Echo SB Safety Manual

Echo grass trimmer safety manual
Hide thumbs Also See for SB:

Advertisement

Quick Links

SRM/GT/PAS/SB/PE SAFETY MANUAL
Misuse may result in serious or fatal injuries. You must read, under-
stand, and follow these safety instructions, and the instructions in the
Operator's Manual, before operating a Model GT Grass Trimmer, SRM
Trimmer-Brushcutter, PAS Pro-Attachment Series Powerhead, SB Split-
Boom Trimmer-Brushcutter, or PE Power Edger.
If you operate a model SB Split-Boom or PAS Pro Attachment Series
multi-attachment unit, you must also read, understand, and follow the
instructions in your PAS Attachment Operator's Manual.
Metal blades are very sharp and can cause severe injuries, even if engine
is off and blades are not moving. Avoid contact with blades. Wear gloves
to protect hands.
To locate your nearest Echo dealer, visit our website at www.echo-usa.com, or call 1-800-
432-ECHO (3246). Ask how to obtain a FREE Safety Video. Echo's supplemental Safety
Video provides helpful safety and operating information.
X7522270601
DANGER!
DANGER!
X752000041
09/07

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Echo SB

  • Page 1 Avoid contact with blades. Wear gloves to protect hands. To locate your nearest Echo dealer, visit our website at www.echo-usa.com, or call 1-800- 432-ECHO (3246). Ask how to obtain a FREE Safety Video. Echo’s supplemental Safety Video provides helpful safety and operating information.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Echo highly recommends that you obtain and review the supplemental Echo Trimmer- Brushcutter Safety Video before using your unit. Contact your Echo dealer for a copy, or for more information, or call Echo at 1-800-432-ECHO. You may also visit Echo’s website at www.Echo-USA.com.
  • Page 3: Safety Symbols And Warnings

    SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS These important safety symbols and warnings are used throughout this manual, and may also appear in your Operator’s, Attachment, or Installation Instruction Manual. warnings are provided to help make you aware of potential hazards, and the precautions you must take to protect yourself from injury.
  • Page 4 SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS Read Operator's and Safety Manuals Read manuals carefully, and follow rules for safe opera- tion. Failure to do so could result in serious or fatal injury. Wear Head, Eye, and Hearing Protection Wear head, hearing, and eye protection that meet ANSI requirements.
  • Page 5 SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS Slip Hazard Alert Wear slip-resistant footwear to reduce risk of falls. Operate Only With Debris Shield In Place Do not operate without correct debris shield. Stop Symbol Indicates the “Stop” position for the engine ignition switch (Stop Switch). Keep Bystanders 15 m (50 feet) Feet Away 15 m (50 feet)
  • Page 6 Work attachments can throw debris. Flying debris can cause serious injury. Danger Zone Alert Maintain 15 m (50 feet) radius danger zone around trimmer - brushcutter. Metal Blade Prohibition (Use Nylon Line Head Only) Metal blades cannot be used on unit. Use nylon line head only.
  • Page 7: Operator Safety

    (SRM/PAS/SB / straight shaft only), cutting brush, woody growth, and small saplings and trees. PAS Pro Attachment Series and SB units can be equipped with a wide variety of lawn and landscaping attachments for tasks ranging from edging to pruning, allowing operators to perform an entire range of appli- cations with just one powerhead.
  • Page 8 You must be mentally alert and physi- cally able to operate a trimmer, brushcutter, edger, or PAS attachment safely. If you are impaired in any way, or are physically unable to safely operate and control the unit, do not fuel, start, or attempt to use the unit.
  • Page 9 ALWAYS wear safety glasses or goggles under the face shield, and wear head protection when cutting overhead using a PAS or SB unit with Power Pruner or Hedge Clipper Attachments. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Gloves WARNING Sharp Blades/Powerful Cutting Action.
  • Page 10 OPERATOR SAFETY Leg Protection Wear long pants to protect legs from cuts and scratches caused by flying debris. Foot Protection Wear sturdy shoes or work boots to provide foot protec- tion. Steel-toe shoes or boots provide extra protection against dropped or falling objects. Make sure soles are non-slip for secure footing.
  • Page 11 Raynaud's Syndrome A condition known as Raynaud’s Syndrome can occur from exposure to cold and/or vibration. This condition affects the hands and arms, causing tingling, burning, numbness, and loss of color in the fingers. The amount of exposure needed to trigger this is unknown, and varies by individual.
  • Page 12: Assembly

    If parts are missing, or if you have a problem installing parts, contact your Echo Dealer for assistance or call Echo Consumer Product Support at 1-800-673-1558. For the Dealer nearest you ask your retailer or call 1-800-432-3246, or visit our website at www.echo-...
  • Page 13 NEVER install any other type of blade, line head, cutting attachment, part, or accessory on your trimmer/ brushcutter unless it is approved by Echo for use on your specific model. Parts and accessories that ap- pear to fit properly may create a safety hazard when the unit is operated, and could result in serious injury to operator and bystanders.
  • Page 14 Use only nylon line heads or GT series Maxi-Cut plastic weed trimmers approved for use on GT models by Echo. (See Set-up Guide page 15) SRM Debris Shield Cut-Off Knife...
  • Page 15 PAS/SB Models Echo Pro Attachment Series (PAS) and Split-Boom (SB) models are for use only with Echo PAS series attachments, and must not be used with any other type or brand of attachment. Select the desired PAS attach- ment, and assemble the attachment to the powerhead driveshaft using the coupler.
  • Page 16 ASSEMBLY The Echo Pro Attachment Series and Split-Boom models allow the use of a wide range of attachments to perform various lawn, garden, and landscaping tasks. These attachments have individual safety and operating rules which must be obeyed for safe operation. You must read and understand the safety and operating instructions for each attachment before using the unit.
  • Page 17 SRM/PAS/SB Blade Configuration If you change the cutting attachment on your SRM, PAS, or SB unit from nylon line head to a blade, you must also install all of the parts required for blade operation. These parts vary by type of blade being used, and may...
  • Page 18 Assemble unit only as instructed in Operator’s Manual, using parts provided with unit. • NEVER modify edger or install blades or attach- ments not approved by Echo for use on Echo model PE power edgers. • NEVER remove debris shield or deflector flap.
  • Page 19 If parts are damaged, missing, or do not operate prop- erly, or if you have a problem assembling your unit, contact your Echo Dealer for assistance or call Echo Consumer Product Support at 1-800-673-1558. ASSEMBLY Minimum Handle...
  • Page 20: Fueling

    FUELING FUELING DANGER Explosion/Fire/Burn Hazard. Gasoline is extremely flammable. Vapors are explosive. Keep at least 50 feet (15 m) away from heat, sparks, open flame, smok- ing materials, static electricity, and all other sources of ignition when fueling unit. Gasoline vapor is heavier than air, and can travel along the ground to nearby sources of ignition such as electri- cal motors, pilot lights, and hot or running engines.
  • Page 21 Read and follow the oil manufacturer’s instructions, and observe all safety warnings and precautions for handling flammable liquids. For more detailed safety and first aid informa- tion, visit www.echo-usa.com for a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet. FUELING Tighten cap securely Start at least 3 m (10 ft.)
  • Page 22 DANGER Alternative fuels, such as E-20 (20% ethanol), E-85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting ECHO require- ments are NOT approved for use in ECHO 2-stroke gasoline engines. Use of alternative fuels may cause...
  • Page 23: Starting

    NEVER use raw (unmixed) fuel, or any high-ethanol fuel (ethanol content greater than 10%) such as E20 -E85, in a two-stroke engine. Fuel containers filled with 2-stroke engine fuel/oil mix should be identified as containing fuel/oil mix, and should be stored separately to prevent using raw or high ethanol gasoline in a two-stroke engine.
  • Page 24 STARTING The cutting head/work attachment (nylon line head, blade, or PAS/SB attachment) must not move at idle, otherwise serious personal injury may result. Periodic carburetor adjustment may be necessary to assure the cutting head/PAS attachment does not move at idle. If the cutting head/work attachment moves at idle, re- adjust carburetor according to “Carburetor Adjustment”...
  • Page 25: Stopping

    If the STOP switch malfunctions and does not stop the unit when required, use the choke to stall the engine to a stop, and have your Echo dealer repair the switch before using the unit again. Use this “Emergency" Stopping sequence only if the STOP switch malfunctions: •...
  • Page 26: Operation

    Spark Hazard All Echo equipment features spark-arresting mufflers as standard equipment. Spark arrestors prevent hot, glowing particles of carbon from being discharged from the muffler. Operation with a damaged, loose, or missing spark arrestor can result in fire.
  • Page 27 DANGER ZONE Careless operation, misuse, improper configuration or assembly, or use of unapproved cutting heads and work attachments can result in serious or fatal injuries to operator and bystanders. Flying debris can cause serious eye injury, loss of sight, or property damage. You must read, understand, and follow all safety and operating instructions in this safety manual, in your unit’s Operator’s Manual, the Attachment Operator’s Manual, and in the Installation Instructions for any kit or accessory being installed before using this equipment.
  • Page 28 OPERATION • ALWAYS use extra care to maintain footing around sloping, hilly, or slippery ground, and around uneven surfaces like steps, raised walkways, edging, and curbs. • ALWAYS hold the unit firmly with two hands, with thumbs wrapped around the handles for a secure, comfortable grip.
  • Page 29 (15 meter) radius around the unit being operated. • ALWAYS check area for hidden hazards before starting. Trimmer head or nylon line contact with hidden hazards (sprinkler heads, metal stakes, etc.) can result in loss of control of unit, nylon line break- age, and flying pieces of line or other ground debris.
  • Page 30 Feed the line gradually into the material you wish to cut, avoiding contact with fences or other barriers. • Model SRM/PAS/SB (Straight shaft, counter-clock- wise line head rotation) - Tilt the cutting head down on the right side (muffler side) while cutting to direct cutting debris away from operator.
  • Page 31 • Read, understand, and obey all warnings and in- structions in this safety manual before using trimmer/ brushcutter with metal blade. • Read, understand, and obey warnings and instruc- tions on blade and blade packaging.
  • Page 32 • NEVER use a metal blade on a Model GT (Curved Shaft) Grass Trimmer • NEVER use an edging blade, circular saw blade, or any other type of saw blade on an SRM/PAS/SB unit. Only use brushcutter blades approved for use by Echo on your model brushcutter.
  • Page 33 • ALWAYS use blade only for application for which it was intended • ALWAYS use the correct front handle for the type of blade being used. Echo recommends using a U- Handle for all blade use. REACTION FORCES - Push/Pull - Kickback/...
  • Page 34 Use a chain saw for larger trees. Exceeding cutting capacity can cause blade binding in cut, blade damage, and risk of injury from blade breakage during cutting. Cutting capacity depends on blade diameter - see operator’s manual or Echo catalog for more informa- tion. Kickout Blade Assembly...
  • Page 35 To free a blade that is bound in the cut, stop the en- gine, and support the trimmer/brushcutter to keep stress off the blade. Push the tree away from the entry point of the cut to open the cut, and pull the blade di- rectly away from the cut in a straight-line motion.
  • Page 36 Improper sharpening can cause blade failure and result in severe injury. PLASTIC/METAL TRI-CUT BLADES Use blade set-up guide for configuring trimmer- brushcutter to use plastic or metal tri-cut blades. • Use Plastic tri-cut blades to cut grass and weeds • Use Metal Tri-cut blades to cut reeds, large weeds, and light brush •...
  • Page 37 WARNING Edger operation may scatter ground debris that can cause unstable or slippery footing, and in- crease the risk of slips and falls. Always maintain proper footing and balance while operating edger. Stop unit if necessary, and remove excessive debris from work path before continuing. •...
  • Page 38 OPERATION • ALWAYS use only Echo-approved attachments and edger blades. • NEVER operate edger with damaged or missing debris shield. • NEVER adjust edger blade height with engine running. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug lead, and make adjustments. • NEVER carry edger around the work site while the blade or attachment is rotating.
  • Page 39 DANGER Misuse, improper assembly, or use of unapproved attachments, can result in serious injury, engine failure, and voiding of warranty. Use only Echo attachments approved for use on Pro Attachment Series models. Contact with moving cutting or work attachments can cause serious injury.
  • Page 40 OPERATION • • • • • NEVER use unit within 15 meters (50 feet) of any power lines or wires that may be conducting electric- ity. Contact with wires carrying electrical current can result in shock or electrocution. • • • • • NEVER exceed the cutting capacity of the hedge clippers - forcing the blades to cut materials thicker than the hedge clipper is designed to handle will result in jams, blade damage, and poor overall...
  • Page 41 • • • • • ALWAYS use adjustment handle to hold blade assembly when making adjustments. • • • • • ALWAYS lock blades securely in position before lifting unit off ground. • • • • • ALWAYS check cutting area for hidden wires, fence posts, and other obstacles before starting.
  • Page 42 PAS PROPADDLE/PROSWEEP ATTACHMENT Misuse, improper assembly, or use of unapproved attachments, can result in serious injury, engine failure, and voiding of warranty. Use only Echo attachments approved for use on Pro Attachment Series models. Contact with moving work attachments can cause entanglement and serious injury.
  • Page 43 PAS PRO-THATCH ATTACHMENT Misuse, improper assembly, or use of unapproved attachments, can result in serious injury, engine failure, and voiding of warranty. Use only Echo attachments approved for use on Pro Attachment Series models. Contact with moving work attachments can cause entanglement and serious injury.
  • Page 44 PAS TILLER/CULTIVATOR ATTACHMENT Misuse, improper assembly, or use of unapproved attachments, can result in serious injury, engine failure, and voiding of warranty. Use only Echo attachments approved for use on Pro Attachment Series models. Contact with moving cutting or work attachments can cause entanglement and serious injury.
  • Page 45: Maintenance

    Clearing Jams DANGER If the cutting head/work attachment gets jammed by an obstruction and can’t move, the clutch allows the engine to keep running. As soon as the obstruction is re- moved, the cutting head/work attachment will start moving again. To protect yourself from serious injury when clearing jams, follow these important safety rules: •...
  • Page 46 • NEVER make temporary repairs on a unit - taking shortcuts or using questionable parts and perform- ing repairs that are not approved by Echo may create a safety hazard that can cause serious injury. Improper repair may also cause premature part failures, and void your product warranty.
  • Page 47: Storage

    • ALWAYS stop unit immediately and correct any problem if unit does not run properly after performing service or maintenance. Operating a unit that has been improperly repaired may result in serious injury. • ALWAYS have major service performed by a qualified service technician.
  • Page 48: Definitions

    GLOSSARY Grass Trimmer-Brushcutter Terms TERM Air Filter Alternative Stop Procedure ANSI Z87.1 Anti-vibration System Barrier Bar Binding Blade Cover Blade Thrust Blades Brush Blade Brushcutter Carburetor Catalytic Muffler Choke Control Lever Clearing Blade Clutch Clutch Engagement Speed DEFINITION Filters air used by the engine for combustion. Keeps dirt and dust out of the engine to help extend engine life.
  • Page 49 A blade used to cut soft, light vegetation, such as grass and weeds. Not for use in clearing brush, saplings, or small trees. Grass Trimmer (Curved Shaft). GT models cannot use a metal blade. An adjustable shoulder strap used to support a trimmer or brushcutter.
  • Page 50 GLOSSARY Head Protection Hearing Protection Devices Hedge Clipper Idle Speed Kickout Manual Line Head Maxi-Cut Blade Maximum Diameter Cut Muffler Housing Power Head Protective Clothing Pruner Purge Bulb Push and Pull Quick Release Latch Rapid Loader Line Head Rear Handle Helmet-like device that protects the head from falling materials.
  • Page 51 Muffler with spark arrestor screen that prevents hot, glowing particles of carbon from leaving the muffler. Provides spark to ignite fuel/air mixture in engine. Shoulder Rotary Mower, also known as a trimmer-brushcutter. SRM (Straight Shaft) models can be adapted to use metal blades (Brushcutter Application).
  • Page 52 NOTES...
  • Page 53 NOTES...
  • Page 54 NOTES...
  • Page 55 NOTES...
  • Page 56 ECHO INCORPORATED 400 OAKWOOD ROAD LAKE ZURICH, IL 60047 PHONE: (847) 540-8400 www.echo-usa.com Printed in USA...

This manual is also suitable for:

SrmGtPasPe

Table of Contents