Sarlo Trimmer SS 18 User Guide

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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