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SAFETY MANUAL For Grass Trimmer, Brushcutter and Edger DANGER Misuse may result in serious or fatal injuries. You must read, understand, 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-Brush- cutter, or PE Power Edger.
INTRODUCTION WARNING This manual describes how to protect yourself and others from haz- ards related to operation of a Model GT Grass Trimmer, Model SRM Trimmer-Brushcutter, Model PAS Pro-Attachment Series unit with attachment, Model SB Split-Boom unit with attachment, and Model PE Power Edger.
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. These symbols and warnings are provided to help make you aware of potential hazards, and the precautions you must take to protect yourself from injury.
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SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS Read Operator's and Safety Manuals Read manuals carefully, and follow rules for safe operation. 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.
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SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS Slip Hazard Alert Wear slip-resistant footwear to reduce risk of falls. Finger Sever Hazard Moving parts can amputate fingers or cause severe injuries. Keep hands, clothing and loose objects away from all openings. Prohibited Clothing Wear protective clothing and shoes. Loose clothing, dangling accessories, or open footwear increases risk of serious injury.
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SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS Do Not Operate Equipment While Impaired Do not operate equipment while under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any other substance that can impair judgment, reflexes, vision, or coordination. Operating a unit while impaired can result in serious injury to operator and bystanders, or cause damage to property or equipment.
OPERATOR SAFETY PHYSICAL CONDITION WARNING Operating this unit while you are impaired can result in serious personal injury or death to your- self and others. Never operate the unit if you are fatigued, or are under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any other substances that can affect your judgment, reflexes, vision, or coordi- nation.
ECHO Inc. highly recommends wearing ANSI recognized hearing protection whenever you are operating the unit. Hearing protection prevents hearing loss caused by frequent or prolonged exposure to engine noise. ECHO Inc. recommends ear plugs, or for constant heavy-duty use, wear earmuff-style hearing protection.
OPERATOR SAFETY Leg Protection Wear long pants to protect legs from HEARING PROTECTORS cuts and scratches caused by flying debris. SHOULDER SAFETY HARNESS GLASSES Foot Protection TRIM-FITTING CLOTHES Wear sturdy shoes or work boots to provide foot protection. Steel- STURDY toe shoes or boots provide extra SHOES OR protection against dropped or falling...
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OPERATOR SAFETY 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.
ASSEMBLY WARNING Spark Move STOP switch to STOP position and Spark Plug disconnect spark plug lead at spark plug Plug before assembling unit. Do not connect Wire spark plug lead to spark plug until unit is properly assembled, checked, and ready for use.
ASSEMBLY NEVER use parts that appear to be worn, damaged, improperly sized, or otherwise incompatible with mating parts. Contact your dealer or Consumer Support for Grass Trimmer/Brush Cutter assistance if parts do not fit properly. Operator’s Manual MODELS, SRM- 311 SRM- 311S NEVER modify parts or use parts from other pieces of SRM- 311U...
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ASSEMBLY WARNING NEVER install a metal blade on a GT MODEL model GT curved shaft trimmer. Use of any metal blade on a GT curved shaft trimmer can result in serious Front Handle injury to operator and bystanders. Use only nylon line heads or GT se- ries Maxi-Cut plastic weed trimmers approved for use on GT models.
ASSEMBLY SRM MODELS: SRM MODEL If your trimmer-brushcutter requires assembly before it can be used, you must make sure the unit is properly Front Handle configured for the type of cutting attachment you will be using. Follow the instructions in the Operator’s Manual provided with the unit.
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ALWAYS use extreme care when carrying or handling the unit to avoid contact with the cutting edges of the blade. ECHO Inc. recommends using the optional plastic blade cover to protect yourself and others from accidental blade contact.
ASSEMBLY SRM/PAS/SB SET-UP GUIDE* Pro Maxi- Metal Tri- Metal 80T Rigid To Use These Cut Grass/ Cut/8 Tooth Brush Blade Plastic Tri- Blades Weed Grass/ Metal 22T Cut Grass/ Plastic Weed Clearing Weed Blade Cutters Blade Saw Blade Loop Loop Loop Handle, Handle w/...
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ASSEMBLY • ALWAYS use a new split pin each time blade is installed or replaced. • ALWAYS remember to remove locking bar, T-wrench, and any other tools used to assemble unit or tighten hardware. • ALWAYS store assembly tools safely away from the work area. DANGER PE Debris Shield Improper use of any trimmer, brushcutter, or PAS/...
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 electrical motors, pilot lights, and hot or running engines.
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For more detailed safety and first aid information, visit www. echo-usa.com for a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet. • KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
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FUELING • NEVER store oil in open or unmarked containers. Also, follow these important safe-handling precautions to minimize risk of explosion or fire when preparing fuel/oil mix: • ALWAYS prepare fuel/oil mix in an approved fuel container • ALWAYS follow mixing instructions in Operator’s Manuals.
STARTING DANGER The Operator’s Manual for your unit has specific starting instructions for your model and type of engine. For your safety and ease of starting, Grass Trimmer/Brush Cutter always follow these starting instructions, and Operator’s Manual MODELS, obey the safety rules provided. SRM- 311 SRM- 311S SRM- 311U...
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STARTING • NEVER start a unit near a gasoline container or spilled gasoline. • ALWAYS move at least 3 m (10 ft.) away from refueling location before starting engine. • If a protective blade cover is used, ALWAYS remove blade cover before starting unit.
STOPPING The “STOP” switch stops the unit by grounding the ignition and preventing the spark plug from discharging a spark. 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 dealer repair the switch before using the unit again.
OPERATION GENERAL SAFETY DANGER Blade Hazard Metal blades are extremely sharp, and have powerful cutting action. Contact with moving blades or cutting attachments will cause serious injury. Keep hands, feet, and all other body parts away from moving blades and cutting attachments at all times.
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OPERATION 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...
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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.
OPERATION GRASS TRIMMER & TRIMMER/BRUSHCUTTER GT/SRM/PAS Units - Using Nylon Line Heads WARNING Flying Debris Line heads rotate at high speed - rotating ny- lon line can throw debris with sufficient force to cause injury. Keep bystanders and pets out of the “Danger Zone,” a 50 foot (15 meter) radius around the unit being operated.
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OPERATION • ALWAYS follow instructions provided in Operator’s Manual or with line head for loading or advancing nylon line. • ALWAYS wear gloves when handling or reloading a line head that has been in use - the gear case and driveshaft get very hot and can cause burns if touched.
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OPERATION SRM/PAS Brushcutter Operation - Using Metal Grass/ Weed, Brush, & Clearing Blades DANGER Sharp Blades/Powerful Cutting Action Contact with moving blades can cause serious or fatal injury. Keep hands, feet, and all other body parts away from blades. Wear all required personal protective equipment.
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• NEVER use a dull or damaged blade. • 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 Inc. recommends using a U-Handle for all blade use.
OPERATION REACTION FORCES Push/Pull - Kickback/Kickout During normal use, operating a brushcutter with a circular metal blade can produce sudden strong reaction forces that are difficult to control. Strong reaction forces can cause a loss of balance or loss of control of the unit, resulting in serious injury to operator and bystanders.
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OPERATION Kickout Kickout Kickout is also a reactive force caused by resistance to cutting, but the direction of blade thrust is lateral (to the left or right of the blade), instead of forward or back toward the operator. In most cases, Push, Pull, and Kickout can be reduced or eliminated by: •...
OPERATION BLADE APPLICATIONS Use blades only in recommended applications. • Grass/Weed Blade - Use Grass/Weed blades for cutting thick grasses, weeds, light to medium vegetation, and thick-stalked growth such as reeds and palm grass. Grass/Weed Blade • Brush Blades - Use Brush blades for cutting dried brush, small saplings, and large weeds with thick stalks.
OPERATION Blade Sharpening SHARPENING All blades must be kept sharp for best 8-TOOTH cutting performance. 8 Tooth Grass/ WEED/GRASS Weed blades can be sharpened using BLADE the instructions in the Operator’s Manual. Brush and Clearing blades require professional sharpening. Improper sharpening can cause blade 30°...
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OPERATION WARNING Edger operation may scatter ground debris that can cause unstable or slippery footing, and increase 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 be- fore continuing.
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OPERATION • ALWAYS use only 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.
OPERATION PAS ATTACHMENTS DANGER Misuse, improper assembly, or use of unapproved attachments, can result in se- rious injury, engine failure, and voiding of warranty. Use only attachments approved for use on Pro Attachment Series models. Contact with moving cutting or work at- tachments can cause serious injury.
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OPERATION • NEVER use unit within 15 meters (50 feet) of any power lines or wires that may be conducting electricity. 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 50 FT...
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OPERATION • 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. •...
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OPERATION • NEVER operate a Power Pruner Attachment while on a ladder, in a tree, or on slippery or unstable surfaces. • ALWAYS make sure CORRECT WARM CORRECT COLD that the pruned tree TENSION TENSION CHAIN NEEDS branch or limb can fall TENSIONING safely to the ground after cutting.
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OPERATION 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 attachments approved for use on Pro Attachment Series models. Contact with moving work attachments can cause entanglement and serious injury.
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OPERATION • NEVER adjust edger blade height with engine running. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug lead, and make adjustments. Wear work gloves to protect hands from hot surfaces if unit has been in operation. • NEVER allow edger blade to strike concrete or other hard surfaces.
MAINTENANCE WARNING Operating a poorly maintained unit can result in serious injuries to operator and others. Maintain unit as instructed in Operator’s Man- ual. Keep blades sharp and properly adjusted, and replace broken parts immediately. Moving parts can amputate fingers or cause severe injuries. Keep hands, clothing and loose objects away from all openings.
STORAGE DANGER Improper storage can result in fire and damage to equipment and property. Follow storage instructions in Operator’s Manual. Obey all rules for safe fuel handling. Your Operator’s Manual contains detailed instructions for preparing your unit for storage. Follow the instructions in your manual careful- ly, and make sure you observe these important safety precautions: •...
GLOSSARY Grass Trimmer-Brushcutter Terms TERM DEFINITION Air Filter Filters air used by the engine for combustion. Keeps dirt and dust out of the engine to help extend engine life. Alternative Stop Procedure used to stall engine if Stop switch malfunctions Procedure and unit does not stop when switch is moved to stop position.
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GLOSSARY Clutch The engine speed or r.p.m. at which the clutch engages Engagement and transmits power to a drive shaft or sprocket. Speed Cotter Pin A fastening device used to retain hex nuts on threaded shafts. Also called a split pin. Cultivator A rotating work attachment used on Power Attachment Attachment...
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GLOSSARY Grass/Weed A blade used to cut soft, light vegetation, such as grass Blade and weeds. Not for use in clearing brush, saplings, or small trees. Grass Trimmer (Curved Shaft). GT models cannot use a metal blade. Harness An adjustable shoulder strap used to support a trimmer or brushcutter.
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GLOSSARY Quick Release A latch design that allows a quick separation of the unit Latch from the support harness when there is an emergency. Rapid Loader Line A line head that allows rapid nylon line reloading using Head short, pre-cut pieces of line. Rear Handle Houses Stop Switch, Throttle Trigger, and Throttle Trigger lockout lever.
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To locate your nearest ECHO dealer visit our website, http://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 cutting information. To locate your nearest Shindaiwa dealer visit our website, http://www.shindaiwa-usa.com,...