Trimmer User Manual
Page 9 — English
WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical Homelite replacement 
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or 
cause product damage.
WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to 
comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. 
Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into 
your eyes and other possible serious injuries. 
WARNING:
Before inspecting, cleaning, or servicing the machine, 
shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and 
disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from spark 
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in 
serious personal injury or property damage.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most 
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of 
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use 
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, lubricant, grease, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, penetrating lubricants, etc., come in con-
tact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or 
destroy plastic which may result in serious personal 
injury.
You can often make adjustments and repairs described here. 
For other repairs, have the trimmer serviced by an authorized 
service dealer.
SPOOL REPLACEMENT 
REEL-EASY™ TAP ADVANCE SYSTEM 
See Figures 11 - 12.
If replacing string only, refer to String Replacement later 
in this manual.
Use only .080 in. diameter trimmer line. 
  Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Hold 
the string head and unscrew the spool retainer. 
  To remove the spool retainer: 
  Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26CS. 
  Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26SS.
  Remove the empty spool from the string head.
  NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the string head 
housing from the drive shaft. 
  Insert the new spool into the string head. 
MAINTENANCE
  NOTE: Make sure the arrows on the spool are aligned 
with the eyelets in the string head housing. Push down 
and hold the spool and housing together while complet-
ing the installation.
  Reinstall the spool retainer to secure. 
  To install the spool retainer: 
  Turn the spool retainer clockwise for 26CS. 
  Turn the spool retainer counterclockwise for 26SS. 
  Install string as described in String Replacement.
STRING REPLACEMENT
See Figures 12 - 14.
  Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. 
 Rotate the spool clockwise as necessary to align the 
arrows on the spool with the eyelets in the string head 
housing.
  Cut one piece of trimmer line 15 ft. long. Insert the line 
into the eyelet on the string trimmer housing. Push until 
the end of the line comes out the other side of the string 
head. Pull the line from the other side until equal amounts 
of line appear on both sides of the spool.
  Rotate the spool clockwise to wind the string on the 
spool until approximately 6 in. of line is showing on each 
side.
  Push the spool retainer down while pulling on string(s) 
to manually advance the string and to check for proper 
assembly of the string head.
CLEANING THE EXHAUST PORT
Depending on the type of fuel used, the type and amount 
of lubricant used, and/or your operating conditions, the 
exhaust port may become blocked with carbon deposits. 
If you notice a power loss with your gas powered tool, you 
may need to remove these deposits to restore performance. 
We highly recommend that only qualified service technicians 
perform this service.
SPARK ARRESTOR
The spark arrestor must be replaced every 50 hours or yearly 
to ensure proper performance of the product. Spark arres-
tors may be in different locations depending on the model 
purchased. Please contact the nearest service dealer for the 
location of the spark arrestor for your model.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER SCREEN
See Figure 15.
For proper performance and long life, keep air filter screen 
clean.
  Remove the air filter cover by pushing down on the latches 
while gently pulling off the cover.
  Brush the air filter screen lightly to clean. 
  Replace the air filter cover by inserting the tabs on the 
bottom of the cover into the slots on the air filter base; 
push the cover up until it latches securely in place.










