Earth Auger
Operator's Manual
MODELS EA-400
EA-500
X7504220301
W ARNING DANGER
Read rules for safe operation and instructions carefully. ECHO provides this Operator's
Manual, which must be read and understood for proper and safe operation. Failure to
do so could result in serious injury.
X750006081
10/05
2
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the ECHO family. This ECHO product was designed and
manufactured to provide long life and on-the-job dependability. Read
and understand this manual . You will find this manual easy to use, and
full of helpful operating tips and SAFETY messages.
THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Read and understand this manual before operation. Keep it in a safe
place for future reference. It contains specifications and information for
operation, starting, stopping, maintenance, storage, and assembly
specific to this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ...............................................................2
- The Operator's Manual ......................................2
Safety .........................................................................3
- Manual Safety Symbols and Important
Information ........................................................3
- International Symbols ........................................ 3
- Personal Condition and Safety Equipment ........3
- Equipment ..........................................................6
Emission Control........................................................ 6
Description ................................................................7
Contents ....................................................................9
Assembly ................................................................... 9
- Throttle Handle Assembly.................................9
- Auger Installation ............................................ 10
- Auger Extension Installation ........................... 10
Operation ................................................................. 11
- Fuel .................................................................. 11
- Starting Cold Engine ........................................ 1 2
- Starting Warm Engine ...................................... 13
- Stopping Engine ..............................................1 3
- Drilling ............................................................. 14
Copyright© 2005 By Echo, Incorporated
All Rights Reserved.
Maintenance ............................................................ 15
- Skill Levels ....................................................... 15
- Maintenance Intervals ..................................... 15
- Air Filter ........................................................... 16
- Fuel Filter ......................................................... 16
- Spark Plug ........................................................ 17
- Cooling System Cleaning................................. 1 7
- Exhaust System................................................ 1 8
- Carburetor Adjustment .................................... 19
Troubleshooting ...................................................... 20
Storage..................................................................... 21
Specifications........................................................... 22
Auger Accessories .................................................. 23
Servicing Infor mation............................................... 2 4
- Parts................................................................. 24
- Service .............................................................24
- ECHO Consumer Product Support................... 2 4
- Warranty Card .................................................2 4
- Additional or Replacement Manuals ............... 24
Specifications, descriptions, and illustrative materials in
this literature are as accurate as known at the time of
publication, but are subject to change without notice.
Illustrations may include optional equipment and
accessories, and may not include all standard equipment.
SAFETY
EARTH AUGER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
3
MANUAL
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Throughout this manual and on the product itself, you will find safety
alerts and helpful informational messages preceded by symbols or key
words. The following is an explanation of those symbols and key
words.
This symbol accompanied by the words WARNING
and DANGER calls attention to an act or condition that
can lead to serious personal injury to operator and
bystanders.
The circle with the slash symbol means whatever is shown
within the circle is prohibited.
INTERNA TIONAL SYMBOLS
Symbol
Description/
Application
"WARNING, See
Operator's Manual
Symbol
Description/
Application
Hot
Surface
Symbol Symbol
IMPORTANT The enclosed message
provides information necessary for the
protection of the unit.
NOTE This enclosed message provides tips for
use, care and maintenance of the unit.
Description/
Application
Emergency Stop
Description/
Application
Fuel And Oil Mixture
Wear Eye, Ear, And
Head Protection
Wear Hand And
Foot Protection
Safety/Alert
Keep Feet And Legs
Away From Auger
DO NOT allow
flames or sparks
near fuel.
DO NOT smoke
near fuel.
Maintain Firm Grip
With Both Hands On
Auger During
Operation
Never Operate Auger
In an Area With
Underground
Electric, Gas, Water,
Or Telephone Lines
Carburetor Adjustment
- High Speed Mixture
Carburetor Adjustment
- Idle speed
Carburetor Adjustment
- Low Speed Mixture
Choke Control
"Cold Start"
Position
(Choke Closed)
Primer Bulb
Choke Control
(Choke Open)
PERSONAL CONDITION AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
W ARNING DANGER
Earth Auger users risk injury to themselves and others if the auger is used improperly, or safety precautions are not
followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating an auger.
Ignition
ON/OFF
"Run"
Position
4
Physical Condition --
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
• if you are tired or sick,
• if you are taking medication,
• if you have taken alcohol or drugs.
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.
Eye Protection --
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements whenever you operate the unit.
Hand Protection --
Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves to improve your grip on the Earth Auger handles. Gloves also reduce the transmission of machine vibration to your hands.
Hearing Protection --
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever unit is used.
Proper Clothing --
Wear snug fitting, durable clothing;
• Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, JEWELRY.
Wear sturdy work shoes with non-skid soles;
• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,
• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.
Hot Humid Weather --
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for early
morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
Vibration and Cold
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the fingers of certain individuals, may be
brought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and burning sensations, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended,
because the minimum exposure which might trigger the ailment is unknown.
• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles, hands,
and wrists.
• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking.
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where
operating the trimmer or other hand-held power equipment is not
required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness and swelling of the fingers
followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician
before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
EARTH AUGER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Repetitive Stress Injuries
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders may cause soreness,
swelling, numbness, weakness, and extreme pain in those areas. Certain repetitive hand activities may put you at a high
risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which
could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged
exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain for months or even years.
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position.
Instead try to maintain a straight wrist position. Also, when grasping,
use your whole hand, not just the thumb and index finger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive movement.
• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if
you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, or
arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent
nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.
5
W ARNING DANGER
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can cause serious injury or death.
• Provide all operators of this equipment with the operator's manual,
and instructions for safe operation.
• Review area to be augered. Beware of underground hazards such as
electrical lines, gas lines, water mains, or cable and telephone lines.
• Never use ice auger without checking with local authorities for safe
ice thickness in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
• Spectators and coworkers must be warned, and children and animals
prevented from coming nearer than 3 m (10 ft.) while auger is in use.
• Before starting the unit, equip yourself, and any person helping you,
with the required Protective Equipment and Clothing. Do not wear
loose or baggy clothing while operating the auger.
• Do not allow children to operate auger at any time.
• Always keep hands, arms, legs, and feet clear of the rotating auger.
• Do not carry the auger between holes with the engine running.
• Always shut engine off before making any repairs.
• Always hold auger handles firmly with both hands during operation.
• Maintain stable footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on
slippery, uneven, or unstable surfaces.
• Do not operate auger in any position other than upright.
• During operation, the muffler cover area will become very hot. Avoid
contact during and immediately after operation. Allow engine and
muffler to completely cool before performing any maintenance.
6
EQUIPMENT
W ARNING DANGER
Use only ECHO approved attachments. Serious injury may result from the use of a non approved attachment combination. Read and comply with all safety instructions listed in this operator manual. ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of attachments or accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHO.
• Check unit for loose/missing nuts, bolts, and screws. Tighten and/or
replace as needed.
• Inspect fuel lines, tank, and area around carburetor for fuel leaks. DO
NOT operate unit if leaks are found.
• Check that the auger is firmly attached and in safe operating condition.
• Ice blades are very sharp. Wear gloves when handling or replacing.
• Do not use any attachment, accessory, or replacement part unless it
is recommended in the Operator's Manual.
• Have repairs done only by an authorized ECHO Service Dealer.
EMISSION CONTROL
The emission control system for this engine is EM (Engine Modification).
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
ENGINE FAMIL Y : 5EXHS.0434RA
DISPLACEMENT : 42.7cc
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA PH1 EMISSION
REGULATIONS FOR SMALL NON-ROAD ENGINES.
REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL FOR MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS.
Emission Control Label (located on Engine) (EXAMPLE ONLY, information on label varies by FAMILY). Check
the label on your unit for information specific to your model.
PRODUCT EMISSION DURABILITY
The 300 hour emission durability compliance period is the time span selected by the manufacturer certifying the
engine emissions output meets applicable emissions regulations, provided that approved maintenance procedures are
followed as listed in the Maintenance Section of this manual.
EARTH AUGER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
DESCRIPTION
Locate these safety decals on your unit. Make sure the decals are legible and that you understand the symbols, and
follow the instructions these symbols represent. If a decal cannot be read, a new one can be ordered from your ECHO
dealer. See "Servicing Information - Parts" for more information.
Hot Decal (near muffler)
P/N 89016006361
1
13
7
3
18
2
16
15
19
7
11
12
6
16
2
13
8
18
11
10
9
8
18
3
12
9
5
7
17
Handle Decal
14
4
P/N X505000920
3
11
20
14
4
8
1. POWER HEAD - Includes the Engine, Clutch, Fuel System, Ignition System, Recoil Starter, and Auger Gear Case.
2. STOP SWITCH - "SLIDE SWITCH" mounted on top of the Throttle Trigger Housing. Move switch FORWARD to
RUN, BACK to STOP.
3. LOOP HANDLE - Operator position includes Throttle Handle Assembly and loop handle. Helper position uses loop
handle.
4. PTO Shaft - Power Take-Off Shaft provides power to Auger accessory.
5. AUGER ASSEMBLY - Connects to PTO Shaft. Auger Assembly is purchased separately as an accessory. See page
10 for list of auger accessories.
6. SPARK ARRESTOR - CATALYTIC MUFFLER / MUFFLER -The muffler or catalytic muffler controls exhaust noise
and emission. The spark arrestor screen prevents hot, glowing particles of carbon from leaving the muffler. Keep
exhaust area clear of flammable debris.
7. FUEL TANK - Contains fuel and fuel filter.
8. RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Pull handle slowly until starter engages, then quickly and firmly. When engine
starts, return handle slowly. DO NOT let handle snap back or damage to unit will occur.
9. FUEL TANK CAP - Covers and seals fuel tank opening.
10. PRIMER BULB - Pumping primer bulb before starting engine draws fresh fuel from the fuel tank priming the carbure-
tor for starting. Pump primer bulb until fuel is visible and flows freely in the clear fuel tank return line. Pump bulb an
additional 4 or 5 times.
11. AIR CLEANER - Contains replaceable filter element.
12. CHOKE - Located above air cleaner housing. Move lever to starting position (
position (
13. AIR DEFLECTOR - Deflects hot engine cooling air away from operator.
14. GEAR CASE - Sealed Gear Case provides 30.2 to 1 reduction for best combination of power and auger speed.
Requires no user maintenance.
15. THROTTLE HANDLE ASSEMBLY - Contains main operator controls- Throttle Trigger, Stop Switch, and Throttle
Trigger Lockout.
16. THROTTLE TRIGGER LOCKOUT - Operation of the throttle trigger is prevented unless throttle trigger lockout
lever is engaged.
17. THROTTLE TRIGGER - Spring loaded to return to idle when released. During acceleration press throttle trigger
gradually for best operating technique.
18. DECOMPRESSION BUTTON - Push button to assist starting. Automatically resets after engine starts and runs.
19. LOWER HAND GRIP - Used for right-hand grip by Operator during two-man operation.
20. SPARK PLUG - Provides spark to ignite fuel mixture.
) (open choke).
) (close choke) and back to run
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