Echo SRM, GT, PAS, SB, PE User Manual
SRM/GT/PAS/SB/PE SAFETY MANUAL
DANGER!
Misuse may result in serious or fatal injuries. You must read, understand, and follow these safety instructions, and the instructions in the
Operator’s Manual, before operating a Model GT Grass Trimmer, SRM
Trimmer-Brushcutter, PAS Pro-Attachment Series Powerhead, SB SplitBoom Trimmer-Brushcutter, or PE Power Edger.
If you operate a model SB Split-Boom or PAS Pro Attachment Series
multi-attachment unit, you must also read, understand, and follow the
instructions in your PAS Attachment Operator’s Manual.
DANGER!
Metal blades are very sharp and can cause severe injuries, even if engine
is off and blades are not moving. Avoid contact with blades. Wear gloves
to protect hands.
To locate your nearest Echo dealer, visit our website at www.echo-usa.com, or call 1-800432-ECHO (3246). Ask how to obtain a FREE Safety Video. Echo’s supplemental Safety
Video provides helpful safety and operating information.
X752000041
X7522270601
09/07
INTRODUCTION
W ARNING
This manual describes how to protect yourself and others from hazards related to operation of
a Model GT Grass Trimmer, Model SRM Trimmer-Brushcutter, Model PAS Pro-Attachment
Series unit with attachment, Model SB Split-Boom unit with attachment, and Model PE Power
Edger.
Before assembling, fueling, operating, or servicing your unit, you must read and understand
this Safety Manual, your unit’s Operator’s Manual, and the Operator’s Manual or Installation
Instructions for any attachment or accessory you may be using.
You must understand all safety symbols and warning labels, and obey the safety precautions
provided by these important safety reminders.
You must also be alert at all times, and be physically capable of handling and controlling a
grass trimmer, trimmer-brushcutter, PAS attachment, or Power Edger in a variety of applications. If you are unable to handle the equipment safely, or if you feel that the task you wish to
perform could put you, your property, or others at risk, please call a professional landscape
maintenance company to handle the job.
Echo highly recommends that you obtain and review the supplemental Echo TrimmerBrushcutter Safety Video before using your unit. Contact your Echo dealer for a copy, or for
more information, or call Echo at 1-800-432-ECHO. You may also visit Echo’s website at
www.Echo-USA.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................ 2
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS .....................................................................3
OPERATOR SAFETY................................................................................................7
ASSEMBLY .............................................................................................................12
FUELING .................................................................................................................20
STARTING...............................................................................................................23
STOPPING...............................................................................................................25
OPERATION ............................................................................................................26
MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................45
STORAGE................................................................................................................47
DEFINITIONS ..........................................................................................................48
2
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS
These important safety symbols and warnings are used throughout this manual, and may also
appear in your Operator’s, Attachment, or Installation Instruction Manual. These symbols and
warnings are provided to help make you aware of potential hazards, and the precautions you
must take to protect yourself from injury. You must read and understand this information, and
obey the instructions. These symbols may also appear on safety labels as a visual reminder to
follow these important precautions whenever you are transporting, fueling, operating, servicing,
handling, or storing your unit.
Circle/Slash Prohibition Symbol
This symbol means that the specific action shown is
prohibited. Ignoring these prohibitions can result in
serious or fatal injury.
Safety Alert Symbol
The Safety Alert symbol is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards. To avoid serious or fatal
injuries, obey all safety messages that follow this symbol.
Safety Alert Symbol/DANGER Signal Word
The safety alert symbol appearing with the word “Danger!” calls attention to a hazard which will result in death
or serious injury if not avoided.
Safety Alert Symbol/WARNING Signal Word
The safety alert symbol appearing with the word “Warning!” calls attention to a hazard which could result in
death or serious injury if not avoided.
Safety Alert Symbol/CAUTION Signal Word
The safety alert symbol appearing with the word “Caution!” calls attention to a hazard which could result in
minor or moderate injury if not avoided.
NOTICE signal word only. (No safety alert symbol)
The word "NOTICE” calls attention to a situation which
may result in property or equipment damage if the
information that is provided is not followed .
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
3
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS
Read Operator's and Safety Manuals
Read manuals carefully, and follow rules for safe operation. Failure to do so could result in serious or fatal injury.
Wear Head, Eye, and Hearing Protection
Wear head, hearing, and eye protection that meet ANSI
requirements.
Wear Hand Protection
Wear heavy duty work gloves to protect hands
Sharp Blades Alert
Contact with blades can result in serious cuts and amputation
Carbon Monoxide Hazard Alert
Do not operate indoors. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause serious or fatal injuries.
Explosion Hazard Alert
Gasoline vapor can explode if exposed to sparks or open
flame.
Burn Hazard Alert
Contact with hot surfaces can cause serious burns.
Fire Hazard Alert
Risk of fire from gasoline spills or leaks. Wipe up spills
immediately and dispose of wipes in an approved firesafe container.
Shock Hazard Alert
Unit not insulated against electrical current. Avoid power
lines.
4
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS
Slip Hazard Alert
Wear slip-resistant footwear to reduce risk of falls.
Operate Only With Debris Shield In Place
Do not operate without correct debris shield.
Stop Symbol
Indicates the “Stop” position for the engine ignition
switch (Stop Switch).
Keep Bystanders 15 m (50 feet) Feet Away
Keep bystanders at least 15 m (50 feet) away when
operating unit.
15 m
15 M
(50 feet)
Do Not Operate Near Electrical Lines
Do not operate closer than 15 m (50 ft.) to electrical
lines.
Flame Prohibition
Do not allow flames or sparks near fuel or fuel vapors.
No Smoking Prohibition
Do not smoke near fuel.
Do Not Operate Equipment While Impaired
Do not operate equipment while under the influence of
alcohol, medication, or any other substance that can
impair judgment, reflexes, vision, or coordination.
Operating a unit while impaired can result in serious
injury to operator and bystanders, or cause damage to
property or equipment.
15 M
5
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS
Flying Debris Hazard
Work attachments can throw debris. Flying debris can
cause serious injury.
Danger Zone Alert
Maintain 15 m (50 feet) radius danger zone around
trimmer - brushcutter.
Metal Blade Prohibition (Use Nylon Line Head
Only)
Metal blades cannot be used on unit. Use nylon line
head only.
Edger Debris Alert
Edger debris can affect stable footing. Use extreme
care when walking in edging area.
Edger Blade Alert
Edger Blade is partially exposed during operation.
Keep clear of blade.
Prohibited Clothing
Wear protective clothing and shoes. Loose clothing,
dangling accessories, or open footwear increases risk
of serious injury.
Finger Sever Hazard
Moving parts can amputate fingers or cause severe
injuries. Keep hands, clothing and loose objects away
from all openings.
6
OPERATOR SAFETY
DANGER
Echo GT Grass trimmers and SRM trimmer-brush
cutters are powerful, professional-grade tools designed
for applications such as trimming grass and light
weeds, and when properly configured (SRM/PAS/SB /
straight shaft only), cutting brush, woody growth, and
small saplings and trees.
PAS Pro Attachment Series and SB units can be
equipped with a wide variety of lawn and landscaping
attachments for tasks ranging from edging to pruning,
allowing operators to perform an entire range of applications with just one powerhead.
OPERATOR SAFETY
PE Power Edgers provide precise edging action for
maintaining lawn borders in residential and commercial
landscaping. Edgers can also be equipped with an
attachment that quickly cleans out cracks and joints in
sidewalks, driveways, paved areas, and other hard
surfaces.
When used properly, these tools save time, reduce effort, and make difficult landscaping tasks
easy. If handled carelessly or used improperly, they can cause severe injury or death.
Before using this equipment, you must:
• Read and understand this Safety Manual
• Read and understand the Operator’s Manual provided with your unit.
• Read and understand the Manual provided with any blade, attachment, or accessory that
will be used.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing
• Make sure all others who use the equipment have read and understand the manuals before
fueling or operating the tool.
• Clear the work area of bystanders and pets.
• Clear the work area of debris and other work hazards
• Make sure you have safe, unobstructed footing
• Make sure the area to be cut is free of obstacles and hidden hazards
• Safely prepare the fuel/oil mix
• Fuel your unit safely
• Store the fuel and 2-stroke oil containers safely.
7
OPERATOR SAFETY
PHYSICAL CONDITION
WARNING
Operating this unit while you are impaired can result in
serious personal injury or death to yourself and others.
Never operate the unit if you are fatigued, or are under
the influence of alcohol, medication, or any other substances that can affect your judgment, reflexes, vision,
or coordination. You must be mentally alert and physically able to operate a trimmer, brushcutter, edger, or
PAS attachment safely. If you are impaired in any way,
or are physically unable to safely operate and control
the unit, do not fuel, start, or attempt to use the unit.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WARNING
Operating a trimmer, brushcutter, or other powered
cutting or work attachment may expose you to sharp
blades, powerful cutting action, spinning nylon cutting
line, flying debris, and other work area hazards. These
hazards can cause serious injury to you and others if
you do not take the precautions necessary for safe
operation.
To help protect against risk of injury caused by these
hazards, you must wear appropriate personal protective
equipment:
Eye and Face Protection
Wear eye protection that meets current ANSI Z87.1
requirements. For additional safety, a full-face shield
may be worn over safety glasses or goggles to provide
protection from sharp branches or flying debris.
8
OPERATOR SAFETY
Hearing/Ear Protection
Echo highly recommends wearing ANSI recognized
hearing protection whenever you are operating the unit.
Hearing protection prevents hearing loss caused by
frequent or prolonged exposure to engine noise. Echo
recommends ear plugs, or for constant heavy-duty use,
wear earmuff-style hearing protection.
Combination Face/Hearing Protection
For complete face/hearing protection, the use of combination ear muffs/face shield provides face and hearing
protection all in one unit.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses or goggles under the
face shield, and wear head protection when cutting
overhead using a PAS or SB unit with Power Pruner or
Hedge Clipper Attachments.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Gloves
WARNING
Sharp Blades/Powerful Cutting Action. Contact with
sharp edges of moving blades and attachments will
cause severe injury or amputation. Keep hands, fingers, and all other body parts away. Work gloves and
other heavy work clothing do not protect against serious
injury if contact is made with moving blades or attachments.
Wear sturdy work gloves to provide protection against
cuts and scratches, and to help reduce the effects of
vibration.
9
OPERATOR SAFETY
Leg Protection
Wear long pants to protect legs from cuts and scratches
caused by flying debris.
Foot Protection
Wear sturdy shoes or work boots to provide foot protection. Steel-toe shoes or boots provide extra protection
against dropped or falling objects. Make sure soles are
non-slip for secure footing.
General Clothing Safety
Never wear ties, loose clothing, or clothing with strings,
frills, or dangling straps. Keep clothing buttoned or
zipped, and keep shirt tails tucked in. Never wear
dangling or hanging jewelry such as earrings or necklaces, or any other items that could become entangled
with branches or equipment, and be drawn into the
moving parts of the engine.
HEARING
PROTECTORS
LONG
PANTS
SAFETY
GLASSES
SHOULDER
HARNESS
TRIM-FITTING
CLOTHES
STURDY
SHOES OR
BOOTS
Dust Protection
Operators who are sensitive to wood dust or other
common airborne allergens may need to wear a dust
mask to prevent inhaling these materials while operating unit. Dust masks can provide protection against
sawdust, plant debris, and other plant matter such as
pollen. Make sure the mask does not impair your
vision, and replace the mask as needed to prevent air
restrictions.
PROTECTION AGAINST COLD OR VIBRATION
CAUTION
Prolonged exposure to cold and/or vibration may result
in injury. Read and follow all safety and operation
instructions to minimize risk of injury. Failure to follow
instructions may result in painful wrist/hand/arm injuries.
Wear sturdy work gloves to help reduce the effects of
cold and vibration, and to help improve your grip.
10
OPERATOR SAFETY
Raynaud's Syndrome
A condition known as Raynaud’s Syndrome can occur from exposure to cold and/or vibration.
This condition affects the hands and arms, causing tingling, burning, numbness, and loss of
color in the fingers. The amount of exposure needed to trigger this is unknown, and varies by
individual.
To protect yourself from this condition, take the following precautions:
• Keep your body warm - pay particular attention to
head and neck, hands and wrists, and feet and
ankles.
• Avoid awkward grips on the unit that may cause
stress. Maintain control, but do not hold the unit with
an excessively tight grip.
• Take regular rest breaks.
• Exercise and stretch to strengthen muscles, and to
maintain circulation. Keep exposure to vibration at
a minimum.
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and/or swelling of the fingers, followed by whitening or loss of
feeling, stop using the unit, and contact a doctor.
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
Overuse of the muscles and tendons of the fingers hands, arms, and shoulders may cause
soreness, swelling, numbness, weakness, and pain in these areas. Repetitive hand/wrist
movement can put you at high risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), such as
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when swelling in the wrist
puts pressure on a nerve, resulting in severe pain.
To protect yourself from these conditions, take the following precautions:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent or twisted position.
Try to maintain a straight wrist position.
• Avoid using your thumb and index finger to grip
things - use your whole hand.
• Take regular rest breaks.
• Exercise and stretch to strengthen muscles and
maintain circulation.
• Keep exposure to vibration at a minimum.
• Reduce the speed and force of repetitive move-
ments.
• If you experience tingling, numbness, or pain in the
fingers, hands, wrists, or arms, stop using the unit
immediately, and contact a doctor. Early diagnosis
of RSI can help prevent permanent nerve and
muscle damage.
11
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY
WARNING
Move STOP switch to STOP position and disconnect
spark plug lead at spark plug before assembling unit.
Do not connect spark plug lead to spark plug until unit is
properly assembled, checked, and ready for use.
ALWAYS wear eye protection that meets current
ANSI Z87.1 requirements. Operators that wear prescription glasses must wear appropriate protective
eyewear over glasses. For additional safety, a full-face
shield may be worn over the safety eyewear to provide
complete face protection.
If parts are missing, or if you have a problem installing
parts, contact your Echo Dealer for assistance or call
Echo Consumer Product Support at 1-800-673-1558.
For the Dealer nearest you ask your retailer or call
1-800-432-3246, or visit our website at www.echousa.com
Spark
Plug
Wire
Spark
Plug
DANGER
Metal grass, weed, brush, and clearing blade edges are
extremely sharp. Accidental hand or body contact with
blade edges can result in severe cuts, even if the engine is off and blades are not moving. Always wear
sturdy work gloves when handling blades. Do not allow
blades to contact any part of your body. Work gloves
do not provide protection from contact with moving
blades. Always keeps hands and body away from
moving blades.
NEVER fuel, start, or operate your unit unless it is fully
assembled, all shields and required guards are in
place, and the throttle lock-out lever and trigger are
working properly.
12
NEVER install any other type of blade, line head, cutting
attachment, part, or accessory on your trimmer/
brushcutter unless it is approved by Echo for use on
your specific model. Parts and accessories that appear to fit properly may create a safety hazard when the
unit is operated, and could result in serious injury to
operator and bystanders.
ASSEMBLY
ALWAYS use the correct tools for assembly. Using
incorrect or improperly sized tools can result in a sudden slip and serious injuries.
ALWAYS follow the assembly instructions in order, as
shown in the Operator’s Manual. Improper assembly
can result in sudden part failure, and serious injuries.
NEVER use parts that appear to be worn, damaged,
improperly sized, or otherwise incompatible with mating
parts. Contact your dealer or Echo Consumer Support
for assistance if parts do not fit properly.
NEVER modify parts or use parts from other pieces of
equipment to assemble your unit. Use only parts that
are designed to fit your model. Modifying a part to fit
may weaken it, and cause premature failure. Parts from
other models may not work properly, and can create
unsafe operating conditions.
Wiring
Keep feet and
hands away
Position wiring safely to prevent snagging, separation
of connectors, or breakage during operation. Gather
excess wire, and secure with wiring clamp if provided
on unit, or tuck behind the air filter area. Do not place
wiring directly against hot engine components.
Check wiring and connectors for nicks, cuts, exposed
wire, or other damage, and repair or replace as
needed. Exposed wire or connectors can cause
shocks, sparks, and risk of fire or explosion, resulting in
serious injury.
Check wire terminals for secure connections. Loose
connections can cause erratic engine operation, or
prevent Stop switch from stopping engine.
13
ASSEMBLY
Debris Shield
WARNING
Plastic Debris Shields are equipped with a sharp cut-off
knife for cutting nylon trimmer line to length during operation. Use extreme care when assembling nylon line
head to gear case to avoid accidental contact with cutoff knife. Wear work gloves when assembling nylon line
head to gear case, and avoid contact with sharp cut-off
knife edges.
Unit Configuration
SRM Debris Shield
Cut-Off Knife
GT Models: If your Model GT curved shaft trimmer is
not fully assembled, you must assemble the unit as
instructed in the Operator’s Manual provided with the
unit. Before using the unit, make sure the plastic debris
shield, trimmer head, and handle are properly attached,
and are securely fastened.
If your GT curved shaft trimmer has been pre-assembled, you must make sure the plastic debris shield,
handle, and trimmer head are properly installed and
securely attached, as shown in the Operator’s Manual
provided with the unit.
DANGER
NEVER install a metal blade on a model GT curved
shaft trimmer. Use of any metal blade on a GT curved
shaft trimmer can result in serious injury to operator and
bystanders. Use only nylon line heads or GT series
Maxi-Cut plastic weed trimmers approved for use on GT
models by Echo. (See Set-up Guide page 15)
GT Debris Shield
Cut-Off
Knife
GT MODEL
Front Handle
GT Debris
Shield
14
Trimmer Head
NO Metal
Blades
ASSEMBLY
GT MAXI-CUT BLADE/NYLON LINE HEAD SET-UP GUIDE
TO USE THESE
CUTTING
ATTACHMENTS*
You
must
use
these
parts!
Standard Cutting Line
* All required installation hardware provided with cutting attachment.
GT Series
Maxi-Cut Grass/Weed
Plastic Cutters
Front Handle Loop Handle (STD)
Debris Shield Plastic Shield (STD)
Harness Not Required
Mounting
Hardware*
Diameter
Flat Washer Flat Washer
3/8-24 R.H. Thread
Hex Locknut
N/A .080 Diameter .080 Diameter .095 Diameter
GT Dual Line
ECHOmatic
Line Head
Extra Hardware
Not Required
SRM Models: If your trimmer-brushcutter requires
assembly before it can be used, you must make sure
the unit is properly configured for the type of cutting
attachment you will be using. Follow the instructions in
the Operator’s Manual provided with the unit. You must
install the required cutting attachment, debris shield,
handle, and any other protective devices needed, such
as a harness loop and safety harness. See SRM/PAS/
SB Set-Up Guide Page 17)
GT Single Line
ECHOmatic
Line Head
Extra Hardware
Not Required
SRM MODEL
Front
Handle
2 Line GT
Rapid Loader
Line Head
3/8-24 R.H. Thread
Hex Locknut
If your trimmer-brushcutter has been preassembled, you
must make sure the unit is properly configured for the
type of cutting you will be performing. If the unit is not
properly configured, you must first remove the incorrect
parts, and then install the correct parts, following the
instructions in the Operator’s Manual before using the
trimmer-brushcutter,
PAS/SB Models
Echo Pro Attachment Series (PAS) and Split-Boom
(SB) models are for use only with Echo PAS series
attachments, and must not be used with any other type
or brand of attachment. Select the desired PAS attachment, and assemble the attachment to the powerhead
driveshaft using the coupler. Follow the safety and
operating instructions in the Operator’s Manual provided with the attachment, and General Safety Instructions in this Safety Manual.
Debris Shield
PAS MODEL
Front
Handle
Barrier Bar
15
ASSEMBLY
The Echo Pro Attachment Series and Split-Boom models allow the use of a wide range of
attachments to perform various lawn, garden, and landscaping tasks. These attachments
have individual safety and operating rules which must be obeyed for safe operation. You must
read and understand the safety and operating instructions for each attachment before using
the unit. You must also review the general safety instructions for PAS Attachments.
If you change PAS attachments, you must also make sure your front handle is properly configured for the new attachment.
PAS/SB Front Handle Configuration
The required front handle configuration of your PAS/SB
unit may change, depending on the type of PAS attachment being used:
• Use the barrier bar provided with the PAS power
head when instructed in the PAS Attachment
Operator’s Manual.
• Remove the barrier bar when using an attachment
that does not require a barrier. See the PAS/SB
Attachments Barrier Bar Use table for barrier bar
usage information.
BARRIER BAR USE - PAS/SB ATTACHMENTS
PAS ATTACHMENT
Shaft Hedge Clipper X
Tiller-Cultivator X
Power Pruner X
Standard Line Trimmer X
Pro Sweep X
Pro Thatch X
Articulating Hedge Clipper X
Brushcutter1 X
Rapid Loader Line Trimmer X
Pro Paddle X
1 - See SRM/PAS/SB Blade Set-up Guide on Page 17 for blade use requirements
2 - Use J-Handle provided with Pro-Thatch attachment as a barrier
3 - Brushcutter requires U-Handle & Harness
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL
NOT
RECOMMENDED
2
3
16
SRM/PAS/SB Blade Configuration
If you change the cutting attachment on your SRM, PAS,
or SB unit from nylon line head to a blade, you must also
install all of the parts required for blade operation.
These parts vary by type of blade being used, and may
include replacing the front handle with a U-Handle (See
the SRM/PAS/SB Set-Up Guide, Page 17)
ASSEMBLY
DANGER
A trimmer-brushcutter unit equipped with a metal blade
can cause serious injuries if handled improperly.
ALWAYS use extreme care when carrying or handling
the unit to avoid contact with the cutting edges of the
blade. Echo recommends using the optional plastic
blade cover to protect yourself and others from accidental blade contact.
SRM/PAS/SB Blade Set-Up Guide
Use this configuration table as a guide for setting up
your unit with a blade. See the assembly instructions in
your Operator’s Manual or Blade Conversion Kit for
specific information.
SRM/PAS/SB BLADE SET-UP GUIDE*
TO USE
THESE BLADES
Pro Maxi-Cut
Grass/Weed
Plastic Cutters
Rigid Plastic
Tri-Cut
Grass/Weed Blade
U-handle/Blade Kit
Circular Blade Cover
Metal
Tri-Cut/8 Tooth
Grass/Weed Blade
Metal 80T Brush Blade
Metal 22T Clearing Saw Blade
You
must
install
these
parts!
* WARNING! DO NOT INSTALL BLADES ON GT (CURVED SHAFT) MODEL TRIMMERS
** Arbor diameter of Upper Blade Plate must match arbor diameter of metal blades.
*** New cotter pin required each time blade is installed.
**** Brushcutters over 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) dry weight (weight w/o fuel) require a double shoulder harness
Handle
Debris Shield Metal Shield Metal Shield Metal Shield Metal Shield
Harness Shoulder Harness Shoulder Harness Shoulder Harness Shoulder Harness****
Blade
Mounting
Hardware
Loop Handle, w/or
w/o Barrier Bar
Upper Plate &
Flat Washer
Hex Nut Hex Nut Hex Nut Hex Nut
New Cotter Pin*** New Cotter Pin*** New Cotter Pin*** New Cotter Pin***
Loop Handle
w/Barrier Bar,
or U-Handle
Upper Plate
& Glide Cup
Loop Handle
w/Barrier Bar,
or U-Handle
Upper/Lower
Blade Plates**
U-Handle
Upper/Lower
Blade Plates**
17
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