BCR4 BCK
Brushcutter Kit
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
IMPORTANT MANUAL DO NOT THROW AWAY
2
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing this quality product. This
modern outdoor power tool is designed to provide
many hours of useful service. You will find it to be a
great labor-saving device.
This operator’s manual provides you with easy-tounderstand operating instructions. Read the entire
manual and follow all of the instructions to keep your
new outdoor power tool in top operating condition.
PRODUCT REFERENCES, ILLUSTRATIONS
AND SPECIFICATIONS
All information, illustrations and specifications in this
manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to
make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright© 2002 MTD SOUTHWEST INC
All Rights Reserved.
SpeedSpool® is a registered trademark of
MTD SOUTHWEST INC
SERVICE INFORMATION
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty
period should be performed only by an authorized and
approved service dealer.
NOTE: PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
Make sure you carefully read and understand
this manual before starting or operating this
equipment.
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE US PATENTS,
OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
INTRODUCTION TABLE
of CONTENTS
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Safety and International Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Install the Brush Cutter Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remove the D-Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Install the J-Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Install the Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remove the Cutting Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Remove the Old Cutting Attachment Shield . . . .8
Install the New Cutting Shield Mount . . . . . . . .9
Install the Cutting Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Remove the Cutting Blade/Install Attachment .10
Remove and Install the Cutting Shield . . . . . . .11
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Holding the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Using the Cutting Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
CONTENTS OF CARTON
This unit should consist of the following:
• J-Handle and Hardware
• 4-Tooth Cutting Blade with Hardware
• Cutting Attachment Shield Mount and Hardware
• Cutting Attachment Shield and Hardware
• Shoulder Harness
• Locking Rod
• Operator's Manual
Examine all parts to make certain that nothing is
missing and no breakage has occurred during
shipping. Any damaged or missing part must be
replaced before using this product.
TOOLS REQUIRED
The following tools are needed for assembly:
• 7/16” Wrench
• 5/8” Closed End or Socket Wrench
•Torx T-20 Screwdriver or Flat Blade Screwdriver
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Flat Blade Screwdriver
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
3
SYMBOL MEANING
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety
warning can result in serious personal
injury to yourself or to others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the
risk of fire and personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety
warning can result in serious personal
injury to yourself or to others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the
risk of fire and personal injury
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates danger,
warning or caution. Special attention is
required in order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction with
other symbols or pictographs.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions
vital to the operation or maintenance of
the equipment.
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety
warning will result in serious injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, and personal injury.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION •
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols and their
explanations deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not, by themselves,
eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident
prevention measures.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Follow all
instructions when assembling and using this kit with
your unit.
• Clear the area before each use. Remove all objects
like rocks, broken glass, nails, wire or string which
can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting
attachment.
• Keep all bystanders, especially pets and children,
outside a 15 m. (50 ft.) radius, at a minimum.
Bystanders should also be encouraged to wear eye
protection. If you are approached, stop the engine
and cutting attachment immediately.
WHILE OPERATING
•Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards, and
ear/hearing protection when operating this unit.
Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
Long sleeve shirts are recommended.
•Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long
sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry,
short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair
above shoulder level.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in
place while operating the unit as a trimmer. Do not
operate unit without both trimming lines extended,
and the proper line installed. Do not extend the
trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
• Read and follow the operator’s manual that details
the unit where this kit will be used.
• Adjust the J-handle to provide the best grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact
with anything before starting the unit.
• Use only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when
operating. Keep a firm grip on both the front and
rear handle or grips.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
4
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment when it is rotating.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine
at high speed when not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or
when walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do
not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance,
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or
other attachments.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the cutting
attachment and shield.
WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE
• Read and understand all safety warnings before
operating this unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when using the
brush blade accessory.
• Keep the handle between the operator and cutting
attachment or blade at all times.
• NEVER cut with the cutting blade located over 30
inches (76 cm) or more above the ground level.
• Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade
contacts an object that it does not immediately cut.
Blade thrust can be violent enough to cause the unit
and/or operator to be propelled in any direction, and
possibly lose control of the unit. Blade thrust can
occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or
binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it
is difficult to see the material being cut.
• For operation with the blade, do not cut anything
thicker than 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) or a violent kickback
could occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is
rotating.
•A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues
to spin after the engine is stopped or the throttle
trigger is released. Maintain proper control until the
blade has completely stopped rotating.
• Do not run the unit at high speed when not cutting.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Have any damage repaired before
attempting further operations. Do not operate unit
with a bent, damaged or dull blade. Discard blades
that are bent, warped, or damaged.
• Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the
blade can cause the blade tip to break off while in
use. This can result in severe personal injury.
Replace the blade.
• Do not use the cutting blade for edging or as an
edger, severe personal injury to yourself or others
can occur. Use the cutting blade only for the purpose
as described in this manual.
• Stop the engine IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive
vibration. Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect
thoroughly for loose nuts, bolts or damage before
continuing. Repair or replace affected parts as
necessary.
AFTER USE
• Clean cutting blades with a household cleaner to
remove any gum buildup. Oil the blade with
machine oil to prevent rust.
• Lock up and store the cutting blade in an
appropriate area to protect the blade from
unauthorized use or damage.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
5
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this
product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating, maintenance and repair
information.
MEANING
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Failure to follow operating instructions and safety precautions in operator's manual can result
in serious injury. Read operator's manual before operating
WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING: The operation of any power tool can be the source of thrown objects and loud noise
which can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Always wear safety glasses or eye protection
and ear protection when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.
NOTE: Long term exposure to the sound pressure levels specified may cause permanent loss
of hearing. Wear hearing protectors in accordance with AS 1270.
KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 15 meters
(50 feet) from the trimming area.
THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Do not operate without the string guard in place. Keep away from rotating cutting
head.
SHARP BLADE
WARNING: Sharp blade on string guard. To prevent serious injury, do not touch blade.
BRUSHCUTTERS: REPLACE DULL BLADES
Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the blade can cause the blade tip to break off
while in use. This can result in severe personal injury.
TRIMMER/BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY
WARNING: Thrown objects and rotating cutter can cause severe injury. Keep bystanders,
especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) away from the cutting area. The cutting
attachment shield must be used when using the trimmer cutting attachment.
SYMBOL
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
6
INSTALL THE BRUSHCUTTER KIT
The Brush Cutter Kit consists of:
• J-handle and hardware
• Harness
• New cutting attachment mount
• New cutting attachment shield
• Cutting blade
• Blade retainer and nut
• Locking Rod
The D-handle and old cutting attachment shield must
be removed and replaced. All other kit items must be
assembled before using the unit with the cutting blade.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury
or damage to the unit, ALL of the items in
the brush cutter kit MUST be installed when
operating the unit with the cutting blade.
(4) Screws
Shaft
Housing
D-Handle
Bottom Clamp
(4) Nuts
Shaft Grip
REMOVE THE D-HANDLE
Remove the D-handle before assembling the
J-handle.
1. Remove the four (4) screws and four (4) hex nuts
with a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Remove the D-handle and bottom handle clamp
on the boom shaft. See Figure 1.
FIGURE 1
INSTALL AND ADJUST THE J-HANDLE
Installation
1. Remove the screws, nuts and clamp pieces that
were installed on the J-handle for shipping.
2. Lay the unit on its side. On the bottom of the shaft
housing is a pre-drilled hole. With a flat blade or
Torx T-20 screwdriver, insert the anti-rotation
screw through the hole in the bottom clamp and
into the hole in the shaft housing. Tighten
securely. See Figure 2.
Shaft Housing
Anti-rotation screw
Bottom Clamp
Pre-drilled Hole
3. Place the J-handle between the top and middle
clamp pieces. See Figure 3.
(4) Screws
Top Clamp
J-Handle
Middle Clamp
Bottom Clamp
Nuts
4. While holding the three pieces together, install the
four (4) screws through the top clamp and into
middle clamp.
NOTE: The holes in the top and middle clamp will
line up only when assembled correctly.
5. Place the clamps and J-handle over the shaft
housing and onto the bottom clamp.
6. Hold each hex nut in the bottom clamp recess with
a finger. Start screws with a large Phillips
screwdriver. Do not tighten until you make the
handle adjustment.
FIGURE 8
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 4
7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Adjustment
7. Loosen the screws so that the J-handle easily
moves in the clamp assembly. Do not remove the
screws or nuts.
8. Slide the J-handle in or out until the arrow/white
line on the decal touches the clamp assembly. See
Figure 4.
9. While holding the unit in the operating position,
arrange the J-handle in the location that provides
you with the best grip. See Figure 5.
10. Tighten the clamp screws evenly, until the
J-handle is secure.
Decal
Support Fitting
INSTALL THE HARNESS
WARNING: To avoid personal injury, always
use the shoulder harness when using the
cutting blade.
1. Push the strap through the center of the buckle.
2. Pull the strap over the cross bar and down through
the slot in the buckle. See Figure 6.
3. Put the harness on over your head and onto your
shoulder. Snap it on to the support fitting. See
Figure 7.
4. Adjust length to fit the operator’s size. Pull tab to
lengthen, pull strap to shorten. See Figure 8.
FIGURE 12
FIGURE 9
8
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
FIGURE 11
REMOVE THE CUTTING ATTACHMENT
NOTE: To make removing or installing the cutting
blade or cutting attachment easier, place the
unit on the ground or on a work bench.
WARNING: The gear housing gets hot with
use and can result in injury to the operator.
When the unit is turned off it remains hot
for a short time. Do not touch the gear
housing until it has cooled.
1. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod
slot and insert the locking rod into the shaft
bushing hole. See Figure 9.
Shaft Bushing Hole
Locking Rod
Slot
Output Shaft Bushing
Locking Rod
Output Shaft
2. Hold the locking rod in place by grasping it next to
the boom of the unit. See Figure 10.
3. While holding the locking rod, remove the cutting
attachment by turning it clockwise off of the
output shaft. Store the cutting attachment for
future use. See Figure 11.
Cutting Attachment
Locking Rod
Slot
Locking Rod
REMOVE THE OLD CUTTING
ATTACHMENT SHIELD
WARNING: You MUST remove the cutting
attachment shield (on the existing unit) and
install the cutting attachment mount
(provided with the blade kit) when operating
the unit as a brushcutter.
Remove the cutting attachment shield from the gear
housing by the removing the three (3) bolts and nuts
with a 7/16 wrench. Keep the hardware to use while
installing the new cutting attachment shield mount.
See Figure 12.
Bolts
Cutting Attachment
Shield
Gear Housing
Nuts
FIGURE 10
FIGURE 14
9
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
FIGURE 15
FIGURE 16
FIGURE 17
FIGURE 13
INSTALL THE NEW CUTTING
ATTACHMENT SHIELD MOUNT
Install the cutting attachment shield mount on the
gear housing by installing the three (3) bolts and nuts
removed from the old cutting attachment shield with
a 7/16 wrench. Nuts must be positioned on top for
correct assembly. See Figure 13.
INSTALL THE CUTTING BLADE
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
always wear gloves while handling or
installing the blade.
1. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod
slot and insert the locking rod into the bushing
hole. See Figure 14.
2. Hold the locking rod in place by grasping it next to
the boom of the unit. See Figure 15.
Nuts
Cutting Attachment
Shield Mount
Shaft Bushing Hole
Locking Rod Slot
Output Shaft
Bushing
Locking Rod
Output Shaft
3. Place the cutting blade on the output shaft
bushing. See Figure 16.
Shield
Mount
Locking Rod
Cutting
Blade
Blade Retainer
Nut
Output Shaft
Bushing
Pilot Hole
4. Make sure that the cutting blade is centered on the
pilot step and sitting flat against the output shaft
bushing. See Figure 17.
Pilot Step
10
FIGURE 18
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: If the cutting blade is off-center,
the unit will vibrate, and the blade may fly
off, which can cause serious personal injury.
5. Put the blade retainer and nut on the output shaft.
Make sure that the blade is installed correctly.
6. Tighten nut counterclockwise against the blade
while holding the locking rod.
If using a torque wrench and a 5/8-inch socket, tighten to:
325 - 335 in•lb
27 - 28 ft.•lb
37 -38 N•m
Without a torque wrench, use a 5/8-inch closed-end or
socket wrench, turning the nut until the blade retainer
is snug against the shaft bushing. Make sure that the
blade is installed correctly, then rotate the nut an
additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn, counterclockwise. See
Figure 18.
FIGURE 19
Clockwise
1/4-1/2 turn
Counterclockwise
7.Remove the locking rod from the locking rod slot.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury
or damage to the unit, do not start or
operate this unit with the locking rod in the
locking rod slot.
WARNING: Do not sharpen the cutting blade.
Sharpening the blade can cause the blade tip to
break off while in use. This can result in severe
personal injury. Replace the blade.
REMOVE THE CUTTING BLADE AND
INSTALL THE CUTTING ATTACHMENT
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
always wear gloves while handling or
installing the blade.
Remove the Cutting Blade
1. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod
slot and insert the locking rod into the bushing
hole. See Figure 14.
2. Hold the locking rod in place by grasping it next to
the boom of the unit. See Figure 15.
3. While holding the locking rod, loosen the nut on
the blade by turning it clockwise with a 5/8-inch
closed-end or socket wrench. See Figure 19.
4. Remove the nut, blade retainer and blade. Store
the nut and blade together for future use in a
secure place. Store out of reach of children.
Install the Cutting Attachment
5. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod
slot and insert the locking rod into the shaft
bushing hole. See Figure 14. Place the blade
retainer on the output shaft with the flat surface
against the output shaft bushing as shown in
Figure 20. Screw the cutting attachment
counterclockwise onto the output shaft. Tighten
securely.
Cutting Attachment
Locking Rod
Blade Retainer
Output Shaft
Bushing
FIGURE 20
NOTE: The blade retainer must be installed on the
output shaft in the position shown for the
cutting attachment to work correctly.
11
FIGURE 21
6. Remove the locking rod.
7. Install the cutting attachment shield. See Remove
and Install Cutting Attachment Shield.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
the cutting attachment shield MUST be in
place at all times during operation as a grass
trimmer.
REMOVE AND INSTALL THE CUTTING
ATTACHMENT SHIELD
Remove the cutting attachment shield when using the
unit as a brush cutter.
WARNING: The cutting attachment shield
should NOT be installed when operating the
unit with a blade. Remove the cutting
attachment shield before removing or
installing the blade.
Remove the cutting attachment shield from the shield
mount by removing the three (3) screws with a flat
blade screwdriver. Store parts for future use. See
Figure 21.
Install the cutting attachment shield when using the
unit as a grass trimmer.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
the cutting attachment shield MUST be in
place at all times during operation as a grass
trimmer.
Install the cutting attachment shield on the shield
mount by inserting the three (3) screws into the shield
mount. Tighten securely with a flat blade screwdriver.
See Figure 21.
(3) Screws
Cutting
Attachment
Shield
Shield Mount
Gear Housing
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
HOLDING THE UNIT
WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, foot
and body protection to reduce the risk of
injury when operating this unit.
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating
position. See Figure 23. Check for the following:
• The operator is wearing eye protection and proper
clothing
• With a slightly-bent right arm, the operator’s hand
is holding the shaft grip
• The operator’s left arm is straight, and the hand is
holding the D-Handle
• The unit is at waist level
• The cutting head is parallel to the ground and easily
contacts the vegetation without the need to bend
over
FIGURE 23
FIGURE 24
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
USING THE CUTTING BLADE
WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, foot,
body protection and the harness to reduce
the risk of injury when operating this unit.
WARNING: Do not use the cutting blade for
edging or as an edger; severe personal injury
to yourself or others can occur.
Before operating the unit with the cutting blade, stand
in the operating position See Figure 23. Refer to the
previous section, Holding the Unit.
Cutting Blade Operating Tips:
To establish a rhythmic cutting procedure:
•Plant feet firmly, comfortably apart.
• Bring the engine to full throttle before entering the
material to be cut. The blade has maximum cutting
power at full throttle and is less likely to bind, stall,
or cause blade thrust, which can result in serious
personal injury to the operator or others.
• Cut while swinging the upper part of your body
from right to left. See Figure 24.
• Always release the throttle trigger and allow the
engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.
• When done always unsnap unit from harness before
taking off the harness.
WARNING: Blade thrust may occur when
the spinning blade contacts an object that it
does not immediately cut. Blade thrust can
be violent enough to cause the unit and/or
operator to be propelled in any direction, and
possibly lose control of the unit. Blade thrust
can occur without warning if the blade
snags, stalls or binds. This is more likely to
occur in areas where it is difficult to see the
material being cut.
• The cutting blade is designed with a second cutting
edge, which can be used by removing the blade,
turning it upside down, and reinstalling it.
WARNING: Do not sharpen the cutting
blade. Sharpening the blade can cause the
blade tip to break off while in use. This can
result in severe personal injury to yourself or
others. Replace the blade.
To reduce the chance of material wrapping around the
blade, follow these steps:
• Cut at full throttle.
• Swing the unit into material to be cut from your
right to your left. See Figure 24.
•Avoid the material just cut as you make the return
swing.
WARNING: Do not clear away cut material
with the engine running or blade turning. To
avoid serious personal injury, turn off engine.
Allow the blade to stop before removing
materials wrapped around the blade shaft.
WARNING: The blade continues to spin
after the engine is turned off. The coasting
blade can seriously cut you if you
accidentally touch it.
• Swing the unit in the same direction as the blade
spins, which increases the cutting action.
• Move forward to the next area to be cut after the
return swing and plant feet again.
OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NO. 10570 REV .A
PRINTED IN THE USA 7/02
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