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-Brushcutter, or PE Power Edger.
ENGLISH 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 Circle/Slash Prohibition Symbol This symbol means that the specific action shown is prohibited. Ignoring these prohibitions can result in serious or fatal injury. Safety Alert Symbol The Safety Alert symbol is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. To avoid serious or fatal injuries, obey all safety messages that follow this symbol.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS ENGLISH 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 ENGLISH 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. Stop Symbol Indicates the “Stop” position for the engine ignition switch (Stop Switch).
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS 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. 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.
OPERATOR SAFETY 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 ENGLISH 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 ENGLISH 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 ENGLISH Leg Protection Wear long pants to protect legs from cuts and scratches caused by flying debris. HEARING PROTECTORS SAFETY GLASSES Foot Protection Wear sturdy shoes or work boots to provide foot protection. Steeltoe shoes or boots provide extra protection against dropped or falling objects. Make sure soles are non-slip for secure footing.
OPERATOR SAFETY Raynaud's Syndrome 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. • Avoid awkward grips on the unit that may cause stress. Maintain control, but do not hold the unit with an excessively tight grip. • Take regular rest breaks. • Exercise and stretch to strengthen muscles, and to maintain circulation. Keep exposure to vibration at a minimum.
ENGLISH 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. Spark Plug Spark Plug Wire ALWAYS wear eye protection that meets current ANSI Z87.1 requirements. Operators that wear prescription glasses must wear appropriate protective eyewear over glasses.
ASSEMBLY Grass Trimmer/Brush Cutter Operator’s Manual MODELS, SRM- 311 SRM- 311S NEVER modify parts or use parts from other pieces of equipment to assemble your unit. Use only parts that are designed to fit your model. Modifying a part to fit may weaken it, and cause premature failure. Parts from other models may not work properly, and can create unsafe operating conditions.
ENGLISH ASSEMBLY WARNING NEVER install a metal blade on a model GT curved shaft trimmer. Use of any metal blade on a GT curved shaft trimmer can result in serious injury to operator and bystanders. Use only nylon line heads or GT series Maxi-Cut plastic weed trimmers approved for use on GT models.
ASSEMBLY SRM MODELS: SRM MODEL If your trimmer-brushcutter has been preassembled, you must make sure the unit is properly configured for the type of cutting you will be performing.
ASSEMBLY ENGLISH BARRIER BAR USE- PAS/SB ATTACHMENTS PAS ATTACHMENT RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL NOT RECOMMENDED Shaft Hedge Clipper Tiller- Cultivator X X Power Pruner X Standard Line Trimmer Pro Sweep X X Pro Thatch X2 Articulating Hedge Clipper X Brushcutter1 X3 Rapid Loader Line Trimmer Pro Paddle X X 1. See SRM/PAS/SB Blade Set-up Guide on Page 17 for blade use requirements 2. Use J-Handle provided with Pro-Thatch attatchment as a barrier 3.
ASSEMBLY SRM/PAS/SB SET-UP GUIDE* You must install these parts Pro MaxiMetal TriMetal 80T Rigid Cut Grass/ Plastic Cut/8 Tooth Brush Blade TriWeed Grass/ Metal 22T Cut Grass/ Plastic Weed Clearing Weed Blade Cutters Blade Saw Blade Handle Loop Handle, w/or w/o Barrier Bar Debris Shield Metal Shield Harness Shoulder Harness Shoulder Harness Shoulder Harness Shoulder Harness**** Upper Plate & Flat Washer Upper Plate & Glide Cup Upper/ Lower Blade Plates** Upper/ Lower Blade Plates** Hex Nut H
ENGLISH 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 Improper use of any trimmer, brushcutter, or PAS/ PE Debris Shield SB unit and attachment or Power Edger, can cause serious or fatal injury.
FUELING ENGLISH 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.
ENGLISH FUELING • 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. • ALWAYS tighten fuel tank cap securely - check cap for tightness. • ALWAYS close fuel container immediately after refueling. • ALWAYS check fuel system for leaks before using unit - NEVER start or operate a unit with leaks.
FUELING • NEVER store oil in open or unmarked containers. ENGLISH 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. GASOLINE • ALWAYS make sure fuel container caps are tightly secured before shaking container to mix fuel and oil. • ALWAYS store fuel containers in a safe location, with caps and vents sealed tightly.
ENGLISH 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, always follow these starting instructions, and obey the safety rules provided. The cutting head/work attachment on units that require starting at wide-open (full) throttle (throttle trigger fully depressed) will start moving immediately when the engine starts.
STARTING ENGLISH • 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. Keep blade cover nearby, and place cover back on blade when unit is off and blade has stopped. • NEVER start a PAS/HCA (extended shaft, articulating blade) unit while blade is in folded/locked position. Make cutting angle adjustment first.
ENGLISH 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. Use this “Emergency” Stopping sequence only if the STOP switch malfunctions: • Release trigger and allow engine to return to idle, and wait for cutting head/work attachment to stop.
OPERATION GENERAL SAFETY ENGLISH 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. Wear work gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and protective clothing. Carbon Monoxide Hazard Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas.
OPERATION ENGLISH 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 ENGLISH • 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.
OPERATION ENGLISH GRASS TRIMMER & TRIMMER/BRUSHCUTTER 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 ENGLISH • 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. Applications Nylon line heads may be used for trimming, scything, edging, and scalping of grass and light weeds. Trimming - Feed the spinning line into the material to be cut.
ENGLISH 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 ENGLISH • 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 Standard Harness Blade contact with exposed or hidden hazards (rocks, metal posts, metal stakes, sprinkler heads, etc.
OPERATION ENGLISH 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.
OPERATION Kickout Kickout ENGLISH 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 ENGLISH 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. Grass/Weed Blade • Clearing Blades - Use Clearing Blades to cut saplings, small trees, and thick, heavy brush.
OPERATION Blade Sharpening SHARPENING 8-TOOTH WEED/GRASS BLADE 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 ENGLISH 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.
ENGLISH 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, wrap-around, two-handed grip when operating the power edger.
OPERATION ENGLISH • 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. • ALWAYS shut the engine off and let the blade or attachment stop before lifting the edger and moving to a new position.
OPERATION ENGLISH PAS ATTACHMENTS DANGER 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 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.
OPERATION FT M 15 50 • 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. ENGLISH • 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.
ENGLISH 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. Open blades on ground only with engine stopped. • ALWAYS use extreme care when cutting overhead.
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 ENGLISH • NEVER operate a Power Pruner Attachment while on a ladder, in a tree, or on slippery or unstable surfaces. CORRECT WARM TENSION CORRECT COLD TENSION CHAIN NEEDS TENSIONING SIDE LINK CONTACTING GUIDE BAR • ALWAYS keep guide bar cover on guide bar until unit is ready to be used.
OPERATION ENGLISH 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. 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 ENGLISH • 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. Blade contact with concrete and hard surfaces will dislodge pieces of material and cause injury from flying debris.
ENGLISH MAINTENANCE WARNING Operating a poorly maintained unit can result in serious injuries to operator and others. Maintain unit as instructed in Operator’s Manual. 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 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 carefully, and make sure you observe these important safety precautions: • NEVER store a unit with fuel mix in the fuel tank. Leakage can result in fire.
ENGLISH NOTES 46
NOTES ENGLISH 47
ENGLISH For questions regarding terms used in this manual, visit: https://www.echo-usa.com/Support-Help/Technical-Documents OR https://www.shindaiwa-usa.com/Tech-Support/Technical-Documents 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.
