Flex-Force Power System™ 60V MAX String Trimmer

Model No. 51835T-Serial No. 320000001 and Up

Introduction

This trimmer is intended to be used by residential homeowners to trim grass as needed outdoors. It is designed to use Toro Flex-Force lithium-ion battery pack Models 81825, 81860 or 81875. These battery packs are designed to be charged only by battery charger Models 81802 or 81805. Using this product for purposes other than its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

Visit www.Toro.com for product safety and operation training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Model 51835T does not include a battery or a charger.

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For assistance, please see www.Toro.com/support for instructional videos or contact your Authorized Service Dealer before returning this product.

Safety

WARNING—When using electric gardening appliances, always read and follow basic safety warnings and instructions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

I. Training

  1. The operator of the appliance is responsible for any accidents or hazards occurring to others or their property.

  2. Do not allow children to use or play with the appliance, battery pack, or the battery charger; local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

  3. Do not allow people with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities or without experience and knowledge to use the appliance, battery pack, or battery charger unless they receive instruction or supervision on using it safely and understand the hazards involved while using it.

  4. Before using the appliance, battery pack, and battery charger, read all the instructions and cautionary markings on these products.

  5. Become familiar with the controls and proper use of the appliance, battery pack, and battery charger.

II. Preparation

  1. Keep bystanders and children away from the operating area.

  2. Use only the battery pack specified by Toro. Using other accessories and attachments may increase the risk of injury and fire.

  3. Plugging the battery charger into an outlet that is not 100 to 240 V can cause a fire or electric shock. Do not plug the battery charger into an outlet other than 100 to 240 V. For a different style of connection, use an attachment plug adapter of the proper configuration for the power outlet if needed.

  4. Do not use a damaged or modified battery pack or battery charger, which may exhibit unpredictable behavior that results in fire, explosion, or risk of injury.

  5. If the supply cord to the battery charger is damaged, contact an Authorized Service Dealer to replace it.

  6. Do not use non-rechargeable batteries.

  7. Charge the battery pack with only the battery charger specified by Toro. A charger suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.

  8. Charge the battery pack in a well-ventilated area only.

  9. Do not expose a battery pack or battery charger to fire or to temperatures higher than 68°C (154°F).

  10. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Otherwise, you may damage the battery pack and increase the risk of fire.

  11. Do not operate the appliance without all guards and other safety protective devices in place and functioning properly on the appliance.

  12. Dress properly—Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection; long pants; substantial, slip-resistant footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long hair and do not wear loose jewelry that can get caught in moving parts. Wear a dust mask in dusty operating conditions.

III. Operation

  1. Avoid dangerous environments—Do not use the appliance in rain or in damp or wet locations.

  2. Use the proper appliance for your application—Using the appliance for purposes other an its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

  3. Prevent unintentional starting—Ensure that the switch is in the OFF position before connecting to the battery pack and handling the appliance. Do not carry the appliance with your finger on the switch or energize the appliance with the switch in the ON position.

  4. Operate the appliance only in daylight or good artificial light.

  5. Remove the battery pack from the appliance before adjusting it or changing accessories.

  6. Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting area and all moving parts.

  7. Stop the appliance, remove the battery pack from the appliance, and wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing the appliance.

  8. Remove the battery pack from the appliance whenever you leave it unattended.

  9. Do not force the appliance—Allow the appliance to do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

  10. Do not overreach—Keep proper footing and balance at all times, especially on slopes. Walk, never run with the appliance.

  11. Stay alert—Watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating the appliance. Do not use the appliance while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  12. Ensure that the ventilation openings are kept clear of debris.

  13. Under abusive conditions, the battery pack may eject liquid; avoid contact. If you accidently come into contact with the liquid, flush with water. If the liquid contacts your eyes, seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery pack may cause irritation or burns.

  14. CAUTION—A mistreated battery pack may present a risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not disassemble the battery pack. Do not heat the battery pack above 68°C (154°F) or incinerate it. Replace the battery pack with a genuine Toro battery pack only; using another type of battery pack may cause a fire or explosion. Keep battery packs out of the reach of children and in the original packaging until you are ready to use them.

IV. Maintenance and Storage

  1. Maintain the appliance with care—Keep it clean and in good repair for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow the instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

  2. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from metal objects such as paper clips, coins, keys, nails, and screws that can make a connection from 1 terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals may cause burns or a fire.

  3. Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.

  4. Stop the appliance, remove the battery pack from the appliance, and wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing the appliance.

  5. Check the appliance for damaged parts—If there are damaged guards or other parts, determine whether it will operate properly. Check for misaligned and binding moving parts, broken parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. Unless indicated in the instructions, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair or replace a damaged guard or part.

  6. Do not replace the existing non-metallic cutting means on the appliance with a metallic cutting means.

  7. Do not attempt to service or repair the appliance, battery pack, or battery charger except as indicated in the instructions. Have an Authorized Service Dealer perform service using identical replacement parts to ensure that the product is safely maintained.

  8. Store an idle appliance indoors in a place that is dry, secure, and out of the reach of children.

  9. Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The cell may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

Safety and Instructional Decals

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Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.
decal139-5220

139-5220

  1. Do not discard improperly.
decal139-8262

139-8262

  1. Warning—read the Operator’s Manual; wear eye protection; wear hearing protection; do not expose to rain.
decal139-8263

139-8263

  1. Warning—keep bystanders away from the machine in all directions.
  2. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away.

Setup

Unfolding the Shaft

Parts needed for this procedure:

Allen wrench1

  1. Unfold the shaft (A of Figure 1).

  2. Align the locking button on the lower shaft with the slotted hole on the upper shaft and slide the 2 shafts together (B and C of Figure 1).

    Note: The locking button clicks into the slotted hole when both shafts are secured (D of Figure 1).

  3. Using the provided Allen wrench, tighten the screw on the shaft connector until it is secure (E of Figure 1).

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Figure 1

Installing the Auxiliary Handle

Parts needed for this procedure:

Auxiliary handle assembly1

  1. Separate the auxiliary handle from the handle plate by removing the 4 socket head screws using the provided Allen wrench (A of Figure 2).

  2. Line up the guides on the auxiliary handle plate to the guide on the bottom of the trimmer shaft (B of Figure 2).

  3. Line up the auxiliary handle with auxiliary handle plate on the trimmer shaft (C of Figure 2).

  4. Secure the auxiliary handle to the handle plate with the 4 socket head screws previously removed (D of Figure 2).

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Figure 2

Installing the Guard

Parts needed for this procedure:

Guard1

  1. Using the provided Allen wrench, remove the 2 socket head screws, 2 washers, and 2 spacers from the trimmer base (A of Figure 3).

  2. Align the guard onto the trimmer base (B of Figure 3).

  3. Secure the guard onto the base of the trimmer with the 2 socket head screws, 2 washers, and 2 spacers previously removed (C of Figure 2).

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Figure 3

Installing the Strap

Parts needed for this procedure:

String trimmer strap1

If you are using the machine with battery Model 81860 or 81875, a string trimmer strap is recommended.

Connect the metal hook on the shoulder harness to the strap collar on the string trimmer handle (Figure 4).

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Figure 4

  1. Strap adjuster
  2. Metal strap hook
  3. Strap collar
  4. Shoulder strap

The strap length is adjustable; slide the strap adjuster up to decrease the length of the strap, or down to increase the length of the strap (Figure 4).

If there is ever an emergency and you need to rapidly remove the harness, disconnect the quick-release buckle as follows:

  1. Press in on the sides of the buckle (A of Figure 5).

  2. Allow the buckle to disconnect (B of Figure 5).

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Figure 5

Product Overview

Appropriate Temperature Ranges

Charge/store the battery pack at5°C (41°F) to 40°C (104°F)*
Use the battery pack at -30°C (-22°F) to 49°C (120°F)
Use the trimmer at0°C (32°F) to 49°C (120°F)
Store the trimmer at0°C (32°F) to 49°C (120°F)*

*Charging time will increase if you do not charge the battery within this range.

Store the tool, battery pack, and battery charger in an enclosed clean, dry area.

Operation

Starting the Trimmer

  1. Make sure that the vents on the trimmer are clear of any dust and debris.

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    Figure 6

    1. Trimmer venting areas

  2. Align the cavity in the battery pack with the tongue on the handle housing (Figure 7).

  3. Push the battery pack into the handle until the battery locks into the latch (Figure 7).

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    Figure 7

    1. Battery latch

  4. To start the trimmer, squeeze the lockout trigger, then squeeze the variable-speed trigger (Figure 8).

    Note: Slide the speed range switch to change the speed of the trimmer.

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    Figure 8

    1. Speed range switch
    2. Lockout trigger
    3. Variable-speed trigger

Shutting Off the Trimmer

To shut off the trimmer, release both triggers.

Whenever you are not using the trimmer or are transporting the trimmer to or from the work area, remove the battery pack.

Removing the Battery Pack from the Trimmer

Press the battery latch to release the battery pack and slide the battery pack out of the machine (Figure 9).

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Figure 9

  1. Battery latch

Advancing the Line Using the Bump Feed

  1. Run the tool at full throttle.

  2. Tap the bump button on the ground to advance the line. The line advances each time the bump button is tapped. Do not hold the bump button on the ground.

    Note: The line trimming cut-off blade on the grass deflector cuts the line to the correct length.

    Note: If the line is worn too short, you may not be able to advance the line by tapping it on the ground. If so, release both triggers and refer to Advancing the Line Manually.

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Figure 10

  1. Bump button

Advancing the Line Manually

Remove the battery pack from the trimmer, then push the bump button at the base of the spool retainer while pulling on the trimmer line to manually advance the line.

Adjusting the Cutting Swath

The trimmer comes from the factory with a cutting swath of 36.6 cm (14 inches) as shown in A of Figure 11. Refer to the following instructions to adjust the swath to 40.6 cm (16 inches) as shown in D of Figure 11.

  1. Remove the swath blade from the bottom of the guard by removing the 2 screws holding it in place using the provided Allen wrench (B of Figure 11) and rotate the swath blade 180°.

  2. Once the swath blade is rotated, install it onto the guard using the 2 screws previously removed (C of Figure 11).

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Figure 11

Operating Tips

  • Keep the trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the best cutting area.

  • The string trimmer cuts when you move it from left to right. This prevents the trimmer from throwing debris at you.

  • Use the tip of the string to do the cutting; do not force the string head into uncut grass.

  • Wire and picket fences can cause the string to wear rapidly and even break. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood can also cause the string to wear rapidly.

  • Avoid trees and shrubs. The string can easily damage tree bark, wood moldings, siding, and fence posts.

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Figure 12

  1. Direction of rotation
  2. String path

Maintenance

After each use of the trimmer, complete the following:

  1. Remove the battery from the trimmer.

  2. Wipe the trimmer clean with a damp cloth. Do not hose the trimmer down or submerge it in water.

    Caution

    The line cutoff blade on the deflector is sharp and can cut you.

    Do not use your hands to clean the deflector shield and blade.

  3. Wipe or scrape clean the cutting head area any time there is an accumulation of debris.

  4. Check and tighten all fasteners. If any part is damaged or lost, repair or replace it.

  5. Brush debris away from air intake vents and exhaust on motor housing to prevent the motor from overheating.

Replacing the String

Use only 2 mm (0.080 inch) monofilament string (Toro Part No. 88201) or 2.4 mm (0.095 inch) twisted monofilament string (Toro Part No. 88202).

  1. Remove the battery pack.

  2. Remove any old string on the spool by repetitively pressing the bump button while pulling the line out equally from both sides of the trimmer.

  3. Cut 1 piece of string according to the following specifications.

    • If you are using 2 mm (0.080 inch) string, cut one piece of line approximately 4.9 m (16 ft).

    • If you are using 2.4 mm (0.095 inch) twisted string, cut one piece of line approximately 3 m (10 ft).

    Important: Do not use any other gauge or type of string, as this could damage the trimmer.

  4. Press and turn the knob on the string head until arrow on the knob aligns with arrow on the string head (Figure 13).

  5. Insert 1 end of the line at an angle into the LINE IN eyelet and push the line through the string head track until it comes out through the eyelet on the other side. Pull the line though the string head until the line outside the string is evenly divided on each side.

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    Figure 13

    Disassembled view shown for clarity

    1. Arrows
    2. Knob
    3. String head
    4. Eyelet
    5. String
    6. Track

    Important: Do not disassemble the trimmer head.

  6. Hold the string head in place with one hand. With your other hand, rotate the knob in the direction shown by the arrows (counterclockwise).

  7. Wind the line, leaving about 102 mm (4 inches) extending beyond the eyelet on each side.

Storage

Important: Store the tool, battery pack, and charger only in temperatures that are within the appropriate range; refer to Specifications.

Important: If you are storing the battery pack for the off-season, charge it until 2 or 3 LED indicators turn green on the battery. Do not store a fully charged or fully depleted battery. When you are ready to use the machine again, charge the battery pack until the left indicator light turns green on the charger or all 4 LED indicators turn green on the battery.

  • Disconnect the product from the power supply (i.e., remove the plug from the power supply or the battery pack) and check for damage after use.

  • Do not store the machine with the battery pack installed.

  • Clean all foreign material from the product.

  • When not in use, store the tool, battery pack, and battery charger out of the reach of children.

  • Keep the tool, battery pack, and battery charger away from corrosive agents, such as garden chemicals and de-icing salts.

  • To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, do not store the battery pack outside or in vehicles.

  • Store the tool, battery pack, and battery charger in an enclosed clean, dry area.

Troubleshooting

Perform only the steps described in these instructions. All further inspection, maintenance, and repair work must be performed by an authorized service center or a similarly qualified specialist if you cannot solve the problem yourself.

ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
The tool does not start.
  1. The battery is not fully installed in the tool.
  2. The battery pack is not charged.
  3. The battery pack is damaged.
  4. There is another electrical problem with the tool.
  1. Remove and then replace the battery into the tool, making sure that it is fully installed and latched.
  2. Remove the battery pack from the tool and charge it.
  3. Replace the battery pack.
  4. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
The tool does not reach full power.
  1. The battery pack charge capacity is too low.
  2. The air vents are blocked.
  1. Remove the battery pack from the tool and fully charge the battery pack.
  2. Clean the air vents.
The tool is producing excessive vibration or noise.
  1. There is debris on the drum area on the trimmer.
  2. The spool is not properly wound.
  1. Clean any debris off of the drum area.
  2. Advance the line using the trigger switch and/or remove the line on the spool and wind the spool again.
The tool does not run or does not run continuously.
  1. There is moisture on the leads of the battery pack.
  2. The battery is not fully installed into the tool.
  1. Allow the battery pack to dry or wipe it dry.
  2. Remove and then replace the battery into the tool making sure that it is fully installed and latched.