READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE RULES FOR
SAFE OPERATION.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
AVERTISSEMENT
LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT LES INSTRUCTIONS ET SUIVRE LES RE-GLES DE
SECURITE. LE NON-RESPECT DES REGLES DE SECU-RITE ENTRAINE UN
RISQUE DE BLESSURE GRAVE.
WARNUNG
LESEN SIE DIE BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG SORGFÄLTIG DURCH, UND BEFOLGEN SIE DIE SICHERHEITSREGELN. ANDERNFALLS BESTEHT DAS
RISIKO SCHWERER VERLETZUNGEN.
AVVERTENZA
LEGGERE E SEGUIRE ATTENTAMENTE LE ISTRUZIONI PER LA-VORARE
IN CONDIZIONI DI MASSIMA SICUREZZA. LA MANCA-TA OSSERVANZA
DELLE ISTRUZIONI POTREBBE PROVOCARE LESIONI GRAVI.
ADVERTENCIA
LEA ATENTAMENTE LAS INSTRUCCIONES Y SIGA LAS INDICA-CIONES
PARA UN FUNCIONAMIENTO SEGURO. DE NO HACER-LO, PODRÍA SUFRIR
LESIONES GRAVES.
2
1Top cover
ENGLISH
(Original instructions)
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
HEDGE CLIPPER
HCAS-235ES
WARNING
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
Important information
2Important information
Please ensure that you read the operator's manual before using your product.
Intended use of this product
ECHO Hedge Clipper are lightweight, high-performance, petrol engined units designed for hedge and shrub trimming.
Do not use this unit for any purpose other than aforementioned.
Users of the product
You should not use this product until you have read the operator's manual carefully and fully absorbed its content.
This product should not be used by anyone who has failed to read the operator's manual properly, is suffering from a
cold, tiredness or otherwise in poor physical condition, or children.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their prop-
erty.
About your operator's manual
This manual contains necessary information about the operation and maintenance of your product. Please read it care-
fully and absorb its contents.
Always keep your manual in a place where it is readily accessible.
If you have lost your manual or it is damaged and no longer readable, please purchase a new one from your ECHO
DEALER.
The units used in this manual are SI units (International System of Units). Figures in parentheses are reference values,
and there may be a slight conversion error in some cases.
Loaning or assigning your product
When loaning the product described in this manual to another party, ensure that the person borrowing and working with
the product receives the operator's manual along with the product. If you assign your product to another party, please
enclose the operator's manual with the product when handing it over.
Enquiries
Please contact your ECHO DEALER for requests regarding information about your product, the purchase of consum-
ables, repairs, and other such enquiries.
Notices
The content of this manual may be changed without notice for the purpose of upgrades to the product. Some of the
illustrations used may differ from the product itself in order to make the explanations clearer.
This product requires the assembly of some parts.
Please consult your ECHO DEALER if anything is unclear or of concern.
Feature of this model: "ES" START
"ES" ST ART generates enough revolving power to rotate crankshaft up to a speed to ignite the engine and bring almost
no kickback. "ES" START makes engine start far easier than you ever expect.
Manufacturer
YAMABIKO CORPORATION
7-2 SUEHIROCHO 1-CHOME, OHME, TOKYO 198-8760, JAPAN
Authorized Representative in Europe
Atlantic Bridge Limited
Atlantic House, PO Box 4800, Earley, Reading RG5 4GB, United Kingdom
2
Contents
For safe use of your product ............................................................................................... 4
Declaration of conformity .................................................................................................. 29
3
For safe use of your product
Be careful to read this section before using your product.
For safe use of your product
The precautions described in this section contain important safety information. Please observe them carefully.
You must also read the precautions that appear in the body of the manual itself.
Text following a [diamond mark] mark describes the potential consequences of failing to observe the precaution.
Warning notices
Situations where there is a risk of physical injury to the operator and other people are indicated in this manual and on the product
itself by the following warning notices. Always read and observe them carefully in order to ensure safe operation.
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
This symbol accompanied by the
word "DANGER" calls attentions to
an act or a condition which will lead to
serious personal injury or death of operators and bystanders.
Other indicators
As well as warning notices, this manual uses the following explanatory symbols:
This symbol accompanied by the
word "WARNING" calls attentions to
an act or a condition which can lead to
serious personal injury or death of operators and bystanders.
"CAUTION" indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTEIMPORTANT
Circle and slash symbol means whatever is
shown is prohibited.
This enclosed message provides tips
for use, care and maintenance of the
product.
Framed text featuring the word "IM-PORTANT" contains important information about the use, checking,
maintenance and storage of the product described in this manual.
Symbols
In this manual and on the product itself, a series of explanatory symbols is used. Please make sure that you fully understand what
each symbol means.
Symbol form/shapeSymbol description/applica-
tion
Carefully read the operator's
manual
Wear eyes, ears and head
protection
Safety / Alert
Finger severing
Symbol form/shapeSymbol description/applica-
tion
Petrol and oil mixture
Purge bulb (Primer)
Carburettor adjustment
- Low speed mixture
Carburettor adjustment
- High speed mixture
Emergency stop
Carburettor adjustment
- Idle speed
4
For safe use of your product
Symbol form/shapeSymbol description/applica-
tion
Do not use the product in places with poor ventilation
Beware of fire
Beware of electric shocksEnvironmental protection!
Beware of high-temperature
areas
Engine start
Symbol form/shapeSymbol description/applica-
tion
Choke Control
"Cold Start"
Position
(Choke Closed)
Choke Control
"Run"
Position
(Choke Open)
Guaranteed sound power level
Location in which the safety decal is attached
The safety decal shown below has been attached to the products described in this manual. Ensure that you understand what
the decal means before using your product.
If the decal becomes unreadable due to wear and tear or damage, or peels off and is lost, please purchase a replacement decal
from your ECHO DEALER and attach it in the location shown in the illustrations below. Ensure that the decal is readable at all
times.
1. Safety decal (Part number 890617-12361)
2. Safety decal (Part number X505-002310)
5
For safe use of your product
Handling fuel
DANGER
Always keep well away from fire when refuelling
Fuel is highly inflammable and leads to a risk of fire if mishandled. Use extreme care when mixing, storing or handling
or serious personal injury may result. Be careful to observe the following instructions.
Do not smoke or hold a flame near when refuelling.
Do not fuel up while the engine is hot or in operation.
If you do so, the fuel could ignite and cause fire, leading to burns.
About the container and refuelling place
Use an approved fuel container.
Fuel tanks/cans may be under pressure.
Always loosen fuel caps slowly allowing pressure to
equalize.
DO NOT fill fuel tanks indoors.
ALWAYS fill fuel tanks outdoors over bare ground.
Fuel spills can cause fire
Observe the following precautions when refuelling:
Do not add so much fuel that it reaches the mouth of the
fuel tank. Keep the fuel within the prescribed level (up to
the shoulder level of the fuel tank).
Mop up any fuel that overflows or spills out due to over-
filling.
Tighten the fuel tank cap securely after refuelling.
Fuel spills can cause fire and burns when ignited.
1. Fuel tank
2. Shoulder level
Do not start the engine in the area where you refueled
You must not start the engine in the place where you
carried out the refuelling. Move at least 3m from the
place where you refueled before starting the engine.
Fuel leaks that occur while refuel-
ling can cause fire if ignited.
Fuel leaks cause fire
After refuelling, always check
that there are no leaks or discharges of fuel from the fuel
pipe, fuel system grommets, or
around the fuel tank cap.
If you do find fuel leaks or discharges, stop using the
product immediately and contact your ECHO DEALER
to have it repaired.
Any fuel leaks could cause fire.
6
For safe use of your product
Handling the engine
WARNING
Starting the engine
Be particularly careful to observe the following precautions when starting the engine:
Always ensure all handles and guards are fitted
Check that none of the nuts and bolts are loose
Check that there are no fuel leaks
Check that the cutter blades is not damaged or exces-
sively worn. If you find any abnormalities, do not use
the product.
Place the product in a flat, well ventilated place
Leave plenty of space around the product and do not al-
low people or animals near it
Remove obstructions, if any
Make sure that the cutter blades is not touching the
ground or any obstacles
Start the engine with the throttle trigger in the idle speed
position
Hold the product firmly to the ground when starting the
engine
Do not start the engine holding the product in the air
Failure to observe the precautions could cause an accident
or injury, or even lead to a fatality.
Put safety first in the case of fire or smoke
If fire comes from the engine or smoke appears from
any area other than the exhaust vent, first distance
yourself from the product to ensure your physical safety.
Use a shovel to throw sand or other such
material on the fire to prevent it from
spreading, or put it out with a fire extinguisher.
A panicked reaction could result in the fire and
other damage becoming more extensive.
Exhaust fumes are toxic
The exhaust fumes from the engine contain toxic gases.
Do not operate the product indoors or in a plastic greenhouse or in other ill ventilated places.
The exhaust fumes could cause poisoning.
Once the engine has started, check for abnormal vibrations and sounds
Check that there are no abnormal vibrations or sounds
once the engine starts. Do not use the product if there
are abnormal vibrations or sounds. Contact your ECHO
DEALER to have it repaired.
Accidents involving parts that fall or shatter off can cause
wounds or serious injury.
Do not touch high temperature or high voltage components while the product is running
Do not touch the following high temperature or high voltage components while the product is running or for some
time after it stops.
Silencer, spark plug, gear housing, and
other high temperature components
You could burn yourself if you touch a high
temperature component.
Spark plug, spark plug wire, and other
high voltage components
You could receive an electric shock if you
touch a high voltage component while the
product is running.
Turn off the engine when checking or maintaining
the product
Observe the following precautions when checking and
maintaining your product after use:
Turn the engine off and do not attempt to check or main-
tain the product until the engine has cooled
You could burn yourself.
Remove the spark plug cap before performing checks
and maintenance
An accident could occur if the product starts unexpectedly.
Checking the spark plug
Observe the following precautions when checking the
spark plug.
If the electrodes or terminals are worn, or if there are
cracks in the ceramics, replace them with new parts.
The spark test (for checking whether the spark plug is
sparking) must be carried out by your ECHO DEALER.
The spark test must not be carried out in proximity of
the spark plug hole.
The spark test must not be performed in places where
there are fuel spills or inflammable gases
You must not touch the
metal parts of the spark
plug
The spark plug could ig-
nite a fire or give you an
electric shock.
7
For safe use of your product
Handling the product
General precautions
WARNING
Operator's manual
Be careful to read the operator's manual
properly before using your product in order to ensure correct operation.
Failure to do so could lead to an accident or
serious injury.
Do not use the product for anything
other than its intended purpose
You must not use the product for any purpose other
than those described in the operator's manual.
To do so could lead to an accident or serious injury.
Do not modify the product
You must not modify the product.
To do so could lead to an accident or serious injury. Any
malfunction resulting from a modification to the product will
not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Loaning or assigning your product
When loaning your product to another party, ensure
that the person borrowing the product receives the operator's manual along with it.
If you assign your product to another party, please en-
close the operator's manual with the product when
handing it over.
Failure to do so could lead to an accident or serious injury.
Being prepared in case of an injury
In the unlikely event of an accident or injury, please ensure
that you are prepared.
First aid kit
Towels and wipes (to stop any bleeding)
Whistle or mobile phone (for calling outside help)
If you are unable to perform first aid or call for outside help,
the injury could worsen.
Do not use the product unless it has been checked
and maintained
You must not use the product unless it has been
checked and maintained. Always ensure that the product is checked and maintained on a regular basis.
Failure to do so could lead to an accident or serious injury.
8
For safe use of your product
Precautions for use
DANGER
Always stop the engine when a blades jam occurs
Do not attempt to remove an object causing a blades jam if the engine is running.
Physical injury can occur if a blades jam is removed and the blades starts moving.
WARNING
Users of the product
The product should not be used by:
people who are tired
people who have taken alcohol
people who are on medication
people who are pregnant
people who are in poor physical
condition
people who have not read the op-
erator's manual
children
Failure to observe these instruc-
tions could lead to an accident.
Environment of use and operation
Do not use the product in places where there is no sure
foothold, such as on steep slopes or after rainfall, as
such places are slippery and dangerous.
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.
Do not operate the product at night or in dark places
with poor visibility.
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.
A serious injury could result if you fall or slip, or fail to oper-
ate the product correctly.
Turn off the engine when moving around
When moving around in the situations described below,
turn off the engine and ensure that the cutter blades has
stopped moving, then fit the blade cover and position the
silencer away from yourself.
Moving to the place where you are working
Moving to another area while you are working
Leaving the place where you have been working
Failure to observe these precautions could cause burns or
serious injury.
When transporting the product by car, empty the fuel
tank, fit the blade cover, and secure the product firmly
in place to prevent it from moving around.
Travelling by car with fuel in the fuel tank could lead to a fire.
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,
followed by loss of colour 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 and neck,
feet and ankles, and hands and wrists.
Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous
arm exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by
not smoking.
Limit the number of hours of operation.
Try to fill each day with jobs where operating the hedge
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 exposing yourself further
to cold and vibration.
Failure to observe these instructions could result in damage
to your health.
Repetitive stress injuries
It is believed that over-using the muscles and tendons of
the fingers, hands, arms and shoulders may cause soreness, swelling, numbness, weakness and extreme pain to
the areas just mentioned. Certain repetitive hand activities
may put you at a high risk for developing a repetitive
stress injury (RSI).
To reduce the risk of RSI, do the following:
Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended or twisted
position.
Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest
your hands. Reduce the speed and force in which you
do the repetitive movement.
Do exercises to strengthen hand and arm muscles.
See a doctor if you feel tingling, numbness or pain in
your fingers, hands, wrists or arms. The sooner RSI is
diagnosed, the more likely permanent nerve and muscle
damage can be prevented.
Failure to observe these instructions could result in damage
to your health.
9
For safe use of your product
WARNING
Remove foreign objects and obstructions before
working with the product
Inspect area that the product will be used in. Remove
stones, metal objects and any other object that could
jam or damage the product.
An accident or serious injury can occur if foreign objects
throw the cutting device.
Turn off the engine immediately if anything goes
wrong
In the following situations, turn off the engine immediately
and ensure that the cutting device has stopped before
checking each area of the product. Replace any damaged
parts.
If the cutting device hits a rock, tree, post, or other such
obstruction while you work.
If the product suddenly starts to vibrate abnormally.
Continuing to use parts when they are damaged could lead
to an accident or serious injury.
Operation
Hold the front and rear handles with both hands with
Never remove hands from the product when the blades
Only adjust cutting angle with unit resting flat on the
Failure to observe these instructions will cause the product
thumbs and fingers tightly encircling the handles.
are moving.
ground, with the switch in the "STOP" position. Never
adjust blade angle while standing.
to be held unsteadily and could result in serious injury.
The area within a 15 m radius is a danger zone
The area within a 15 m radius of the product is a danger
zone. Be careful to observe the following precautions
while working with the product.
Do not allow children and other people or pets to enter
the danger zone.
If another person enters the danger zone, turn off the
engine to stop the blades.
When approaching the operator, signal to him by, for
example, throwing twigs from outside the danger zone,
and then check that engine has been switched off and
the blades has stopped moving.
Do not allow anyone to hold the material you are cut-
ting.
Any contact with the cutter blades could cause serious inju-
ry.
Do not use the product when the cutter blades is
moving at idle speed
You must not use the product while the cutter blades is
moving if the Hedge Clipper is running with the throttle
trigger in the idle speed position. Turn off the engine immediately and adjust the carburettor.
To do so could lead to an accident or serious injury.
Make sure that the cutter blades is stopped before
putting the product on the ground
When you turn off the engine, check to ensure the cutter
blades has stopped moving before you lower the product to the ground.
Even if the engine has been turned off, the blades can still
cause an injury while free-wheeling.
Remove debris from the silencer
If objects such as grasses, leaves, twigs or excessive
grease got stuck over the area around the silencer of
the engine, stop the engine and remove them paying attention not to touch hot spots.
Failure to do so could lead to a fire.
WARNING
Do not use the product to cut hard objects
Do not use the product to cut hard objects such as
wires or steel plates.
If the blades strikes an obstruction or is prevented from
functioning properly, stop the engine and inspect the
blades for damage.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause breakage of
the product or an accident.
Never use the product getting on a ladder or a stool
Do not overreach or stand on unstable surfaces.
Do not use the product when being at the top of the lad-
der or standing on a stool.
Failure to do so could lead to an accident or serious injury.
10
For safe use of your product
Protective gear
WARNING
Wear protective gear
Always wear the following protective gear when working
with the hedge trimmer.
a Head protection (helmet): Protects the head
b Ear muffs or ear plugs: Protect the hearing
c Safety goggles: Protect the eyes
d Safety gloves: Protect the hands from cold and vibration
e Work clothes that fit (long sleeves, long trousers): Pro-
tect the body
f Heavy duty, non-slip protective boots or non-slip work
shoes : Protect the feet
Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage
to your sight or hearing, or lead to a serious injury.
When necessary, please use the protective gear below.
Dust mask: Protects the breathing apparatus
Bee net: To deal with attacks by bees
Full face shield: When trimming overhead, wear head pro-
tection meeting CE with a full face shield.
Wear proper clothing
Do not wear ties, jewellery, or loose, dangling clothing which could be
caught in the unit. Do not wear open toed footwear, or go bare-foot or
barelegged.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to your sight or
hearing, or lead to a serious injury.
11
Packing list
The following parts are packed separately in the packing box.
When you have unpacked the box, please check the parts that it contains.
Contact your ECHO DEALER if anything is missing or broken.
Packing list
NumberPart nameQuantity
1Power head with drive shaft1
2Blade cover1
3L-wrench1
44 mm hexagonal wrench1
5Open end wrench1
6T-wrench1
7Safety glasses1
8Operator's manual1
12
Description
Description
1. Blades Double reciprocating blades mounted to a blade
support bar. Double-sided blades are capable of cutting
on either side of the blade.
2. Blade indexing ring Pull ring out and turn 1/4 turn to
lockout position when adjusting blade angle.
3. Gear housing assembly Gear housing contains drive
gears for transmitting power to cutting blades. Pivoting
design permits blades to articulate 75 degrees in 15-degree increments.
4. Blade adjustment handle Provides secure hand grip for
adjusting cutting blade angle.
5. Front handle (for the left hand) Handle locaqted towards the cutting devise.
6. Drive shaft assembly Includes the flex drive shaft, rear
handle assembly, front handle and safety decal.
7. Ignition switch Controls engine ignition. Move switch for-
ward to start and run engine, back to "STOP"position to
stop engine.
8. Throttle trigger lockout Locks throttle trigger in the idling
position until you have a proper grip with your right hand
around the handle.
9. Grip, right hand, rear Cushioned grip for Right Hand.
10. Spark plug
11. Silencer cover Cover the silencer not to make operator
touch to hot surface of silencer.
12. Starter handle Pull handle to start the engine. ("ES" START)
13. Fuel tank cap For closing the fuel tank.
14. Fuel tank Contains fuel and fuel filter.
15. Air cleaner cover Covers air filter.
16. Throttle trigger Activated by the operator's finger for
controlling the engine speed.
17. Blade cover Used to cover blade during transport and
storage. Remove blade cover before using unit.
13
Before you start
Before you start
Assembly
WARNING
Read the operator's manual carefully to ensure that you assemble the product correctly.
Using a product that has been incorrectly assembled could lead to an accident or serious injury.
Tools required:
4 mm hexagonal wrench, Screw driver.
Parts required:
Power head with drive shaft assembly and gear box with blade
assembly.
1. Slide the gear box with blade assembly on the drive shaft. Be
certain the flex drive shaft engages the hole in driver gear.
1. Bolt
2. Locating hole
3. Screw
2. Align the screw with the locating hole in the drive shaft housing, tighten screw and bolt.
WARNING
Wear heavy duty gloves when working with the hedge
clipper blades. When replacing the hedge clipper
blades during a trimming task, ensure that the engine is
switched off and that the blades have stopped.
Ensure that the fuel tank cap is securely in place.
Failure to do so could lead to an injury or serious accident,
or cause a fire.
1. Front handle
2. Arrow mark
IMPORTANT
Do not install the handle to be located farther from you than the
arrow mark ( ) and the safety decals.
3. Safty decals
14
Before you start
Adjusting Cutting Angle
DANGER
Never adjust cutting assembly with engine running.
Failure to do so could lead to an injury or serious accident.
WARNING
Hedge clipper blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when adjusting cutting assembly.
Do not stand hedge clipper on end when adjusting cutting angle, otherwise serious injury may result.
Gear case assembly becomes HOT during use. Always grip assembly at blade-adjustment handle when making cut-
ting angle adjustments, otherwise serious injury may result.
Failure to do so could lead to an injury or serious accident.
1. Place unit on a flat clear area. Assure Ignition Switch is in the
"STOP" position.
1. Ignition switch2. Throttle trigger
1. Indexing ring2. 1/4 turn
1. Adjustment handle2. 1/4 turn
2. Pull out indexing ring, and turn 1/4 turn to lockout position.
3. Turn hedge clipper 1/4 turn so that indexing ring faces downward.
4. Rotate blades to desired cutting position.
5. Turn indexing ring 1/4 turn to lock blade in place.
1. Indexing ring2. 1/4 turn
15
Before you start
Preparing the fuel
DANGER
Fuel is highly inflammable and there is a risk of fire if it is handled incorrectly. Carefully read
and observe the precautions in the section of this manual titled "For safe use of your product".
Once the refuelling is complete, securely tighten the fuel tank cap and do not forget to
check that there are no leaks or discharges of fuel from the fuel pipe, fuel system grommets,
or around the fuel tank cap. If you do find fuel leaks or discharges, stop using the product
immediately and contact your ECHO DEALER to have it repaired.
If the fuel ignites, it could cause burns and fire.
CAUTION
There is difference in pressure between the fuel tank and the outside air. When refuelling, loosen the fuel tank cap
slightly to eliminate the difference in pressure.
Otherwise, fuel may get spewed.
NOTE
Stored fuel ages. Do not mix more fuel than you expect use in thirty (30) days. Do not mix directly in fuel tank.
Fuel
Fuel supply
1. Fuel tank2. Shoulder level
Fuel is a mixture of regular grade petrol and an air-cooled 2-
stroke engine oil of reputable brand name.
Minimum 89 Octane unleaded petrol is recommended. Do not
use fuel containing methyl alcohol or more than 10 % of ethyl
alcohol.
Standard (ISO/CD 13738), JASO FC, FD grade and ECHO
Premium 50 : 1 oil.
- Do not mix directly in engine fuel tank.
- Avoid spilling petrol or oil. Spilled fuel should always be
wiped up.
- Handle petrol with care, it is highly inflammable.
- Always store fuel in approved container.
Always refuel in a well ventilated location. Do not pour fuel in-
doors.
Place the product and the refuelling tank on the ground when
performing the refuelling operation. Do not refuel the product
on the loading platform of a truck, or in other such places.
Always ensure that the fuel level remains below the shoulder
level of the fuel tank when refuelling.
There is a difference in pressure between the fuel tank and the
outside air. When refuelling, loosen the fuel tank cap slightly to
eliminate the difference in pressure.
Always wipe up any fuel spills.
Move at least 3m away from where you refueled before you
start the engine.
Keep the refuelling tank in a shaded area away from fire.
16
Engine operation
Engine operation
Starting the engine
WARNING
When starting the engine, observe the precautions described from Page 4 in the section "For safe use of your prod-
uct" to ensure that you operate the product correctly.
The attachment will operate immediately when the engine starts and could result in loss of control and possible se-
rious injury. Keep movable parts of the attachment off the ground and away from objects that could become entangled or thrown.
If the blades moves even though the throttle trigger is in the idle speed position when the engine is started, adjust
the carburettor before using the product.
Blades will start moving as engine attains clutch engagement speed.
Failure to observe the precautions could cause an accident or injury, or even lead to a fatality.
NOTE
Pull out the starter grip gently at first, and then more rapidly. Do not pull the starter rope out to more than 2/3 of its length.
Do not let go of the starter grip as it returns.
Starting a cold engine
(Connect the spark plug cap if the product has been in storage for
a long period of time)
1. Ignition switch
2. Throttle trigger
1. Purge bulb
2. Choke lever
3. Cold Start
The starting procedure depends on whether the engine is cold or
warm. A cold engine is started as follows.
3. Throttle trigger lockout
4. Start
1. Remove the blade cover and check the cutter blades. If anything is wrong, replace it with a new one.
2. Placing the product on level ground, check to ensure that the
blades does not come into contact with the surface of the
ground or any other impediment using a beam or other such
implement.
3. Check that there are no fuel leaks.
4. Move the ignition switch to the Start position.
5. Move the choke lever to the "Cold Start" position.
6. Alternately press and release the purge bulb until the fuel is
sucked up into it.
4. Run
5. Starter handle
1. Starter handle ("ES" START)
7. Checking that the area around you is safe, hold the front
handle firmly with your right hand as shown in the illustration,
pulling several times on the starter grip.
8. If you hear an explosion-like sound and the engine stops immediately, move the choke lever to the "Run" position and
continue pulling on the starter grip to start the engine.
9. If the engine starts immediately when you carry out the instructions in step 7, above, return the choke lever gently to
the "Run" position.
10. Leave the engine to warm up at idle speed for a while.
11. Depress the throttle trigger lockout and gradually squeeze
the throttle trigger.
17
Engine operation
Engine warm-up
Starting a warm engine
1. Once the engine starts, allow it to warm up for 2 to 3 minutes
at idling (i.e. low speed).
2. Warming the engine helps to lubricate its internal workings
more smoothly. Allow the engine to warm up fully, especially
when it is cold.
1. Move the ignition switch to the Start position.
2. Make sure that the throttle trigger is at the idle speed position.
1. Ignition switch
2. Throttle trigger
1. Purge bulb
2. Choke lever
3. Cold Start
3. Throttle trigger lockout
4. Start
4. Run
5. Starter handle
Stopping the engine
1. Ignition switch2. Throttle trigger
3. Check that the choke lever is in the "Run" position.
4. If fuel tank is not empty, pull on the starter grip to start the
engine.
5. If no fuel is visible in the purge bulb, alternately press and release the purge bulb until the fuel is sucked up into it.
6. Checking that the area around you is safe and pull on the
starter grip to start the engine.
1. Release the throttle trigger and set the engine to idling (i.e.
low speed).
2. Move the ignition switch to the Stop position.
3. In the event of an emergency, stop the engine immediately
using the ignition switch.
4. If the engine fails to stop, move the choke lever to the "Cold
Start" position. The engine will stall and come to a halt (a
choke stop).
∗ If the engine fails to stop when the ignition switch is used, have
the ignition switch checked and repaired by your ECHO DEALER before you use the product again.
18
Hedge and shrub trimming operation
Hedge and shrub trimming operation
Basic hedge trimming operation
NOTE
This product is designed to cut shrubs and hedges with branches no larger than 6 mm in diameter.
When starting to trim, run the engine at full throttle. Cutting at less at than full speed can damage the clutch by allowing it to
slip. When you do not conduct trimming or cutting work, do not run the engine at full throttle.
Pulling the throttle trigger after the engine is started will cause
the engine speed to rise and the cutter blades to start moving.
Adjust the engine speed depending on, for example, the
amount of the hedges to be cut.
1. Throttle trigger
2. High speed
3. Idling
1. Hold trimmer firmly and squeeze throttle trigger to accelerate
engine.
2. Tilt trimmer so cutting teeth are angled slightly toward the
hedge or shrub and proceed to cut.
WARNING
Never remove hands from unit when blades are moving.
The engine continues running even when the blades
have stopped due to an obstruction. If this occurs, stop
the engine, disconnect ignition cable and remove the
obstruction.
Failure to do so could lead to an injury or serious accident,
or cause a fire.
19
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
Servicing guidelines
AreaMaintenancePageBefore useMonthly
Air filterClean/Replace20•
Fuel filterInspect/Clean/Replace21•
Spark plugInspect/Clean/Adjust/Replace23•
CarburettorAdjust/Replace and adjust21•
Cooling systemInspect/Clean21•
SilencerInspect/Tighten22•
SilencerClean22•*
Drive ShaftGrease24•**
Gear housingGrease24•***
StarterInspect-•
BladesInspect/Clean/Lubricate23•
Fuel systemInspect22•
Screws, bolts and nutsInspect/Tighten/Replace-•
IMPORTANT
Time intervals are maximum. Actual use and your experience will determine the frequency of required maintenance. Record
dates of monthly and yearly inspections.
* Or 100 hours, whichever occurs first.
** Or 25 hours, whichever occurs first.
*** Or 15-25 hours, whichever occurs first.
Maintenance and care
If you have any questions or problems, please contact your ECHO DEALER.
Cleaning air filter
Close choke. Loosen air cleaner cover knob and remove air
cleaner cover.
Remove air filter (air filter is located inside air cleaner cover).
Brush dirt from filter or clean with compressed air.
Reinstall air filter with cover, after installing air filter to cover.
Tighten air cleaner cover knob.
1. Air filter2. Air cleaner cover
20
Maintenance and care
Cleaning fuel filter
Use a piece of metal wire or the like to pick up fuel filter
through fuel tank opening.
Pull old filter from fuel line.
Install new fuel filter.
NOTE
If filter is excessive dirty or no longer fits properly, replace it.
1. Fuel filter2. Fuel line
Carburettor adjustment
WARNING
When carburettor adjustment is completed, cutting attachment should not move at idle, otherwise serious personal injury may result.
CAUTION
When starting, idle speed adjuster (T) should be adjusted not to rotate the cutting attachment.
When there is some trouble with the carburettor, contact your dealer.
Every unit is test run at the factory and the carburettor is fine
tuned for maximum performance.
Before adjusting carburettor, clean or replace air filter, start engine and run several minutes to bring it to operating temperature.
To adjust the carburettor proceed as follow:
Turn "idle" speed adjustment screw (T) clockwise until cutting
atttachment begins to turn, then turn screw(T) out anticlockwise until cutting attachment stops turning. Turn screw (T)
out, anticlockwise, and additional 1 turn.
T: Idle speed adjustment screw
Cleaning cylinder fins
IMPORTANT
To maintain proper engine operating temperature, cooling air must pass freely through the cylinder fin area. This flow
of air carries combustion heat away from the engine.
Overheating and engine seizure can occur when:
Air intakes are blocked, preventing cooling air from reaching the cylinder,
or
Dust and grass build up on the out side of the cylinder. This build-up insulates the engine and prevents the heat from
leaving.
Removal of cooling passage blockages or cleaning of cylinder fins is considered "Normal Maintenance". Any resultant
failure attributed to lack of maintenance is not warranted.
21
Maintenance and care
1. Cylinder fins2. Air intake
Cleaning silencer
Remove dust and dirt from between fins.
Before each use, remove accumulated debris from bottom en-
gine intake grille located between the fuel tank and starter.
Remove the silencer cover.
Remove the spark arrester screen cover and the screen from
the silencer body.
Clean carbon deposits from silencer components.
Replace the screen if it is cracked, or has holes burned
through.
Assemble the components in reverse order.
1. Silencer
2. Spark arrester screen
Check fuel system
NOTE
Carbon deposits in silencer will cause drop in engine output.The spark arrester screen must be checked periodically.
3. Screen cover
Check before every use.
After refuelling, make sure fuel does not leak or exude from
around fuel pipe, fuel grommet or fuel tank cap.
In case of fuel leakage or exudation there is a danger of fire.
Stop using the machine immediately and request your dealer
to inspect or replace.
1. Fuel tank cap
2. Fuel grommet
3. Fuel pipe
22
Maintenance and care
Check spark plug
Check plug gap. Correct gap is 0.6 mm to 0.7 mm.
Inspect electrode for wear.
Inspect insulator for oil or other deposits.
Replace plug if needed and tighten to 15 N•m - 17 N•m (150
kgf•cm to 170 kgf•cm).
a: 0.6 - 0.7 mm
Care for cutting blades
CAUTION
Wear gloves to protect hands from sharp blades.
If you experience any problems with sharpening the blade, we recommend that you take it to your ECHO DEALER.
Failure to observe these precautions could lead to injury.
Lubricating blades
Tools required:
Clean rag, Brush, Oil can.
Parts required:
20W engine Oil (lubrication), 50 : 50 mixture of kerosene and
20W Oil (cleaning).
WARNING
Always disconnect spark plug wire before servicing
cutting attachment.
Failure to observe the precautions could cause an accident
or injury, or even lead to a fatality.
1. Brush loose debris from blade and coat both sides of blade
with the 50 : 50 cleaning mixture.
2. Allow cleaning mixture to soften the remaining gummy residue then wipe it from the blade.
3. Apply clean oil to the entire length of the blade. Be certain
the blade bolts are lubricated.
4. Wipe excess oil from the blade before putting the unit back
in service.
Sharpening blades (As needed)
NOTE
Use a disk grinder, endless abrasive belt, or smooth flat file.
1. Remove all nuts and bolts securing cutters to frame bar.
2. Remove cutters.
3. Hold a cutter in a vice.
4. File and reshape the cutter edges as shown.
5. If frame bar is deformed or damaged, replace with new one.
(A):6 mm radius
(B):100° (Approx.)
(C):45°
23
Maintenance and care
Adjusting gap between blades (As needed)
Loosen the locknuts.
Tighten the blade bolts until snug with 10 mm open end wrench.
Loosen the bolts 1/2 turn.
Hold the bolts from turning and tighten the locknuts with Twrench.
1. Bolt
2. Locknut
3. Loosen 1/2 turn
Lubricating gear housing
1. Grease fitting
Lubricating drive shaft
Wear gloves to protect hands from sharp blades.
Failure to observe these precautions could lead to injury.
Tools required:
Grease gun, Rag.
Parts required:
Lithium based grease.
1. Clean dirt from grease fitting.
2. Hold the product firmly and carefully pump grease in fitting.
Do not force grease. Too much pressure will force grease
past seals and cause damage. Apply 1 - 2 pumps of
grease every 15 - 25 hours of operation.
NOTE
Use good quality lithium multi grease.
WARNING
1. Screw2. Bolt
1. Drive shaft
Tools required:
4 mm hexagonal wrench, Clean rag, Small brush, Screw driv-
er.
Parts required:
Lithium based grease.
1. Carefully remove screw and loosen bolt. Remove the flex
drive shaft assembly from the gear housing.
2. Pull the drive shaft from the drive shaft assembly, and wipe
clean. Re-coat with a thin coating 15 mL of grease.
3. Slide the flex shaft back into the drive shaft assembly, being
careful not to get dirt on the flex shaft.
4. Align the screw hole in gear case with the locating hole in
drive shaft assembly, install and tighten screw, and tighten
bolt.
24
Maintenance and care
Troubleshooting table
ProblemDiagnosisCauseSolution
The engine does
not start
There is no fuel in the fuel tank
The ignition switch is in the Stop posi-
Clean or replace
Clean or replace
Consult your ECHO DEALER
Adjust
Clean
Adjust
Consult your ECHO DEALER
and consult your ECHO DEALER
Adjust
Consult your ECHO DEALER
Consult your ECHO DEALER
Consult your ECHO DEALER
Consult your ECHO DEALER
Checking and maintenance requires specialist knowledge. If you are unable to check and maintain the product or deal with a
fault yourself, consult your ECHO DEALER. Do not attempt to dismantle the product.
Consult your ECHO DEALER in the event of a problem that is not covered in the table above, or other such concerns.
For spare parts and consumables, please use only genuine parts and designated products and components. Using parts from
other manufacturers or non-designated components may result in a malfunction.
NOTE
"ES" START (See page 2)
When starter handle cannot be pulled lightly, the trouble is diagnosed as failure of engine inside.
Please consult your dealer.
If disassembled inadvertently, it can cause injury.
25
Storage
Storage
Long-term storage (30 days or more)
WARNING
Do not store in sealed locations filled with fuel gas, or close to naked flames or sparks.
You could cause a fire.
When storing the product for long periods of time (30 days or more), ensure that the following preparations for storage are carried out.
1. Empty the fuel tank completely.
A. Remove any fuel from the fuel tank.
B. Alternately press and release the purge bulb a number
of times to remove the fuel from the purge bulb.
C. Start the engine and run it at idle speed until it comes to
a natural stop.
1. Ignition switch
2. Throttle trigger
3. Stop
2. Move the ignition switch to the Stop position.
3. Wipe clean any grease, oil, dust, dirt and other materials on
the outside of the hedge clipper.
4. Perform the periodic checks prescribed in this manual.
5. Check that the screws and nuts are tightened. Tighten up
any that are loose.
6. Remove the spark plug and add the appropriate quantity
(around 10 mL) of clean, new 2-stroke engine oil to the cylinder via the installation socket.
A. Place a piece of clean cloth over the spark plug installa-
tion socket.
B. Pull 2 or 3 times on the starter grip to distribute the en-
gine oil into the cylinder.
C. Observe the piston location through the spark plug hole.
Pull the recoil starter handle slowly until the piston
reaches the top of its travel and leave it there.
7. Fit the spark plug. (Do not connect the spark plug cap. )
8. Lubricate the blades with a heavy coat of oil to prevent rust.
1. Spark plug wire2. Spark plug
1. Blade cover2. Blades
9. Once the product is sufficiently cool and dry, fit the blade
cover onto the cutter blades and wrap the engine section in
a plastic bag or other covering before putting them in storage.
10. Store the product in a dry, dust free place, out of the reach
of children and other unauthorized persons.
26
Disposal procedure
Disposal procedure
Dispose of waste oil in accordance with local regulations.
Major plastic parts making up the product have codes showing
their materials.
The codes refer to the following materials; dispose of those
plastic parts in accordance with local regulations.
MarkMaterial
>PA6-GF<Nylon 6 - Glass fiber
>PP-GF<Polypropylene - Glass fiber
>PE-HD<Polyethylene
Please contact your ECHO DEALER in case you do not know
how you should dispose of waste oil / plastic parts.
27
Specifications
Specifications
HCAS-235ES
Mass:
Unit, empty tankkg6.5
Unit, full tankkg6.8
Volume: Fuel tankL0.44
Cutting device:
TypeDual action, double sided
Lengthmm510
Pitchmm35
Heightmm21
Gear ratio and lubrication:3.95 reduction and good quality lithium grease