Echo HC-180 Operator's Manual

Hedge Clipper
Operator's Manual
MODEL HC-180
X7532247600
WARNING DANGER
Read rules for safe operation and all instructions carefully. ECHO provides this Operator's Manual and a Safety Manual. Both must be read and understood for proper and safe operation.
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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 it easy to use and full of helpful operating tips and SAFETY messages.
THE OPERATORS 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.
THE SAFETY MANUAL
Read and understand this manual before operation. Keep it in a safe place for future reference. It explains possible hazards involved with the use of this product and what measures you should take to make their use safer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction...............................................................2
- The Operator's Manual.......................................2
- The Safety Manual .............................................2
Safety ......................................................................... 3
- Manual Safety Symbols and Important
Information ..........................................................3
- International Symbols ........................................3
- Safety Equipment and Proper Clothing ..............3
- Equipment ..........................................................6
Emissions Control......................................................6
Description ................................................................ 7
Contents ....................................................................9
Assembly ................................................................... 9
- Install Blade Stiffener .......................................10
- Remove Blade Stiffener ....................................11
Operation ................................................................. 12
- Fuel ................................................................... 12
- Starting Cold Engine.........................................13
- Starting Warm Engine ...................................... 14
- Stopping Engine ............................................... 14
- Hedge Trimming ...............................................15
Copyright© 2007 By Echo, Incorporated All Rights Reserved.
Maintenance............................................................ 15
- Skill Levels........................................................ 15
- Maintenance Intervals ...................................... 16
- Air Filter ........................................................... 17
- Fuel Filter.......................................................... 17
- Spark Plug ........................................................ 18
- Cooling System ................................................18
- Exhaust System ................................................20
- Carburetor Adjustment.....................................21
- Lubrication .......................................................22
- Sharpening Blades............................................ 23
Troubleshooting...................................................... 25
Storage..................................................................... 26
Specifications ..........................................................27
Servicing Information ..............................................28
- Parts/Serial Number .......................................... 28
- Service ..............................................................28
- ECHO Consumer Product Support ................... 28
- Warranty Card .................................................. 28
- Additional or Replacement Manuals................ 28
Specifications, descriptions and illustrative material 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

HEDGE CLIPPER
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 and what they mean to you.
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 form/shape
Symbol
description/application
Read and understand
owners manual.
Symbol form/shape
Symbol
description/application
Fuel and oil mixture
Symbol form/shape
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.
Symbol
description/application
Carburetor adjustment
- Low speed mixture
Symbol form/shape
Symbol
description/application
Carburetor adjustment
- High speed mixture
Wear eyes, ears and
head protection
Emergency stop
Wear hand protec-
tion. Use two handed.
Choke Control
"Cold Start"
Position
(Choke Closed)
Choke Control
"Run"
Position
(Choke Open)
Ignition
Finger Severing
Hot
Surface
DO NOT SMOKE
NEAR FUEL.
Ignition ON/OFF
Do not operate without guards
in place.
Safety/Alert
Avoid all power
lines. This unit is not
insulated against
electrical current.
Plan retreat path
from falling
objects.
DO NOT ALLOW
FLAMES OR
SPARKS NEAR
FUEL.
Keep bystanders at least
4.5 meters (15 feet) away.
Carburetor adjustment
Do not operate clos-
er than 15 M (50 ft.) from electrical haz-
Wear slip resistant
PERSONAL CONDITION AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
W ARNING DANGER
Users of this product risk injury to themselves and others if the unit is used improperly and/or safety precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating unit.
- Idle speed
ards.
Primer bulb
foot wear.
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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 handle. 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, SCARFS, JEWELRY. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair. Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid 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.
Extended Operation/Extreme Conditions
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 unit 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.
HEDGE CLIPPER
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 exercise 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.
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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.
Read the Manuals
• Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual and Safety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation.
Clear the Work Area
• Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and animals prevented from coming nearer than 15 m (50 ft.) while the unit is in use.
Keep a Firm Grip
• Hold the front and rear handles with both hands, with thumbs and fingers encircling the handles.
Keep a Solid Stance
• Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions or on ladders. Do not over reach.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact during and immediately after operation.
WARNING DANGER
Never perform blade maintenance procedures while engine is running.
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EQUIPMENT CHECK
W ARNING DANGER
Use only ECHO approved attachments. Serious injury may result from the use of a non-approved attachment combi­nation. ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting devices, attachments or accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHO. Read and comply with all safety instructions listed in this manual and safety manual.
• 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 cutting attachment is firmly attached and in safe operating condition.

EMISSION CONTROL

EPA Phase 2
The emission control system for the engine is EM/TWC (Engine Modification and 3-way Catalyst) and for the fuel tank the Control System is EVAP (Evaporative Emissions). Evaporative emission may be applicable to California models only.
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
ENGINE FAMILY: 7EHXS.0214KF DISPLACEMENT: 21.2 CC EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD : 300 HRS. THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA PHASE 2 EMISSION REGULATIONS FOR SMALL NONROAD 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).
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.
HEDGE CLIPPER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL

DESCRIPTION

Locate the safety decals on your unit. Make sure the decals are legible and that you understand and follow the instruc­tions on them. If a decal cannot be read, a new one can be ordered from your ECHO dealer. See PARTS ORDERING instructions for specific information.
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10
11
12
13
14
15
16
2
3
4
5
17
7
6
8
9
Right Front Handle Guard
P/N X505000270
P/N X505000290
Hot Decal (near muffler)
P/N 89016006361
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1. FRONT HANDLE / GUARD - Comfortable, textured finish provides anti-slip grip for front hand. Guard protects
hand from the blades. Warning decals are located on guard.
2. BLADES - Double-sided reciprocating blades mounted to a blade support bar.
3. BLADE STIFFENER - Attaches to top of blades and guides material being cut into blades.
4. SPARK PLUG - Provides spark to ignite fuel mixture.
5. CHOKE - The choke control lever is located alongside the air filter case. Move lever up to "COLD START" (
close the choke for Cold Starting. Move lever down to "RUN" ( ) position to open choke.
6. PURGE BULB - Pumping purge bulb before starting engine draws fresh fuel from the fuel tank, purging air from the
carburetor. Pump purge bulb until fuel is visible and flows freely in the clear fuel tank return line. Pump purge bulb an additional 4 or 5 times.
7. AIR CLEANER - Contains replaceable filter element.
8. FUEL TANK CAP - Covers and seals fuel tank opening.
9. FUEL TANK - Contains fuel and fuel filter.
10. REAR HANDLE - Contains the Stop Switch, Throttle Lockout, and Throttle Trigger.
11. THROTTLE TRIGGER LOCKOUT - This lever must be depressed before Throttle Trigger can be activated.
12. THROTTLE TRIGGER - Spring loaded to return to idle when released. Trigger Lockout must be depressed fully
before Throttle Trigger will move. During acceleration, depress gradually for best operating technique.
13. STOP SWITCH - SLIDE SWITCH mounted on top of the rear handle. Move switch FORWARD to RUN, BACK to
STOP.
14. RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Pull handle slowly until recoil starter engages, then pull quickly and firmly. DO NOT
pull rope all the way out or allow the handle to snap back, damage to the starter will occur.
) to
15. 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.
16. POWER HEAD - Factory Assembled to the gear housing assembly. Includes the Engine, Clutch, Fuel
System, Ignition System, and Recoil Starter.
17. BLADE COVER - Used to cover blades during transportation or storage. Remove blade cover before using unit.
HEDGE CLIPPER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL

CONTENTS

After opening the carton, check for damage. Immediately notify your retailer or ECHO Dealer of damaged or missing parts. Use the contents list to check for missing parts.
__ 1 - Hedge Clipper Assembly __ 1 - Operator’s Manual __ 1 - Safety Manual __ 1 - Warranty Statement __ 1 - Warranty Registration Card __ 1- T-Wrench 13 x 19 __ 1- Blade Stiffener __ 3 - Blade Locknuts __ 3 - Stiffener Washers __ 1 - Echo Power Blend TM 2-stroke oil sample __ 1- Blade Cover
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ASSEMBLY

NOTE
For normal cutting, Echo strongly recommends the blade stiffener be installed. In extreme conditions, such as commercial cutting, or when cutting thick and/or dense branches, efficiency may be increased by trimming without the blade stiffener.
Tools required: (2) 10 mm Sockets & Extensions
Parts Required: Blade Stiffener, Blade Lock Nuts (3) (P/N
43302206460), Washers (3)
W ARNING DANGER
Hedge Clipper blades are very sharp. Touching them may lead to severe personal injury. Avoid touching blades whenever possible, and always wear gloves to protect hands.
IMPORTANT
Follow blade bolt adjustment instructions exactly. Failure to do so could result in damage to blades or gearbox.

INSTALL BLADE STIFFENER

1. Move stop switch to stop position.
2 . Disconnect spark plug wire.
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