SHINDAIWA OWNER’S/OPERATOR'S MANUAL AH242 ARTICULATED HEDGE TRIMMER WARNING! Always wear eye and ear protection when operating this machine. To minimize the risk of injury, read this manual and familiarize yourself with its contents.
Introduction Contents PAGE The Shindaiwa AH242 Articulated Hedge Trimmer is designed and built to deliver superior performance and reliability without compromise to quality, comfort, safety or durability.Shindaiwa's 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! Safety ...........................
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. 33 ft 10 M This product conducts electricity. Keep the product and/or operator a minimum distance of 10 meters (33 feet) away from electrical sources and power lines. Be aware of the danger of falling debris. WARNING ! Surface can be hot.
Operating Precautions WARNING! ■■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 firmly tightened before operation.
Safety (continued) Safety Equipment and Labels Cutter blade cover Hand guard Ignition (STOP) switch IMPORTANT! Throttle interlock 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. Operator Safety Always wear a hard hat to reduce the risk of head injuries during operation of this machine.
Product Description Spark Plug Hedge Trimmer Cutter Assembly Air Filter Assembly Cutter Assembly Adjustment Lever Stop Switch Throttle Trigger Fuel Tank Guard Cutter Blade Cover Fuel Tank Outer Tube Powerhead Assembly Using the illustration as a guide, familiarize yourself with the unit and its various components. Understanding your machine helps ensure top performance, longer service life, and safer operation.
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 (engine modification) and, if the second to last character of the Engine Family on the Emission Control Information label (sample below) is “C”, “K”, or “T”, the emission control system is EM and TWC (3-way catalyst). The fuel tank/fuel line emission control system is EVAP (evaporative emissions). Evaporative emissions for California models are only applicable to fuel tanks.
Assembly (continued) Install Blade Guard 1. Move stop switch to stop position. 2. Disconnect spark plug wire. WARNING! Hedge Trimmer blades are very sharp. Touching them may lead to severe personal injury. Use a socket and extension when removing locknuts in order to keep hands at a safe distance from sharp blades. B 3. Remove (4) locknuts (B). 4. Install blade guard. 5. Secure blade guard with four (4) locknuts. 6. Adjust blades. See “Cutter blade adjustment” section.
Assembly (continued) Cutter Assembly Positions 270° 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 latch lock is securely locked after each adjustment. Gearcase rotated to the storage/ transportation position 120° Various blade positions possible Adjusting for Storage or Transportation 1. With the engine off, install the blade cover onto the blade. Adjusting for Storage or Transportation 2.
Mixing Fuel WARNING! Alternative fuels, such as E15 (15% ethanol), E85 (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.
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 shutoff containers to reduce fuel spillage. After use • DO NOT store a unit with fuel in its tank. Leaks can occur.
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. NOTE: The blade cover is used for transportation and storage. Remove blade cover before using the unit. WARNING! Never start the engine from the operating position. Primer Bulb 1. Slide the ignition switch to the “I” position. 2. Press the primer bulb until fuel can be seen flowing in the transparent return tube.
Starting the engine (continued) When the Engine Starts... ■■After the engine starts, allow the engine to warm up at idle 2 or 3 minutes before operating the unit. ■■If the engine does not continue to run, repeat the appropriate cranking procedures for a cold or warm engine. When the engine starts, clear excess fuel from the combustion chamber by accelerating the engine several times with the throttle trigger.
Operation WARNING! Moving parts can amputate fingers or cause severe injuries. Keep hands, clothing and loose objects away from all openings. Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and make sure all moving parts have come to a complete stop before removing obstructions, clearing debris, or servicing unit. WARNING! Engine exhaust IS HOT, and contains Carbon Monoxide (CO), a poison gas. Breathing CO can cause unconsciousness, serious injury, or death. Exhaust can cause serious burns.
General maintenance IMPORTANT! MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS MAY BE PERFORMED BY ANY REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT OR INDIVIDUAL; HOWEVER, WARRANTY REPAIRS MUST BE PERFORMED BY A DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER AUTHORIZED BY ECHO, INC. THE USE OF PARTS THAT ARE NOT EQUIVALENT IN PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY TO AUTHORIZED PARTS MAY IMPAIR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND MAY HAVE A BEARING ON THE OUTCOME OF A WARRANTY CLAIM.
Maintenance (continued) Daily maintenance Prior to each work day, perform the following: ■■Remove all dirt and debris from the engine, check the cooling fins and air cleaner for clogging, and clean as necessary. ■■Carefully remove any accumulations of dirt or debris from the muffler and fuel tank. Check cooling air intake area at base of crankcase. Remove all debris. Dirt build-up in these areas can lead to engine overheating, fire, or premature wear.
Maintenance (continued) Gearcase lubrication ■■Lubricate the cutter assembly gearcase by pumping one or two strokes of lithium based grease into the grease fitting (A) using a levertype grease gun. CAUTION! Over lubricating can cause the gearcase to operate sluggishly and can cause grease to leak out.
Maintenance (continued) Gearcase lubrication To perform this operation, first remove the gearcase from the outer tube as follows: 1. Loosen the gearcase clamp bolt. CAUTION! Gearcase lubrication Gearcase Clamp Outer Tube Do not remove the D-shaped shim washer from the gearcase clamp! The shim washer prevents damage from over tightening the tube clamp bolt. 2. Remove the index bolt from the gearcase. 3. Slide the gearcase out of the tube.
Maintenance (continued) Muffler and spark arrester maintenance Engine Cover Engine Cover Screws Muffler Cover Muffler Cover Screw Muffler screws Muffler Screws Gasket Muffler gasket Spark arrester screen Outlet Spark arrester cover Muffler and spark arrester maintenance If the engine becomes sluggish and low on power, check and clean the spark arrester screen.
IMPORTANT! If the engine is adjusted for operation above 1,100 feet ASL, the carburetor must be re-adjusted when operating the engine below 1,100 feet ASL, otherwise severe engine damage may result. NOTE: Every unit is run at the factory and the carburetor is set in compliance with emission regulations. Carburetor adjustments, other than idle speed, must be performed by an authorized Shindaiwa dealer.
Troubleshooting Guide ENGINE DOES NOT START OR HARD TO START Possible Cause What To Check Vaporlock. Remedy Engine hot/heat soaked. Let cool completely and restart. Low fuel quality. Refill with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline with a pump octane of 89 or higher mixed with an air cooled engine oil that meets or exceeds ISO-L-EGD and/or JASO FD classified oils at 50:1 gasoline/oil ratio. ENGINE DOES NOT START Possible Cause What To Check Does the engine crank? NO Internal damage.
Troubleshooting Guide (continued) LOW POWER OUTPUT What To Check Is the engine overheating? Engine is rough at all speeds. May also have black smoke and/or unburned fuel at the exhaust. Possible Cause Operator is overworking the unit. Use a lower throttle setting. Carburetor mixture is too lean. Consult with an authorized Shindaiwa servicing dealer. Improper fuel ratio.
Troubleshooting Guide (continued) ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS Symptom Poor acceleration. Engine stops abruptly. Possible Cause Clogged air filter. Clean the air filter. Clogged fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter. Lean fuel/air mixture. Consult with an authorized Shindaiwa servicing dealer. Idle speed set too low. Adjust idle. Check Specifications page for correct idle speed. Ignition switch turned off. Reset the switch and re-start. Fuel tank empty.
Warranty Statements SHINDAIWA LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT FOR PRODUCT SOLD IN USA AND CANADA BEGINNING 01/01/2013 ECHO, INC’S RESPONSIBILITY ECHO Incorporated’s (ECHO, INC.) Limited Warranty, provides to the original purchaser that this Shindaiwa product is free from defects in material and workmanship. Under normal use and maintenance from date of purchase, ECHO, INC.
Warranty Statements PURCHASED REPAIR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES • 90-day all applications ATTENTION ENGINE POWERED PRODUCT OWNERS This Shindaiwa engine powered product is a quality-engineered unit which has been manufactured to exact tolerances to provide superior performance. To help ensure the performance of the unit, it is required to use engine oil which meets the ISO-L-EGD Standard per ISO/CD 13738 and JASO M345/FD Standards.
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Product Registration Thank you for choosing Shindaiwa Power Equipment Please go to http://www.shindaiwa-usa.com to register your new product on-line. It's FAST and EASY! NOTE: your information will never be sold or misused by ECHO, Inc. Registering your purchase enables us to contact you in the unlikely event of a service update or product recall, and verifies your ownership for warranty consideration. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can complete the form below and mail to: ECHO Inc.
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Servicing Information Parts/Serial Number Genuine Shindaiwa Parts and Assemblies for your Shindaiwa products are available only from an Authorized Shindaiwa Dealer. When you do need to buy parts always have the Model Number, Type and Serial Number of the unit with you. You can find these numbers on the engine. For future reference, write them in the space provided below. Model No. _____________ SN.
