MACH 4^® Line Blades Safety Instructions

The following information is intended to help you achieve a more productive, pleasant, and safe experience in trimming after you have properly converted your trimmer. Basic trimmer safety information is initially provided followed by added information with new methods and techniques that are very informative, helpful, and useful.

In particular, we hope that you will quickly understand the numerous benefits of lower speed operation which are made possible with this exciting technology. The information that follows will enable you to experience the maximum performance of the MACH 4^® Line Blade technology. Here are just a few benefits:

• How to maximize MACH 4^® line blade life
• How to trim efficiently with unique methods
• How to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others
• How to protect yourself and others
• Low speed trimming - using part throttle
• How to achieve quiet, smooth, and efficient trimming
• Better control of thrown objects with reduced energy
• Precision edging over longer distances w/o harassing stops and numerous interruptions        
  needed to bump advance or to reload, rewind, thread, and repair your existing line system
• Use the line blades as a convenient blower for small areas
• Extend running time with less fueling and to reduce your fuel cost
• Slice through heavy vegetation with ease
• Engage fences w/o the usual catastrophic failures
• Operate with visibility of swath for better control
• Ease and simplicity of reloading MACH 4^® Line Blades

	Read, understand, and follow these instructions and your Trimmer’s Operation & Safety Manual before using this product. Failure to do so may increase the risk of injury.

Avoid permanent eye loss or injury. Always wear properly selected ANSI Z87 safety eye protection when using this product and pay particular attention to protecting the well being of bystanders.

Improperly used MACH 4® Line Blades can pose an added potential risk of laceration and thrown object injuries. The most significant concerns involve the potential of body contact with rotating line blades and/or from thrown objects due to their greater propensities. Take the necessary precautions that are provided.
	While the MACH 4® line blade is a flexible cutting mechanism, it is a cross between conventional monofilament flexible line and a solid blade. It is a "FLEXIBLE LINE BLADE" designed to slice and cut vegetation more efficiently. The aerodynamic "line blades" are heavier, stronger, wider, and more powerful than conventional monofilament lines. Further, they will rotate faster due to their lower air drag features. These improved dynamic and technological features may create much higher energies than conventional lines. Therefore, you must be extremely cautious and especially aware of the added injury risks if improperly used.

To reduce the danger of thrown objects (direction, size, and quantity) or debris, run your trimmer at part throttle or lower speeds for most trimming operations. Heavier vegetation cutting may require additional power and speed.

Do not remove debris shield from trimmer unit. Assure line blades fit the trimmer shield. Shorten line blades with a scissor if needed. Assure proper assembly of shield and its rear coverage with the plane of the line blades to reduce debris thrown back to you.

Severe injury can occur from contact with rotating head or line blades. Keep rotating line blades a safe distance away from feet or other body parts. Turn off engine before servicing or changing out line blades.

Keep people and animals at least 50 feet away while operating a trimmer. Do not operate trimmer if bystander is within a 50 foot radius of operator. Protect those beyond 50’ from thrown objects. Keep cutting head below waist. Do not operate trimmer above your head!

Wear proper safety clothing to protect feet, legs, and other exposed parts of your body. Wear protective shoes that will give you adequate footing on slippery surfaces. Do not wear ties, jewelry, or loose, dangling clothing that could get caught in the unit. Do not wear open-toed footwear or operate your trimmer barefoot or barelegged.

Do not operate this product under the influence of any alcoholic beverages, medications, or substances which could affect your vision, dexterity, or judgment.

Remove rocks, broken glass, wire, cans, or other objects that may be entangled or encountered.

Never operate with worn or damaged parts. Replace damaged parts before using this tool. If sudden vibration occurs, immediately shut down unit. Diagnose and correct problem using product again.

MACH4® Trimming  System – CONVERSION INSTRUCTIONS Installing MACH 4® Head onto Your Trimmer                                   Follow specific instructions provided in your MACH 4® Kit Click here for P rinter-Friendly Assembly Instructions

SHORT ARBORS Remove old trimmer head. Use a metal pin or spanner wrench to prevent the trimmer output shaft from rotating. Know the direction of rotation of your unit.        Counterclockwise rotating units will have left-hand (reverse) threads. To remove, turn head to the right. Clockwise rotating units will have right hand threads. To remove, turn to the left. Select proper MACH 4® head and use proper matching fastener for your trimmer. Discard extra parts.

LONG ARBORS Remove knob, spool, and other retaining mechanisms. Slide or tap off head (hammer) to expose hex at base. Select proper MACH 4® head - slide onto hex base. Securely tighten (65 in.lbs) with properly selected fastener. Discard any remaining parts supplied in the kit.

CHOOSING LINE BLADE COLORS HERE’S A GOOD BEGINNING TIP! (When you first start using the MACH 4® System) While we understand the beginning complexities of these worthwhile line blade features, you can have the best of both worlds and simplify with the following beginning procedures:
		After you have become familiar with the features and applied speeds of the MACH 4® line blades, you can be more color selective to match your special needs. As a further aid, the chart below will aid your selection alternatives.
		For example, when cutting (edging/trimming), regardless of your trimmer’s rotation – you can use two orange and two yellow line blades. (There will be a slight helpful updraft like a rotary mower that lifts longer grass to help cut it more cleanly.)
Cutoff Knife on Left	Cutoff Knife on Right	When blowing debris away, choose four of the proper color line blades with all four round sides (not the sharp) leading. For clockwise rotation, use four yellow line blades; For counterclockwise rotation, use four orange line blades.

COLOR SELECTION – As you use the line blades you will learn the special features of each color.
	Refer to the color and speed selection table that follows.
	Your MACH 4® kit is supplied with a combination of orange and yellow lineblades. Your trimmer head turns clockwise or counterclockwise. Determine what direction your trimmer turns at the head.
Cutoff Knife on Left
	The MACH 4® line blade’s tear drop cross-section is designed with aerodynamic streamlining to reduce drag. It is designed to operate at its greatest drag reducing efficiency with its blunt or rounded side leading into the cut. This recovers lost power while it also reduces noise dramatically. For the best aerodynamics, use yellow for clockwise; orange for counterclockwise.
Cutoff Knife on Right
	Initial New Line Blade Growling Noise: Unused line blades may create an initial "growling" noise that will diminish with use. It is a harmless resonance caused by air friction.
	The cutting quality of MACH 4 line blades will be better than conventional round line even hen run at lower speeds. Excess Blowdown: If four downdraft line blades are run at a high speed, the downdraft of air may tend to blow thin grass downward and away from the cutters making you think the line blades are not cutting well. When operated at low speeds this effect is minimized. Downdraft - a useful blower: However, at high speed, the downward air becomes a beneift as it makes a very convenient blower to help sweep debris away. Therefore, you can choose the colors for specific purposes to help your specific job.
	In the opposite manner, when running with all reverse oriented blades, (with sharp sides leading), there will be a loss of some of the aero efficiency but there will be cleaner and sharper (anti-browning) grass cutting. There will also be updraft that will lift the grass up and into the sharper cutters for a cleaner cut. The same principle occurs with the rotary mowing process.

CHANGE LINE COLOR COMBINATIONS AND ADJUST TO BEST SPEEDS TO ACHIEVE HIGHEST PERFORMANCE
These characteristics are great benefits of the MACH 4^® Line Blades not possible with conventional lines. They are available when you learn the direction of rotation of your trimmer and the selection of the multi-use features of each of the MACH 4 line blades (cutting edges as well as the up and downdraft).

ORDERING REPLACEMENT LINE BLADES
After you have established your most preferred colors, select your choice - used mixed colors or select all yellow for clockwise, or all orange for counterclockwise. This will come as you learn with experience and become more familiar with these unique line blade features and options.

WHAT COLOR AND WHAT SPEED TO USE
Vegetation Task	Select Color		Select Speed (RPM)
	Cutoff Knife on Left	Cuttoff Knife on Right	Low	Medium	High
Edging (Grass Against Abrasive Surfaces)	4 Orange or 2 + 2 Mix	4 Yellow or 2 + 2 Mix	Yes	Yes	X
Trimming (Free-standing Grass)	2 + 2 Mix	2 + 2 Mix	X	Yes	Yes
Trimming Against Fences	4 Orange or 2 + 2 Mix	4 Yellow or 2 + 2 Mix	Yes	Yes	X
Scalping (Grass and Weeds Flush to Ground)	4 Orange or 2 + 2 Mix	4 Yellow or 2 + 2 Mix	Yes	Yes	X
Hogging (Heavy Vegetation)	4 Orange or 2 + 2 Mix	4 Yellow or 2 + 2 Mix	X	X	Yes
Blowing (Debris Removal)	4 Orange	4 Yellow	X	Yes	Yes
Updraft Mowing (Standing Grass)	4 Yellow	4 Orange	X	Yes	Yes

Four line blades are most highly recommended. Never use one or three. Two should only be used for very light trimming at part throttle/low rotational speeds or if your engine cannot adequately power four. Otherwise, rapid wear will result. Four line blades will last longer than two and will allow you to cut at much lower speeds. If one of the four line blades break, remove the line blade from the opposite side to maintain the balance or even better replace the broken one and run with four but trim the new blade to the length of the other three.

OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TECHNIQUES

Dangerous and harmful debris can be thrown with the MACH 4® line blade system on your trimmer. Before cutting, always survey the area you are about to trim for rocks, debris, bees, or fire-ant nests, or other hazardous objects that may be encountered to become dangerous projectiles. Reduce the quantity and velocity of thrown objects by using lower speeds at part throttle.

Avoid permanent eye loss or injury. Always wear properly selected ANSI Z87 safety eye protection when using this product or any outdoor yard equipment. Always think safety first! Protect bystanders too! Wear proper leg and body protection as needed.

HOW TO EXTEND LINE BLADE LIFE
The greatest wear rates occur when the line blades are run at high speeds against abrasives. The longest life of MACH 4^® line blades will be best achieved using four line blades compared to two and running at lower speeds. Conventional lines easily break or wear thus requiring constant replenishment. We expect the line blades to more slowly wear out but hope this technology will reduce your frustrations normally experienced with conventional lines.

• PROPER STORAGE AND MOISTURE CONTENT
Nylon requires moisture. If the line blades get too dry they will become brittle and will break prematurely. Store unused line blades out of direct sunlight in a ziplock polybag with just a little water to keep a moist atmosphere. Occasionally, especially after winter storage, soak for 2-3 days in water. * See HOW TO MOISTURIZE AND STORE YOUR LINE BLADES

• USE SLOWER SPEED OPERATION/PART THROTTLE
Learn low speed power cutting where the powerful line blades are designed to perform and operating stresses are greatly reduced. Using 4 line blades at lower speeds (where possible) will extend line blade life in most trimming operations. The efficient aerodynamic cutting line blades have more cutting power allowing you to trim with more control at reduced cutting speeds by using part-throttle. The benefits are the reduction of thrown debris, less noise and vibration, and lower fuel usage as well as reduced line blade wear. Part throttle operation is not damaging to your engine. In fact, the reduced power and lower speed levels will reduce internal trimmer operating stresses and will extend its useful life. To clear internal fuel and carbon accumulation, rev engine at times to blow out or purge system. Periodically clean and reinstall the muffler outlet screen.

Ease off the throttle! It Pays!

OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TECHNIQUES

• TRIMMING AT A PRESET IDLE SPEED (Clutchless Trimmers Only) A number of our satisfied users have reported and like to boast that their entire job around their lot and home (trimming and edging against abrasive edges) was accomplished at or near idle speeds without having to use the trigger at all. Occasionally, when vegetation was a bit heavier, they would advance the throttle as needed and their clutchless unit had power to spare when called on. They saved fuel, enjoyed the low noise levels, and in general got their jobs done without interruption. Some also reported that setting the idle speed screw slightly above the normal idle speed (on clutchless units) allowed a very controllable and effective trimming speed to their precise liking! Additionally, they felt it to be a benefit not to have to pull the trigger all the time. Added benefits were further realized with very few thrown objects, more precise control into very tight spots, and very impressive line blade life.
• TRIM AT SLOWER SPEEDS WITH PART TRIGGER - HIGH LINE BLADE SPEEDS ACCELERATE ABRASION WEAR Even though MACH4® Line Blades will outlast conventional (fishing) line when abrasion tested by up to 20 to 40:1, they will abraid under high abusive force conditions onto abrasive surfaces. They are designed to operate at much lower speeds when applied directly against abrasives. The slower you go the longer their life. Therefore, you have the control options at hand.

• IN ABRASION Highly applied forces against abrasive surfaces will accelerate abrasion wear rate. Reducing speed and applied force will lengthen life. Trim the worn or feathered tips evenly with a scissor and use for vertical edging.
• IN HEAVY VEGETATION More likely the line blades will eventually reach a fatigue limit and begin to chip off or eventually break somewhere between the transition and the outlet. It may be necessary at times to use full throttle operation in heavy vegetation.
• USE VISUAL LINE BLADE PLANE - For Better Control Vegetation cutting is best done at the outer tip of the line blade's plane. Unlike conventional line's invisible swath, the line blade (with proper light) creates a noticeable and visible cutting plane for added control and assistance. Feed the edge of the cutting swath plane (not the spokes) into the vegetation at a gentle rate.
• TRIMMING AROUND SENSITIVE OBJECTS The powerful line blade has the capability to damage tree bark. However, operating at very reduced speeds will help control and avoid scarring or damage to younger trees bark or wood structures. Where possible use the visible line blade plane as a helpful control when feeding close and into sensitive areas, fences, trees, etc. MACH4® line blade can trim closely at part throttle without entangling.
• CONTROL DIRECTION OF DEBRIS THROWN BY TRIMMER When trimming or mowing grass, one side of the rotating cutting swath will throw debris back toward your body while the opposite side will propel debris away. Control debris direction by using the proper portion of the swath and use part throttle to reduce the quantity and velocity of the debris. Level the swath plane with the ground. Allow the head to glide along the surface and gently move the trimmer head in an arc, like a scything motion, back and forth but do not hack or plunge.
• EDGING (VERTICAL) The line blades create an outstanding edging tool. Use them on their thrusting side to help pull the trimmer along the edge. Landscapers prefer clean, sculpted edge on sidewalks, curbs, driveway, and flower beds. The strong cutters remove more debris quicker without harassing interruptions, saving you time and money. Using partially worn line blades at low speeds will give you excellent results. •  Save worn lines 1-2" from the twist for the best edging performance. Try edging at the most minimum effective trimmer speed to reduce debris and to reduce the wear and tear on line blades and on your trimmer too. •  Curling - If you have been vertically edging and you may notice a curl at the tip of the line blades. This will straighten when running with higher centrifugal force or simply bend the curl with your fingers to straighten it.

• You must always maintain control of the trimmer's position and its speed during your process to prevent injury to yourself and others. •  When edging always be very cautious. Direct debris (stand to the side) away from yourself, other bystanders (even outside of a 50 foot distance), or personal property. Stop the edging operation immediately if pedestrians, vehicles, or animals move near your cutting location.
CAUTION Take care not to contact the line blade plane into any debris areas (gravel drives, or walkways), outdoor structures, property, or outdoor furniture. The line blades can throw debris and cut or damage an object if impacted!

ADJUST TRIMMING SEQUENCE WITH MACH 4^® LINE BLADES
Trimming Sequence

• Do general horizontal flat trimming first - Save partially worn lines for vertical edging.
• Don't over force or push the stronger line blades into the cut.
• Vertically edge last - use partially consumed or shorter line blades, they work even better when vertical edging - either wait for them to wear down or cut the line blades about 1" shorter with scissors.

Edging against abrasives (concrete, bricks, asphalt, etc.)

• Use partially worn line blades.
• Reduce feeding or push force - cut with the very tip of the line swath - don't plunge or over-force the strong line blades into an overly abrasive condition.
• Use faster ground speeds (walk and edge at a comfortable and effective rate).
• Experience and adjust to your own best methods to properly edge in achieving clean precise cutting with MACH4^® line blades.

BLOW AWAY DEBRIS -  BENEFIT FROM DOWNWARD AIR FLOW • Two orange and two yellow line blades will not blow air downward. • When using all four of the same proper MACH4® line blades, they will blow grass downward. • Trim grass at low speed (part throttle) (low downward air flow will not blow grass down). • Use the outer edge of the swath to cut grass - feed the outer swath edge into the cut • Once you have finished your trimming and edging, try the Aero-Sweep® feature of the line blades. This effectively moves debris off your driveway, patio, and sidewalks. • Use high engine speeds (full throttle) to blow and sweep. It creates useful high air volume.

• Keep bystanders away - for their safety and well being. • Keep animals away - for their safety and well being. • Do not operate any trimmer in the vicinity of people or animals with particular concern for thrown objects. • Avoid permanent eye loss or injury. Always wear properly chosen safety eye protection when using this product even when using the line blades as a sweeper. Keep bystanders at least 50 ft. away. • Control air thrust force. Be aware of a limited air thrust force from the line blades which tends to lift or move the trimmer head. Side thrust forces will occur if the plane of blades are turned to a more vertical position. Always use two hands on the handles of your trimmer; never operate with one hand as you will not have proper control.

HOW TO REDUCE VEGETATION WRAPPING ONTO HEAD

• Some will experience long grass strands wrapping around the head.
• Since MACH4^® line blades cut faster they will produce more long and severed vegetation strands, to likely resulting in increased wrapping around the head.
• Long vegetation strands will wind and wrap around the head eventually causing it to fully bind.
• Since short strands will not wrap as easily. Start cutting at the top of the high standing grass while feeding and chopping downward towards the ground. This more effectively mulches as you chop downward to eliminate the long strands which in turn will reduce wrapping.

HOW TO REDUCE ENGINE BOGGING AND STALLING

• When cutting into high grass or weeds down low at the base, some will experience long vegetation strands wrapping around the head.
• Some may experience the line blade's mass and torque overload to the engine to cause stalling or bogging. This may be especially true for low power, clutchless trimmers. It also depends on the engine strength and its own internal "fly wheel" or inertia characteristics.
  User control options to reduce stalling:
• Don't hack or rapidly swing head into heavy vegetation
• Use outer edge of line plane - feed slower and more gently into vegetation.
• Observe visual plane to gently control entry into heavy vegetation areas.
• Elevate speed slightly to a moderate level. (part throttle)
• Try two vs. four line blades.
• Try lighter sized line blade options. (available on special order)
• Try shorter line blades (scissor trim about 1/2" off tip of line blades).
• Consider operating "clutchless" trimmers at a selected and partially elevated preset idle speed. This will allow the engine to run high enough to cut without bogging the engine down.
• Find the best overall combination to match your trimmer and specialized cutting process.

COLD WEATHER TRIMMING
The line blades are designed and manufactured with the highest quality blends of nylons and copolymers available combined with special process technologies. MACH 4^® line blades are designed to operate and run efficiently at low speeds to reduce stress, which creates their greater durability in normal trimming conditions. Nylons have good impact and abrasive resistant characteristics and are stronger in higher temperature environments. In colder climates, nylon becomes a bit more brittle and will not endure heavy impact loading. There are significant trade-offs which we continue to research and develop. Most important, nylon cannot be allowed to dry out. They are initially moisturized at the factory. Follow moisturizing directions below to prevent brittleness.

HOW TO MOISTURE AND STORE YOUR LINE BLADES Proper moisture retention is important for any nylon which requires internal moisture retention for strength and flexibility. If it dries out it will become brittle. Learn how to control the proper amount of moisture necessary for nylon. Important moisture retention in the line blades can be lost in dry climates or over long periods of storage. Humidity less than 50% is more likely an environment that will cause the line blades to dry out. How to assure adequate moisture: If any doubt of dryness (low local humidity or winter storage). Insert line blades into a zip lock plastic bag and fill halfway with water. Seal and let soak for 2-3 days. Pour out the water and reseal the wet lines in the zip lock bag. Store out of direct sunlight.