Maintenance

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 PER- FORMANCE AND DURABILITY TO AUTHORIZED PARTS MAY IMPAIR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EMISSION CON- TROL SYSTEM AND MAY HAVE A BEARING ON THE OUTCOME OF A WARRANTY CLAIM.

NOTE:

Using non-standard replacement parts could invalidate your Shindaiwa warranty.

WARNING!

Before performing any main- tenance, repair, or cleaning work on the unit, make sure the engine and cutting attachment are completely stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire before performing service or maintenance.

WARNING!

Non-standard accessories, cut- ting attachment, or replacement parts may not operate properly with your unit and may cause damage and lead to personal injury.

Muffler

This unit must never be operated with a faulty or miss- ing spark arrester or muffler. Make sure the muffler is well secured and in good condition. A worn or damaged muffler is a fire hazard and may also cause hearing loss.

Spark Plug

Keep the spark plug and wire connections tight and clean.

Fasteners

Make sure nuts, bolts, and screws (except carburetor adjusting screws) are tight.

Air Filter

The H4 engine that powers your Shindaiwa model is a hybrid 4-stroke engine. As a hybrid, the engine is lubricated by oil mixed with the gasoline and air from the carburetor that moves through and around the internal parts of the engine in a similar way that a 2-stroke engine is lubricated. Without the heavy duty 2-stage air filter equipped on all H4 engines, dust and dirt could also move through the engine, decreasing engine life, increas- ing valve wear and the need for more frequent valve adjust- ments. To keep your H4 engine strong and reliable, Shindaiwa recommends that you check and service the air filter as instructed in the 10-Hour Maintenance section that follows.

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 accumula- tions of dirt or debris from the muf- fler 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.

Cooling

fins

Cooling

fins

Air

intake

Remove all dirt and debris from the engine and check the cooling fins

WARNING!

Always wear gloves when working around the cutter assembly.

■■Clean any debris or dirt from the cut- ting attachment.

■■Check for loose or missing screws or components. Make sure the cutter attachment is securely fastened.

■■Check the entire unit for leaking fuel or grease.

■■Make sure nuts, bolts, and screws (except carburetor idle speed adjusting screws) are tight.