MAKITA ER2550LH (02) PDF Document

When reading the instruction manual for your MAKITA ER2550LH, you will note the following symbols:

Book with exclamation mark: Read instruction manual and follow the warnings and safety precautions!

Head with helmet, goggles, and ear protection: Wear protective helmet, eye and ear protection.

Exclamation mark in triangle: Take particular care and attention!

“max 10000min-1”: Top permissible tool speed.

X: Forbidden!

Fuel pump icon: Fuel (Gasoline).

Person with distance arrow (15m/50FT): Keep distance!

Hand pulling starter cord: Engine-manual start.

Head with flying object: Flying object hazard!

STOP button: Emergency stop.

Cigarette with cross: No smoking!

Plus sign: First Aid.

Open flame with cross: No open flame!

“I”: ON/START.

Glove icon: Protective gloves must be worn!

“O”: OFF/STOP.

Boot icon: Wear sturdy boots with nonslip soles. Steel-toed safety boots are recommended!

Blade with cross: Never use metal blades.

People and pets with cross: Keep the area of operation clear of all persons and pets!

Always follow these general instructions for safe operation of your MAKITA ER2550LH:

• Read the instruction manual to become familiar with handling the equipment. Users insufficiently informed will risk danger to themselves as well as others due to improper handling.

• It is recommended only to lend the equipment to people who have proven to be experienced. Always hand over the instruction manual with the equipment.

• First-time users should ask the dealer for basic instructions to familiarize oneself with handling string trimmers.

• Children and young persons aged under 18 years must not be allowed to operate this equipment. Persons over the age of 16 years may, however, use the device for the purpose of being trained while under the supervision of a qualified trainer.

• Use with the utmost care and attention.

• Operate only if you are in good physical condition. Perform all work calmly and carefully. The user has to accept liability for others.

• Never use this equipment after consumption of alcohol or drugs, or if feeling tired or ill.

• Note that national regulations can restrict the use of the machine.

The MAKITA ER2550LH is intended only for cutting grass and light weeds. It should not be used for any other purpose such as edging or hedge cutting as this may cause injury.

To avoid head, eye, hand, or foot injuries and to protect your hearing, the following protective equipment must be used during operation of the MAKITA ER2550LH:

• Clothing: Should be functional and appropriate, i.e., tight-fitting but not causing hindrance. Do not wear jewelry or clothing that could become entangled.

• Protective Helmet (1): Always wear a helmet where there is a risk of falling objects. Check it regularly for damage and replace it at the latest after 5 years. Use only approved protective helmets.

• Visor or Goggles (2): The visor of the helmet (or alternatively goggles) protects the face from flying debris and stones. Always wear goggles or a visor to prevent eye injuries.

• Hearing Protection (3): Wear adequate noise protection equipment (ear muffs, ear plugs, etc.) to avoid hearing impairment.

• Work Overalls (4): These protect against flying stones and debris. It is strongly recommended that the user wears work overalls.

• Gloves (5): Gloves are part of the prescribed equipment and must always be worn during operation.

• Sturdy Shoes (6): Always wear sturdy shoes with a non-slip sole. This protects against injuries and ensures good footing.

Before starting the MAKITA ER2550LH, follow these safety checks:

• Ensure there are no children or other people within a working range of 15 meters (50 ft). Also, pay attention to any animals in the vicinity.

• Always check that the equipment is safe for operation.

• Check the security of the cutting attachment.

• Check the throttle lever for easy action and proper functioning of the throttle lever lock.

• The cutting attachment must not rotate during idling speed. Check with your dealer for adjustment if in doubt.

• Check for clean and dry handles and test the function of the start/stop switch.

During operation and transport, adhere to the following safety rules:

• Start the trimmer only in accordance with the instructions. Do not use any other methods for starting the engine.

• Only start the engine after the entire assembly is complete and all appropriate accessories are attached.

• Before starting, ensure the cutting attachment has no contact with hard objects like branches or stones, as it will revolve when starting.

• Immediately switch off the engine in case of any engine problems or if the cutting attachment hits a hard object.

• Inspect the cutting attachment at short, regular intervals for damage.

• If the equipment gets a heavy impact or fall, check its condition before continuing work. Check for fuel leakage and malfunction of controls and safety devices.

• Always hold the Petrol String Trimmer with both hands during operation.

• Always ensure a safe footing.

• Operate in a way to avoid inhaling exhaust gases. Never run the engine in enclosed rooms.

• Switch off the engine when resting or leaving the equipment unattended.

• Never put a hot trimmer onto dry grass or combustible materials.

• Always install the approved cutting attachment guard before starting the engine.

• Never operate the engine with a faulty exhaust muffler.

• Shut off the engine during transport. Ensure a safe position during car transportation to avoid fuel leakage. When transporting, ensure the fuel tank is completely empty.

Follow these safety procedures when refueling:

• Shut off the engine, keep away from open flames, and do not smoke.

• Avoid skin contact with mineral oil products and do not inhale fuel vapor. Always wear protective gloves.

• Take care not to spill fuel or oil. Clean the trimmer immediately after any spillage.

• Avoid fuel contact with your clothing. Change clothing instantly if fuel has been spilt on it.

• Regularly inspect the fuel cap to ensure it fastens securely and does not leak.

• Carefully tighten the fuel tank cap. Change location (at least 3 meters away from the refueling place) to start the engine.

• Never refuel in closed rooms.

• Only transport and store fuel in approved containers. Make sure the fuel stored is not accessible to children.

For safe and effective operation, please observe the following:

• Only use in good light and visibility. Beware of slippery or wet areas, ice, and snow in winter.

• Never cut above waist height.

• Never stand on a ladder or climb up into trees to perform cutting operations.

• Never work on unstable surfaces.

• Remove sand, stones, nails, etc., found within the working range.

• Before commencing cutting, the cutting attachment must have reached full working speed.

• Swing the Petrol String Trimmer evenly.

• If grass or branches get caught, always stop the engine before cleaning.

• Take a 10 to 20-minute rest every hour to prevent loss of control caused by fatigue.

• Never use metal blades, including metal multi-piece pivoting chains and flail blades. Blade contact may cause serious injury.

People with poor circulation who are exposed to excessive vibration may experience injury to blood vessels or the nervous system. Vibration may cause symptoms like “Falling asleep” (numbness), tingling, pain, stabbing sensation, or alteration of skin color in the fingers, hands, or wrists. If any of these symptoms occur, see a physician.

To reduce the risk of “white finger disease”, keep your hands warm during operation and properly maintain the equipment and accessories.

In case of an accident, make sure a first-aid box is available. Immediately replace any item taken from it. When asking for help, please provide the following information:

• Place of accident

• What happened

• Number of injured persons

• Kind of injuries

• Your name

CAUTION: Before doing any work on the equipment, always stop the engine and pull the spark plug connector off the spark plug. Always wear protective gloves. Start the engine only after having assembled it completely.

To mount the loop handle:

1. Fix the loop handle on the shaft as shown in the manual’s diagram.

2. Make sure that the spacer on the shaft pipe is located between the grip assembly and the other grip. Do not remove or shrink the spacer.

NOTE: In some countries, the spacer is not provided. In that case, align the handle to the further side of the line indicated by the arrow marks.

The protector must be installed to maintain the nylon-cutting-cord length and protect the operator. CAUTION: Do not touch the cord cutter on the protector with bare hands, as it may result in injury.

1. Set the protector so that the rib on the shaft fits into the groove on the protector.

2. Tighten the two bolts securely.

WARNING: Never use cutting blades. Be sure to use a genuine MAKITA nylon cutting head. If the nylon cutting head hits a stone during operation, stop the engine and inspect the head immediately.

1. Insert the lock key through the hole on the clamp. Rotate them while pushing the lock key in until they are locked.

2. Screw the nylon cutting head onto the shaft by turning it clockwise. Make sure that it is mounted securely.

3. Remove the lock key.

To remove the nylon cutting head, turn it counterclockwise.

Perform this procedure with the engine cooled down.

1. Keep the engine level and remove the oil gauge. Confirm that the oil is filled within the upper and lower limit marks.

2. If the oil is low, refill with new oil up to the edge of the oil refill port. Feed the oil with a lubricant refill container.

3. Securely tighten the oil gauge after checking or refilling. Insufficient tightening may cause oil leakage.

Recommended oil: SAE 10W-30 oil of API Classification, Class SF or higher (4-stroke engine for automobile).

Oil volume: Approx. 0.08L.

NOTE: If the engine is not kept upright, oil may be refilled excessively, which can cause contamination or white smoke. Remove dust and dirt from near the oil refill port before opening, and keep the oil gauge clean to prevent contamination.

WARNING: INFLAMMABLES STRICTLY PROHIBITED

Fuel Type: The engine is a four-stroke engine. Use unleaded automobile gasoline of 87 or higher octane ((R+M)/2). It may contain no more than 10% alcohol (E-10). Never use a gasoline mixture that contains engine oil, as this will cause excessive carbon accumulation or mechanical troubles.

Storage Period of Fuel: Fuel should be used within 4 weeks. Otherwise, it may deteriorate.

Refueling Procedure:

1. Loosen the tank cap a little to equalize atmospheric pressure.

2. Detach the tank cap and refuel. Tilt the fuel tank so the refuel port is oriented upward to help discharge air. Never fill fuel completely to the top of the refill port; stop at the fuel upper limit line.

3. Wipe the area around the tank cap to prevent foreign matter from entering the tank.

4. After refueling, securely tighten the tank cap.

5. If there is any flaw or damage on the tank cap, replace it. The tank cap is consumable and should be renewed every two to three years.

Move at least 3 meters away from the refueling area. Place the unit on the ground, ensuring the cutting attachment does not contact anything.

1. Set the machine on a flat space.

2. Set the I-O switch (1) to the OPERATION position.

3. Continuously push the primer pump until fuel enters it (generally 7 to 10 pushes). If pushed excessively, excess gasoline returns to the fuel tank.

4. Pull the recoil starter knob gently until you feel resistance (compression point). Return the knob to its original position, and then pull it strongly. Never pull the rope to its full extent, and do not release the handle abruptly; guide it back.

5. Allow the engine to warm up for 2 to 3 minutes.

NOTE: In case of flooding (excessive fuel intake), remove the spark plug, pull the starter handle slowly to remove excess fuel, and dry the electrode section of the spark plug before reinstalling.

1. Push the primer pump repeatedly.

2. Keep the throttle lever at the idling position.

3. Pull the recoil starter strongly.

4. If it is difficult to start the engine, open the throttle by about 1/3.

When starting the engine is difficult, use the choke lever:

1. After performing the initial startup steps (setting the switch and priming), set the choke lever to the CLOSE position.

2. Perform the recoil starter step to start the engine.

3. Once the engine starts, set the choke lever to the OPEN position.

4. Complete the warm-up operation.

CAUTION: If you hear a bang and the engine stops, return the choke lever to the OPEN position and pull the starter again. Leaving the choke lever in the CLOSE position and repeatedly pulling the starter will flood the engine.

1. Release the throttle lever (2) fully.

2. When the engine rpm has lowered, set the I-O switch to the STOP position. The engine will now stop.

3. Be aware that the cutting head may not stop immediately. Allow it to slow down fully.

The low-speed rotation (idling) should be set to 3,000 min⁻¹.

If an adjustment is necessary, use a Phillips head screwdriver on the carburetor adjusting screw:

• Turn the adjusting screw to the right (clockwise) to increase the engine rotation speed.

• Turn the adjusting screw to the left (counter-clockwise) to decrease the engine rotation speed.

The carburetor is generally adjusted before shipment. If you believe it needs readjustment, please contact an Authorized Service Agent.

As the nylon cord wears down during operation, you need to feed more out manually. To do this, tap the nylon cutting head on the ground while it rotates at around 6,000 min⁻¹. This will release more cord.

NOTE: If the nylon cutting cord does not feed out, you may need to rewind it.

WARNING: Ensure the cover of the nylon cutting head is secured properly to the housing. Failure to do so may cause the head to fly apart, resulting in serious injury.

1. Remove the cover: Press inward on the housing latches and lift upward to remove the cover. Discard any remaining nylon cord.

2. Prepare new cord: Hook the middle of the new nylon cord to the notch at the center of the spool between the two channels. One side of the cord should be about 80 mm longer than the other.

3. Wind the cord: Wind both ends firmly around the spool in the direction marked on the head for right-hand direction (indicated by RH).

4. Secure the ends: Wind all but about 100 mm of the cords, leaving the ends temporarily hooked through a notch on the side of the spool.

5. Install the spool: Mount the spool in the housing so that the grooves and protrusions on the spool match up with those in the housing. Unhook the ends of the cord and feed them through the eyelets to come out of the housing.

6. Attach the cover: Align the protrusion on the underside of the cover with the slots of the eyelets. Then push the cover firmly onto the housing to secure it. Make sure the latches fully spread in the cover.

To ensure a long service life and avoid damage, perform the following checks and maintenance:

Before Operation:

• Check the machine for loose screws or missing parts. Pay particular attention to the tightness of the nylon cutting head.

• Check for clogging of the cooling air passage and the cylinder fins. Clean them if necessary.

Daily After Use:

• Clean the equipment externally and inspect for damage.

• Clean the air filter. If working in extremely dusty conditions, clean the filter several times a day.

• Check the nylon cutting head for damage and make sure it is firmly mounted.

• Check that there is sufficient difference between idling and engagement speed to ensure the cutting attachment is at a standstill while the engine is idling. If necessary, reduce the idling speed.

• Check the functioning of the I-O switch, the lock-off lever, the throttle lever, and the lock button.

Deteriorated engine oil will shorten the life of sliding and rotating parts. Be sure to check the period and quantity of replacement.

ATTENTION: The engine and oil can be hot just after stopping. Ensure they are sufficiently cooled down to avoid a risk of scald.

Interval of replacement: Initially, every 20 operating hours, and subsequently every 50 operating hours.

Recommended oil: SAE10W-30 oil of API Classification SF Class or higher (4-stroke engine oil for automobile).

Procedure:

1. Confirm that the fuel tank cap is tightened securely.

2. Detach the oil gauge. Keep it free from dust or dirt.

3. Place waste or paper near the oil refill port.

4. Detach the oil gauge and drain the oil by tilting the main unit toward the oil refill port. Drain oil into a container for orderly disposal.

5. Keep the engine level and feed new oil up to the edge of the oil refill port using a lubricant refill container.

6. After refilling, securely tighten the oil gauge. Insufficient tightening will lead to oil leakage.

NOTE: Never discard replaced engine oil in garbage, earth, or sewage. Disposal is regulated by law. Oil will deteriorate even when unused; replace it with new oil every 6 months.

DANGER: INFLAMMABLES STRICTLY PROHIBITED

Interval of Cleaning: Daily (every 10 operating hours).

Procedure:

1. Turn the choke lever to the full close side to keep the carburetor free from dust or dirt.

2. Remove the air cleaner cover-fixing bolts.

3. Pull the cover’s lower side and detach the air cleaner cover.

4. If oil adheres to the element (sponge), squeeze it firmly.

5. For heavy contamination:

– Remove the element (sponge), immerse it in warm water or water-diluted neutral detergent, and dry it completely.

– Clean the element (felt) with gasoline and dry it completely.

6. Before reattaching, ensure the elements are completely dry. Insufficient drying may lead to difficult startup.

7. Wipe out any oil adhering around the air cleaner cover and plate breather with a waste cloth.

8. Reattach the cleaner cover (upper claw first, then lower claw) and tighten it with the fixing bolts.

NOTE: Clean the element several times a day if excessive dust adheres to it. If operation continues with an oil-soaked element, oil may fall outside, resulting in oil contamination.

CAUTION: Never touch the spark plug connector while the engine is running (danger of high voltage electric shock).

1. Use only the supplied universal wrench to remove or install the spark plug.

2. The gap between the two electrodes of the spark plug should be 0.7 – 0.8 mm (0.028″ – 0.032″). If the gap is too wide or too narrow, adjust it.

3. If the spark plug is clogged or contaminated, clean it thoroughly or replace it.

WARNING: INFLAMMABLES STRICTLY PROHIBITED

Interval of Cleaning and Inspection: Monthly (every 50 operating hours).

The fuel filter (1) of the suction head filters the fuel required by the carburetor. A clogged filter can cause insufficient fuel supply and may lead to exceeding the admissible maximum speed.

1. Open the tank cap.

2. Use a wire hook to pull out the suction head through the tank opening.

3. Visually inspect the filter. If it has hardened, been polluted, or is clogged up, it must be replaced.

4. It is important to replace the fuel filter at least quarterly to ensure satisfactory fuel supply to the carburetor.

CAUTION: INFLAMMABLES STRICTLY PROHIBITED

• Inspection: Daily (every 10 operating hours).

• Replacement: Annually (every 200 operating hours).

Replace the fuel pipe every year, regardless of operating frequency, as fuel leakage may lead to fire. If any leakage is detected during inspection, replace the fuel pipe immediately.

WARNING: When draining the fuel, stop the engine and make sure it has cooled down to avoid burns, flammability, and fire risks.

1. Drain all fuel from the fuel tank and carburetor. To do this:

– Remove the fuel tank cap and drain the fuel completely.

– Pull out the fuel filter from the refill port using a wire.

– Push the primer pump until fuel is drained from it, and drain the fuel coming into the fuel tank.

– Put the filter back into the fuel tank and securely tighten the fuel tank cap.

– Continue to operate the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.

2. Remove the spark plug and drip several drops of engine oil through the spark plug hole.

3. Gently pull the starter handle so that the engine oil will spread over the engine, then reattach the spark plug.

4. Store the machine in a dry, clean place. During storage, keep the rod horizontal or keep the machine upright with the cutting attachment side oriented upward. Never store it with the cutting attachment side oriented downward, as lubricating oil may spill out.

5. Keep the drained fuel in a special container in a well-ventilated shade.

Attention after long-time storage: Before startup after long-time shutdown, be sure to replace the engine oil, as it will deteriorate while the machine is kept out of operation.

*1 Perform initial replacement after 20h operation.

*2 For the 200 operating hour inspection, request Authorized Service Agent or a machine shop.

*3 After emptying the fuel tank, continue to run the engine and drain fuel in the carburetor.

Before requesting repairs, check the following table for possible causes and remedies.

When the engine does not start after warm-up operation: If there is no abnormality found for the check items, open the throttle by about 1/3 and start the engine.