Honda HHT31S Owner's Manual
Owner's Manual
Trimmer/Brush Cutter
HHT25S • HHT31S
© 2002, 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
See page 42 for instructions on
assembling your Trimmer.
Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered
a permanent part of the trimmer/brush cutter and should remain with the trimmer/brush cutter if resold.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for
printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change
specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No
part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your selection of a Honda trimmer/brush cutter. We are certain you will be pleased
with your purchase of one of the finest trimmer/brush cutters on the market.
We want to help you get the best results from your new trimmer/brush cutter and to operate it safely.
This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.
As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a symbol. That information is
intended to help you avoid damage to your trimmer/brush cutter, other property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of
ownership. The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your
dealer.
When your trimmer/brush cutter needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda
servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda trimmers/brush cutters. Your Honda servicing
dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction, and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
Best Wishes,
Power Equipment Division
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
NOTICE
1
INTRODUCTION
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY
Your safety, and the safety of others, are very important. And using this trimmer/brush cutter safely is
an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other
information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or
maintaining a trimmer/brush cutter. You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
• Safety Labels—on the trimmer/brush cutter.
• Safety Messages—preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words,
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.
• Safety Headings—such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
• Safety Section—such as TRIMMER SAFETY.
• Instructions—how to use this trimmer/brush cutter correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information—please read it carefully.
2
CONTENTS
TRIMMER SAFETY ...................................................4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..................... 4
ATTACHMENTS & MODIFICATIONS .......................5
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS .............. 5
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ...................................6
RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS..... 7
CUTTING-LINE HEADS AND SHIELDS....................7
BLADES AND SHIELDS ............................................ 8
CUTTING ATTACHMENT APPLICATIONS...............9
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT..................................10
CONTROLS .............................................................11
EQUIPMENT............................................................ 13
BEFORE OPERATION ...........................................14
IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?......................14
OPERATION .............................................................17
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS....................... 17
STARTING THE ENGINE ........................................ 17
STOPPING THE ENGINE........................................ 19
TRIMMER/HARNESS QUICK DISCONNECTION...19
TRIMMER OPERATION ..........................................19
SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES ............................ 21
OPERATING TIPS ...................................................22
SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER ............... 24
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE ................ 24
MAINTENANCE SAFETY ........................................24
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE...................................25
ENGINE....................................................................26
CUTTING ATTACHMENTS .....................................29
FUEL SYSTEM ........................................................ 40
ASSEMBLY...............................................................42
IMPORTANCE OF PROPER ASSEMBLY...............42
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................42
UNPACKING............................................................ 43
LOOSE PARTS........................................................ 43
TRIMMER ASSEMBLY (UNBA types only)..............44
BLADE COVER REMOVAL ..................................... 47
BLADE COVER INSTALLATION .............................47
ENGINE OIL............................................................. 48
BEFORE OPERATION ............................................48
STORAGE................................................................. 49
STORAGE PREPARATION..................................... 49
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS .................................... 50
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE ................................. 50
TRANSPORTING .................................................... 51
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED
PROBLEMS
STARTING PROBLEMS.......................................... 52
ENGINE OPERATING PROBLEMS ....................... 52
CUTTING HEAD PROBLEMS................................. 53
............................................................. 52
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION .... 54
TECHNICAL INFORMATION .................................. 54
CONSUMER INFORMATION.................................. 60
INDEX ........................................................................ 61
QUICK REFERENCE
INFORMATION .............................. Inside Back Cover
3
TRIMMER SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush
cutters are designed to cut grass, weeds, brush,
and/or wood if equipped with an appropriate
cutting attachment. Other uses can result in injury
to the operator or damage to the trimmer and
other property.
These Honda trimmers are intended for use by
gardening professionals. Never allow children to
operate the trimmer.
Most accidents can be prevented if you follow all
instructions in this manual and on the trimmer.
The most common hazards are discussed below,
along with the best way to protect yourself and
others.
Always Wear Eye Protection and Protective
Clothing
• The most frequent injuries associated with
string trimmers are eye injuries caused by
thrown debris. Always wear safety glasses or
goggles that meet the ANSI Z87.1 rating
whenever you use the trimmer.
• The operator must wear hearing protectors
when using this trimmer. Hearing protectors
will protect the operator's ears from noise
damage.
• Wearing protective clothing also reduces the
risk and severity of injury from thrown debris or
contact with the cutting attachment. Wear the
trimmer harness, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt,
long pants, and sturdy boots with nonslip
soles.
See page 14 for more information.
Turn the Engine Off When Not Trimming
If you stop trimming or cutting for any reason,
even to clean off the cutting attachment, always
shut off the engine.
Keep People Away From Your Working Area
To prevent injury to others, keep people at least
50 feet (15 meters) away from the working area
during operation.
Always Wear the Harness When Trimming
The harness keeps the trimmer away from your
body, lowering your chances of being cut by the
trimmer’s blade or cutting line.
Read This Manual Before Using the Trimmer
Read the manual before operating the trimmer.
Understand how to use all the controls and obey
all warnings.
Clear the Working Area First
Objects thrown by the trimmer can cause serious
injury. Before operating the trimmer, carefully
inspect the area and remove any broken glass,
pieces of wire, and other loose objects.
Keep the Trimmer Properly Maintained
• The cutting attachment should be examined
for looseness, cracks, broken parts, or
excessive wear. Tighten or replace as needed
before operating the trimmer.
• Do not operate the trimmer without a debris
shield properly installed. Make sure you have
the right shield installed for your cutting
attachment.
For more information, see pages 7 and 8.
Keep Away From Cutting Lines and Blades
• A spinning cutting blade can cut through your
clothes and skin just as easily as it cuts
through grass and dirt. Keep all parts of your
body away from a spinning cutting attachment.
• Even after the engine has stopped, the cutting
attachment will spin for several seconds. Do
not touch it until it has stopped spinning, or
you may get cut.
4
TRIMMER SAFETY
ATTACHMENTS & MODIFICATIONS
Modifying your trimmer/brush cutter, or installing
non-Honda attachments, can make your trimmer
unsafe. Before you make any modifications or
install any attachments, be sure to read the
following information.
Attachments
Your Honda trimmer servicing dealer has cutting
attachments, debris shields, barrier kits, and
shoulder harnesses that have been designed and
approved for your trimmer and are covered by
warranty.
Non-Honda attachments are usually designed for
universal applications. Although aftermarket
attachments may fit on your trimmer, they may
not meet factory specifications and could make
your trimmer unsafe.
Modifications
Do not remove the debris shield or modify your
trimmer in any way that would alter its design or
operation. This could make your trimmer unsafe.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS
As an employer, you have special responsibilities
to the people who work for you.
Before you ask anyone to operate this trimmer/
brush cutter, you need to determine whether the
operator is old enough, large enough, and strong
enough to safely handle and control the trimmer/
brush cutter.
If you decide he/she is, make sure the
employee(s) read and understand all instructions
and warnings in this manual and on the labels
before operating the trimmer/brush cutter.
Allow adequate time for hands-on training by a
qualified instructor, and personally supervise
practice sessions, until you feel sure the
employee is ready to operate the trimmer/brush
cutter.
Also be sure employees wear proper clothing,
eye and hearing protection, and any other gear
that may be required by local ordinances or your
insurance company.
Remember, too, that you are responsible for
keeping the trimmer/brush cutter properly
maintained and in safe operating condition.
Your commitment to safety on the job can help
prevent accidents and result in longer and more
productive years of service.
5
TRIMMER SAFETY
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read them carefully. These labels
are considered permanent parts of your trimmer/brush cutter. If a label comes off or becomes hard to
read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer for a replacement.
6
TYPE EQUIPPED WITH
LOOP HANDLE
TYPE EQUIPPED WITH
U-TYPE HANDLEBAR
RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS
CUTTING-LINE HEADS AND SHIELDS
A cutting-line head containing nylon
monofilament line, and a debris shield with cutoff
knife is standard equipment. The shield’s cutoff
knife automatically removes any excess line that
is released from the cutting head.
Honda HHT31SUNBA model trimmers are
supplied with two different debris shields. Use the
debris shield with the cutoff knife when the
cutting-line head is installed.
Nylon monofilament line is suitable for cutting
grass and ordinary weeds, but not brush and
woody growth.
Manual-Feed Cutting-Line Head
CUTTING-LINE HEAD
CUTOFF KNIFE
(inside debris shield)
NYLON MONOFILAMENT LINE
DEBRIS SHIELD
Line is released from the cutting head by
manually pulling and turning the spool with the
trimmer engine stopped.
Semi-Matic (bump-feed) Cutting-Line Head
Line is released from the cutting head by
bumping the spool on hard ground while head is
spinning. Do not tap the cutting-line head on
pavement or concrete.
MANUAL-FEED CUTTING-LINE HEAD
To release more line,
pull spool and turn
counterclockwise.
SPOOL
HOUSING
SEMI-MATIC (bump-feed) CUTTING-LINE HEAD
SPOOL
HOUSING
7
RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS
BLADES AND SHIELDS
A variety of blades are available from your Honda
trimmer servicing dealer. Always use a debris
shield designed for use with a blade when
attaching a blade to your trimmer. The blade type
debris shield does not have a cutoff knife.
Honda HHT31SUNBA trimmers are supplied with
a blade cover surrounding the edge of the blade.
For safety, and to protect the blade, the cover
should be installed whenever the trimmer is not in
use.
If installing a metal blade on a Honda trimmer
equipped with a loop handle, also install the
optional barrier kit that includes a full shoulder
harness, a barrier bar, and a debris shield for
metal blades. Follow the installation instructions
and safety information that comes with the kit.
BLADE CUTTING-LINE
GRASS/WEED BLADE,
WEED/BRUSH BLADE
(optional part)
BRUSH/WOOD BLADE
BLADE
BLADE
COVER
DEBRIS SHIELDS
CUTOFF KNIFE
DEBRIS
SHIELD
Grass/Weed Blades
Grass/weed blades, which may be plastic or
metal, are used as an alternative to nylon
monofilament line for cutting grass and ordinary
weeds.
However, blades should never be used for edging
against solid surfaces.
Weed/Brush Blades
These metal blades have chisel-shaped teeth
that are used for cutting through field grass, thick
weeds, and light brush. They are not designed for
sawing woody material. The teeth must be sharp
for good results.
Brush/Wood Blades
These metal saw-tooth blades are used for
sawing through saplings, shrubs and woody
brush. The teeth must be sharp for good results.
Brush/wood blades will also cut grass and
weeds, but they are not efficient for that purpose.
GRASS/WEED BLADE
WEED/BRUSH BLADE
BRUSH/WOOD BLADE
8
RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS
Brush/Wood Blade Cover Installation and
Removal
1. Install the blade cover over the blade so half
the blade is covered.
To prevent the post end from interfering with
the debris shield, pull the post end away from
the blade and set it on top of the blade as
shown.
Turn the blade cover slowly until the post end
clears the debris shield.
2. Reposition the post end over the blade.
3. With the blade cover fully seated on the
blade, latch the tab over the post.
Remove the blade cover in the reverse order of
installation.
CUTTING ATTACHMENT APPLICATIONS
DEBRIS
SHIELD
BLADE
POST END
BLADE COVER
Line Size Blade Diameter
HHT25S 0.095" 9"
HHT31S 0.095" or 0.105" 9" or 10"
GRASS AND LIGHT WEEDS
OK OK OK NO
THICK WEEDS AND LIGHT BRUSH
NO NO OK NO
WOODY BRUSH, SHRUBS, SAPLINGS
NO NO NO OK
Your Honda trimmer servicing dealer has cutting attachments that have been designed and approved
for your trimmer and are covered by warranty. Non-Honda attachments are usually designed for
universal applications. Although aftermarket attachments may fit on your trimmer, they may not meet
factory specifications and could make your trimmer unsafe.
9
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS
CUTTING-LINE HEAD
GEAR CASE
LOOP HANDLE
DEBRIS SHIELD WITH
CUTOFF KNIFE
DRIVE CABLE
FRAME PIPE
IGNITION SWITCH
HARNESS HANGER
THROTTLE SET BUTTON
OPERATOR
PRESENCE
LEVER
AIR
CLEANER
COVER
HHT25SLTA
SPARK PLUG
Refer to page 37 for
spark plug access.
CHOKE
LEVER
SPARK
ARRESTER
THROTTLE
TRIGGER
HHT31SLTA
HHT31SUNBA
BLADE
GEAR CASE
THROTTLE
TRIGGER
DEBRIS SHIELD
FOR BRUSH/WOOD
BLADE
DRIVE CABLE
FRAME PIPE
HHT31SUNBA
(supplied with a cutting-line head, a saw
blade, and two debris shields)
CUTTING-LINE HEAD
IGNITION SWITCH
U-TYPE
HANDLEBAR
PRIMING
BULB
FUEL RETURN TUBE (clear)
FUEL SUPPLY TUBE (black)
FUEL TANK CAP
THROTTLE
SET BUTTON
OPERATOR
PRESENCE
LEVER
HARNESS HANGER
AIR
CLEANER
COVER
PRIMING BULB
FUEL RETURN TUBE (clear)
FUEL SUPPLY TUBE (black)
STARTER
GRIP
OIL
FILLER
CAP
SPARK PLUG
CAP
SPARK
ARRESTER
STARTER
GRIP
10
DEBRIS SHIELD WITH
CUTOFF KNIFE
FUEL TANK CAP
OIL FILLER CAP
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
CONTROLS
The location and operation of the controls are
similar on both the HHT25S and HHT31S
models.
Choke Lever
The choke lever opens and closes the choke
valve.
The CLOSED position enriches the fuel mixture
for starting a cold engine.
The OPEN position provides the correct fuel
mixture for operation after starting, and for
restarting a warm engine.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch controls the ignition system.
The ignition switch must be in the ON (I) position
for the engine to start and run.
CHOKE LEVER
CLOSED
OPEN
U-type Handle:
STOP (O)
ON (I)
Moving the ignition switch to the STOP (O)
position stops the engine.
Operator Presence Lever
The operator presence lever blocks the throttle
trigger. This safety feature prevents unintentional
throttle operation if the trimmer is bumped while
the operator’s hand is not on the control handle.
When the operator presses the presence lever by
gripping the control handle, the trigger moves
freely.
Throttle Trigger
The throttle trigger controls engine speed.
Pulling the throttle trigger toward the control
handle grip increases engine speed. The trimmer
will have the greatest cutting force at maximum
engine speed.
Releasing the throttle trigger reduces engine
speed. At idle, the cutting attachment should
coast to a stop.
THROTTLE
TRIGGER
IDLE
(cutting attachment
stops)
IGNITION
SWITCH
STOP (O)
FAST
(cutting attachment rotates)
Loop Handle:
ON (I)
IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATOR
PRESENCE
LEVER
11
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
Throttle Set Button
The throttle set button is used to hold the throttle
trigger at the fast idle position for starting. Do not
allow the cutting line or blade to contact any
obstruction when starting the engine with the
throttle set button engaged.
To engage the throttle set button, press the
operator presence lever by gripping the control
handle, pull the throttle trigger, then press and
hold the throttle set button while releasing the
throttle trigger.
To disengage the throttle set button, simply pull
the throttle trigger. The throttle set button
automatically disengages when the throttle
trigger is pulled.
Do not use the throttle set button while operating
the trimmer. The trimmer will not return to idle,
and the cutting-line head or blade will continue to
spin until the throttle set button is disengaged
and the throttle trigger is released.
THROTTLE
TRIGGER
THROTTLE
SET BUTTON
OPERATOR
PRESENCE
LEVER
FUEL RETURN TUBE
(clear plastic tube)
Priming Bulb
Pressing the priming bulb pumps fuel from the
fuel tank to the carburetor. This procedure is
necessary for starting the engine.
To ensure fuel has reached the carburetor, press
the priming bulb repeatedly until fuel can be seen
in the clear plastic fuel return tube.
Recoil Starter Grip
Pulling the starter grip operates the recoil starter
to turn the engine for starting.
PRIMING
BULB
RECOIL
STARTER
GRIP
12
CONTROLS & EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
The Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush
cutters are supplied with a shoulder harness and
safety glasses. Refer to page 14 for a description
of other equipment and protective clothing you
will need.
Shoulder Harness
A full shoulder harness must be worn by the
operator of these Honda trimmers/brush cutters
when equipped with a blade and debris shield. If
the trimmer is equipped with a cutting-line head
and shield with cutoff knife, the operator may
wear a single-strap harness
A suitable shoulder harness is supplied with each
new Honda HHT25S and HHT31S trimmer/brush
cutter. Replacement shoulder harnesses may be
purchased through any authorized Honda
trimmer/brush cutter servicing dealer.
FULL SHOULDER HARNESS (UNBA only)
QUICK-RELEASE LATCH
SINGLE-STRAP SHOULDER HARNESS (LTA only)
Before operation, adjust your shoulder harness
as described on page 16.
Quick-Release Latch
The shoulder harnesses supplied with these
trimmers are equipped with a quick-release latch.
Pull the latch tab upward to detach the trimmer
from the harness.
Insert the latch tongue in the slot of the quickrelease latch to reattach the trimmer to the
harness.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses or goggles that comply with ANSI
(American National Standards Institute) standard
Z87.1 must be worn by the operator of any
Honda trimmer/brush cutter. The safety glasses
supplied with each new Honda HHT25S and
HHT31S trimmer/brush cutter complies with this
ANSI standard.
QUICK-RELEASE LATCH
LATCH TAB
QUICK-RELEASE LATCH
SAFETY GLASSES (ANSI Z87.1)
13
BEFORE OPERATION
ARE YOU READY TO OPERATE THE TRIMMER?
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time
spent in preparation will significantly reduce your
risk of injury.
Knowledge
Read and understand this manual. Know what
the controls do and how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the trimmer and its
operation before you begin to use it. Know what
to do in case of emergencies.
Physical and Mental Readiness
You must be alert and in good physical condition
to operate the trimmer. Do not operate the
trimmer if you are tired, ill, or under the influence
of alcohol, medication, or any substance that
might impair your vision, dexterity, or judgment.
If you have any physical problem that may be
aggravated by strenuous work, consult your
physician before operating the trimmer.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protectors will help to protect your ears
from noise. Earmuff-style hearing protectors can
also protect your ears from thrown objects.
Hand and Body Protection
Wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants
made of heavy material. Clothing should fit
closely but allow freedom of movement, and
should have no strings, straps, etc. that could
catch on brush or the trimmer. Keep clothing
fastened.
Foot Protection
Wear sturdy work boots with good toe protection
and nonslip soles.
IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?
Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk
of injury. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry,
short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair
so it is above shoulder level.
Eye, Face, and Head Protection
Always wear safety glasses or goggles that
comply with ANSI standard Z87.1 to protect your
eyes from thrown objects. Prescription glasses
may be worn under the safety glasses or goggles.
A helmet with a face shield is recommended for
further protection. However, safety glasses or
goggles should always be worn under the face
shield. Do not rely on a face shield alone to
protect your eyes.
Wearing a dust mask will help to reduce the
amount of pollens and dust inhaled.
Objects thrown by the trimmer can cause serious
injury. Before operating the trimmer, carefully
inspect the area and remove all objects that
could be thrown by, or entangled in, the cutting
attachment, such as rocks, broken glass, nails,
wire, or string.
Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets.
Keep all children, bystanders, and pets at least
50 feet (15 meters) away from where the trimmer
is being operated.
Even outside a 50-foot (15-meter) radius of the
trimmer, there may be a risk of injury from thrown
objects, so bystanders should be encouraged to
wear eye protection.
If anyone approaches you while you are
operating the trimmer, release the throttle trigger
and stop the engine.
14
IS YOUR TRIMMER READY TO GO?
BEFORE OPERATION
For your safety, and to maximize the service life
of your equipment, it is very important to take a
few moments before you operate the trimmer to
check its condition. Be sure to take care of any
problem you find, or have your servicing dealer
correct it, before you operate the trimmer.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this trimmer, or failing
to correct a problem before operation, could
cause a malfunction in which you could be
seriously injured.
Always perform a preoperation inspection
before each operation, and correct any
problem.
Safety Inspection
• Look around the engine for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks. Wipe up any spills before
starting the engine.
Cutting Attachment Inspection
• Look for signs of damage to the cutting
attachment (see pages 29 and 35). Replace
any cutting attachment and parts that are
worn out, bent, cracked, chipped, or damaged
in any way.
• If using a metal blade, be sure it is sharp. A
dull blade is more likely to snag and thrust.
• If using a metal blade on a trimmer equipped
with a loop handle, be sure the barrier bar
(optional part) is installed beneath the loop
handle.
• Make sure the cutting attachment is properly
installed and securely fastened (see pages 34
and 36).
• Check that the debris shield is the correct
shield for the cutting attachment (see
page 36), and that it is securely installed and
in good condition.
• Replace any damaged parts.
• Check that all fasteners are in place and
secure. Tighten as necessary.
Maintenance Inspection
• Check the oil level (see page 26). Running
the engine with a low oil level can cause
engine damage.
• Check the air filter (see page 27). A dirty air
filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor,
reducing engine and trimmer performance.
• Check throttle cable free play (see page 28).
The cable must be correctly adjusted and
operate smoothly for good throttle control.
• Check the fuel level (see page 40). Starting
with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce
operating interruptions for refueling.
15
BEFORE OPERATION
ARE YOUR SHOULDER HARNESS AND TRIMMER CORRECTLY ADJUSTED?
Adjusting the Harness
Adjust the harness so the quick-release latch is
at your right hip, as shown.
QUICK-RELEASE
LATCH
Balancing the Trimmer on the Shoulder
Harness
Hang the trimmer on the harness hook, and see
how it balances.
Adjust the shoulder harness, the harness hanger
on the frame pipe, and the loop handle or U-type
handlebar, so the handle or handlebars are in a
comfortable operating position, and the trimmer
hangs with its cutting attachment a few inches
above the ground (see page 19).
QUICK-RELEASE
LATCH
SINGLE-STRAP SHOULDER HARNESS
FULL SHOULDER HARNESS
A few inches above the
ground
GROUND
16
OPERATION
C
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the trimmer for the first time, please review the IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION chapter on page 4 and BEFORE OPERATION chapter starting on page 14.
Even if you have operated other trimmers, take time to become familiar with the operation of this
trimmer’s controls and handling.
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Your
engine's exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed
area and cause illness or death.
If the trimmer starts to shake or vibrate, stop the engine immediately. After the cutting head has
completely stopped, inspect it to determine the cause of the vibration. Sudden vibration is a sign of a
hazardous problem, such as a loose or damaged blade. Do not operate the trimmer until the problem
is corrected.
Prolonged exposure to vibration may cause vibration syndrome (Raynaud's disease). Symptoms
include loss of skin color in the hands and numbness or a painful tingling sensation in the fingers,
hands, and arms. Regular users of any power equipment may feel the numbness or pain
spontaneously, at any time, not just after using the equipment. If any of these symptoms occur, see a
physician immediately.
STARTING THE ENGINE
CHOKE LEVER
FUEL RETURN TUBE
(clear plastic tube)
1. To start a cold engine, move the choke lever
to the CLOSED position.
To restart a warm engine, leave the choke
LOSED
lever in the OPEN position.
2. To start a cold engine, or after refueling an
engine that has run out of fuel, press the
priming bulb repeatedly until fuel can be seen
in the clear plastic fuel return tube.
OPEN
PRIMING
BULB
To restart a warm engine, it is not necessary
to press the priming bulb.
3. Set the throttle trigger in the starting position,
IGNITION SWITCH
using the throttle set button.
To set the throttle trigger for starting, press the
operator presence lever by gripping the
control handle, pull the throttle trigger, then
press and hold the throttle set button while
THROTTLE
TRIGGER
ON (I)
THROTTLE
SET BUTTON
releasing the throttle trigger.
4. Move the ignition switch to the ON (I) position.
OPERATOR
PRESENCE
LEVER
17
OPERATION
5. Set the trimmer on the ground, resting on the
debris shield and the fuel tank guard. Do not
allow the cutting-line or blade to contact any
obstruction.
Always rest the trimmer on the ground for
starting, rather than holding it in the operating
position. This prevents the end of the trimmer
from swinging into something as you start the
engine.
6. With your left hand, hold the frame pipe just
ahead of the engine. With your right hand, pull
the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance,
then pull briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
CHOKE LEVER
7. If the choke lever was moved to the CLOSED
position to start the engine, gradually move it
to the OPEN position as the engine warms
up.
Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
after a cold start. When the engine is warm
enough to idle well, pull and release the
throttle trigger to disengage the throttle set
button.
8. With the engine idling, hook the trimmer to
your shoulder harness. Be careful to avoid
contact with the cutting-line head or blade
while handling the trimmer with the engine
running.
The cutting-line head or blade should not
rotate with the engine idling. If there is rotation
at idle, adjust the idle speed correctly before
using the trimmer. For idle adjustment,
consult your authorized Honda servicing
dealer.
OPEN
QUICK-RELEASE
LATCH
HOOK
18
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