Shindaiwa Using a Blade T242X, Blade Thrust, Brushcutter Handlebar, Brushcutter Shoulder Strap

Using a Blade T242X

WARNING!

nBefore working with a blade- equipped unit, always inspect and clean the area of objects that could interfere with or damage the blade.

nNever use a blade near sidewalks, fence posts, buildings or other objects that could cause injury or damage.

nNever use a blade for purposes other than those for which it was designed.

nWhenever 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!

nA blade-equipped unit must be equipped with a bicycle-type handlebar or barrier bar as well as a harness or shoulder strap.

nAlways 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!

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 T242X with a blade, make sure both the handle and shoulder strap are adjusted to the size of the operator using the unit.

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.

nTo prevent possible engine damage, do not allow the brushcutter to run at high speeds without a load.

nAvoid operating the engine at low speeds. Doing so can lead to rapid clutch wear. In addition, slow-speed operation tends to cause grass and debris to wrap around the cutting head.

Using a Blade T242X

The blade rotates counter-clockwise. For best performance, move the blade from right to left while advancing on your work. Position the blade so cuts are made between the blade’s 8 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 24.

WARNING!

When cutting wood with a blade, feed the blade slowly—never strike or “slam” a spinning blade against the wood.

Ten

O'clock

OK To Cut

Eight

O'clock

Figure 24

D
O
N
Blade	O
		T
Rotation
		U
		C
		T

Five

O'clock

Cut on the left side of the blade.

KEEP YOUR BODY OUTSIDE THE PATH OF BLADE ROTATION

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.

WARNING!

When making vertical cuts, never allow the blade to exceed waist height.

WARNING!

DO NOT use 2-tooth or NON- Shindaiwa approved 4-tooth cutting blades on Shindaiwa trimmers or brushcutters.

Figure 25

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