AH231_17
AH231_15
AH231_14
Adjusting the Hedge Trimmer Cutter Assembly
Position the hedge trimmer on a flat,
level surface with the engine resting
on the fuel tank guard. Make sure the
scabbard is in place on the blade.
1. With your right hand, grasp the
handle, located immediately
behind the hand guard. With your
left hand, grip the adjustment lever
on the cutter assembly.
See Figure 11.
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
AH231_16
Adjustment
Lever
Latch Release
Latch Lock
Adjustment
Lever
13
IMPORTANT!
The latch lock provides an interlock to
help prevent inadvertent depression of
the latch release.
WARNING!
■The cutter blades are very
sharp. Do not grasp the
blades with your hands. Do
not brush the blades against
your body.
■Never run the engine nor
operate the articulated hedge
trimmer when the cutter
assembly is in the storage/
transport position.
IMPORTANT!
Always use gloves when working near
the cutter assembly.
2. With the index finger of your left
hand, press the latch release. With
your left thumb, press the latch
lock. See Figure 12.
3. While holding the latch lock down,
pivot the cutter assembly using the
adjustment lever until it is straight
with the outer tube (pivot 180°).
See Figure 13.
4. Release the latch lock and the latch
release. Make sure the latch lock
and the latch release return
securely to a locking position.
5. Remove the scabbard from the
cutter blade. The engine now may
be started (refer to page 16 for
procedures).
OPERATION
AH231_33
10-Hour Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not operate the unit if the air
cleaner or element is damaged, or
if the element is wet.
Figure 25
10/15-Hour Maintenance
CAUTION!
Before removing the spark plug,
clean the area around the plug to
prevent dirt and debris from getting
into the engine’s internal parts.
AH231_31
AH231_32
Figure 26
Clean the spark
plug and check
the gap at the
electrode.
0.024 inch
(0.6 mm)
Figure 27
Gearbox
Grease
Fitting
Remove and
clean the
element
Unscrew
Fastener
AH231_30

Every 10 hours of operation,

(more frequently in dusty or

dirty conditions):

Remove the air cleaner element from
the air cleaner housing and clean it
thoroughly with soap and water. Let it
dry before reinstalling the element.
See Figure 25.
CAUTION!
Overlubricating can cause the
gearbox to operate sluggishly and
can cause grease to leak out.

Every 10 to 15 hours

of operation:

■Remove and clean the spark plug.
See Figure 26. Adjust the spark
plug electrode gap to 0.024-inch
(0.6 mm). If the plug must be
replaced, use only: Champion CJ8
or equivalent type spark plug of
correct heat range.
■Lubricate the cutter assembly
gearbox by pumping one or two
strokes of lithium-base grease into
the grease fitting using a lever-type
grease gun. See Figure 27.
22
MAINTENANCE