Shindaiwa T231X-EVC, 81601, T231-EVC User Manual
SHINDAIWA OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL
T231/EVC TRIMMER
T231X/EVC TRIMMER
T231
T231X
WARNING!
Minimize the risk of injury to yourself and others! Read this
manual and familiarize yourself with the contents. Always
wear eye and hearing protection when operating this unit.
Part Number 81601 Rev. 11/06
Introduction
Read and follow this
operators manual.
Failure to do so could
result in serious injury.
Wear eye and hearing
protection at all times
during the operation
of this unit.
Keep bystanders
at least 50 feet (15 m)
away during operation.
Beware of thrown or
ricocheted objects.
Do not operate this unit with a
blade unless the unit is equipped
with a Shindaiwa-approved
handlebar or barrier.
Always wear a harness when
operating this unit with a blade.
A harness is also recommended
when using trimmer line.
If unit is used as a brushcutter,
beware of blade thrust. A jammed
blade can cause the unit to jerk
suddenly and may cause the
operator to lose control of the unit.
Attention Statements
The Shindaiwa T231 Series hand held
power equipment has been 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 this owner's/operator's manual describes units
available at the time of publication.
Shindaiwa 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
PAGE
Attention Statements ...............................2
Safety Information ....................................3
Safety Labels .............................................4
Product Description .................................5
Specifications ............................................5
Assembly and Adjustments .....................6
Engine Fuel...............................................9
Starting the Engine ..................................9
Stopping the Engine ..............................10
Adjusting Engine Idle ............................10
Checking Unit Condition.......................11
Shoulder Strap ........................................11
Cutting Grass with a Trimmer Head ...11
Using a Blade (T231X) ..........................12
Maintenance ...........................................13
Long Term Storage ................................15
Blade Sharpening ...................................15
Troubleshooting Guide .........................16
Emission System Warranty ...................19
2
Throughout this manual are special
“attention statements”.
WARNING!
A statement preceded by the
triangular attention symbol
and the word “WARNING” contains
information that should be acted upon
to prevent serious bodily injury.
CAUTION!
A statement preceded by the word
“CAUTION” contains information
that should be acted upon to prevent
mechanical damage.
IMPORTANT!
A statement preceded by the word
“IMPORTANT” is one that possesses
special signicance.
NOTE:
A statement preceded by the word “NOTE”
contains information that is handy to know
and may make your job easier.
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
T231 series hand held power equipment,
or if you do not understand something
in this manual, your Shindaiwa dealer
will be glad to assist you. You may also
contact Shindaiwa, Inc. at the address
printed on the back of this Manual.
DO NOT OPERATE THIS UNIT
IF YOU ARE TIRED, ILL OR
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, OR
MEDICATION.
General Safety Instructions
The Properly Equipped Operator
Work Safely
Shindaiwa trimmers operate at very high
speeds and can do serious damage or
injury if they are misused or abused.
Never allow a person without training or
instruction to operate this unit!
WARNING!
Never make unauthorized
attachment installations. Do not
use attachments not approved by
Shindaiwa for use on this unit.
Stay Alert
You must be physically and mentally fit
to operate this unit safely.
WARNING!
Never operate power equipment
of any kind if you are tired or if you
are under the inuence of alcohol,
drugs, medication or any other substance that could affect your ability
or judgement.
WARNING!
Minimize the Risk
of Fire
n NEVER smoke or light res near
the engine.
n ALWAYS stop the engine and
allow it to cool before refueling.
Avoid overlling and wipe off any
fuel that may have spilled.
n ALWAYS inspect the unit for fuel
leaks before each use. 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.
n ALWAYS move the unit to a place
well away from a fuel storage
area or other readily ammable
materials before starting the engine.
n NEVER place ammable material
close to the engine mufer.
n NEVER operate the engine with-
out the spark arrester screen in
place.
Wear hearing protection devices
and a broad-brimmed hat or
Wear close-fitting clothing to
protect legs and arms. Gloves
offer added protection and
are strongly recommended.
Do not wear clothing or
jewelry that could get caught
in machinery
or underbrush.
Secure hair so it is
above shoulder
level. NEVER
wear
shorts!
Keep a proper footing
and do not over-
reach—maintain
your balance at all
times during opera-
tion.
Wear appropriate footwear (non-skid
boots or shoes): do not wear open-toed
shoes or sandals. Never operate the unit
while barefoot!
Figure 1
WARNING! Use Good Judgment
n ALWAYS wear eye protection to
shield against thrown objects.
n NEVER operate the engine
when transporting the unit.
n NEVER operate the engine
indoors! Make sure there is
always good ventilation. Fumes
from engine exhaust can cause
serious injury or death.
n ALWAYS clear your work area
of trash or hidden debris that
could be thrown back at you or
toward a bystander.
n ALWAYS use the proper cutting
tool for the job.
n ALWAYS stop the engine im-
mediately if it suddenly begins
to vibrate or shake. Inspect for
broken, missing or improperly
installed parts or attachments.
helmet.
Always wear eye protection such as
goggles or safety glasses.
Always operate with both
hands firmly gripping the
unit.
Keep away from the rotating
trimmer line or blade at all times,
and never lift a moving attachment
above waist-high.
Always make sure
the appropriate
cutting attachment
shield is correctly
installed and in good
condition.
n NEVER extend trimming line be-
yond the length specied for your
unit.
n ALWAYS keep the unit as clean
as practical. Keep it free of loose
vegetation, mud, etc.
n ALWAYS hold the unit rmly with
both hands when cutting or trimming, and maintain control at all
times.
n ALWAYS keep the handles clean.
n ALWAYS disconnect the spark
plug wire before performing any
maintenance work.
n ALWAYS, if a saw blade should
bind fast in a cut, shut off the
engine immediately. Push the
branch or tree to ease the bind
and free the blade.
3
Be Aware of the Working Environment
Avoid long-term operation
in very hot or very cold
weather.
Be extremely
careful of slip-
pery terrain,
especially during
rainy weather.
stop the engine and inspect the cutting
attachment for damage.
Reduce the risk of
bystanders being struck
by flying debris. Make
sure no one is within 50
feet (15 meters)—that’s
about 16 paces—of an
operating attachment.
Always make sure the
appropriate cutting
attachment shield is
correctly installed.If contact is made with a hard object,
Make sure bystanders or observers
outside the 50-foot “danger zone”
wear eye protection.
50
FEET
When operating in rocky terrain or near electric
wires or fences, use extreme caution to avoid con-
tacting such items with the cutting attachment.
Figure 2
Safety Labels
Safety 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.
Be constantly alert for objects and debris that could be thrown
either from the rotating cutting attachment or bounced from a
hard surface.
IMPORTANT!
This label indicates the minimum
distance between front handle and
rear grip per ANSI B175.3.
T231
T231X
4
Figure 3
Product Description
Using the accompanying illustrations as
a guide, familiarize yourself with this unit
and its various components. See Figure 4.
Understanding your unit helps ensure top
performance, long service life, and safer
operation.
Handle
Ignition
Switch
Spark Plug
Throttle
Interlock
T231 TRIMMER
Grip
WARNING!
Do not make unauthorized modications or alterations to any of these
units or their components.
Gearcase
Trimmer
Head
Gearcase
Trimmer
Head
Figure 4
Specications
T231 dry weight (less attachments) ...................10.9 lb./4.9 kg
Fuel
Outer Tube
Cutting
Attachment Shield
Outer Tube
Cutting
Attachment Shield
Handle
Barrier
Bar
Ignition
Switch
Spark Plug
Throttle
Interlock
Throttle
Trigger
T231X TRIMMER
Grip
Throttle
Trigger
Tank
Fuel
Tank
Spark plug ..............................................................Champion CJ8
T231X dry weight (less attachments) .................11.2 lb./5.1 kg
Engine model ...................................................Shindaiwa S230C
Engine type ......... 2-cycle, catylist, vertical-cylinder , air cooled
Bore x stroke ........................................ 1.26x1.10 in./32x28 mm
Displacement ................................................... 1.4 cu. in./22.5 cc
Maximum power ................1.1 HP/0.8 kW @ 7500 rpm (min-1)
Fuel/oil ratio ......................... 50:1 with ISO-L-EGD or JASO FC
class 2-cycle mixing oil*
Carburetor type ....................Walbro WYL-122, diaphragm-type
Fuel tank capacity ...............................................22.7 oz./670 ml
Ignition .................... One-piece electronic transistor-controlled
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Air cleaner type ........ Non-reversible heavy-duty filter element
Starting method .................................................................. Recoil
Stopping method .......................................................Slide switch
Transmission type ..........................................................................
............................... Automatic, centrifugal clutch w/bevel gear
EPA Emission Compliance Period** .......................Categor y A
* meets or exceeds these specifications and is
recommended for all Shindaiwa products.
** The EPA emission compliance referred to on the emission
compliance label located on the engine, indicates the number
of operating hours for which the engine has been shown to
meet Federal emission requirements. Category C = 50 hours
(Moderate), B = 125 hours (Intermediate) and A = 300 hours
(Extended).
5
23103
23101
23102
Assembly and Adjustments
23104
This unit comes fully assembled with
the exception of the cutting attachment
shield and cutting attachment.
Prior to Assembly
Before assembling, make sure you have
all the components required for a complete unit and inspect unit and components for any damage.
n Engine and shaft assembly
n Cutting attachment shield
n Cutting attachment
n Kit containing cutting attachment
Handle
1. The handle is attached to the outer
tube at the factory and positioned in an
off-set position. See Figure 5.
2. Loosen the 4 socket-head cap screws
on the handle and rotate the handle
until the barrier bar is positioned horizontally on the left side of the unit. See
Figure 6.
3. Position the handle forward of the
Handle Positioning Label at the best
position for operator comfort (usually
about 10 inches ahead of the throttle
housing).
4. Secure the handle by alternately tightening the four socket-head cap screws
in a diagonal or “criss-cross” fashion.
shield mounting bracket and hardware,
this owner's/operator's manual and
tool kit for routine maintenance. Tool
kits vary by model and may include a
hex wrench set, a spark plug/screwdriver combination wrench, and a spanner.
Barrier
Bar
Handle
Outer
Tube
4 Socket-head Cap-
Figure 5
screws
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.
Handle
Handle Positioning Label
Outer
Tube
Barrier
Bar
4 Socket-head Cap-
screws
Figure 6
Adjust Throttle Lever Free Play
The throttle lever free play should be
approxiamtely 3/16-1/4 inch(4-6 mm).
See Figure 7. Make sure that the throttle
lever operates smoothly without binding.
If it becomes necessary to adjust the
lever freeplay, follow the procedures and
illustrations that follow.
3/16-1/4 inch (4-6 mm)
Throttle Freeplay
Figure 7
6
Throttle Cable
Figure 8
1. Loosen the throttle cable lock nuts and
adjust in or out to achive proper free
play of 3/16-1/4 inch(4-6 mm). See
Figure 8.
2. Retighten the locknuts.
Lock Nuts
23106
23105
23107
23108
Assembly: Cutting Attachment Shield
Install the Cutting Attachment Shield.
1. Insert the cutting attachment shield
between the outer tube and the cutting
attachment mounting plate. See Figure 9.
NOTE:
It may be necessary to loosen the retaining
nut and clamp screw to adjust cutting attachment shield mounting plate.
2. Fit the two shims and the bracket over
the outer tube and loosely install the
four socket-head screws.
See Figure 9.
CAUTION!
Make sure the clamp screw and
retaining nut are securely tightened
before tightening the four sockethead cap screws.
3. Tighten the four socket-head cap
screws to secure the cutting attachment shield.
WARNING!
NEVER operate the unit
without the cutting attachment shield
installed and tightly secured!
Clamp Screw
Figure 9
To Change Position of Line Cutter
The line cutter can be positioned in
2 positions to obtain different line length
for cutting.
Socket-
Head Cap
Screw
Bracket
Shim
WARNING!
The line cutter is very sharp.
Wear gloves to protect your
hands when handling.
Assembly: Trimmer Head
Retaining
Nut
Cutting
Attachment
Mounting
Plate
Outer
Tube
Cutting Attach-
ment Shield
Nuts
Line Cutter
Shim
Hex
Screws
Figure 9A
1. Remove the 2 hex screws with a 4mm
hex wrench. See Figure 9A.
NOTE:
Be careful to not lose the 2 nuts in the cutting attachment shield, they are
not captured.
2. Rotate line cutter. See Figure 9A.
3. Reinstall the two hex screws and tighten
them securely.
Install the Trimmer Head.
1. Turn the trimmer over so that the
gearcase output shaft faces UP.
2. Remove and discard the black plastic
retaining plug from the output shaft.
See Figure 10.
3. Rotate the holder until the hole in the
holder aligns with the notch on the
gearcase. Use the long end of the hex
wrench to lock the holder and output
shaft. See Figure 10.
4. While holding the hex wrench, thread
the trimmer head onto the output shaft,
turning counter-clockwise. Using hand
pressure only, tighten the trimmer
head firmly on the output shaft.
IMPORTANT!
The trimmer head has a left-hand thread.
For removal turn the trimmer head clockwise.
5. Remove the hex wrench.
6. Adjust the trimmer line length to reach
no further than the line
cutter on the cutting attachment shield.
Trim to the correct length
if necessary.
Retaining
Plug
Holder
Output
shaft
Figure 10
WARNING!
A standard grass trimmer with a loop
handle should NEVER be operated
with blade-type attachments. For
blade use the trimmer must be tted
with a bicycle-type handlebar or
loop handle with a barrier bar that
is located in front of the operator to
reduce the risk of the operator from
coming in contact with the cutting attachment (per ANSI B175.3). When
using a blade, the unit must also be
equipped with a harness or strap.
Hex Wrench
To install a
trimmer head
onto a T231X,
first remove the
shaft bolt, bolt
guard and
safety clip
(see the next
page).
Figure 11
The unit should now be
completely assembled and ready for
use with a trimmer head.
7
23112
23109
23110
Assembly: Blade T231X
23113
23111
Mount the Cutting Blade
Turn the T231X upside down so the
gearcase output shaft is facing UP and remove the shaft bolt, bolt guard and holder
B from the gearcase shaft.
1. Align the hole in blade holder A with
the matching hole in the gearcase
flange and then temporarily lock the
output shaft by inserting
a hex wrench through both holes. See
Figure 12.
2. Slide the safety clip off-center.
See Figure 13.
3. Fit the blade over the safety clip and
then center it over the flange on holder
A. See Figure 14.
Shaft Bolt
Bolt Guard
Holder B
Gear Shaft
Safety Clip
Slide the safety clip off-center
Output
Shaft
Safety
Clip
Holder A
Figure 13
CAUTION!
Install the blade so its printed surface is visible to the operator when
the brushcutter is in the normal
operating position.
WARNING!
The blade must t at
against the holder ange.
The blade mounting hole must be
centered over the raised boss on
blade holder A.
NOTE:
When installing certain blades, it may be necessary to temporarily remove the safety clip.
4. Lock the blade in place by centering
the safety clip on the output shaft. See
Figure 14.
WARNING!
Never operate the T231X
without the safety clip in
place!
IMPORTANT!
The machined recess in holder B must
completely surround the safety clip, and
both holders must be at against the
surface of the blade.
Hex Wrench
Figure 12
Blade Holder B
Figure 15
5. Install blade holder B on the output
shaft. See Figure 15. The recess in
the holder must completely cover the
safety clip, and must fit tightly against
the blade.
6. Install the bolt guard and then the
blade retaining bolt. Using the combination spark plug wrench/screwdriver, tighten the bolt firmly in a
counter-clockwise direction.
7. Remove the hex wrench.
Blade
Hex Wrench
Slip the Saw Blade In
Place
Figure 14
Output
Shaft
Tighten the assembly (blade
Center the Safety
Clip
not shown for clarity)
The T231X should now be completely
assembled and
ready for use with a blade.
8
23117
23119
Mixing Fuel
23116
23120
CAUTION!
Some types of gasoline contain
alcohol as an oxygenate. Oxygenated
gasoline may cause increased operating temperatures. Under certain conditions, alcohol-based gasoline may
also reduce the lubricating qualities of
some 2-cycle mixing oils. Never use
any type of gasoline containing more
than 10% alcohol by volume! Generic
oils and some outboard oils may not
be intended for use in high-performance C4 engines, and should never
be used in your Shindaiwa engine.
Filling the Fuel Tank
CAUTION!
This engine is designed to operate on
a 50:1 mixture consisting of unleaded
gasoline and ISO-L-EGD or JASO FC
class 2-cycle mixing oil only. Use of
non-approved mixing oils can lead to
excessive carbon deposits.
n Use only fresh, clean unleaded gasoline
with a pump octane of 87 or higher.
n Mix all fuel with a 2-cycle
air-cooled mixing oil that meets
or exceeds ISO-L-EGD and/or JASO FC
classified oils at 50:1 gasoline/oil ratio.
Examples of 50:1 mixing quantities
n 1 gallon of gasoline to 2.6 oz. mixing oil
n 5 liters of gasoline to 100 ml. mixing oil
IMPORTANT!
Mix only enough fuel for your immediate
needs! If fuel must be stored longer than
30 days and oil with fuel stabilizer
is not used, it should rst be treated with
a fuel stabilizer such as StaBil™.
Oil is a registered JASO FC
classified oil and also meets or exceeds
ISO-L-EGD performance requirements.
Shindaiwa One is recommended for
use in all Shindaiwa low emissions engines. Shindaiwa one also includes
a fuel stabilizer.
WARNING!
Minimize the risk of re!
n ALWAYS stop the engine and al-
low to cool before refueling!
n Wipe all spilled fuel and move the
engine at least 10 feet (3 meters)
from the fueling point and source
before starting!
n NEVER start or operate this
unit if there is a fuel leak.
n NEVER start or operate this
unit if the carburetor, fuel lines, fuel
tank and/or fuel tank cap are damaged.
n NEVER smoke or light any res
near the engine or fuel source!
n NEVER place any ammable mate-
rial near the engine mufer!
n NEVER operate the engine without
the mufer and spark arrester in
good working condition.
1. Place the trimmer on a flat, level
surface.
2. Clear any dirt or other debris from
around the fuel filler cap.
3. Remove the fuel cap, and fill the tank
with clean, fresh fuel.
4. Reinstall the fuel filler cap and tighten
firmly.
Starting the Engine
IMPORTANT!
Engine ignition is controlled by a two position switch mounted on the throttle housing labeled, "I" for ON or START and "O" for
OFF or STOP.
ON
IMPORTANT!
The primer system only pushes fuel
through the carburetor. Repeatedly
pressing the primer bulb will not ood the
engine with fuel.
Make sure the
cutting attachment
is clear of
obstructions!
Figure 16
1. Slide the ignition switch to the “I” position (engine ON).
Primer
Bulb
Figure 17
2. Press the primer bulb until fuel can be seen
flowing in the transparent return tube.
Return Tube
Closed
Figure 18
3. Set the choke lever to the CLOSED
position if engine is cold.
Figure 19
4. While holding the outer tube firmly
with left hand, use your other hand to
slowly pull the recoil starter handle
until resistance is felt, then pull quickly
to start the engine.
CAUTION!
Do not pull the recoil starter to the end
of the rope travel. Pulling the recoil
starter to the end of the rope travel
can damage the starter.
9
23122
23121
Starting the Engine (continued)
WARNING!
The cutting attachment may
rotate when the engine is
started!
5. When the engine starts, slowly move
the choke lever to the "OPEN" position. See Figure 20. (If the engine
stops after the initial start, close the
choke and restart.)
Open
Figure 20
WARNING!
Never start the engine from
the operating position.
IMPORTANT!
If the engine fails to start after several
attempts with the choke in the closed
position, the engine may be ooded
with fuel. If ooding is suspected,
move the choke lever to the open position and repeatedly pull the recoil starter
to remove excess fuel and start the
engine. If the engine still fails to start,
refer to the troubleshooting section of
this manual.
When the Engine Starts
n After the engine starts, allow the en-
gine to warm up at idle 2 or 3 minutes
before operating the unit.
n After the engine is warm, pick
up the unit and clip on the shoulder
strap if so equipped. See page 11.
n Advancing the throttle makes the cut-
ting attachment turn faster; releasing
the throttle permits the attachment to
stop turning. If the cutting attachment
continues to rotate when the engine
returns to idle, carburetor idle speed
should
be adjusted (see "Adjusting Engine
Idle" below).
Stopping the Engine
OFF
Figure 21
Adjusting Engine Idle
Idle Adjusting
Screw
Figure 22
Idle the engine briefly before stopping
(about 2 minutes), then slide the ignition
switch to the “O” (Engine OFF) position.
The engine must return to idle speed
whenever the throttle lever is released.
Idle speed is adjustable, and must be set
low enough to permit the engine clutch to
disengage the cutting attachment.
Idle Speed Adjustment
WARNING!
The cutting attachment
must NEVER rotate at engine idle! If the idle speed cannot be
adjusted by the procedure described
here, return the trimmer to your
Shindaiwa dealer for inspection.
1. Place the trimmer on the ground,
then start the engine, and allow it to
idle 2-3 minutes until warm.
2. If the attachment rotates when the engine is at idle, reduce the idle speed
by turning the idle adjustment screw
counter-clockwise.
See Figure 22.
3. If a tachometer is available, the
engine idle speed should be final
adjusted to 2,750 (±250) rpm (min-1).
4. Carburetor fuel mixture adjustments
are preset at factory and cannot be
serviced in the field.
10
23125
Checking Unit Condition
Use only authorized Shindaiwa parts and accessories with your Shindaiwa trimmer. Do
not make modifications to this unit without
written approval from Shindaiwa, Inc.
WARNING!
A cutting attachment shield
or other protective device is
no guarantee of protection against ricochet. YOU MUST ALWAYS GUARD
AGAINST FLYING DEBRIS!
Shoulder Strap
Adjust the shoulder strap so the shoulder
pad rests comfortably on the off-side
shoulder and the cutting path of the cutting attachment is parallel to the ground.
Make sure all hooks and adjustment
devices are secure.
T231
NOTE:
Although a shoulder strap accessory is not
required for use with a grass trimmer, a
shoulder strap can increase operator comfort during extended periods of operation.
See Figure 23.
ALWAYS make sure the cutting attachment
is properly installed and rmly tightened
before operation.
NEVER use a cracked or warped cutting at-
tachment: replace it with a serviceable one.
ALWAYS make sure the cutting attachment
ts properly into the appropriate attachment
holder. If a properly installed attachment
vibrates, replace the attachment with new
one and re-check.
Figure 23
ALWAYS stop the engine immediately and
check for damage if you strike a foreign
object or if the unit becomes tangled. Do not
operate with broken or damaged equipment.
NEVER allow the engine to run at high RPM
without a load. Doing so could damage the
engine.
NEVER operate a unit with worn or damaged fasteners or attachment holders.
NEVER operate the unit with the cutting attachment shield or other protective devices
removed!
T231X - Operating With A Blade
WARNING!
Always wear a shoulder strap
when operating this unit with
a blade. A shoulder strap is also recommended when using trimmer line.
NOTE:
Using a shoulder strap when operating this
unit with a blade allows you to maintain
proper control of the unit and reduces fatigue
during extended operation.
Cutting Grass—Units Equipped with a Trimmer Head
Your Shindaiwa unit may be equipped with
one of several Shindaiwa trimmer head models, each with features for specific applications and/or operational requirements.
NOTE:
For proper operation, always refer to the
instructions accompanying the trimmer
head being used. Available trimmer head
styles include:
n Semi-automatic. Trimmer line is
indexed when the operator taps the
trimmer head on the ground during
operation.
n Manual. The operator indexes line
manually with the grass trimmer
stopped.
n Fixed. The operator must stop the unit
and add new lengths of trimmer line
manually.
n Flail. This device, designed for clear-
ing weeds and light brush, features
three nylon blades attached to the head
by pivots.
CAUTION!
Do not push the rotating line into
trees, wire fences or any material that
could tangle or break line ends.
Engine Operating Speeds
Operate the unit at full throttle while cutting grass.
CAUTION!
Operation of trimmer without a cutting
attachment shield and using excessive line length can lead to premature
clutch failure.
CAUTION!
Operation at low RPM can lead to
premature clutch failure.
Trimming and Mowing Grass
Hold the trimmer so the trimmer head is
angled slightly into the area to be cut. To
ensure maximum trimmer-line service life,
cut only with the tip of the trimmer line.
Cut grass by
swinging the
trimmer from left
to right. Keep the
trimmer head
horizontal.
See Figure 24.
Edging
Tilt the handle
about 100° to the left
(from horizontal)
and move forward,
holding the trimmer
vertically as shown
in Figure 25.
Figure 25
NOTE:
Additional hardware may be required to
mount the Fixed Line or the Flail type trimmer heads.
Figure 24
11
1060
�
Ten�
O’Clock
Seven�
O’Clock
OK To Cut
Blade�
Rotation
D
O
N
O
T
C
U
T
Five�
O’Clock
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Using a Blade T231X
WARNING!
n Before working with
a blade-equipped unit,
always inspect and clean the area
of objects that could interfere with
or damage the blade.
n Never use a blade near sidewalks,
fence posts, buildings or other
objects that could cause injury or
damage.
n Never use a blade for purposes
other than those for which it was
designed.
n Whenever you strike a hard object
with a blade, always stop the
brushcutter and carefully inspect
the blade for damage. NEVER
OPERATE THE BRUSHCUTTER
WITH A DAMAGED BLADE!
n A blade-equipped unit must be
equipped with a bicycle-type
handlebar or barrier bar as well as
a harness or shoulder strap.
n Always make sure the cutting
attachment shield is properly
installed before operating
this unit.
Blade Thrust
‘Blade thrust’ is a sudden sideways or
backward motion of the brushcutter. Such
motion may occur when the blade jams or
catches on an object such as a sapling tree
or tree stump. BE CONSTANTLY ALERT
FOR BLADE THRUST AND GUARD
AGAINST ITS EFFECTS!
Engine Operating Speeds
Operate the unit at full throttle while cutting. Best fuel efficiency is obtained by
releasing the throttle when swinging back
after a cut.
n To prevent possible engine dam-
age, do not allow the brushcutter to
run at high speeds without a load.
n Avoid operating the engine at low
speeds. Doing so can lead to rapid
clutch wear. In addition, slowspeed operation tends to cause
grass and debris to wrap around
the cutting head.
WARNING!
When cutting wood with a
saw, feed the blade slowly—never
strike or “slam” a spinning blade
against the wood.
WARNING!
DO NOT use 2-tooth or
non-Shindaiwa approved
4-tooth cutting blades with Shindaiwa
trimmers and brushcutters.
Figure 26
The blade rotates counter-clockwise. For
best performance and to minimize being
stuck by debris, move the blade from
right to left while advancing on your work.
Position the blade so cuts are made
between the blade’s 7 o’clock and 10
o’clock positions (as viewed from above).
DO NOT cut between the 10 o’clock and 5
o’clock positions. See Figure 26.
Cut on the left side
of the blade. KEEP
YOUR BODY OUT-
SIDE THE PATH OF
BLADE ROTATION
Brushcutter Handlebar
A brushcutter handlebar or barrier bar
helps prevent the operator from moving
forward, or the unit moving rearward,
thus preventing inadvertent bodily
contact with the blade. ALWAYS KEEP
THE HANDLEBAR OR BARRIER BAR
SECURELY IN PLACE ON THE UNIT!
Brushcutter Shoulder Strap
A shoulder strap provides additional protection against blade thrust. In addition,
a shoulder strap gives significant support
and comfort to help ensure safe and efficient operation.
When operating a T231X with a blade,
make sure both the handle and shoulder
strap are adjusted to the size of the operator using the unit.
12
Figure 27
Vertical Cuts
Hold the brushcutter with the blade at
a 90° angle to the ground so the blade’s
bottom edge rotates toward the operator. Move the blade from top to bottom
through the cut, and cut only with the
bottom edge of the blade. See Figure 27.
WARNING!
When making vertical cuts,
never allow the blade to
exceed waist height.
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