Honda Power Equipment HHT25S, HHT31S User Manual

Owner's Manual

Trimmer/Brush Cutter

HHT25S • HHT31S

See page 42 for instructions on assembling your Trimmer.

© 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the trimmer/brush cutter and should remain with the trimmer/brush cutter if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda trimmer/brush cutter. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest trimmer/brush cutters on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new trimmer/brush cutter and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.

As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a NOTICE symbol. That information is

intended to help you avoid damage to your trimmer/brush cutter, other property, or the environment.

We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer.

When your trimmer/brush cutter needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda trimmers/brush cutters. Your Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction, and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes,

Power Equipment Division

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

1

INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety, and the safety of others, are very important. And using this trimmer/brush cutter safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a trimmer/brush cutter. You must use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

•Safety Labels—on the trimmer/brush cutter.

•Safety Messages—preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

DANGER	You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
WARNING	You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
CAUTION	You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.

•Safety Headings—such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

•Safety Section—such as TRIMMER SAFETY.

•Instructions—how to use this trimmer/brush cutter correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information—please read it carefully.

2

CONTENTS
TRIMMER SAFETY ...................................................	4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .....................	4
ATTACHMENTS & MODIFICATIONS .......................	5
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS ..............	5
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ...................................	6
RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS.....	7
CUTTING-LINE HEADS AND SHIELDS....................	7
BLADES AND SHIELDS ............................................	8
CUTTING ATTACHMENT APPLICATIONS...............	9
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT..................................	10
CONTROLS .............................................................	11
EQUIPMENT............................................................	13
BEFORE OPERATION ...........................................	14
IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?......................	14
OPERATION .............................................................	17
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS.......................	17
STARTING THE ENGINE ........................................	17
STOPPING THE ENGINE........................................	19
TRIMMER/HARNESS QUICK DISCONNECTION...	19
TRIMMER OPERATION ..........................................	19
SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES ............................	21
OPERATING TIPS ...................................................	22
SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER ...............	24
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE ................	24
MAINTENANCE SAFETY ........................................	24
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE...................................	25
ENGINE....................................................................	26
CUTTING ATTACHMENTS .....................................	29
FUEL SYSTEM ........................................................	40
ASSEMBLY...............................................................	42
IMPORTANCE OF PROPER ASSEMBLY...............	42
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................	42
UNPACKING............................................................	43
LOOSE PARTS........................................................	43
TRIMMER ASSEMBLY (UNBA types only)..............	44
BLADE COVER REMOVAL .....................................	47
BLADE COVER INSTALLATION .............................	47
ENGINE OIL.............................................................	48
BEFORE OPERATION ............................................	48

STORAGE.................................................................		49
STORAGE PREPARATION.....................................		49
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS ....................................		50
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE .................................		50
TRANSPORTING ....................................................		51
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED
PROBLEMS.............................................................		52
STARTING PROBLEMS..........................................		52
ENGINE OPERATING PROBLEMS	.......................	52
CUTTING HEAD PROBLEMS.................................		53
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION ....		54
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ..................................		54
CONSUMER INFORMATION..................................		60
INDEX ........................................................................		61
QUICK REFERENCE
INFORMATION ..............................	Inside Back Cover

3

TRIMMER SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush cutters are designed to cut grass, weeds, brush, and/or wood if equipped with an appropriate cutting attachment. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the trimmer and other property.

These Honda trimmers are intended for use by gardening professionals. Never allow children to operate the trimmer.

Most accidents can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the trimmer.

The most common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.

Always Wear Eye Protection and Protective

Clothing

•The most frequent injuries associated with string trimmers are eye injuries caused by thrown debris. Always wear safety glasses or goggles that meet the ANSI Z87.1 rating whenever you use the trimmer.

•The operator must wear hearing protectors when using this trimmer. Hearing protectors will protect the operator's ears from noise damage.

•Wearing protective clothing also reduces the risk and severity of injury from thrown debris or contact with the cutting attachment. Wear the trimmer harness, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy boots with nonslip soles.

See page 14 for more information.

Keep Away From Cutting Lines and Blades

•A spinning cutting blade can cut through your clothes and skin just as easily as it cuts through grass and dirt. Keep all parts of your body away from a spinning cutting attachment.

•Even after the engine has stopped, the cutting attachment will spin for several seconds. Do not touch it until it has stopped spinning, or you may get cut.

Turn the Engine Off When Not Trimming

If you stop trimming or cutting for any reason, even to clean off the cutting attachment, always shut off the engine.

Keep People Away From Your Working Area

To prevent injury to others, keep people at least 50 feet (15 meters) away from the working area during operation.

Always Wear the Harness When Trimming

The harness keeps the trimmer away from your body, lowering your chances of being cut by the trimmer’s blade or cutting line.

Read This Manual Before Using the Trimmer

Read the manual before operating the trimmer.

Understand how to use all the controls and obey all warnings.

Clear the Working Area First

Objects thrown by the trimmer can cause serious injury. Before operating the trimmer, carefully inspect the area and remove any broken glass, pieces of wire, and other loose objects.

Keep the Trimmer Properly Maintained

•The cutting attachment should be examined for looseness, cracks, broken parts, or excessive wear. Tighten or replace as needed before operating the trimmer.

•Do not operate the trimmer without a debris shield properly installed. Make sure you have the right shield installed for your cutting attachment.

For more information, see pages 7 and 8.

4

ATTACHMENTS & MODIFICATIONS

Modifying your trimmer/brush cutter, or installing non-Honda attachments, can make your trimmer unsafe. Before you make any modifications or install any attachments, be sure to read the following information.

Attachments

Your Honda trimmer servicing dealer has cutting attachments, debris shields, barrier kits, and shoulder harnesses that have been designed and approved for your trimmer and are covered by warranty.

Non-Honda attachments are usually designed for universal applications. Although aftermarket attachments may fit on your trimmer, they may not meet factory specifications and could make your trimmer unsafe.

Modifications

Do not remove the debris shield or modify your trimmer in any way that would alter its design or operation. This could make your trimmer unsafe.

TRIMMER SAFETY

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS

As an employer, you have special responsibilities to the people who work for you.

Before you ask anyone to operate this trimmer/ brush cutter, you need to determine whether the operator is old enough, large enough, and strong enough to safely handle and control the trimmer/ brush cutter.

If you decide he/she is, make sure the employee(s) read and understand all instructions and warnings in this manual and on the labels before operating the trimmer/brush cutter.

Allow adequate time for hands-on training by a qualified instructor, and personally supervise practice sessions, until you feel sure the employee is ready to operate the trimmer/brush cutter.

Also be sure employees wear proper clothing, eye and hearing protection, and any other gear that may be required by local ordinances or your insurance company.

Remember, too, that you are responsible for keeping the trimmer/brush cutter properly maintained and in safe operating condition.

Your commitment to safety on the job can help prevent accidents and result in longer and more productive years of service.

5

TRIMMER SAFETY

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of your trimmer/brush cutter. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.

TYPE EQUIPPED WITH	TYPE EQUIPPED WITH
LOOP HANDLE	U-TYPE HANDLEBAR

6

RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS

CUTTING-LINE HEADS AND SHIELDS

A cutting-line head containing nylon monofilament line, and a debris shield with cutoff knife is standard equipment. The shield’s cutoff knife automatically removes any excess line that is released from the cutting head.

Honda HHT31SUNBA model trimmers are supplied with two different debris shields. Use the debris shield with the cutoff knife when the cutting-line head is installed.

Nylon monofilament line is suitable for cutting grass and ordinary weeds, but not brush and woody growth.

Manual-Feed Cutting-Line Head

Line is released from the cutting head by manually pulling and turning the spool with the trimmer engine stopped.

NYLON MONOFILAMENT LINE

CUTTING-LINE HEAD

CUTOFF KNIFE	DEBRIS SHIELD
(inside debris shield)

MANUAL-FEED CUTTING-LINE HEAD

To release more line, pull spool and turn counterclockwise.

SPOOL

HOUSING

Semi-Matic (bump-feed) Cutting-Line Head

Line is released from the cutting head by bumping the spool on hard ground while head is spinning. Do not tap the cutting-line head on pavement or concrete.

SEMI-MATIC (bump-feed) CUTTING-LINE HEAD

SPOOL

HOUSING

7

RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS

BLADES AND SHIELDS

A variety of blades are available from your Honda trimmer servicing dealer. Always use a debris shield designed for use with a blade when attaching a blade to your trimmer. The blade type debris shield does not have a cutoff knife.

Honda HHT31SUNBA trimmers are supplied with a blade cover surrounding the edge of the blade.

For safety, and to protect the blade, the cover should be installed whenever the trimmer is not in use.

If installing a metal blade on a Honda trimmer equipped with a loop handle, also install the optional barrier kit that includes a full shoulder harness, a barrier bar, and a debris shield for metal blades. Follow the installation instructions and safety information that comes with the kit.

Grass/Weed Blades

Grass/weed blades, which may be plastic or metal, are used as an alternative to nylon monofilament line for cutting grass and ordinary weeds.

However, blades should never be used for edging against solid surfaces.

Weed/Brush Blades

These metal blades have chisel-shaped teeth that are used for cutting through field grass, thick weeds, and light brush. They are not designed for sawing woody material. The teeth must be sharp for good results.

Brush/Wood Blades

These metal saw-tooth blades are used for sawing through saplings, shrubs and woody brush. The teeth must be sharp for good results.

Brush/wood blades will also cut grass and weeds, but they are not efficient for that purpose.

DEBRIS SHIELDS

BLADE	CUTTING-LINE
GRASS/WEED BLADE,	CUTOFF KNIFE
WEED/BRUSH BLADE
(optional part)
BRUSH/WOOD BLADE
BLADE	DEBRIS
	SHIELD

BLADE

COVER

GRASS/WEED BLADE

WEED/BRUSH BLADE

BRUSH/WOOD BLADE

8

RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS

Brush/Wood Blade Cover Installation and

Removal

1.Install the blade cover over the blade so half the blade is covered.

To prevent the post end from interfering with the debris shield, pull the post end away from the blade and set it on top of the blade as shown.

Turn the blade cover slowly until the post end clears the debris shield.

2.Reposition the post end over the blade.

3.With the blade cover fully seated on the blade, latch the tab over the post.

Remove the blade cover in the reverse order of installation.

BLADE	POST END

DEBRIS

SHIELD

BLADE COVER

CUTTING ATTACHMENT APPLICATIONS
	Line Size		Blade Diameter
HHT25S	0.095"		9"
HHT31S	0.095" or 0.105"			9" or 10"
GRASS AND LIGHT WEEDS	OK	OK		OK		NO
THICK WEEDS AND LIGHT BRUSH	NO	NO		OK		NO
WOODY BRUSH, SHRUBS, SAPLINGS
	NO	NO		NO		OK

Your Honda trimmer servicing dealer has cutting attachments that have been designed and approved for your trimmer and are covered by warranty. Non-Honda attachments are usually designed for universal applications. Although aftermarket attachments may fit on your trimmer, they may not meet factory specifications and could make your trimmer unsafe.

9

CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS

CUTTING-LINE HEAD

GEAR CASE

	LOOP HANDLE HARNESS HANGER	HHT25SLTA
		SPARK PLUG
	THROTTLE SET BUTTON

		OPERATOR
		PRESENCE	AIR	CHOKE
	DEBRIS SHIELD WITH	LEVER
				LEVER
	CUTOFF KNIFE		CLEANER
			COVER
	DRIVE CABLE
	FRAME PIPE
	IGNITION SWITCH
	THROTTLE
	TRIGGER
			PRIMING
			BULB
		FUEL RETURN TUBE (clear)
	HHT31SLTA	FUEL SUPPLY TUBE (black)
	HHT31SUNBA

BLADE	FUEL TANK CAP
	GEAR CASE
	IGNITION SWITCH

Refer to page 37 for spark plug access.

SPARK

ARRESTER

STARTER GRIP

OIL

FILLER

CAP

DEBRIS SHIELD FOR BRUSH/WOOD BLADE

	THROTTLE	THROTTLE
		SET BUTTON
	TRIGGER
		OPERATOR
		PRESENCE
		LEVER

HARNESS HANGER

DRIVE CABLE

FRAME PIPE

U-TYPE

HANDLEBAR

HHT31SUNBA

(supplied with a cutting-line head, a saw blade, and two debris shields)

CUTTING-LINE HEAD

	SPARK PLUG
	CAP
	SPARK
AIR	ARRESTER
CLEANER
COVER
PRIMING BULB	STARTER
FUEL RETURN TUBE (clear)	GRIP
FUEL SUPPLY TUBE (black)

DEBRIS SHIELD WITH	FUEL TANK CAP
CUTOFF KNIFE	OIL FILLER CAP

10

CONTROLS

The location and operation of the controls are similar on both the HHT25S and HHT31S models.

Choke Lever

The choke lever opens and closes the choke valve.

The CLOSED position enriches the fuel mixture for starting a cold engine.

The OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after starting, and for restarting a warm engine.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch controls the ignition system.

The ignition switch must be in the ON (I) position for the engine to start and run.

Moving the ignition switch to the STOP (O) position stops the engine.

Operator Presence Lever

The operator presence lever blocks the throttle trigger. This safety feature prevents unintentional throttle operation if the trimmer is bumped while the operator’s hand is not on the control handle.

When the operator presses the presence lever by gripping the control handle, the trigger moves freely.

Throttle Trigger

The throttle trigger controls engine speed.

Pulling the throttle trigger toward the control handle grip increases engine speed. The trimmer will have the greatest cutting force at maximum engine speed.

Releasing the throttle trigger reduces engine speed. At idle, the cutting attachment should coast to a stop.

CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT

CHOKE LEVER

CLOSED

OPEN

U-type Handle:

STOP (O)

ON (I)
IGNITION
SWITCH	Loop Handle:
	STOP (O)
	ON (I)
	IGNITION SWITCH

THROTTLE

TRIGGER

	IDLE	OPERATOR
	(cutting attachment	PRESENCE
		LEVER
	stops)
		FAST
		(cutting attachment rotates)

11

CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT

Throttle Set Button

The throttle set button is used to hold the throttle trigger at the fast idle position for starting. Do not allow the cutting line or blade to contact any obstruction when starting the engine with the throttle set button engaged.

To engage the throttle set button, press the operator presence lever by gripping the control handle, pull the throttle trigger, then press and hold the throttle set button while releasing the throttle trigger.

To disengage the throttle set button, simply pull the throttle trigger. The throttle set button automatically disengages when the throttle trigger is pulled.

Do not use the throttle set button while operating the trimmer. The trimmer will not return to idle, and the cutting-line head or blade will continue to spin until the throttle set button is disengaged and the throttle trigger is released.

Priming Bulb

Pressing the priming bulb pumps fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor. This procedure is necessary for starting the engine.

To ensure fuel has reached the carburetor, press the priming bulb repeatedly until fuel can be seen in the clear plastic fuel return tube.

THROTTLE TRIGGER

PRIMING

BULB

Recoil Starter Grip

Pulling the starter grip operates the recoil starter to turn the engine for starting.

RECOIL

STARTER

GRIP

THROTTLE

SET BUTTON

OPERATOR

PRESENCE

LEVER

FUEL RETURN TUBE (clear plastic tube)

12

EQUIPMENT

The Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush cutters are supplied with a shoulder harness and safety glasses. Refer to page 14 for a description of other equipment and protective clothing you will need.

Shoulder Harness

A full shoulder harness must be worn by the operator of these Honda trimmers/brush cutters when equipped with a blade and debris shield. If the trimmer is equipped with a cutting-line head and shield with cutoff knife, the operator may wear a single-strap harness

A suitable shoulder harness is supplied with each new Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush cutter. Replacement shoulder harnesses may be purchased through any authorized Honda trimmer/brush cutter servicing dealer.

Before operation, adjust your shoulder harness as described on page 16.

Quick-Release Latch

The shoulder harnesses supplied with these trimmers are equipped with a quick-release latch.

Pull the latch tab upward to detach the trimmer from the harness.

Insert the latch tongue in the slot of the quickrelease latch to reattach the trimmer to the harness.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses or goggles that comply with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard

Z87.1 must be worn by the operator of any

Honda trimmer/brush cutter. The safety glasses supplied with each new Honda HHT25S and

HHT31S trimmer/brush cutter complies with this ANSI standard.

CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT

FULL SHOULDER HARNESS (UNBA only)

QUICK-RELEASE LATCH

SINGLE-STRAP SHOULDER HARNESS (LTA only)

QUICK-RELEASE LATCH

LATCH TAB

QUICK-RELEASE LATCH

SAFETY GLASSES (ANSI Z87.1)

13

BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOU READY TO OPERATE THE TRIMMER?

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury.

Knowledge

Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them.

Familiarize yourself with the trimmer and its operation before you begin to use it. Know what to do in case of emergencies.

Physical and Mental Readiness

You must be alert and in good physical condition to operate the trimmer. Do not operate the trimmer if you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any substance that might impair your vision, dexterity, or judgment.

If you have any physical problem that may be aggravated by strenuous work, consult your physician before operating the trimmer.

Protective Clothing

Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.

Eye, Face, and Head Protection

Always wear safety glasses or goggles that comply with ANSI standard Z87.1 to protect your eyes from thrown objects. Prescription glasses may be worn under the safety glasses or goggles.

A helmet with a face shield is recommended for further protection. However, safety glasses or goggles should always be worn under the face shield. Do not rely on a face shield alone to protect your eyes.

Wearing a dust mask will help to reduce the amount of pollens and dust inhaled.

Hearing Protection

Hearing protectors will help to protect your ears from noise. Earmuff-style hearing protectors can also protect your ears from thrown objects.

Hand and Body Protection

Wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants made of heavy material. Clothing should fit closely but allow freedom of movement, and should have no strings, straps, etc. that could catch on brush or the trimmer. Keep clothing fastened.

Foot Protection

Wear sturdy work boots with good toe protection and nonslip soles.

IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?

Objects thrown by the trimmer can cause serious injury. Before operating the trimmer, carefully inspect the area and remove all objects that could be thrown by, or entangled in, the cutting attachment, such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string.

Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets.

Keep all children, bystanders, and pets at least

50 feet (15 meters) away from where the trimmer is being operated.

Even outside a 50-foot (15-meter) radius of the trimmer, there may be a risk of injury from thrown objects, so bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection.

If anyone approaches you while you are operating the trimmer, release the throttle trigger and stop the engine.

14

IS YOUR TRIMMER READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the trimmer to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the trimmer.

WARNING

Improperly maintaining this trimmer, or failing to correct a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.

Always perform a preoperation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.

Safety Inspection

•Look around the engine for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. Wipe up any spills before starting the engine.

•Replace any damaged parts.

•Check that all fasteners are in place and secure. Tighten as necessary.

BEFORE OPERATION

Cutting Attachment Inspection

•Look for signs of damage to the cutting attachment (see pages 29 and 35). Replace any cutting attachment and parts that are worn out, bent, cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.

•If using a metal blade, be sure it is sharp. A dull blade is more likely to snag and thrust.

•If using a metal blade on a trimmer equipped with a loop handle, be sure the barrier bar (optional part) is installed beneath the loop handle.

•Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed and securely fastened (see pages 34 and 36).

•Check that the debris shield is the correct shield for the cutting attachment (see

page 36), and that it is securely installed and in good condition.

Maintenance Inspection

•Check the oil level (see page 26). Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.

•Check the air filter (see page 27). A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine and trimmer performance.

•Check throttle cable free play (see page 28). The cable must be correctly adjusted and operate smoothly for good throttle control.

•Check the fuel level (see page 40). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

15

BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOUR SHOULDER HARNESS AND TRIMMER CORRECTLY ADJUSTED?

Adjusting the Harness

Adjust the harness so the quick-release latch is at your right hip, as shown.

Balancing the Trimmer on the Shoulder Harness

Hang the trimmer on the harness hook, and see how it balances.

Adjust the shoulder harness, the harness hanger on the frame pipe, and the loop handle or U-type handlebar, so the handle or handlebars are in a comfortable operating position, and the trimmer hangs with its cutting attachment a few inches above the ground (see page 19).

QUICK-RELEASE

LATCH

FULL SHOULDER HARNESS

A few inches above the ground

GROUND

QUICK-RELEASE

LATCH

SINGLE-STRAP SHOULDER HARNESS

16

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the trimmer for the first time, please review the IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION chapter on page 4 and BEFORE OPERATION chapter starting on page 14.

Even if you have operated other trimmers, take time to become familiar with the operation of this trimmer’s controls and handling.

For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Your engine's exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.

If the trimmer starts to shake or vibrate, stop the engine immediately. After the cutting head has completely stopped, inspect it to determine the cause of the vibration. Sudden vibration is a sign of a hazardous problem, such as a loose or damaged blade. Do not operate the trimmer until the problem is corrected.

Prolonged exposure to vibration may cause vibration syndrome (Raynaud's disease). Symptoms include loss of skin color in the hands and numbness or a painful tingling sensation in the fingers, hands, and arms. Regular users of any power equipment may feel the numbness or pain spontaneously, at any time, not just after using the equipment. If any of these symptoms occur, see a physician immediately.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1.To start a cold engine, move the choke lever to the CLOSED position.

To restart a warm engine, leave the choke lever in the OPEN position.

2.To start a cold engine, or after refueling an engine that has run out of fuel, press the priming bulb repeatedly until fuel can be seen in the clear plastic fuel return tube.

To restart a warm engine, it is not necessary to press the priming bulb.

3.Set the throttle trigger in the starting position, using the throttle set button.

To set the throttle trigger for starting, press the operator presence lever by gripping the control handle, pull the throttle trigger, then press and hold the throttle set button while releasing the throttle trigger.

4.Move the ignition switch to the ON (I) position.

CHOKE LEVER	FUEL RETURN TUBE
	(clear plastic tube)

CLOSED

OPEN

PRIMING

BULB

	IGNITION SWITCH
	ON (I)
THROTTLE	THROTTLE
TRIGGER	SET BUTTON

OPERATOR

PRESENCE

LEVER

17

OPERATION

5.Set the trimmer on the ground, resting on the debris shield and the fuel tank guard. Do not allow the cutting-line or blade to contact any obstruction.

Always rest the trimmer on the ground for

starting, rather than holding it in the operating position. This prevents the end of the trimmer from swinging into something as you start the engine.

6. With your left hand, hold the frame pipe just ahead of the engine. With your right hand, pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.

CHOKE LEVER

7.If the choke lever was moved to the CLOSED position to start the engine, gradually move it to the OPEN position as the engine warms up.

Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after a cold start. When the engine is warm enough to idle well, pull and release the throttle trigger to disengage the throttle set button.

8.With the engine idling, hook the trimmer to your shoulder harness. Be careful to avoid contact with the cutting-line head or blade while handling the trimmer with the engine running.

The cutting-line head or blade should not rotate with the engine idling. If there is rotation at idle, adjust the idle speed correctly before using the trimmer. For idle adjustment, consult your authorized Honda servicing dealer.

OPEN

QUICK-RELEASE

LATCH

HOOK

18