DR® Power Equipment - DR Power Equipment - Technical Support - Trimmer / Mower

DR® TRIMMER / MOWERS

Cord Tips and Cord Installation

The following information is provided to demonstrate proper techniques when installing or replacing cord on your DR® Trimmer/Mower.

Note: This information pertains to the most recent Trimmer / Mower models. Please refer to your Safety & Owner's Manual for instructions specific to your machine. Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine specific instructions.

When performing any maintenance, you must first shut off the engine, wait five (5) minutes for all parts to stop and cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire, keeping it away from the spark plug. Read the safety considerations section of your Owner's Manual before performing any repairs or maintenance.

TIP

Types of Cord vs. Types of Vegetation

We ship (2) two thicknesses of Cutting Cord with your DR® Trimmer/Mower (older models used to use 130-mil orange cord as well). The Cords are blue (175-mil) and green (155-mil). Because conditions and vegetation vary so much, you should experiment with Cord weights (diameters) to discover what works best for your particular mowing and trimming situations.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

If you buy Cutting Cord in rolls, cut it into 23" lengths.
Cord life depends on trimming conditions. Replace cords when they become broken or frayed.
The smallest diameter of Cord capable of cutting the material at hand combined with the fastest engine speed usually provides the best grass trimming performance. When you need more power for thicker growth such as berry canes, brambles, thistles, or ragweed, you may want to sue the 175-mil Cord in combination with the highest engine speed.
Ease the ends of the Cord into heavy growth and move slowly through thick growth. If there are woody weeds in the material you are cutting, the cutting Cords may wrap around the stalks they cannot cut, and pull away from the trimmer head.
Please note that installing more than (2) two Cords at a time does not improve trimming performance, in fact, it can lessen it. Adding additional Cords creates drag on the Trimmer Head, robs the engine of power, and may cause wrapping. Installing (2) two cords, 180 degrees apart, is the best method for optimal trimming performance.
When replacing cords, do it one at a time and use the old Cord to mark the position for the new Cord that you are replacing.
If the Cord breaks off flush at the line plate, use the new Cord to push out the old Cord.
Storing the Cord in a plastic bag with a damp sponge or cloth will help keep it pliable. You can also soak it in a bucket of room temperature water for a few days before use to make it more pliable.

TIP

Cord Installation/Replacement

Running the Trimmer with only one cord installed or cords installed at different levels can cause excessive vibration and damage your machine.

1. Refer to your Owner's Manual for cutting height procedures before installing the cords.
2. Insert the ends of the Cord into the openings of the lines plate. Push each end of the cord through the center hold in the line plate. Adjust the cord so that the tips are even.
3. Pull the Cords through the loop and push the loop up into the Line Plate groove above.
4. Pull the Cord tight.

NOTE: To firmly tighten and set the Cords, it is best to start the engine and spin the Mow Ball for a few seconds before cutting.