Hitachi CG23ECPSL Owner’s Manual

Designed for operating in USA & Canada only.

When this product is used in areas other than the USA & Canada, we cannot guarantee the product quality and performance.

CG 23ECP (SL)

Grass Trimmer

Coupe-Herbes

Motoguadañas

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL WARNING

IMPROPER OR UNSAFE use of this power tool can result in death or serious bodily injury!

This manual contains important information about product safety. Please read and understand this manual BEFORE operating the power tool. Please keep this manual available for other users and owners before they use the power tool. This manual should be stored in safe place.

INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE ET MODE D’EMPLOI AVERTISSEMENT

Une utilisation INCORRECTE OU DANGEREUSE de cet outil motorisé peut entraîner la mort ou de sérieuses blessures corporelles !

Ce mode d’emploi contient d’importantes informations à propos de la sécurité de ce produit. Prière de lire et de comprendre ce mode d’emploi AVANT d’utiliser l’outil motorisé. Garder ce mode d’emploi à la disponibilité des autres utilisateurs et propriétaires avant qu’ils utilisent l’outil motorisé. Ce mode d’emploi doit être conservé dans un endroit sûr.

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD Y MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES ADVERTENCIA

¡La utilización INAPROPIADA O PELIGROSA de esta herramienta eléctrica puede provocar lesiones graves o la muerte!

Este manual contiene información importante sobre la seguridad del producto. Lea y comprenda este manual ANTES de utilizar la herramienta eléctrica. Guarde este manual para que puedan leerlo otras personas antes de utilizar la herramienta eléctrica. Este manual debe ser guardado en un lugar seguro.

English

MEANINGS OF SYMBOLS

NOTE: Some units do not carry them.

Symbols

WARNING

The following show symbols used for the machine. Be sure that you understand their meaning before use.

It is important that you read,

Choke - Run position (Open)

fully understand before use, and

observe the following safety

precautions and warnings.

Choke - Start position

Careless or improper use of the

unit may cause serious or fatal

(Closed)

injury.

Read, understand and follow all

START

On/Start

warnings and instructions in this

manual and on the unit.

Always wear eye, head and ear

STOP

O /Stop

protectors when using this unit.

Do not use metal/rigid blades

when this sign is shown on the

Fuel and oil mixture

unit.

Keep all children, bystanders

Idle speed adjustment

and helpers 15 m away from

the unit. If anyone approaches

you, stop the engine and cutting

Priming pump

attachment immediately.

Hot surface – Contact with

Be careful of thrown objects.

hot surface can cause serious

burns.

Shows maximum shaft speed. Do

Indicate handle location.

not use the cutting attachment

Arrows which show limits for

1

whose max rpm is below the

min-

handle positioning.

shaft rpm.

Gloves should be worn

Indicates cutting attachment

guard location for a trimmer

when necessary, e.g., when

head or semi-auto cutting

assembling cutting equipment.

head.

Use anti-slip and sturdy footwear.

Before using your machine

•Read the manual carefully.

•Check that the cutting equipment is correctly assembled and adjusted.

•Start the unit and check the carburetor adjustment. See “MAINTENANCE”.

2

Contents
WHAT IS WHAT ....................................................	3
WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS........	4
WARRANTY ..........................................................	6

	English
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................	7
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES .................................	8
OPERATING PROCEDURES................................	9
MAINTENANCE ..................................................	12

WHAT IS WHAT

Since this manual covers several models, there may be some di erence between pictures and your unit. Use the instructions that apply to your unit.

1.Fuel cap

2.Throttle trigger

3.Starter handle

4.Cutting attachment guard

5.Cutting attachment

6.Drive shaft tube

7.Handle

8.Ignition switch

9.Spark plug

10.Priming pump 11.Throttle trigger lockout 12.Choke lever 13.Engine

14.Gear case 15.Combi box spanner 16.Handling instructions 17.Goggles

18.Hex bar wrench 19.Top cover

14 6

5 4

12

10

15

17

	8	11	13
7
		2

9 13

19 3

1

16

18

3

English

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNINGS AND SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:

WARNING

Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or loss of life, if instructions are not followed.

CAUTION

Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage, if instructions are not followed.

NOTE

Helpful information for correct function and use.

Operator safety

○Always wear a safety face shield or goggles.

○Approved protective goggles comply with standard ANSI Z87.1 in the USA.

○Always wear heavy, long pants, non-slip boots, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder length.

○ Do not operate this tool when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

○Never let a child or inexperienced person operate the machine.

○Wear approved hearing protection.

Long-term exposure to noise can result in permanent hearing impairment.

Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of any bystanders who may be signaling a problem. Remove safety equipment immediately upon shutting o engine.

○Wear head protection.

○Never start or run the engine inside a closed environment, such as a room or building. Breathing carbon monoxide exhaust fumes can kill.

○Keep handles free of oil and fuel.

○Keep hands away from cutting equipment.

○Do not grab or hold the unit by the cutting equipment.

○When the unit is turned o , make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before the unit is set down.

○When operation is prolonged, take a break from time to time so that you may avoid possible Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which is caused by vibration.

○Do not operate the tool at night or under bad weather conditions when visibility is poor. And do not operate the tool when it is raining or right after it has been raining.

Working on slippery ground could lead to an accident if you lose your balance.

○Do not start the engine if there are any flammables such as dry leaves, waste paper or fuel in the vicinity.

○Gloves should be worn when installing or removing the cutting attachment. Failure to do so may result in injury.

WARNING

●Always operate the tool with proper protective equipment and clothing. Failure to do so may result in accidents such as burns or injuries.

●Do not touch the spark plug area or high voltage during operation. Doing so may result in electric shock.

●Do not allow children near the tool during operation.

●Do not touch the engine, top cover or exhaust vent during or shortly after operation. Doing so may result in burn or injury.

●Antivibration systems do not guarantee that you will not sustain Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, continual and regular users should monitor closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If any symptoms of the above appear, seek medical advice immediately.

●If you are using any medical electric/ electronic devices such as a pacemaker, consult your physician as well as the device manufacturer prior to operating any power equipment.

Unit/machine safety

○Inspect the entire unit/machine before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks and make sure all fasteners are in place and securely tightened.

○Replace parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in any way before using the unit/ machine. Faulty parts may increase the risk of accidents and may lead to an injury.

○Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed and securely fastened.

4

○Make sure the cutting attachment guard and harness are properly attached. Do not operate if cutting attachment guard and harness is not properly attached.

○Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments.

○Use only accessories as recommended for this unit/machine by the manufacturer.

○Before operation, make sure that there are no tools such as the adjustment key or spanner still attached to the unit.

WARNING

●Never modify the unit/machine in any way. Do not use your unit/machine for any job except that for which it is intended.

●Non-authorized modifications and/or accessories may result in serious personal injury or the death of the operator or others.

Fuel safety

○Mix and pour fuel outdoors where there are no sparks and flames.

○Use a container approved for fuel.

○Move at least 10 ft (3 m) away from fueling site before starting engine.

○Slowly remove the fuel cap only after stopping the engine. Do not remove the fuel cap during operation.

○Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit/ machine. It is recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use. If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak.

WARNING

●Fuel is easy to ignite or get explosion or inhale fumes, so that pay special attention when handling or filling fuel.

●Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit/machine or while using the unit/ machine and fueling or mixing fuel.

●Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.

●Store unit/machine and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces. etc.

●When using the unit in dry areas, make sure that fire extinguishing equipment is readily available.

●If you shut o the engine for refueling, make sure the unit has cooled down before adding fuel.

Cutting safety

○Do not cut any material other than grass and brush.

English

○Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects which can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting attachment.

○For respiratory protection, wear an aerosol protection mask when cutting the grass after insecticide is scattered.

○Keep others including children, animals, bystanders and helpers outside the 50 ft (15 m) hazard zone. There is still a risk of injury from thrown object. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection. Stop the engine immediately if you are approached.

○Please exercise caution as engine startup may be delayed after pulling the starter handle.

○Always keep the engine on the right side of your body.

○Hold the unit/machine firmly with both hands.

○Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.

Losing your balance during work may lead to an injury.

○Keep all parts of your body away from the mu er and cutting attachment when the engine is running.

○Keep cutting attachment below knee level.

○Please exercise caution when operating in areas where electrical cables or gas pipes are present.

○ Do not operate the cutting attachment for anything but clearing grass or bushes. Avoid operations where the cutting attachment may touch water such as puddles or dig into dirt. Failure to do so may result in injury or damage to the unit.

○Avoid prolonged use at low speed range in which vibration is high. Doing so may result in engine damage.

○When relocating to a new work area, or inspecting, adjusting or exchanging the unit’s cutting attachments, accessories, etc., be sure to shut o the machine and ensure that all cutting attachments are stopped.

○Never place the machine on the ground when running.

○Never touch the cutting attachment when it is rotating.

○Always ensure that the engine is shut o and any cutting attachments have completely stopped before clearing debris or removing grass from the cutting attachment.

○Always carry a first-aid kit when operating any power equipment.

○Turn o the engine and make sure the cutting attachment has come to a full stop before removing the unit from your body or before leaving the unit unattended.

5

English

○If you accidentally bump or drop the unit, inspect it immediately to make sure there are no damage, cracks or deformations.

○If the tool is operating poorly and produces strange noise or vibrations, turn o the engine immediately and ask your dealer to have it inspected and repaired.

Continued use under these conditions could lead to injury or tool damage.

○Use in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Maintenance safety

○Maintain the unit/machine according to recommended procedures.

○Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjustments.

○Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments.

○Use only genuine Hitachi replacement parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

CAUTION

Do not disassemble the recoil starter. There is a possibility of personal injury with recoil spring.

WARNING

Improper maintenance could result in serious engine damage or in serious personal injury.

Transport and storage

○Carry the unit/machine by hand with the engine stopped and the mu er away from your body.

○Allow the engine to cool, empty the fuel tank before storing or transporting.

Secure the machine during transport to prevent loss of fuel, damage or injury.

○Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit/ machine. It is recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use. If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak.

○Store unit/machine out of the reach of children.

○Clean and maintain the unit carefully and store it in a dry place.

○Make sure engine switch is o when transporting or storing.

○When transporting and storing, either remove the cutting attachment or place the blade cover over the blade.

○You have to secure the machine during transport to prevent loss of fuel, damage or injury.

○If a warning label cannot be read, peels o or becomes indistinct, replace it with a new one. To purchase new labels, contact Hitachi Authorized Service Centers.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, take care and use common sense. Contact Hitachi Authorized Service Centers if you need assistance.

WARRANTY

The warranties provided by Hitachi Koki U.S.A., Ltd. are explained in the warranty card enclosed with this product titled “Hitachi Outdoor Power Equipment Limited Warranty”.

6

English

SPECIFICATIONS

	Model	CG23ECP (SL)
Engine Size (cu. in.)		1.37 (22.5 ml)
Spark Plug		TORCH AC6RA
		(NGK CMR6A)
Fuel Tank Capacity (fl. oz)		16.2 (0.48 l)
Dry Weight (Ibs)		10.8 (4.9 kg)
Sound pressure level	Equivalent
LpA (dB (A))		95.3
(ISO22868)
Measured sound	(ISO22868)
power level LwA	Racing	112
(dB (A))
Guaranteed sound	(ISO22868)
power level LwA	Racing	115
(dB (A))
Vibration level (m/s2)
(ISO22867)
Equivalent (Front / Left handle)		6.0
Equivalent (Rear / Right handle)		6.3
Uncertainty		1.5

NOTE

Equivalent noise level/vibration level are calculated as the time-weighted energy total for noise/vibration levels under various working conditions with the following time distribution:

* 1/2 idle, 1/2 racing.

All data subject to change without notice.

7

English

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES

Installation of handle (Fig. 1)

Attach the handle to the drive shaft tube.

Adjust the location to the most comfortable position before operation.

Make sure to securely attach the handle with the 4 bolts.

1 Fig. 1

NOTE

If your unit has handle location label (1) on drive shaft tube, follow the illustration.

WARNING

Do not use metal or plastic blade cutting attachments.

Installation of cuttingt attachment guard WARNING

●Do not start or operate unit unless each guard is properly assembled to unit.

●If an incorrect or faulty guard is fitted, this may cause serious personal injury.

CAUTION

Some cutting attachment guards are equipped with sharp line limiters. Be careful with handling it.

Aligning to the position indicated by the guard location label (2), firmly secure the cutting attachment guard to the drive shaft tube with the bolt

(3) and guard bracket (4). (Fig. 2)

3

4

2

Fig. 2

WARNING

●lf unit is operated without a sharp line limiters, the line will become too long, the engine will overheat, and engine damage may occur.

●Check sharp line limiters surely cut nylon line when operating.

Installation of cutting attachment

WARNING

● Install the cutting attachment properly and securely as instructed in the handling instructions.

If not attached properly or securely, it may come o and cause serious and/or fatal injury.

●Do not install or remove cutting attachments while the engine is running.

●Always use genuine Hitachi cutting attachments and metal fittings.

Installation of semi-auto cutting head

1.Function

Automatically feeds more nylon cutting line when it is tapped at low rpm (not greater than 6,000 min–1).

Specifications
Code No.	Type of	Direction of	Size of
	attaching		attaching
	screw	rotation	screw
6600570	Female	Counterclockwise	M10×P1.25-
	screw		LH

Applicable nylon cord

Cord diameter: 3/22˝ (Φ2.4 mm) Length: 16.3 ft (5 m) 2. Precautions

○The case must be securely attached to the cover.

○Check the cover (5), case (6) and other components for cracks or other damage. (Fig. 3)

○Check the case and button for wear.

If there is a hole in the bottom (7) of the button, change the new parts immediately. (Fig. 3)

7 6

5

Fig. 3

8

○The cutting head must be securely mounted to the unit’s gear case/cutter case.

○If the cutting head does not feed cutting line properly, check that the nylon line and all components are properly installed. Contact Hitachi Authorized Service Centers if you need assistance.

WARNING

For Hitachi heads, use only flexible, non-metallic line recommended by the manufacturer. Never use wire or wire ropes. They can break o and become a dangerous projectile.

3.Installation (Fig. 4)

Insert the Hex bar wrench (8) into the hole of the gear case and groove of the Cutter holder (9) in order to lock the shaft.

Install cutting head on gear case of grass trimmers. The mounting nut is left-hand- threaded. Turn clockwise to loosen/counterclockwise to tighten.

8

9

Fig. 4

4.Adjusting line length

Set the engine speed as low as possible and tap the head on the ground. The nylon line will be drawn out about 1-3/16˝ (3 cm) with each tap. (Fig. 5)

Fig. 5

English

Also, you can extend the nylon line by hand but the engine must be completely stopped. (Fig. 6)

Fig. 6

Adjust the nylon line to the proper length of 4-11/32˝–5-1/2˝ (11–14 cm) before each operation.

OPERATING PROCEDURES

Fuel (Fig. 7)

Fig. 7

WARNING

●The trimmer is equipped with a two-stroke engine. Always run the engine on fuel, which is mixed with oil.

Provide good ventilation, when fueling or handling fuel.

●Fuel contains highly flammable and it is possible to get the serious personal injury when inhaling or spilling on your body. Always pay attention when handling fuel. Always have good ventilation when handling fuel inside building.

Fuel

○Always use branded 89 octane unleaded gasoline.

○Use genuine two-cycle oil or use a mix between 25:1 to 50:1, please consult about the mixture ratio to Hitachi Authorized Service Centers.

○Only for the state of California at 50:1.

9

English

○If genuine oil is not available, use an anti-oxidant added quality oil expressly labeled for air-cooled 2-cycle engine use (JASO FC GRADE OIL or ISO EGC GRADE). Do not use BIA or TCW (2-stroke water-cooling type) mixed oil.

○Never use multi-grade oil (10 W/30) or waste oil.

○Never mix fuel and oil in machine’s fuel tank. Always mix fuel and oil in a separate clean container.

Always start by filling half the amount of gasoline, which is to be used.

Then add the whole amount of oil. Mix (shake) the fuel mixture. Add the remaining amount of gasoline. Mix (shake) the fuel-mix thoroughly before filling the fuel tank.

Mixing amount of two-cycle oil and gasoline

	Gasoline (Liter)	Two-cycle oil (ml)
		Ratio 50:1	Ratio 25:1
	0.5	10	———	20
	1	20	———	40
	2	40	———	80
	4	80	———	160

Fueling

WARNING

●Always shut o the engine and let it cool for a few minutes before refueling.

Do not smoke or bring flames or sparks near the fueling site.

●Slowly open the fuel tank, when filling up with fuel, so that possible over-pressure disappears.

●Tighten the fuel cap carefully, after fueling.

●Always move the trimmer at least 10 ft (3 m) from the fueling area before starting.

●Always wash any spilled fuel from clothing immediately with soap.

●Be sure to check for any fuel leakage after refueling.

●Before fueling, in order to remove static electricity from the main body, the fuel container and the operator, please touch the ground that is slightly damp.

Before fueling, clean the tank cap area carefully, to ensure that no dirt falls into the tank. Make sure that the fuel is well mixed by shaking the container, before fueling.

Starting

WARNING

●Before starting the tool, ensure that the cutting attachment is not touching any objects or the ground.

Otherwise, the cutting attachment may unexpectedly rotate and cause an injury.

●Ensure that the cutting attachment does not rotate while the engine is idling. If it does rotate, adjust the idle speed according to the instructions in “Idle speed adjustment” in the “MAINTENANCE” section. If the cutting attachment still rotates after this adjustment, immediately stop the engine and cease use, then bring the tool to the nearest Hitachi Authorized Service Center.

1. Starting the cold engine

(1) Set ignition switch (10) to ON position. (Fig. 8) 10

Fig. 8

(2)Push priming bulb (11) several times so that fuel flows through return pipe (12). (Fig. 9)

12

11

Fig. 9

(3)Set choke lever (13) to START position (closed)

(A). (Fig. 10)

A

B

13

Fig. 10

10

English

(4) Pull recoil starter briskly, taking care to keep the handle in your grasp and not allowing it to snap back. (Fig. 11)

Fig. 11

(5)When you hear the engine want to start, return choke lever to RUN position (open) (B). (Fig. 10)

(6)Pull recoil starter briskly again. (Fig. 11)

NOTE

If engine does not start, repeat procedures from 2 to 5.

(7)Then allow the engine about 2–3 minutes to warm up before subjecting it to any load.

(8)Check that the cutting attachment does not rotate when the engine is idling.

2.Starting the warm engine

Use only 1, 6 and 8 of the starting procedure for a cold engine.

If the engine does not start, use the same starting procedure as for a cold engine.

Cutting

WARNING

●Always use the harness (if so equipped) and wear the proper attire and protective equipment when operating the unit. (Fig. 12)

●Keep others including children, animals, bystanders and helpers outside the 15 m hazard zone. Stop the engine immediately if you are approached. (Fig. 13)

●When grass or vines wrap around attachment, stop engine and attachment and remove them. Continuing operation with grass or vines wrapped around the attachment may result in damages such as early abrasion of the clutch.

Fig. 12

Fig. 13

NOTE

Use in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Using a semi-auto cutting head

○Set the engine at high speed when using this attachment.

○Cut grass from left to right. The cut grass will be discharged away from the body, minimizing transfer to your clothes. (Fig. 14)

○Cut grass from right to left as the cutting attachment of the curved drive shaft tube model rotates clockwise.

○With nylon cord, use about 3/4” (2 cm) of the end of the cord to cut grass. Using the full length of the cord will reduce rotation speed and make cutting di cult.

Fig. 14

NOTE

Automatically feeds more nylon cutting line when it is tapped at low rpm (not greater than 6,000 min-1).

WARNING

●This product is equipped with a line limiter that will automatically cut any excess cord. When operating the unit, do not remove the guard or line limiter.

As the resistance is greater for nylon cords as opposed to blades, mishandling could increase engine load and result in damage.

11

English

●Do not use with the engine set at low speeds. If the engine speed is low, grass may wrap around the attachment, causing the clutch to slip which could result in clutch abrasion.

●With nylon cord cutters, always use over 5-7/8” (15 cm) of cord. If the length of the cord is too short, rotation speed will increase and may cause damage to the nylon cord cutter. As the curved drive shaft tube model in particular is not equipped with a deceleration mechanism, the possibility of increased rotation speed for the cutting attachment is high.

Stopping (Fig. 15)

Decrease engine speed and run at an idle for a few minutes, then turn o ignition switch (10).

10

Fig. 15

WARNING

A cutting attachment can injure while it continues to spin after the engine is stopped or Throttle trigger is released. When the unit is turned o , make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before the unit is set down.

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF THE EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS MAY BE PERFORMED BY ANY NONROAD ENGINE REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT OR INDIVIDUAL.

Carburetor adjustment (Fig. 16)

Fig. 16

The carburetor is a precision part that mixes air and fuel, and it is designed to ensure high performance from the engine. Before the tool is shipped from the factory, its carburetor is adjusted during a test run. Only make adjustments if it is necessary because of environmental conditions (the climate or atmospheric pressure), the type of fuel, the type of two-cycle oil, etc.

WARNING

●Because the carburetor is manufactured with a high degree of precision, do not disassemble it.

●For this product, the only setting of the carburetor that can be adjusted is the idle speed (T).

●Never start the engine without the complete clutch cover and tube assembled! Otherwise the clutch can come loose and cause personal injuries.

T = Idle speed adjustment screw.

Idle speed adjustment (T)

WARNING

●When the engine is stopped, do not excessively turn the idle speed adjustment screw (T) in a clockwise direction. Otherwise, when the engine starts, the cutting attachment may unexpectedly rotate and cause an injury.

●Do not adjust the idle speed adjustment screw (T) for any reason other than to adjust the idling.

12

Run the engine while adjusting the idling.

(1)If the engine stops during idling

Start the engine, and slowly turn the idle speed adjustment screw (T) in a clockwise direction until it is in a position at which the engine rotates smoothly. At that time, ensure that the cutting attachment is not spinning.

(2)If the cutting attachment rotates during idling Slowly turn the idle speed adjustment screw (T) in a counter-clockwise direction until it is in a position at which the cutting attachment does not rotate. At that time, ensure that the rotation of the engine is smooth.

WARNING

If the cutting attachment still rotates after adjustment of the idle speed adjustment screw (T), immediately stop the engine and cease use, then contact the nearest Hitachi Authorized Service Center.

Air filter (Fig. 17)

The air filter (14) must be cleaned from dust and dirt in order to avoid:

○Carburetor malfunctions

○Starting problems

○Engine power reduction

○Unnecessary wear on the engine parts

○Abnormal fuel consumption

Clean the air filter daily or more often if working in exceptionally dusty areas.

14

Fig. 17

Cleaning the air filter

Open the air filter cover and remove the air filter (14). Clean it.

Check that the filter is dry before reassembly.

An air filter that has been used for some time cannot be cleaned completely. Therefore, it must regularly be replaced with a new one. A damaged filter must always be replaced.

NOTE

To put the air filter cover back into place, hook it on the upper tabs and then attach it.

English

Fuel filter (Fig. 18)

Remove the fuel filter (15) from the fuel tank, and replace it if it is dirty.

NOTE

A blocked fuel filter (15) can prevent the supply of fuel and cause a rotation malfunction of the engine.

15

Fig. 18

Spark plug (Fig. 19)

The spark plug condition is influenced by:

○An incorrect carburetor setting

○Wrong fuel mixture (too much oil in the gasoline)

○A dirty air filter

○Hard running conditions (such as cold weather)

These factors cause deposits on the spark plug electrodes, which may result in malfunction and starting di culties. If the engine is low on power, di cult to start or runs poorly at idling speed, always check the spark plug first. If the spark plug is dirty, clean it and check the electrode gap. Re-adjust if necessary. The correct gap is 0.024˝ (0.6 mm). The spark plug should be replaced after about 100 operation hours or earlier if the electrodes are badly eroded.

0.024˝ (0.6 mm)

Fig. 19

NOTE

In some areas, local law requires using a resistor spark plug to suppress ignition signals. If this machine was originally equipped with resistor spark plug, use same type of spark plug for replacement.

13

English

Gear case (Fig. 20)

Check gear case or angle gear for grease level about every 50 hours of operation by removing the grease filler plug on the side of gear case.

If no grease can be seen on the flanks of the gears, fill the gear case with quality lithium based multipurpose grease up to 3/4. Do not completely fill the gear case.

Fig. 20

CAUTION

●Make sure to remove any dirt or grit when attaching the plug to its original position.

●Before attempting inspection or maintenance of the gear case, make sure the case has cooled.

Semi-auto cutting head

Nylon line replacement

(1)Remove the case (16) by firmly pushing inward the locking tabs with your thumbs as shown in Fig. 21.

4˝ (10 cm)

17

Fig. 22

(4)Push each line into the stopper holes (18), leaving the loose ends approx. 4˝ (10 cm) in length. (Fig. 23)

18

cm)		(10	˝	4
(10	cm)
˝
4

Fig. 23

(5)Insert both loose ends of the line through the cord guide (19) when placing the reel in the case. (Fig. 24)

18

19

16

Fig. 21

(2)After removing the case, take out the reel and discard the remaining line.

(3)Fold the new nylon line unevenly (approx. 10 cm) in half as shown in picture.

Hook the U-shaped end of the nylon line into the groove (17) on the center partition of the reel. Wind both halves of the line on the reel in the same direction, keeping each half of the line on its own side of the partition. (Fig. 22)

Fig. 24

NOTE

When placing a reel in the case, try to line up the stopper holes (18) with the cord guide (19) for easier line release later.

(6)Place the cover over the case so that the cap locking tabs (20) on the cover meet the long holes (21) on the case. Then push the case securely until it clicks into place. (Fig. 25)

14

20

21

Fig. 25

(7)The initial cutting line length should be approx. 4-11/32˝–5-1/2˝ (11–14 cm) and should be equal on both sides. (Fig. 26)

English

○Check that nuts and screws are su ciently tightened.

○Check that the unit is undamaged and free of defects.

Weekly maintenance

○Check the starter, especially the cord.

○Clean the exterior of the spark plug.

○Remove the spark plug and check the electrode gap. Adjust it to 0.024˝ (0.6 mm), or change the spark plug.

○Check that the angle gear is filled with grease up to 3/4.

○Clean the air filter.

Monthly maintenance

○Rinse the fuel tank with gasoline.

○Clean the exterior of the carburetor and the space around it.

○Clean the fan and the space around it.

4-11/32˝–5-1/2˝	4-11/32˝–5-1/2˝
(11-14 cm)

Fig. 26

For long-term storage

Drain all fuel from the fuel tank. Start and let engine run until it stops. Repair any damage which has resulted from use. Clean the unit with a clean rag, or the use of high pressure air hose. Put a few drops of two-cycle engine oil into the cylinder through the spark plug hole, and spin the engine over several times to distribute oil.

Cover the unit and store it in a dry area.

Maintenance schedule

Below you will find some general maintenance instructions. For further information please contact Hitachi Authorized Service Centers.

Daily maintenance

○Clean the exterior of the unit.

○Check the cutting attachment guard for damage or cracks. Change the guard in case of impacts or cracks.

○Check that the cutting attachment is properly centred, sharp, and without cracks. An o -centre cutting attachment induces heavy vibrations that may damage the unit.

○Check that the cutting attachment nut is su ciently tightened.

15

English

TROUBLESHOOTING

Use the inspections in the table below if the tool does not operate normally. If this does not remedy the problem, consult your dealer or the Hitachi Authorized Service Center.

Condition		Cause	Remedy
		Fuel tank is empty or fuel level is	Fill the fuel tank with the correct fuel mix
		low	(25:1-50:1)
		Fuel tank contains old fuel (o ensive	Replace with new fuel
		odor)
			1.Disconnect the spark plug and allow
			to dry
	Fuel	Too much fuel is absorbed and	2.Pull the starter handle 5 or 6 times to
			remove the surplus fuel
	system	spark plug is wet
			3.Attach the spark plug
			4.Set the choke lever to RUN position
			and pull the starter handle
Engine does		Fuel filter is clogged with dirt	Clean the fuel filter
		Fuel pipe is bent or disconnected	Ensure that the fuel flows smoothly
not start		Carburetor malfunction	Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
			Centers
		Stop switch lead has short-	Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
		circuited	Centers
	Electrical	Spark plug is dirty	Replace or clean the spark plug
		Electrode gap is too big	Adjust the gap to 0.6 mm
	system	Poor connection between high	Reconnect
		tension cable and spark plug
		Electrical system malfunction	Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
			Centers
	Other	Mu er exhaust port is clogged	Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
		with carbon	Centers for repair

16

					English
Condition		Cause		Remedy
		Fuel tank is empty or fuel level is		Fill the fuel tank with the correct fuel mix
		low		(25:1-50:1)
		Fuel tank contains old fuel (o ensive		Replace with new fuel
	Fuel	odor)
		Two-cycle oil has not been added		Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
	system			Centers
		Choke lever is in START position		Set the choke lever to RUN position
		Air has got into fuel system		Reconnect the fuel pipe or joint
Engine starts		Carburetor malfunction		Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
but cuts out				Centers
straightaway	Electrical	Ignition failure
Engine is apt to			Spark plug failure	Replace with new spark plug
	system		Electrical system failure	Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
cut out				Centers
		Engine overheating
			Wrong spark plug model	Replace with designated part
				See “SPECIFICATIONS”
	Other	Dirty air cleaner		Clean
		Carbon clogging (mu er exhaust		Clean
		port)
		Insu cient compression (piston,		Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
		piston ring, cylinder)		Centers
		Cutting attachment is not properly		See “Installation of cutting attachment”
		installed
Abnormal vibration
		Handle, handle bracket or other		Check and tighten
		fastening part is loose
		Grass is wrapped round gear case		Remove grass
Engine is running but blade		Grass is wrapped round gear case		Remove grass and dirt
does not move
Movement is poor
				Set the choke lever to START position
Engine does not stop		Stop switch failure		to stop the engine
				Cease use immediately and contact
				Hitachi Authorized Service Centers
Engine stops when throttle		Idle speed is too low		Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
is closed				Centers
Blade continues rotating		Idle speed is too high		Contact Hitachi Authorized Service
when throttle is closed		Throttle wire is too taut		Centers

17