Toro 51958 User manual
17 in. String Trimmer - Curved Shaft
Item No. 51958— 319000001 & Up
18 in. String Trimmer - Straight Shaft
Item No. 51978— 319000001 & Up
Item No. 51978A— 319000001 & Up
English (EN), French (FR), and Spanish (ES)
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual. Save this manual.
Form No. 3427-359 Rev. A
If you have questions concerning
your trimmer, please call us
at 866-574-9242 (US) or
866-574-9243 (Canada).
NOTICE
Do not use E15, E20 or E85 fuel in this
product. It is a violation of federal law
and will damage the unit and void your
warranty. Only use unleaded gasoline
containing up to 10% ethanol.
2
READ THIS INFORMATION
Before you use your new trimmer, read the following helpful hints to
get you started.
Fueling
WARNING:
Gasoline and its vapors are highly ammable and
explosive. To prevent serious personal injury and
property damage, handle it with care. Keep away
from ignition sources and open ames, handle
outdoors only, do not smoke and wipe up spills
immediately.
1. Obtain a clean container that is approved for use with gasoline.
2. Mix all of the 2-cycle lubricant provided with 1 US gallon of 87-octane, unleaded gasoline (50:1).
3. Fill the trimmer’s gas tank carefully.
Cold Starting vs. Warm Starting
When you restart the trimmer and you are not sure whether the engine is still warm, set the choke
lever to RUN and pull the starter grip and rope. If the engine does not start within 5 pulls, refer to
“To Start a Cold Engine” later in this manual.
Flooded Engine
Will the engine start? If not, it may be ooded. Relax, this is easy to correct. Set the choke lever to
RUN. Squeeze the trigger and pull the starter grip and rope quickly for 10 to 12 pulls.
If the engine does not start, refer to “Troubleshooting” later in this manual or call toll-free at
866-574-9242 (US) or 866-574-9243 (Canada).
CALL
866-574-9242 (US) or
866-574-9243 (Canada)
For questions concerning your trimmers,
call us toll free at 866-574-9242 (US) or
866-574-9243 (Canada).
STOP
3
Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................4
General Safety Rules................................................................................................................................................................. 5-6
Specic Safety Rules ....................................................................................................................................................................6
Symbols.........................................................................................................................................................................................7
Product Labels ..............................................................................................................................................................................8
Features................................................................................................................................................................................... 9-10
Product Specications ...........................................................................................................................................................9
Know Your Product .............................................................................................................................................................10
Assembly................................................................................................................................................................................11-13
Unpacking............................................................................................................................................................................11
Packing List .........................................................................................................................................................................11
Connecting the Attachment to the Upper Shaft ...................................................................................................................12
Removing the Attachment from the Upper Shaft ................................................................................................................12
Attaching the Front Handle .................................................................................................................................................12
Attaching the Grass Deector..............................................................................................................................................13
Operation............................................................................................................................................................................... 14-18
Applications.........................................................................................................................................................................14
Oxygenated Fuels ................................................................................................................................................................14
Fueling and Refueling the Trimmer.....................................................................................................................................14
Starting the Product .............................................................................................................................................................15
Stopping the Product............................................................................................................................................................15
Operating the Trimmer ........................................................................................................................................................16
To Advance the Cutting Line...............................................................................................................................................17
Cutting Tips .........................................................................................................................................................................17
Installing Line in Easy-Load String Head ...........................................................................................................................18
Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................................................... 18-23
General Maintenance...........................................................................................................................................................18
Cleaning the Product............................................................................................................................................................19
Servicing the Product...........................................................................................................................................................19
Checking the Fuel Cap, Tank, and Lines.............................................................................................................................19
Cleaning the Air Filter .........................................................................................................................................................19
Replacing the Spark Arrestor...............................................................................................................................................20
Replacing the Spark Plug.....................................................................................................................................................20
Idle Speed Adjustment.........................................................................................................................................................21
Storing the Product ..............................................................................................................................................................21
Transporting the Product .....................................................................................................................................................21
Installing Easy-Load String Head........................................................................................................................................22
High Altitude Engine Operation ..........................................................................................................................................23
Maintenance Schedule.........................................................................................................................................................23
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................................................24
Warranty......................................................................................................................................................................................25
California Proposition 65 Warning Information.........................................................................................................................26
Table of Contents
4
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Toro product.
We would like for you to be completely satised with your new product, so feel free to contact an authorized service dealer
for help with service, genuine Toro parts, or other information you may require.
Whenever you contact a service dealer, always know the item, serial, and manufacturing numbers of the product. These num-
bers will help the service representative provide exact information about your specic product. You will nd the item, serial
and manufacturing number decal located on the motor housing.
For your convenience, write the numbers in the space below.
Item No.
Serial No.
Manufacturing
No.
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product correctly. Reading this manual will help you
and others avoid personal injury and damage to the product. Although Toro designs, produces, and markets safe, state-of-the-
art products, you are responsible for using the product properly and safely. You are also responsible for training persons you
allow to use the product about safe operation.
The Toro warning system in this manual identies potential hazards and has special safety messages that help you and others
avoid personal injury, even death. DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE are signal words that identify the level
of hazard. However, regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful. Two other words, “Important” and “Note,” highlight
information.
Introduction
Data
Label
5
Read All Instructions
For safe operation, read and understand all instructions
before using this product. Follow all safety instructions.
Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can
result in serious personal injury.
Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use
this unit.
Do not start or operate the engine in a conned space,
building, near open windows, or in other unventilated
space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can
collect. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and
extremely dangerous gas, can cause unconsciousness or
death.
Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects
such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or loose string
which can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting
line or blade.
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection
when operating this equipment.
Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves.
Do not wear loose tting clothing, short pants, sandals,
or go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind.
Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fa-
tigue, which could lead to heat stroke. During weather
that is hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled
for early morning or late afternoon hours when tem-
peratures are cooler.
Never operate this unit on the operator’s left side.
Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent en-
tanglement in moving parts.
Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least
50 ft. (15 m) away. Bystanders should be encouraged
to wear eye protection. If you are approached, stop the
engine and cutting attachment. If you are using a brush
cutter attachment, there is the added risk of injury to
bystanders from being struck with the moving blade in
the event of a blade thrust or other unexpected reaction
of the saw.
Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or
under the inuence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Do not operate in poor lighting.
Keep rm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Over-
reaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot
surfaces.
Do not use on a ladder, rooftop, tree, or other unstable
support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better
control of the unit in unexpected situations.
Keep all parts of your body away from any moving
part.
To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the
bottom of the engine above waist level.
Do not touch area around the muer or cylinder of the
unit, these parts get hot from operation. Contact with hot
surfaces could result in possible serious personal injury.
Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
before making any adjustments or repairs except for
carburetor adjustments.
Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel
leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
The cutting attachment should never rotate at idle dur-
ing normal use. The cutting attachment may rotate at
idle during carburetor adjustments.
It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held
tools may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s
Syndrome in certain individuals. Symptoms may in-
clude tingling, numbness, and blanching of the ngers,
usually apparent upon exposure to cold. Hereditary
factors, exposure to cold and dampness, diet, smok-
ing, and work practices are all thought to contribute
to the development of these symptoms. It is presently
unknown what, if any, vibrations or extent of exposure
may contribute to the condition. There are measures
that can be taken by the operator to possibly reduce the
eects of vibration:
a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When oper-
ating the unit wear gloves to keep hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major
factor contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.
b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.
d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened,
and worn parts replaced.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condi-
tion, immediately discontinue use and see your physi-
cian about these symptoms.
Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.
Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or ames.
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 30 ft. (9 m) away from
refueling site before starting engine. Slowly remove
the fuel cap after stopping engine. Do not smoke when
refueling.
Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or
storing the unit.
Safety Rules
General Safety Rules
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in electric shock, re
and/or serious personal injury.
6Safety Rules
Specific Safety Rules
Specific Safety Rules For Trimmer Use
Inspect before use. Replace damaged parts. Make sure
fasteners are in place and secure. Check for fuel leaks.
Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in
any way. Be sure the string head or blade is properly
installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can
cause serious injury.
Make sure all guards, straps, deectors, and handles are
properly and securely attached.
Never use blades, ailing devices, wire, or rope. Use
only the recommended or equivalent replacement
line in the cutting head. Do not use any other cutting
attachment. To install any other brand of cutting head to
this string trimmer can result in serious personal injury.
Never operate unit without the grass deector in place
and in good condition.
Maintain a rm grip on both handles while trimming.
Keep string head below waist level. Never cut with the
string head located over 30 in. or more above the ground.
This product is intended for infrequent use by homeown-
ers and other occasional users for such general applica-
tions as trimming light and heavy vegetation, etc. It is not
intended for prolonged use. Prolonged periods of opera-
tion can cause circulatory problems in the user’s hands
due to vibration. For such use, it may be appropriate to
use a product having an anti-vibration feature.
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use
them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you loan
someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.
Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank into a
container approved for fuel and secure the unit from
moving before transporting in a vehicle.
Wear your protective equipment and observe all safety
instructions. For units equipped with a clutch, be sure
the cutting attachment stops turning when the engine
idles. When the unit is turned o make sure the cutting
attachment has stopped before the unit is set down.
We recommend taking your equipment to a qualied
service center for repair, as service performed by in-
experienced or unqualied persons may damage the
equipment, create unsafe conditions, injury to user
and/or void your warranty.
7
Symbols
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this
product.
Symbol Signal Meaning
DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered important, but
not related to a potential injury (e.g. messages relating to property damage).
Symbols
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning for safe operation
of this product.
Symbol Name Explanation
Safety Alert Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
Read Operator’s Manual To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand opera-
tor’s manual before using this product.
Eye and Hearing Protection
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1 along with hearing protection when operating this
equipment.
Wear Gloves Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling this
equipment.
Wear Safety Footwear Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this equipment.
Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. (15 m) away.
Ricochet Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
No Blade Do not install or use any type of blade on a product displaying this
symbol.
Gasoline and Lubricant
Use unleaded gasoline intended for motor vehicle use with an
octane rating of 87 [(R + M)/2] or higher. This product is powered
by a 2-cycle engine and requires pre-mixing gasoline and 2-cycle
lubricant.
8
Product Labels
Product labels and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger.
Replace damaged or lost labels.
Part No. 940686148
Part No. 940657164
Part No. 940864003
Product Labels
Part No. 940657165
Part No. 940865001 Part No. 941019010
9
Features
Product Specifications
Name Specification
Engine 25.4cc Full Crank
Cutting Width
Item No. 51958 17 in.
Item Nos. 51978 and 51978A 18 in.
Line Size .095 in.
Specifications
10
Know Your Product
See Figure 1.
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the
information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as well
as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before
use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating
features and safety rules, in both this manual and the opera-
tor’s manuals for all attachments that you are using with this
power head.
Engine
The engine is powerful and easy to start. It is eectively
counterbalanced, which allows for less vibration and more
durability.
Grass Deflector
The grass deector helps protect you from ying debris.
Grass Shield
The grass shield prevents grass from wrapping around the
trimmer shaft.
Ergonomic Design
The design of the product provides for easy handling. It is
designed for comfort and ease of grasp when operating in
dierent positions and at dierent angles.
Features
Figure 1
Straight Shaft Trimmer
(Item Nos. 51978 and 51978A)
Front Handle
Engine
Throttle
Trigger
Curved Shaft
Grass Deflector
Engine
Throttle
Trigger Primer
Bulb
Primer
Bulb
Curved Shaft Trimmer
(Item No. 51958)
Front Handle
Straight Shaft
Grass Deflector
Knob
Knob
On/Stop
Switch
On/Stop
Switch
Trigger
Lock-Out
Trigger
Lock-Out
Coupler
Coupler
Choke
Lever
Choke
Lever
Muffler
Fuel
Cap
Fuel
Cap
Starter
Grip and
Rope
Starter
Grip and
Rope
Grass
Shield
Muffler
This manual suits for next models
2
Table of contents
Languages:
Other Toro Trimmer manuals
Toro
Toro 51460 - Cordless Trimmer User manual
Toro
Toro 51248 User manual
Toro
Toro PowerPlex 40 V MAX User manual
Toro
Toro 51354 User manual
Toro
Toro 51556 User manual
Toro
Toro 320000001 User manual
Toro
Toro Flex-Force Power System 51841 User manual
Toro
Toro 51465-230000001 User manual
Toro
Toro Flex-Force Power System 51834 User manual
Toro
Toro 51467 - Cordless Electric Trimmer User manual
