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.
X753000330
10/01
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 and the SAFETY MANUAL you found in the same package. You will
find both easy to use and full of helpful operating tips and SAFETY messages.
THEOPERATOR'SMANUAL
Contains specifications and information for operating, starting,
stopping, maintaining, storing and assembling this product.
THESAFETYMANUAL
Explains possible hazards involved with the use of Hedge Clippers, and
what measures you should take to make their use safer.
- Additional or Replacement Manuals................ 24
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.
HEDGE CLIPPER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
MANUAL SAFETY SYMBOLSAND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Throughout this manual and on the product itself, you will find safety
alerts and helpful, information 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.
IMPORTANT
The enclosed message provides
The circle with the slash symbol means whatever is shown
within the circle is prohibited.
information necessary for the protection of the unit.
NOTE
This enclosed message provides tips
for use, care and maintenance of the
unit.
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SAFETY
DECALS
Locate these safety decals on your unit. The complete unit illustration found in the "DESCRIPTION" section, will help
you locate them. Make sure the decals are legible and that you understand and follow the symbols 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.
P/N X505000270
P/N X505000290
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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
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.
Engine choke
control.
Chain lubrication
Ignition
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY
EQUIPMENTANDPROPERCLOTHING
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.
Carburetor adjustment
- Idle speed
Do not operate clos-
er than 15 M (50 ft.)
from electrical haz-
ards.
Primer bulb
Wear slip resistant
foot wear.
Keep bystanders at least
4.5 meters (15 feet) away.
W ARNING DANGER
Hedge Clipper users risk injury to themselves and others if the hedge clipper is used improperly and or safety
precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating a hedge clipper.
Eye Protection
Eye protection that meet ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements
must be worn whenever you operate the Hedge Clipper.
Hand Protection
Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves to improve your
grip on the handles. Gloves also reduce the transmission
of machine vibration to your hands.
Hearing Protection
Wear 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.
Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves.
EXTENDEDOPERATION/EXTREMECONDITIONS
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 armexercises
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, or redness and swelling of the fingers,
followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician
before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
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.
HEDGE CLIPPER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
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.
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EQUIPMENT
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.
• Never adjust blades when the engine is operating.
• Inspect hand guard for damage. Replace if damaged or missing.
• Check that the blade assembly is firmly attached and in safe operating
condition. Dull, loose, or damaged blades should not be used.
• During operation, the complete unit, especially the power head,
muffler area and cutting attachment may become very hot, too hot to
touch.Avoid contact during and immediately after operation.
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SAFEOPERATION
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 Safety And Operating Instructions To All Operators
• Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator's Manual and
Safety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation.
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.
Keep a Firm Grip
• Hold the front and rear handles with both hands, with thumbs and
fingers encircling the handles.
EMISSION CONTROL
The emission control system for this engine is EM (Engine
Modification).
Emission Control Label (located on Engine) (EXAMPLE
ONLY, information on label varies by FAMILY).
IMPORT ANT ENGINE INFORMA TION
ENGINE FAMIL Y : TEH021UB24RA
DISPLACEMENT : 21.2cc
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA PHI AND 1995 - 1999
CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS FOR ULGE
ENGINES. REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL FOR
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS.
HEDGE CLIPPER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
DESCRIPTION
The HC-1800 Hedge Clipper is pre-assembled and ready for use.
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.