SRM/GT/PAS/SB/PE SAFETY MANUAL 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 SplitBoom Trimmer-Brushcutter, or PE Power Edger.
INTRODUCTION WARNING This manual describes how to protect yourself and others from hazards 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. You must read and understand this information, and obey the instructions.
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. Wear Hand Protection Wear heavy duty work gloves to protect hands Sharp Blades Alert Contact with blades can result in serious cuts and amputation Carbon Monoxide Hazard Alert Do not operate indoors.
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 Keep bystanders at least 15 m (50 feet) away when operating unit. 15 M 15 m (50 feet) Do Not Operate Near Electrical Lines Do not operate closer than 15 m (50 ft.) to electrical lines.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS Flying Debris Hazard 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. Edger Debris Alert Edger debris can affect stable footing. Use extreme care when walking in edging area. Edger Blade Alert Edger Blade is partially exposed during operation.
OPERATOR SAFETY OPERATOR SAFETY DANGER Echo GT Grass trimmers and SRM trimmer-brush cutters are powerful, professional-grade tools designed for applications such as trimming grass and light weeds, and when properly configured (SRM/PAS/SB / straight shaft only), cutting brush, woody growth, and small saplings and trees.
OPERATOR SAFETY PHYSICAL CONDITION WARNING Operating this unit while you are impaired can result in serious personal injury or death to yourself 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 coordination. You must be mentally alert and physically able to operate a trimmer, brushcutter, edger, or PAS attachment safely.
OPERATOR SAFETY Hearing/Ear Protection Echo 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 recommends ear plugs, or for constant heavy-duty use, wear earmuff-style hearing protection. Combination Face/Hearing Protection For complete face/hearing protection, the use of combination ear muffs/face shield provides face and hearing protection all in one unit.
OPERATOR SAFETY Leg Protection HEARING PROTECTORS Wear long pants to protect legs from cuts and scratches caused by flying debris. SHOULDER HARNESS Foot Protection Wear sturdy shoes or work boots to provide foot protection. Steel-toe shoes or boots provide extra protection against dropped or falling objects. Make sure soles are non-slip for secure footing. General Clothing Safety Never wear ties, loose clothing, or clothing with strings, frills, or dangling straps.
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. To protect yourself from this condition, take the following precautions: • Keep your body warm - pay particular attention to head and neck, hands and wrists, and feet and ankles.
ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY WARNING Move STOP switch to STOP position and disconnect spark plug lead at spark plug before assembling unit. Do not connect spark plug lead to spark plug until unit is properly assembled, checked, and ready for use. ALWAYS wear eye protection that meets current ANSI Z87.1 requirements. Operators that wear prescription glasses must wear appropriate protective eyewear over glasses.
ASSEMBLY 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 appear to fit properly may create a safety hazard when the unit is operated, and could result in serious injury to operator and bystanders. ALWAYS use the correct tools for assembly. Using incorrect or improperly sized tools can result in a sudden slip and serious injuries.
ASSEMBLY Debris Shield SRM Debris Shield WARNING Plastic Debris Shields are equipped with a sharp cut-off knife for cutting nylon trimmer line to length during operation. Use extreme care when assembling nylon line head to gear case to avoid accidental contact with cutoff knife. Wear work gloves when assembling nylon line head to gear case, and avoid contact with sharp cut-off knife edges.
ASSEMBLY GT MAXI-CUT BLADE/NYLON LINE HEAD SET-UP GUIDE TO USE THESE CUTTING ATTACHMENTS* You must use these parts! GT Dual Line ECHOmatic Line Head GT Single Line ECHOmatic Line Head Front Handle Loop Handle (STD) Debris Shield Plastic Shield (STD) Harness Not Required 2 Line GT Rapid Loader Line Head Flat Washer Mounting Hardware* Standard Cutting Line Diameter * GT Series Maxi-Cut Grass/Weed Plastic Cutters 3/8-24 R.H.
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. You must also review the general safety instructions for PAS Attachments.
ASSEMBLY 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 include replacing the front handle with a U-Handle (See the SRM/PAS/SB Set-Up Guide, Page 17) DANGER A trimmer-brushcutter unit equipped with a metal blade can cause serious injuries if handled improperly.
ASSEMBLY PE Models DANGER Keep Hands/Feet Away From Edger Blade Modification, improper assembly, or use of unapproved blades or attachments, can result in serious injury, engine failure, and voiding of warranty. Use only Echo blades and attachments approved for use on PE Series power edger models. Assemble unit only as instructed in Operator’s Manual, using parts provided with unit. • NEVER modify edger or install blades or attachments not approved by Echo for use on Echo model PE power edgers.
ASSEMBLY All Front Loop Handle Models Make sure the front loop handle is positioned beyond the minimum handle spacing line, as shown on the handle spacing decal on the drive shaft housing. The minimum handle spacing line indicates the minimum distance between the rear handle and front handle, and helps ensure the operator’s hands are far enough apart to maintain good control of the unit.
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, smoking 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.
FUELING • NEVER fill fuel tanks indoors - ALWAYS fill fuel tanks outdoors over open ground. • DO NOT overfill fuel tank - ALWAYS allow room in tank for expansion. Fill tank no more than 95 percent full, or to “Safe Fill Line” if marked on container. • ALWAYS wipe up spills immediately, and dispose of fuel soaked wipes safely. Use a fireproof container designed for safe disposal. • IMMEDIATELY change clothes if fuel spills on clothing. Wet clothes down with water first to minimize fire risk.
FUELING • • KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. CALL PHYSICIAN OR A POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY. • WEAR SAFETY GLASSES when mixing or handling. AVOID repeated or prolonged skin contact. AVOID inhaling oil mists or vapors. ALWAYS wipe up spills promptly - spills may create a slip hazard if not attended to NEVER store oil in open or unmarked containers.
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. STARTING DANGER The Operator’s Manual for your unit has specific starting instructions for your model and type of engine.
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, readjust carburetor according to “Carburetor Adjustment” instructions and idle speed specifications provided in your Operator’s Manual.
STOPPING • ALWAYS start the unit with power head on the ground, with cutting head/work attachment off the ground and clear of debris and all obstructions. • NEVER “drop start” the unit or attempt to start the unit while it is resting on blade tips. • ALWAYS grip the unit firmly when starting to prevent loss of control when pulling starter handle. • ALWAYS hold the unit securely on the right side of your body with both hands.
OPERATION • • • Hold the unit with a secure, two-handed grip, and wait for the engine to stall to a complete stop. After the engine stops, disconnect the spark plug lead, and tag the unit to identify it as having a broken STOP switch. Do not restart the unit. Have the unit repaired before using it again. Spark Plug Wire Spark Plug OPERATION - GENERAL SAFETY DANGER Blade Hazard Metal blades are extremely sharp, and have powerful cutting action.
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.
OPERATION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 28 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. Left/front handle in left hand and right/rear handle in right hand. ALWAYS cut using a stable stance, with both feet on the ground. NEVER stand on a ladder or other temporary platform.
OPERATION GT GRASS TRIMMER & SRM TRIMMER/ BRUSHCUTTER OPERATION GT/SRM/PAS Units - Using Nylon Line Heads WARNING Flying Debris Line heads rotate at high speed - rotating nylon 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. • • • • • • • ALWAYS check area for hidden hazards before starting. Trimmer head or nylon line contact with hidden hazards (sprinkler heads, metal stakes, etc.
OPERATION • • • NEVER operate trimmer with cutting head above knee height - operation with the cutting head well above ground level produces a higher debris flow, and can cause debris to strike you in the face. 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.
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. Misuse, improper assembly or care of equipment, or failure to follow all safety and operating instructions, can result in serious injuries to operator and bystanders.
OPERATION • • Make sure the warning sign on the back of the shoulder harness is properly positioned for easy viewing by others. Wearing hearing protection and engine noise may prevent you from hearing others about to enter the Safety Zone. Perform regular visual safety checks of the area while cutting to help ensure a safe work area. Hidden Hazards Blade contact with exposed or hidden hazards (rocks, metal posts, metal stakes, sprinkler heads, etc.
OPERATION • • 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 UHandle for all blade use. 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.
OPERATION 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.
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. Brush Blades - Use Brush blades for cutting dried brush, small saplings, and large weeds with thick stalks. Clearing Blades - Use Clearing Blades to cut saplings, small trees, and thick, heavy brush.
OPERATION Blade Sharpening All blades must be kept sharp for best cutting performance. 8 Tooth Grass/Weed blades can be sharpened using the instructions in the Operator’s Manual. Brush and Clearing blades require professional sharpening. Improper sharpening can cause blade failure and result in severe injury. PLASTIC/METAL TRI-CUT BLADES Use blade set-up guide for configuring trimmerbrushcutter to use plastic or metal tri-cut blades.
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 before continuing. • • • • • • • • • • ALWAYS maintain control using a secure, wraparound, two-handed grip when operating the power edger.
OPERATION • • • • • • • • • • • • • 38 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. ALWAYS shut the engine off and let the blade or attachment stop before lifting the edger and moving to a new position.
OPERATION PAS ATTACHMENTS 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. Keep clear of moving cutting/work attachment. Follow assembly instructions in attachment Operator’s Manual and PAS power head manual. • Drive shaft housing and gear case gets hot during use.
• • • • • • • • 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 designed to handle will result in jams, blade damage, and poor overall performance.
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. ALWAYS maintain a line of sight to the cutting area. ALWAYS use extreme care when cutting overhead. Open blades on ground only with engine stopped.
OPERATION • • • • • • • • • ALWAYS make sure that the pruned tree branch or limb can fall safely to the ground after cutting. NEVER stand under a tree limb or branch during cutting ALWAYS keep guide bar cover on guide bar until unit is ready to be used. ALWAYS keep chain properly tensioned NEVER make guide bar/saw chain adjustments while unit is running. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug lead before tensioning chain. ALWAYS keep saw chain sharp.
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 Echo attachments approved for use on Pro Attachment Series models. Contact with moving work attachments can cause entanglement and serious injury. Keep clear of moving work attachment. • • • • ALWAYS check Pro-Thatch tines for damage and secure attachment before using unit. Replace tines if damaged or missing.
OPERATION • • • • • NEVER operate edger attachment unless all edger blade hardware has been properly installed. ALWAYS use a new split pin each time blade is installed or replaced. 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. 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 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 removed, the cutting head/work attachment will start moving again. To protect yourself from serious injury when clearing jams, follow these important safety rules: • • • • ALWAYS switch the unit off and disconnect the spark plug before clearing a jam.
MAINTENANCE • NEVER use a unit with broken, damaged, missing, or worn parts. Contact your dealer for repairs if problems are found. • NEVER use substitute parts, parts from other models or brands, or used parts, when performing maintenance or repairs. Use only new parts that are manufactured for your specific serial number and model trimmer.
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. See your dealer for authorized service support. STORAGE DANGER Improper storage can result in fire and damage to equipment and property. Follow storage instructions in Operator’s Manual.
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 Procedure used to stall engine if Stop switch malfunctions and unit does not stop when switch is moved to stop position. Move choke lever to Cold Start (Choke) position to stall engine. ANSI Z87.1 American National Standards Institute safety standard for safety glasses.
GLOSSARY Cotter Pin A fastening device used to retain hex nuts on threaded shafts. Also called a split pin. Cultivator Attachment A rotating work attachment used on Power Attachment Series units. Rotating tines cultivate and break up soil for weeding, planting seeds, and working mulch into the soil. Cut-Off Knife A cutting device attached to a plastic debris shield that cuts nylon trimming line to the correct length.
GLOSSARY Head Protection Helmet-like device that protects the head from falling materials. Hearing Protection Devices Protective devices such as ear plugs or ear muffs that protect hearing by reducing exposure to harmful noises. Hedge Clipper A cutting device with reciprocating blades. Used to cut hedges, shrubs, and ornamental vegetation. Idle Speed The normal running speed of the engine when the throttle trigger is not depressed.
GLOSSARY Recoil Starter Starts engine by turning crankshaft and moving piston up and down. Recoil Starter Handle Molded rubber handle attached to starter cord. Used to start engine. Ricochet When a thrown object bounces off another surface. Safety Glasses Eye protection devices that are worn like glasses. Safety Goggles Eye protection devices that fit flush against the face and cover the complete eye and socket.
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ECHO INCORPORATED 400 OAKWOOD ROAD LAKE ZURICH, IL 60047 PHONE: (847) 540-8400 www.echo-usa.
