Operator's Manual
Electric Pole Saw / Trimmer
TB138PS
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS •
Safety alert symbols are used to draw your attention to possible dangers. These symbols, and their
explanations, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures. These safety instructions are not meant to cover every
possible condition that may occur. If questions arise, please call the Customer Support
Department at 1-800-828-5500 (U.S.) or 1-800-668-1238 (Canada).
SYMBOL
MEANING
DANGER:
Signals an EXTREME hazard.
Failure to obey a safety DANGER signal WILL result in serious injury or death to yourself or
to others.
WARNING:
Signals a SERIOUS hazard.
Failure to obey a safety WARNING signal CAN result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
CAUTION:
Signals a MODERATE hazard.
Failure to obey a safety CAUTION signal MAY result in property damage or injury to
yourself or to others.
IMPORTANT! Signals special mechanical information.
NOTE: Signals additional important general information.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
WARNING:
When using an electric unit, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to persons, including
the following.
BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the unit.
• DO NOT allow the unit to be used as a toy.
• Please read the entire operator's manual carefully before attempting to assemble, operate or
maintain the unit.
• Follow all safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in property damage or serious injury to
yourself and/or others.
• Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the unit. Know how to stop the unit
and disengage the controls quickly.
• Stay alert! Do not operate the unit when tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
PART NO. 769-05201 P00
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E8
In an effort to reduce the impact on forests, and reduce carbon and greenhouse
gas emissions, MTD is using less paper by reducing the text size of this manual.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright© 2009 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT RETURN THIS
Please call the Customer Support Department
1-800-828-5500
www.troybilt.com
DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE U.S. PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
For assistance regarding the assembly, controls, operation or maintenance of the unit, please call the
Customer Support Department. Additional information about the unit can be found on our website.
For service, please call the Customer Support Department to obtain a list of authorized service dealers near
you. Service on this unit, both within and after the warranty period, should only be performed by an
authorized and approved service dealer. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
Before beginning, locate the unit's model plate, which lists the model and serial numbers of your unit.
Refer to the sample plate below and copy the information for future reference.
Copy the model and parent part numbers here:
Copy the serial number here:
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Never allow children to operate the unit. Never allow adults to operate the unit without proper instruction.
• Make sure that all guards and safety attachments are properly installed before operating the unit.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If loaning
someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.
• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) away. If anyone enters the
work area, stop the unit!
• Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries. Do not start the operation until the work
area is clear and free from obstructions, there is secure footing and a planned retreat path from falling
branches.
• Always wear appropriate eye and ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear safety
goggles, or safety glasses with side shields, that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989
standards. Failure to do so could result in serious eye injury caused by thrown objects. If the
operation is dusty, wear a facemask or dust mask. When operating the unit over the head as a pole
saw, use a hardhat or other type of safety helmet.
• Dress appropriately. Wear non-slip protective gloves and boots. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry,
short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in
moving parts.
• Only use the unit in daylight or good artificial light.
• Only use the unit for its intended purpose. Only use the unit as described in this manual.
• Only use the manufacturer's recommended attachments with this unit. The curved shaft trimmer
and pole saw Add-Ons have been evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for use with this
unit; the use of any other accessory or attachment may increase the risk of injury.
TRIMMER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Inspect the work area before using the unit. Remove any hard and/or sharp objects, such as metal,
glass, wire, etc. If thrown, such objects could cause property damage or injury to the operator or
bystanders.
• Only use 0.080 inch (2.03 mm) diameter original equipment manufacturer replacement line. Never
use metal-reinforced line, wire or rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
• This unit was not designed to be used as a brushcutter. Do not attach or operate this unit with any
type of brushcutting blade or brushcutting attachment.
• Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may become lodged between the
cutting attachment and the shield.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place while operating the unit as a trimmer. Do not
operate the unit without both trimming lines extended and the proper line installed. Do not extend
the trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
• Extra caution is required when using the unit for edging purposes. There is an increased risk of
injury or property damage caused by thrown objects when the cutting attachment shield is not held
horizontal to the ground.
SERVICE INFORMATION
PRODUCT
or visit our website for assistance:
U.S.
or
1-800-668-1238
www.troybilt.ca
Canada
(08/09)