2.4 m) lengths of new single trimming line.
Insert the end of one line into the top hole in the inner reel (Fig. 16). Wind the line tightly in the direction shown on the bottom of the inner reel until about 6 inches (150 mm) of line remains. Keep the line above the split wall. Insert the 6-inch section into the nearest .095 holding slot (Fig. 17).
Insert the end of the other line into the bottom hole in the inner reel (Fig. 18). Wind the line tightly in the direction shown on the bottom of the inner reel until about 3 to 9 inches (75 to 225 mm) of line remains. Keep the line below the split wall. Insert the 3 to 9-inch section into the opposite .095 holding slot (Fig. 19).

NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction indicated will cause the cutting head to operate incorrectly.

Proceed to Part 3 – Installing the Inner Reel.

Winding Split Line

Cut one 6-foot (1.8 m) length of new split-line trimming line. Split each end about 6 inches (150 mm).
Using one split end, insert one line into the top hole and the other line into the bottom hole in the inner reel (Fig. 20).
Wind the line tightly in the direction shown on the bottom of the inner reel. The split wall will automatically divide the line. Wind the line until it is completely divided, and about 6 inches (150 mm) of line remains. NOTE: Failure to wind the line in the direction indicated will cause the cutting head to operate incorrectly.
Insert the two 6-inch sections into the two .095 holding slots (Fig. 21).

Proceed to Part 3 – Installing the Inner Reel.

Part 3 – Installing the Inner Reel

Pass the two line ends through the eyelets in the outer spool. Place the spring inside the inner reel. Insert the inner reel into the outer spool. Push the inner reel and outer spool together (Fig. 22). NOTE: The spring must be assembled on the inner reel before reassembling the cutting head.
While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, firmly pull the two line ends to release them from the holding slots.
While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, screw the bump knob clockwise. Tighten the bump knob securely.

AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the Air Filter

Failure to maintain the air filter properly can result in poor performance or cause permanent damage to the engine.

Open the air filter cover by pressing the lock tab in and pulling out on the air filter cover (Fig. 23).
Remove the air filter (Fig. 23).
Wash the filter in detergent and water. Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.
Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat the filter.
Squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil.
Replace the air filter in the air filter cover (Fig. 23). NOTE: Operating the unit without the air filter WILL VOID the warranty.
Close the air filter cover by swinging it to the left and then pressing it down until the lock tab snaps into place (Fig. 23).

OPTIONAL ACCESSORY

ELECTRIC STARTER AND POWER START BIT™ FEATURES

This unit is designed to be started with an optional electric starter or Power Start Bit™, which are sold separately. If choosing to start the unit using one of these features or have questions, please contact your local retailer or call 1-800-828-5500 in the U.S. (1-800-668-1238 in Canada) for more information and purchasing. You may also go to www.troybilt.com or www.troybilt.ca.

TROUBLESHOOTING

SPECIFICATIONS

All specifications are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

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Troy-Bilt TB32 EC Straight Shaft String Trimmer User Manual