Advancing the string

it like all other trimmers has a bump feeder on it. all you have to do is bump the head of the trimmer on the ground as it's running to let out more string. if the string has broken off and retracted into the head you will need to pull apart the head and let out some more string before you can continue however. it will only let the string out if its still sticking out from the hole it's supposed to be dispensed from.

Sometimes the spring may need extending as over time the bumping makes the spring lose its push tension causing no line advance

I have a Ryobi Model RY28040 straight shaft line trimmer. In my case I replaced the complete String Head Assembly that includes the String Head Housing, Spring, and Spool and the string still did not advance. I then discovered that the bolt in the Spool Retainer cap (the red cap that attaches the spool to the shaft) was fused and not moving. The bolt needs to be loose inside the cap in order to allow the spool to move in and out by the spring. I loosened the bolt and fastened the spool back onto the shaft. Fired it up and bumped it a few times and the line began to advance. Turns out I probably only needed to replace the Spool Retainer rather than the String Head Assembly.

Hi Dave.
When you are using a strimmer against stone or concrete you have to just barely allow the tip of the line to touch the ground. If too much of the line slaps off the concrete, any sharp edges or roughness on the concrete will tend to snap it. What you could try is heavier gauge strimmer line which might last longer. I used to use petrol strimmer line on my Black and Decker strimmer which was 350 watt rated. I'm not sure what effect it would have in the long term though and may wear the bearings due to the extra weight.

Hold the complete string head assembly. Grasp the little black bump knob on the very bottom and turn it counterclockwise. Then the spool that holds the line must be turned to clear the locking plastic tabs and you can remove it and get to the string again. Sometimes the bump knob (little black one) gets really tight and large pliars (channel locks) can be used to grab it and turn it.

These little electric machines have an automatic line feeding system. Do not bump the trimmer head on the ground attempting to make line advance. If the line advance is not functioning like it should, then the string head should be removed and the spool inspected for snags and tangles.

the notice on the trimmer says it has an AFS Automatic Feed Spool, "NO BUMPING REQUIRED". I see that underneath the spool, there's a small plastic centrifugal weightwith a peg on it. . It kinda looks like it might advance the line each time the electric motor starts and stops. If there are loose clippings in there, or if the weight is stuck, it probably would cause the problem.

Hi Deborah,
You need to start from the beginning of the trimmer string. Remove the entire spool. Insert the start of the line through and wedge it into the little groove to keep it from coming loose. Now wind the line tightly and neatly in the direction shown on the spool. (it should provide an arrow stating to "wind this way". As you near the end of the line, keep it snug and push the end through the hole where it leads out to the cutting zone. As you re-insert the spool into the housing, make sure it stays tightly wound as you lock it into place. This should help. Usually when your string is too short, you tap the **** of the spool on the ground to advance the line. It should feed a bit at a time, and when you hear it getting cut off, you should stop advancing the line.
Hope this helps.

It sounds like you may need to replace the head. It is designed to advance and stop, but your's isn't stopping. Try this: Clean the inside of the head and connection to the machine well. Put some graphite inside the spool and where it connects to the machine; be generous with the graphite. Put the head back on with some line properly wound onto the spoo (note arrows on back of spool). With the machine off tap the head on the ground enough to disperse the graphite thoroughly in the head. Now, push the head as though to advance the line, and pull on the line. If it advances a little and stops, it is working. Do this several times to be sure. If you can get it working like this, you're good to go. If not, replace the spool. Even with the new spool, occasionally put some graphite in it to keep the line advance smooth!

Best regards, --W/D--.....Please feel free to rate this solution. Thanx!

Did you try bumping the head on the ground? Also, the head could be dirty, keeping the string from feeding. Or maybe the previous owner tried putting a larger size string in the head. Check to see what the proper size is for your trimmer.
Both of these suggestions could cause this.

Jim