Read rules for safe operation and instructions carefully. ECHO provides an Operator's
Manual and a Safety Manual. Both must be read and understood for proper and safe
operation. Failure to do so could result in serous injury.
X753001620
01/04
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
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.
THESAFETYMANUAL
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 Hedge Clippers and what measures you should take to make their
use safer.
- 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.
SHAFT 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, 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.
IMPORTANT
3
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.
SAFETY
DECALS
Locate these 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.
NOTE
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.
Hot Surface Decal
P/N 89016006361
This unit is not designed to insulate against hazards associated with the contact of wires
carrying electrical current.
To avoid possible injury/death due to electrical shock or other hazards. DO NOT operate unit if
any wires (power, telephone, cable, etc.) are closer than 15 feet (4/5 meters minimum distance,
to any part of the unit or operator.
This unit can be dangerous if used improperly. • Falling objects and/or blade
contact can cause serious injury to operator, helpers and bystanders. • Keep
helpers and bystanders at least 50 feet (15m) clear of operating area. • To reduce
injury risk, READ AND UNDERSTAND the operator's Manual, replacement copies
are available through your ECHO dealer. • Wear Protective clothing (head, hearing
and eye protection meeting ANSI standards) specified in the Operator's Manual.
• STOP engine before making repairs or blade adjustments. • Keep hand away from
blade.
WARNING DANGER
WARNING DANGER
P/N 89018721460
4
Shaft Decal
Spanish Decal
ADVERTENCIA PELIGRO
Esta unidad
puede ser
peligrosa y
producir lesiones
personales
graves si no se
usa en forma adecuada. Para
reducir el riesgo de
lesionarse, los operadores,
los ayudantes y los
espectadores deben leer y
comprender el Manual Del
Operador y los Manuales De
Seguridad que se entregan
escritos en español.
P/N 89016021560
English Translation
WARNING DANGER
This unit can be dangerous
and cause serious injury if
improperly used. To reduce
injury risk to operator,
helpers and bystanders,
read and understand the
Operator's and Safety
Manuals, which are provided
in Spanish.
INTERNA TIONAL SYMBOLS
SYMBOL FORM/
SHAPE
SYMBOL
DESCRIPTION/APPLICATION
Read and
understand
Operator's Manual.
Wear eyes, ears
and head
protection
Hot
Surface
Safety/Alert
Avoid all power
lines. This unit is
not insulated
against electrical
current.
Do not operate
closer than 15 M
(50 ft.) from
electrical
hazards.
SYMBOL FORM/
SHAPE
SYMBOL
DESCRIPTION/APPLICATION
Fuel and oil
mixture
Finger Severing
Wear hand
protection. Use
two handed.
DO NOT smoke
near fuel.
DO NOT allow
flames or sparks
near fuel.
Keep bystanders
at least 15 meters
(50 feet) away.
SYMBOL FORM/
SHAPE
SYMBOL
DESCRIPTION/APPLICATION
Emergency stop
CHOKE CONTROL
"COLD START"
POSITION
(CHOKE CLOSED)
CHOKE CONTROL
"RUN"
POSITION
(CHOKE OPEN)
Primer bulb
Carburetor
adjustment
- Low speed
mixture
SYMBOL FORM/
SHAPE
SYMBOL
DESCRIPTION/APPLICATION
Plan retreat path
from falling
objects.
Wear slip
resistant foot
wear.
Ignition
ON/OFF
Carburetor
adjustment
- High speed
mixture
Carburetor
adjustment
- Idle speed
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SHAFT HEDGE CLIPPER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
5
PERSONAL
CONDITIONANDSAFETYEQUIPMENT
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.
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
Eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements
must be worn whenever you operate the unit.
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.
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.
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 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.
6
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.
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 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.
• ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting devices
or accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHO
for use with this unit.
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.
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 tightly encircling the handles.
SHAFT HEDGE CLIPPER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
7
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.
EMISSION CONTROL
EPA Phase 2
The emission control system for this engine is EM/TWC (Engine
Modification with Catalyst).
Emission Control Label (located on Engine) (EXAMPLE ONLY, information on label varies by FAMILY).
ENGINE FAMILY: 4EHXS.0254KA DISPLACEMENT: 25.4 CC
EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD : 300 HRS.
THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA PH 2 AND 2000 AND LATER
CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS FOR S.O.R.E. REFER TO
OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND
ADJUSTMENTS.
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
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.
8
DISCRIPTION
The ECHO product you have purchased has been factory pre-assembled for your convenience. Due to packaging
restrictions, some assembly of the SHC-260 is required.
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.