Shindaiwa AH254EF1, AH254, X7502872400 User Manual
SHINDAIWA OWNER’S/OPERATOR'S MANUAL
AH254
ARTICULATED HEDGE TRIMMER
X7502872400
06/10
WARNING!
Always wear eye and ear protection
when operating this machine! To minimize the
risk of injury to yourself and others, read this
manual and familiarize yourself with its contents.
Introduction
The Shindaiwa H4 series of hand-held
power equipment is designed and built
to deliver superior performance and reliability without compromise to quality,
comfort, safety or durability. Shindaiwa
engines represent the leading edge
of high-performance engine technology, delivering exceptionally high
power with remarkably low displacement and weight. As an owner/operator, you’ll soon discover for yourself why
Shindaiwa is simply in a class by itself!
IMPORTANT!
The information contained in these
instructions describes units available at
the time of publication.
Echo, Inc. reserves the right to make
changes to products without prior
notice, and without obligation to
make alterations to units previously
manufactured.
WARNING!
The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
Contents
Safety ................................................3
Product Description ..........................5
Specications ....................................6
Emission control ...............................6
Assembly...........................................7
PAGE
PAGE
Mixing fuel ........................................8
Filling the fuel tank ...........................9
Starting the Engine .........................10
Stopping the Engine ........................11
Operation .........................................12
PAGE
Maintenance ....................................13
Long Term Storage ..........................18
Troubleshooting Guide ...................19
Warranty ..........................................22
IMPORTANT!
The operational procedures described in this manual are intended to help you get the most from this unit as well as to protect you
and others from harm. These procedures are guidelines for safe operation under most conditions, and are not intended to replace
any safety rules and/or laws that may be in force in your area. If you have questions regarding your Shindaiwa hand-held power
equipment, or if you do not understand something in this manual, contact Shindaiwa at the address printed on the back of this
Manual.
Attention Statements
Throughout this manual are special
“attention statements”.
DANGER!
A statement preceded by the triangular attention
symbol and the word “DANGER”
contains information that should be
acted upon to prevent serious injury
or death.
the triangular attention symbol and
the word “WARNING” contains information that should be acted upon to
prevent serious bodily injury.
A statement preceded by the word
“IMPORTANT” is one that possesses
special significance.
WARNING!
A statement preceded by
IMPORTANT!
CAUTION!
A statement preceded by the
word “CAUTION” contains information that should be acted upon
to prevent mechanical damage.
NOTE:
A statement preceded by the word
“NOTE” contains information that is
handy to know and may make your job
easier.
Safety and operation labels
An articulated hedge trimmer
has the potential to cause
serious personal injury to the
operator or bystanders if misused, abused or mishandled.
You must observe all special
safety instructions to reduce
the risk of personal injury.
Read and follow this manual,
make sure anyone using
the trimmer does likewise.
Failure to do so could result
in serious personal injury or
machine failure. Keep this
manual for future reference.
2
Wear non-slip heavy-duty
gloves.
Safety tip shoes or boots with
non-slip sole should be worn.
Keep bystanders at least
50 feet (15 meters) away
from the operating trimmer
to reduce the risk of being
cut by the cutting blades or
struck by falling objects or
thrown debris.
The blades / cutting attachments are SHARP! Handle
with care.
33 ft
10 M
Always wear a hard hat to
reduce the risk of head injuries during operation of this
machine. In addition, always
wear eye and hearing protection. Shindaiwa recommends
wearing a face shield as additional face and eye protection.
Safety
DANGER!
THE ARTICULATED
HEDGE TRIMMER IS NOT INSULATED AGAINST ELECTRICAL
SHOCK!
Approaching or contacting electrical lines with the trimmer could
cause death or serious injury.
Keep the trimmer at least 10
meters away from electrical lines
or branches that contact electrical
lines.
This product conducts electricity. Keep the product and/
or operator a minimum distance of 33 feet (10 meters)
away from electrical sources
and power lines.
An articulated hedge trimmer has the
potential to cause serious personal
injury to the operator or bystanders
if misused, abused or mishandled.
To reduce the risk of injury, you must
maintain control at all times, and
observe all safety precautions during operation. Never permit a person
without training or instruction to operate this trimmer!
Be aware of the danger of
falling debris.
WARNING !Surface can
be hot. Always wear
gloves when handling
this unit.
WARNING!
Do not make unauthor-
ized modications or alterations to
your articulated hedge trimmer or its
components.
WARNING!
Never operate this tool or any other
power equipment if you are tired,
ill, or under the inuence of alcohol,
drugs, or any substance that could
affect your ability or judgement.
Operating Precautions
Never transport the articulated ■
hedge trimmer or leave it unattended with the engine running.
An engine that’s running could be
accidently accelerated causing the
blades to oscillate.
■
Make sure that the blade cover is in
place when transporting or storing
the articulated hedge trimmer.
■
Always make sure that the cutter attachment and all handles and
guards are properly installed and
rmly tightened before operation.
■
Inspect for broken, missing or
improperly installed parts or
attachments.
■
Never use a cracked or warped cutter or cutter bar: replace it with a
serviceable one and make sure it
ts properly.
Make sure there are no missing or ■
loose fasteners, and that the stop
switch and throttle controls are working properly.
WARNING!
Make sure there is always good ■
ventilation when operating the articulated hedge trimmer. Fumes from
engine exhaust can cause serious injury or death. Never run the
engine indoors!
■
Never smoke or light res near the
hedge trimmer. Keep the unit away
from excessive heat. Engine fuel is
very ammable and re could lead
to serious personal injury or property damage.
■
Make sure the cutters are correctly adjusted before operating the
articulated hedge trimmer (see the
section ”Cutter Blade Adjustment”
for cutter adjustment procedures).
Never attempt cutter adjustment
with the engine running!
■
Before starting the engine, make
sure the cutter is not contacting
anything.
■
Always conrm safe operation
when using the machine.
■
Immediately stop the engine with
the stop switch if the machine suddenly begins to vibrate or shake.
Always stop the engine imme-
■
diately and check for damage if
you strike a foreign object or if the
machine becomes tangled. Do not
operate with broken or damaged
equipment.
■
When cutting a branch that is
under tension, be alert for springback so that you will not be struck
by the moving branch.
■
If a cutter should bind fast in a cut,
shut off the engine immediately.
Push the branch or tree to ease
the bind and free the cutter.
■
Always stop the engine and allow
it to cool before refueling. Avoid
overlling and wipe off any fuel
that may have spilled.
■
To reduce re hazard, keep the
engine and mufer free of debris,
leaves, or excessive grease
■
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.
3
Safety (continued)
WARNING!
Hedge Clipper blades are very sharp. Touching them may lead to severe personal injury. Avoid touching
blades whenever possible, and always wear gloves to protect hands
CAUTION!
Always maintain the articu-
■
lated hedge trimmer according
to this owner’s manual and follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
■
Never modify or disable any of the
hedge trimmer’s safety devices.
Doing so may cause damage and
lead to personal injury
■
Always use genuine Shindaiwa
parts and accessories when repairing or maintaining this machine.
Safety Equipment and Labels
■
Do not make unauthorized modi-
cations to the articulated hedge
trimmer or its components.
■
Keep the cutters sharp and properly adjusted.
■
Never allow the engine to run at
high speed without a load. Doing
so could damage the engine.
■
When transporting the hedge
trimmer in a vehicle, tie it down
securely to prevent fuel spillage or
damage to the machine.
■
Always stop the engine and allow
it to cool before refueling. Avoid
overlling and wipe off any fuel
that may have spilled.
■
Never place ammable material
close to the engine mufer and
never run the engine without the
spark arrestor screen in place.
■
Always clear your work area of
trash or hidden debris to help
ensure good footing.
■
Keep the articulated hedge trimmer as clean as possible. Keep it
free of loose vegetation, mud, etc.
Cutter blade cover
Cutter blade cover
Hand guard
Ignition
(STOP)
switch
Throttle
interlock
4
Caution, Danger, Warning, and Operation
Information Labels: Make sure all information labels are undamaged and readable.
Immediately replace damaged or missing
information labels. New labels are available
from your local authorized Shindaiwa dealer.
IMPORTANT!
Operator Safety
Always wear a hard hat
to reduce the risk of head
injuries during operation of
this machine.
ALWAYS protect
yourself from hazards
such as thorny brush
and ying debris by
wearing gloves and
close tting clothing
that covers arms and
legs. Never wear
shorts. Don't wear loose
clothing or items such
as jewelry that could
get caught in machinery
or underbrush. Secure
long hair so it is above
shoulder level.
This machine is designed
for trimming hedges. Do
not use this machine for
other purposes.
Always operate with both hands
rmly gripping the machine.
Keep a proper footing
and do not overreach—
maintain your balance
at all times during
operation.
ALWAYS be aware of
your surroundings and
alert to any danger that
you may not hear due to
machine noise.
Wear sturdy footwear with nonslip
soles to provide good footing.
Steel-toed safety boots are
recommended. Never operate
machine bare-footed.
ALWAYS clear your work area
of trash or hidden debris that
could be thrown back at you or
toward a bystander.
Always wear eye and hearing protection.
Shindaiwa recommends wearing a
face shield as additional face and eye
protection.
NEVER allow children to
use the unit. Avoid operating
near bystanders or when
children are nearby.
Keep bystanders at least
15 meters away from the
operating trimmer to reduce
the risk of being struck by
falling objects or thrown
debris.
ALWAYS wear close-tting
clothing. Gloves offer added
proctection and are strongly
recommended. Do not wear
clothing or jewelry that could
get caught in machinery.
Product Description
Spark Plug
Ignition
Using the illustration as
a guide, familiarize yourself with the Shindaiwa
AH254 articulated hedge
trimmer and its various
components. Understanding your machine
helps ensure top performance, longer service
life, and safer operation.
Throttle
interlock
Throttle Trigger
Recoil
starter
Fuel Tank
Guard
Powerhead Assembly
Throttle
assembly
Air Filter
Assembly
Fuel
Tank
Hand guard
Hand grip
Fuel Tank
Hedge Trimmer Cutter
Cutter Assembly
Adjustment Lever
Assembly
Outer
Tube
Latch Release
Latch
Lock
Gearcase
WARNING!
Do not alter this machine
or any of its components!
Cutter
Blade
Cover
Hedge Trimmer
Cutter Assembly
Cutter Bar and
Cutter Blades
5
Specications
Model AH254
Engine Type 4-cycle, vertical cylinder, air cooled
Engine Bore x Stroke 34 x 27 mm/1.3 x 1.1 in.
Engine Displacement 24.5cc/1.5 cu. in.
Unit Weight, Less Fuel 6.3 kg/14 lbs.
Unit Dimensions (LxWxH) 2360 x 225 x 235 mm / 92.9 x 8.9 x 9.3 in.
Fuel Tank Capacity 590 ml/20.3 oz..
Fuel/oil ratio 50:1 with *ISO-L-EGD or JASO FD class engine oil
Carburetor Diaphragm type
Ignition Fully electronic, program controlled
Spark Plug** NGK CMR5H
Electrode Gap 0.6 mm/ .024 in.
Torque 16.7 - 18.6 N∙m / 148-165 in • lbf
Air Cleaner Foam pre-lter; sealed felt main lter
Starting Method Recoil Starter
Stopping Method Slide switch, grounding type
Blade Length 567 mm/22.3 in
Clutch Type Automatic, centrifugal clutch with bevel gear
Gear Type Spur gears
Gear Lubrication Lithium-based grease
Standard Equipment
Idle Speed 3,000 RPM
Clutch Engagement Speed 4,100 RPM
Wide Open Throttle Speed (W.O.T.) 10,500 RPM
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Tool kit, blade cover.
IMPORTANT!
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.
Emission Control (Exhaust & Evaporative)
EPA 2010 and Later and/or C.A.R.B. TIER III
The emission control system for the engine is EM/TWC (Engine Modication and 3-way Catalyst) and for the fuel tank
the Control System is EVAP (Evaporative Emissions) or N (for nylon tank). Evaporative emission may be applicable to
California models only.
An Emission Control Label is located on the unit. (This is an EXAMPLE ONLY; information on label varies by en-
gine FAMILY).
PRODUCT EMISSION DURABILITY (EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD)
The 300 hour emission compliance period is the time span selected by the manufacturer certifying the engine
emissions output meets applicable emissions regulations, provided that approved maintenance procedures are
followed as listed in the Maintenance Section of this manual.
6
Assembly
Prior To Assembly
Before assembling, make sure you have
all the components required for a complete unit:
■
Unit assembly
Adjusting the Hedge Trimmer Cutter Assembly
Kit with this manual and tool kit ■
for routine maintenance.
Cutter blade cover
■
Carefully inspect all components for
damage.
IMPORTANT!
The terms “left”, “left-hand”, and “LH”;
“right”, “right-hand”, and “RH”; “front” and
“rear” refer to directions as viewed by the
operator during normal operation.
WARNING!
The cutter blades are very sharp. ■
Do not grasp the blades with
your hands. Always use gloves
when working near the cutter
assembly.
■
Do not allow the blades to contact your body.
■
Do not touch the cutter blades
when the engine is running. The
blades can oscillate even if the
engine is idling.
WARNING!
Never run the engine when
adjusting the cutter assembly.
Position the hedge trimmer on a 1.
at, level surface.
With your right hand, grasp the 2.
outer tube near the handle. With
your left hand, grip the adjustment
lever on the cutter assembly. With
the index nger of your left hand,
press the latch lock. With your left
thumb, press the latch release.
Adjustment Lever
Grasp the outer tube near the handle
Latch Lock
Latch Release
Press the latch lock
While holding the latch release 3.
down, pivot the cutter assembly
away from you using the adjustment lever until it is at the desired
cutting angle.
Release the latch lock and the 4.
latch release. Make sure the latch
lock and the latch release return
securely to the locked position.
Latch Lock
Pivot the cutter assembly using the
adjustment lever...
Adjustment Lever
Make sure the latch lock and the latch release
return securely to the straight ahead position
IMPORTANT!
The latch lock provides an interlock to
help prevent inadvertent depression of
the latch release.
Remove the cover from the cut-5.
ter blade. The engine now may be
started (refer to the section ”Starting
the Engine”).
Cutter Assembly Positions
The cutter assembly can be adjusted
to eleven different positions ranging
from 120° to 270° from the outer tube
as shown. Always make sure the lock
latch is securely locked after each
adjustment.
Adjusting for Storage or Transportation
With the engine off, install the 1.
blade cover onto the blade.
Using the procedures described 2.
above, rotate the cutter assembly
so it is parallel to the tube. Make
sure the latch lock and the latch
release return securely to a locking
position.
Make sure the blade cover is in 3.
place on the cutters before storing or
transporting.
Cutter
Assembly
Positions
270°
120°
Various blade
positions
possible
Gearcase rotated to the storage/
transportation position
Adjusting for Storage or Transportation
WARNING!
Never run the engine when
adjusting the cutter assembly.
7
Assembly (continued)
Throttle lever free play
The throttle lever free play should be
approximately 4 - 6 mm. Make sure that
the throttle lever operates smoothly without binding. If it becomes necessary to
adjust the lever free play, follow the procedures and illustrations that follow.
Loosen the air cleaner cover knob(s) 1.
and remove the air cleaner cover.
Turn the cable adjuster in or out as 2.
required to obtain proper free play
4 - 6 mm.
Throttle lever free play
Reinstall the air cleaner cover.3.
4 - 6 mm
Cable
Adjuster
Mixing Fuel
WARNING!
Alternative fuels, such as E15 (15% ethanol), E-85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting Shindaiwa
requirements are NOT approved for use in Shindaiwa gasoline engines. Use of alternative fuels may cause
performance problems, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, and unintended machine operation, including,
but not limited to, improper clutch engagement. Alternative fuels may also cause premature deterioration of fuel
lines, gaskets, carburetors and other engine components.
Fuel Requirements
Gasoline - Use 89 Octane [R+M/2] (mid grade or higher) gasoline known to be good quality. Gasoline may contain
up to 10% Ethanol (grain alcohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether). Gasoline containing methanol (wood
alcohol) is NOT approved.
Hybrid 4TM Mixture Oil - Engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345/FD standards must be
used. Shindaiwa highly recommends using Shindaiwa Red ArmorTM engine oil in all Shindaiwa Hybrid 4TM engines to
protect the engine from harmful carbon build up, maintain engine performance, and increase engine life. Shindaiwa
Red ArmorTM engine oil exceeds ISO-L-EGD and J.A.S.O. M345/FD performance requirements. Engine problems
due to inadequate lubrication caused by failure to use an ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345/FD certied
oil will void the engine warranty.
IMPORTANT!
Shindaiwa Red Armor
in all Shindaiwa engines sold in the past, regardless of ratio specied in those
manuals.
Stored fuel ages. Do not mix more fuel than you expect to use in thirty (30)
days, ninety (90) days when a fuel stabilizer is added. Use of unmixed, improperly mixed, or stale fuel, may cause hard starting, poor performance, or severe
engine damage and void the product warranty. Read and follow instructions in
the Long Term Storage section of this manual.
TM
engine oil may be mixed at 50:1 ratio for application
IMPORTANT!
Examples of 50:1 mixing quantities
8
Handling Fuel
DANGER
Fuel is VERY ammable. Use extreme care when mixing, storing or handling or serious personal injury may result.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• DO NOT smoke near fuel.
• DO NOT allow ames or sparks near fuel.
• Fuel tanks/cans may be under pressure. Always loosen fuel caps slowly allowing pressure to equalize.
• NEVER refuel a unit when the engine is HOT or RUNNING!
• DO NOT ll fuel tanks indoors. ALWAYS ll fuel tanks outdoors over bare ground.
• DO NOT overll fuel tank. Wipe up spills immediately.
• Securely tighten fuel tank cap and close fuel container after refueling.
• Inspect for fuel leakage. If fuel leakage is found, do not start or operate unit until leakage is repaired.
• Move at least 3m (10 ft.) from refueling location before starting the engine.
Mixing Instructions
1. Fill an approved fuel container with half of the required
amount of gasoline.
2. Add the proper amount of engine oil to gasoline.
3. Close container and shake to mix oil with gasoline.
4. Add remaining gasoline, close fuel container, and remix.
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.
After use
• DO NOT store a unit with fuel in its tank. Leaks can
occur. Return unused fuel to an approved fuel storage
container.
Filling the fuel tank
WARNING!
Minimize the Risk of Fire
■ smoke or light res near the engine.
NEVER
■ stop the engine and allow it to cool before
ALWAYS
refueling.
■ Wipe all spilled fuel and move at least 3
ALWAYS
meters (10 feet) from the fueling point and source before
starting.
■ place ammable material close to the engine
NEVER
mufer.
NEVER ■ operate the engine without the mufer and spark
arrester screen in place and in good working condition.
FUEL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. ■
Storage - Fuel storage laws vary by locality. Contact
your local government for the laws affecting your area.
As a precaution, store fuel in an approved, airtight container. Store in a well-ventilated, unoccupied building,
away from sparks and ames.
IMPORTANT!
Stored fuel may separate. ALWAYS shake fuel container
thoroughly before each use.
ALWAYS ■ store gasoline in a container approved for am-
mable liquids.
■ inspect the unit for fuel leaks before each use.
ALWAYS
During each rell, check that no fuel leaks from around
the fuel cap and/or fuel tank.
If fuel leaks are evident, stop using the unit immediately.
Fuel leaks must be repaired before using the unit.
ALWAYS ■ move the unit at least 3 meters (10 feet) away
from a fuel storage area or other readily ammable
materials before starting
the engine.
Place the unit on a flat, level surface.1.
Clear any dirt or other debris from 2.
around the fuel filler cap.
CAUTION!
Slowly remove the fuel cap only
after stopping the engine
Remove the fuel cap, and fill the 3.
tank with clean, fresh fuel.
Reinstall the fuel filler cap and 4.
tighten firmly.
Wipe away any spilled fuel before 5.
starting engine.
9
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