Echo SRM - 2601, SRM - 2610 User Manual

Grass T rimmer/Brush Cutter

Operator's Manual

MODELS, SRM - 2601

SRM - 2610
Serial Number 001001 & Up

W ARNING

The engine exhaust from this

product contains chemicals known

to the State of California to cause

cancer, birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

X7502090701

WARNING DANGER

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.

89851957731
02/00

2

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the ECHO family. This ECHO product was designed and manufactured to provide long life and on-the-job­dependability. 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.

W ARNING DANGER

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.

THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL —

contains specifications and information for operation, starting,
stopping, maintenance, storage and assembly specific to this product.

THE SAFETY MANUAL —

explains possible hazards involved with the use of Grass Trimmers and
Brush Cutters 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

Manual Safety Symbols and Important Information .........3

Safety ................................................................................. 3

- Decals ...................................................................... 3

- International Symbols .............................................. 4

- Equipment ............................................................... 4

- Fuel .......................................................................... 5

- Personal Condition and Safety Equipment .............. 6

- Safe Operation ......................................................... 7

- Extended Operation/Extreme Conditions ................9

Description ....................................................................... 10

- Contents ................................................................ 10

- Blade Terms and Definitions ................................. 10

- Emission Control ................................................... 11

Specifications .................................................................... 13

Assembly.......................................................................... 14

- Drive Shaft/Power Head ........................................ 14

- Throttle Linkage and Ignition Leads ...................... 14

- Plastic Shield Installation ....................................... 15

- Nylon Head Installation ........................................ 15

- Front Handle Installation ....................................... 15

- Accessory Installation ........................................... 16

- Harness Clamp Installation ................................... 16

- Install Metal Shield................................................ 17

- U-Handle Installation ............................................ 17

- Muffler Bracket Installation .................................. 20

Pre-Operation ................................................................... 20

- Operation with Blades........................................... 20

- Fuel ........................................................................ 22

CopyRight© 1999 By Echo, Incorporated
All Rights Reserved.

- Equipment Check .................................................. 23

- Determine Operation Area .................................... 24

Operation.......................................................................... 24

- Starting Cold Engine ..............................................24

- Starting Warm Engine ............................................ 25

- Stopping Engine..................................................... 26

Maintenance ..................................................................... 26

- Skill Levels............................................................. 26

- Maintenance Intervals ...........................................27

- Air Filter ................................................................ 28

- Fuel Filter ..............................................................28

- Spark Plug .............................................................. 29

- Cooling System Cleaning ....................................... 29

- Exhaust System ..................................................... 30

- Carburetor Adjustment .......................................... 31

- Lubrication............................................................. 32

- Nylon Line Replacement ....................................... 32

- Sharpening Metal Blades ....................................... 34

Troubleshooting................................................................ 35

Storage .............................................................................. 36

Servicing Information........................................................ 40

- Parts....................................................................... 40

- Service .................................................................... 40

-

ECHO Consumer Product Support ................. 40

- Warranty Card ....................................................... 40

- Additional or Replacement Manuals ..................... 40

- Manual Ordering Instructions ............................... 40

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.

GRASS TRIMMER/BRUSH CUTTER

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

MANUAL SAFETY SYMBOLS AND 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
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.

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.

3

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
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.

DEBRIS SHIELD DECAL

Metal Debris

Plastic Debris

Shield

Shield

4

Shaft Decal

W ARNING 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.

• Blindness can occur from objects that are thrown or ricocheted
evenwith shield in place. Operators, helpers and bystanders
must wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection.

• Always wear hearing protection when operating unit.

• Prevent accidental contact with unit and any cutting attachment.
Maintain a 15M (50 ft.) radius, DANGER ZONE surrounding the
operator. ONLY the operator, dressed in proper protective
clothing should be in the DANGER ZONE.

• Beware of KICKOUT (blade thrust) when using blades. Special
precautions are necessary for blade operation, see your
Operator's and Safety Manuals. ONLY install ECHO approved
blades on Brush Cutters (SRM) models equipped with proper
blade shield, U-handles, harness, blade collar, nut and cotter pin.

• Blade/Cutting attachment does not stop immediately after
releasing throttle. Keep hands and feet clear of blade/cutting
attachment unless engine is shut off and cutting attachment is
not moving.

• INSPECT BLADES BEFORE USE.

• DO NOT USE DAMAGED, CRACKED, BENT, DULL OR
IMPROPERLY SHARPENED BLADES.

• Do not remove shields, modify the unit or install attachments or
parts not approved by ECHO. Approved attachment information
and replacement Operator's and Safety Manuals are available
from your ECHO dealer or by writing: ECHO, INCORPORATED,

400 OAKWOOD RD., LAKE ZURICH, IL 60047.

INTERNA TIONAL SYMBOLS

Symbol form/shape

Symbol

description/application

"WARNING, SEE

OPERATOR'S

MANUAL

Wear eyes, ears and

head protection

Wear hand and

foot protection

Safety/Alert

Symbol form/shape

Keep bystanders and helpers

away 15 m (50 ft.).

Symbol

description/application

Hot

Surface

Finger Severing

DO NOT allow

flames or sparks

near fuel.

DO NOT smoke

near fuel.

Symbol form/shape

Symbol

description/application

Emergency stop

Carburetor adjustment

- High speed mixture

Carburetor adjustment

- Idle speed

Carburetor adjustment

- Low speed mixture

Symbol form/shape

Symbol

description/application

Fuel and oil mixture

Primer Bulb

Ignition
ON/OFF

Engine choke

control.

GRASS TRIMMER/BRUSH CUTTER

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.

• ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting
devices, attachments or accessories which have not been tested
and approved by ECHO.

Before operation a complete check of the unit must be performed;

• 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.

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

5

• Inspect shield for damage and ensure that the cut-off knife issecurely
in place. Replace if either is damaged or missing.

• Check that the cutting attachment is firmly attached and in safe
operating condition.

• Check that front (loop) handle and optional shoulder/waist harness
are adjusted for safe, comfortable operation. See Assembly for proper
adjustment.

IMPORTANT

Use of the Brush Cutter on U.S. Forest land and the states of
California, Oregon and Washington requires installation of optional
Muffler Bracket Kit P/N 10099057730.

6

FUEL

W ARNING DANGER

Fuel is VERY flammable. Use extreme care when mixing, storing or
handling, otherwise serious personal injury may result.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• DO NOT smoke near fuel.

• DO NOT allow flames or sparks near fuel.

• Fuel tanks/cans may be under pressure. Always loosen fuel
capsslowly allowing pressure to equalize.

• NEVER refuel a unit when the engine is HOT!

• NEVER refuel a unit with the engine running.

• DO NOT fill fuel tanks indoors. ALWAYS fill fuel tanks outdoors
over bare ground.

• Securely tighten fuel cap after refueling.

• Inspect for fuel leakage. If fuel leakage is found, do not start or
operate unit until leakage is repaired.

IMPORTANT

Spilled fuel is a leading cause of hydrocarbon emissions. Some
states may require the use of automatic fuel shut-off containers to
reduce fuel spillage. Contact your ECHO dealer for ordering
information.

After Refueling;

• Wipe any spilled fuel from the unit.

• Move at least 3 M (10 ft.) from refueling location before starting.

After Use;

• DO NOT store a unit with fuel in its tank. Leaks can occur. Return
unused fuel to an approved fuel storage container.

3M (10 FT.)

PERSONAL CONDITION AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT

W ARNING DANGER

Trimmer/Brush Cutter users risk injury to themselves and others if the trimmer/brush cutter is used improperly and or
safety precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating a trimmer.

GRASS TRIMMER/BRUSH CUTTER

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 trimmer.

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

7

Hand Protection --

Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves to improve your grip on the
Trimmer/Brush Cutter handles. 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, SCARVES, JEWELRY.

Wear sturdy work shoes with non-skid 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.

8

SAFE OPERATION

Determine Operation Area

• Provide all operators of this equipment with the Operator's Manual
and instructions for safe operation.

• Review the area to be trimmed. Look for hazards that could contribute
to unsafe conditions.

• Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and
animals prevented from coming nearer than 15M (50 ft.) while
the trimmer is in use.

Operation

Use Proper Clothing & Equipment

• Before starting the unit, equip yourself and any other person
working within the 15M (50 ft.) Safety Zone with the required
Protective Equipment and clothing.

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.

15M (50 ft.)

Avoid Hot Surfaces

• During operation, the complete unit, especially the drive shaft
housing and the bearing housing may become very hot, too hot to
touch. Avoid contact during and immediately after operation.

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.

GRASS TRIMMER/BRUSH CUTTER

EXTENDED OPERATION/EXTREME CONDITIONS

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 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 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 further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

9

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.

10

DESCRIPTION

The ECHO product you purchased has been factory pre-assembled for your convenience. Due to packaging restrictions,
shield installation and other assembly may be necessary.

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.

CONTENTS

Contents List

Items

2601 1E

MODELS

2610 1E

1 - Power Head
1 - Drive Shaft Assembly
1 - Plastic Bag (co-pack)

- 1, Operator's Manual

- 1, Safety Manual

- 1, Warranty Registration Card

- 1, Limited Warranty Statement

- 1, Plastic shield

- 1, Tool Bag

--1, T-wcrench

--1, locking tool

--1, 8 x 10mm wrench

- 1, Nylon Trimmer Head

- 1, Safety Glasses

- 1, 2-Stroke Oil Sample, 2.6 oz.

- 1, Front Handle (L.H.)

- 1, Plastic Bag

--1, shield plate

--3, 5mm x 15mm screws (shield mtg.)

--1, 4mm Hexagon Wrench

- 1, Plastic Bag

-- 3, 5mm x 15mm screws (shield mount)

-- 2, 5mm x 8mm screws (bracket to shield)

-- 4, 5mm nuts

-- 4, 5mm lockwashers

--1, metal shield

--1, bracket

-1, plastic bag

-1, 8mm x 55mm bolt

-2, cable clips

√

√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√

√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√

√

√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√

√
√
√
√
√
√
√

√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√

BLADE

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS --

Blade Convertible

Models (SRM-2601) can be converted to utilize blades. Plastic/nylon blades require a, "Blade Conversion Kit" P/N
99944200415, which includes a shoulder harness, and steel shield with necessary attaching hardware. Steel/metal blades
require Combination "U-Handle/Blade Conversion Kit" P/N 99944200521 which includes Blade Conversion Kit Parts, U­Handle, Throttle Cable and Stop Switch.

Dedicated Blade Capable

Model (SRM-2610) includes the "U-Handle/Blade Conversion Kit".

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).

GRASS TRIMMER/BRUSH CUTTER

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMA TION
ENGINE FAMIL Y : VEH025UB24RA
DISPLACEMENT : 25.4cc
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.

11

24

23

25

22

17

8

9

10

18

21

1

19

20

26

7

6

5

4

2

3

12

13

15

7

14

5

16

11

3

12

1. OPERATOR'S MANUAL - Included in plastic bag (co-pack). Read before operation and keep in a safe place for

future reference, i.e., operation, maintenance, storage and specifications.

2. SAFETY MANUAL - Included in plastic bag (co-pack). Read before operation and keep in a safe place for future

reference to learn proper, safe operating techniques.

3. POWER HEAD - Includes the Engine, Clutch, Fuel System, Ignition System and Recoil Starter.

4. GRIP - Rear (right hand) handle.

5. STOP SWITCH - "SLIDE SWITCH" mounted on top of the Throttle Trigger Housing. Move switch FORWARD to

RUN, BACK to STOP.

6. FRONT HANDLE - The Front (loop) handle is loosely assembled to the Drive Shaft assembly and must be posi-

tioned for proper cutting attitude and operator comfort.

7. DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY - Includes the Rear (right hand) Handle assembly, Gear Housing assembly, Front (loop,

left hand) Handle assembly, steel drive shaft and Safety Decal.

8. NYLON CUTTER HEAD - Contains replaceable nylon trimming line that advances when the trimmer head is tapped

against the ground while the head is turning at normal operating speed.

9. CUT-OFF KNIFE - Automatically trims line to the correct length: 5" after head is tapped on the ground. If trimmer is

operated without a cut-off knife the line will become too long, the engine will overheat and engine damage may occur.

10. PLASTIC DEBRIS SHIELD ASSEMBLY - Included in plastic bag (co-pack). MUST be installed on unit before use,

see Assembly Instructions. Shield assembly includes the Cut-Off Knife and Safety Decal. Mounts on the Gear
Housing Assembly just above the cutting attachment. Helps protect the operator by deflecting debris produced
during the trimming operation. This shield must be replaced with the steel shield for blade use.

11. THROTTLE TRIGGER - Spring loaded to return to idle when released. During acceleration, press trigger gradually

for best operating technique.

12. BLADE - Circular blade for grass, weed or brush cutting applications. Harness, metal shield & U-handles required for

blade operation.

13. METAL BLADE SHIELD - Required when unit is equipped with blades. Do not operate unit without shield.

14. U-HANDLE - Required for metal blade operation.

15. SHOULDER HARNESS- An adjustable strap that suspends the unit from the operator. Using the strap reduces

operator fatigue.

16. HIP PAD - Used to protect hip/leg and clothing when using U-handle equipped unit.

17. SPARK PLUG - Provides spark to ignite fuel mixture.

18. ARM REST - Provides arm rest during operation and protects arm from the hot engine.

19. MUFFLER/SPARK ARRESTER - The muffler controls the exhaust noise while the spark arrester prevents hot,

glowing particles of carbon from leaving the muffler where they could possibly start a fire.

20. FUEL TANK - Contains fuel and fuel filter.

21. RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Pull handle slowly until starter engages, then quickly and firmly. When engine

starts, return handle slowly. DO NOT let handle snap back or damage to unit will occur.

22. FUEL TANK CAP - Covers and seals fuel tank opening.

23. PRIMER BULB - Pumping primer bulb before starting engine draws fresh fuel from the fuel tank priming the carbure-

tor for starting. Pump the bulb 10 times until fuel is visible in clear fuel return line.

24. AIR CLEANER - Contains replaceable filter element.

25. CHOKE - The choke control is located on the top of the air filter case. Move choke control up to close the choke for

cold starting. Push knob down for the "RUN" position.

26. SAFETY VIDEO - (Not included with unit) P/N 99922202540 English version only is available at a cost of $5.00 from

ECHO, INC. or any authorized ECHO dealer. The video overviews safety precautions and proper operating tech­niques and is supplemental to the Safety Manual. Read and understand the Safety Manual for complete information
on safe operation.