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ContentsIntroduction
PAGE
The Shindaiwa 261-series of hand-held
power tools has been designed and built to
deliver superior performance and reliability
without compromise to quality, comfort,
safety or durability.
Shindaiwa’s high-performance engines rep-
resent the leading edge of 2-cycle 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 these
instructions describe product 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.
Attention Statements ...................................2
General Safety Instructions ........................2
Safety Labels .................................................4
Product Description .....................................5
Specifications ................................................5
Assembly .......................................................6
Mixing Fuel ..................................................8
Starting the Engine ......................................9
Stopping the Engine ....................................9
Engine Idle Adjustment .............................10
Checking Unit Condition...........................10
Edging with a Hand-held Edger ...............10
Maintenance ...............................................11
Long Term Storage ....................................14
Troubleshooting Guide .............................15
Emission System Warranty .......................17

Work Safely

Edgers 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
your 261 Edger!
WARNING!
Never operate power
equipment of any kind if you are tired
or if you are under the inuence of
alcohol, drugs, medication or any other
substance that could affect your ability
or judgement.
WARNING!

Minimize the Risk of Fire!

NEVER smoke or light res near the
edger.
ALWAYS stop the engine and allow it
to cool before refueling. Avoid overll-
ing and wipe off any fuel that may have
spilled.
ALWAYS move the unit to a place well
away from a fuel storage area or other
readily ammable materials before
starting the engine.
NEVER place ammable material close
to the engine mufer.
NEVER run the engine without the
spark arrester screen in place.
WARNING!
Never make unauthorized attachment
installations, nor use attachments not
approved by Shindaiwa for use on this
unit.
General Safety Instructions
Throughout this manual are special
“Attention Statements”.
WARNING!
A statement preceded by the trian-
gular attention symbol and the word
“WARNING” contains information that
should be acted upon to prevent seri-
ous bodily injury.
CAUTION!
A statement preceded by the word
“CAUTION” contains information that
should be acted upon to prevent me-
chanical damage.
IMPORTANT!
A statement preceded by the word
“IMPORTANT” is one that possesses
special signicance.
NOTE:
A statement preceded by the word “NOTE”
contains information that is handy to know
and may make your job easier.
Attention Statements
IMPORTANT!
The operational procedures described
in this manual are intended to help you
get the most from your 261 Edger 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
261 Edger unit, 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.
50 FEET
(15m)
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.
Keep feet away from blade.
Rotating blade may cause
injury.