SHINDAIWA HT235 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The manual for the SHINDAIWA HT235 hedge trimmer uses specific attention statements to convey important information:

DANGER!: A statement preceded by the triangular attention symbol and the word “DANGER” contains information that should be acted upon to prevent serious injury or death.

WARNING!: A statement preceded by the triangular Attention Symbol and the word “WARNING” contains information that should be acted upon to prevent serious bodily injury.

CAUTION!: A statement preceded by the word “CAUTION” contains information that should be acted upon to avoid damaging your unit.

IMPORTANT!: A statement preceded by the word IMPORTANT is one that possesses special significance.

NOTE:: A statement preceded by the word “NOTE” contains information that is handy to know and may make your job easier.

When operating your SHINDAIWA HT235, always follow these safety guidelines:

Personal Fitness: You must be physically and mentally fit to operate this unit safely. Never operate power equipment if you are tired or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

Protective Gear: Always wear close-fitting clothing, eye, ear, head, and hand protection. Gloves are strongly recommended. Do not wear clothing or jewelry that could get caught in machinery.

Handling the Trimmer: Always grip the support handle with your right hand and the throttle handle with your left hand. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times; do not overreach.

Bystanders and Children: Keep bystanders at least 4.5 meters (15 feet) away. Never allow children to use the unit.

Engine Operation: Always stop the engine before removing branches or debris from the cutters. Stop the engine and install the blade cover before moving to another work site.

Safety Guards: Never operate the unit if the safety guard has been removed or damaged.

Cutting Precautions: Never allow the cutters to contact buildings or other hard objects. Never cut metal objects or wire. Use extreme caution near fences or electric wiring. Avoid cutting large or extremely “woody” branches.

Fire Prevention: Always check for fuel leaks before use. Move the unit away from fuel storage or other flammable materials before starting. Never smoke or light fires near the hedge trimmer.

Environment: Avoid using or storing the unit in a wet environment, as water can damage the gearcase.

Before and during operation of your SHINDAIWA HT235, adhere to these precautions:

• Never transport the hedge trimmer or leave it unattended with the engine running.

• Ensure the blade cover is in place when transporting or storing the unit.

• Confirm that the cutter attachment, all handles, and guards are properly installed and firmly tightened before operation.

• Inspect for broken, missing, or improperly installed parts.

• Never use a cracked or warped cutter or cutter bar; replace it immediately.

• Ensure there are no missing or loose fasteners and that controls work properly.

• Always ensure good ventilation. Fumes from engine exhaust can cause serious injury or death. Never run the engine indoors.

• Never smoke or light fires near the unit. Keep it away from excessive heat.

• Ensure cutters are correctly adjusted before operating. Never attempt adjustment with the engine running.

• Before starting, make sure the cutter is not contacting anything.

• Immediately stop the engine if the machine vibrates or shakes suddenly.

• Stop the engine immediately and check for damage if you strike a foreign object or the machine becomes tangled.

• When cutting a branch under tension, be alert for spring-back.

• If a cutter binds, shut off the engine immediately to free it.

• Always stop the engine and let it cool before refueling. Avoid overfilling and wipe up spills.

• Keep the engine and muffler free of debris, leaves, or excessive grease.

• Maintain a solid stance and balance. Do not work in odd positions or on ladders.

• Hedge trimmer blades are very sharp. Avoid touching them and always wear gloves.

• Clear your work area of trash or hidden debris to ensure good footing.

• Keep the hedge trimmer clean and free of loose vegetation, mud, etc.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Familiarizing yourself with the components of your SHINDAIWA HT235 will help ensure top performance and safer operation. The main components are:

• Fuel Tank & Cap: Holds the fuel/oil mixture.

• ON-OFF Switch: Controls the engine ignition.

• Recoil Starter: Handle used to start the engine.

• Support Handle: Front handle for guiding the trimmer.

• Throttle Handle: Rear handle containing the throttle trigger and ON-OFF switch.

• Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed.

• Protector: Guard located between the support handle and the blades.

• Muffler: Reduces engine noise and contains the spark arrestor.

• Choke: Used to aid in starting a cold engine.

• Air Cleaner Cover: Protects the air filter element.

• Gearcase: Houses the gears that drive the blades.

• Cutter: The set of moving blades.

• Guide Bar: The stationary bar that supports the cutters.

• Blade Cover: Protective sheath for the blades during transport and storage.

Gasoline: Use 89 Octane [R+M/2] (mid-grade or higher) gasoline known to be good quality. The gasoline may contain up to 10% Ethanol (E10). Do not use any fuel containing greater than 10 percent ethanol. Gasoline containing methanol (wood alcohol) is NOT approved. Alternative fuels like E15 or E-85 are NOT approved.

2-Stroke Mixture Oil: Use a 2-stroke engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345/FD standards. Shindaiwa One™ or Shindaiwa Red Armor™ engine oil is strongly recommended.

Fuel/Oil Ratio: The correct mixture is 50:1. This means 2.6 fluid ounces of oil per 1 gallon of gasoline, or 80 cc of oil per 4 liters of gasoline.

Fuel Storage: Stored fuel ages. Do not mix more fuel than you expect to use within 30 days (or 90 days if a fuel stabilizer is added). Using stale fuel can cause starting problems and engine damage.

Mixing Instructions:

1. Fill an approved fuel container with half of the required amount of gasoline.

2. Add the proper amount of 2-stroke engine oil.

3. Close the container and shake to mix the oil with the gasoline.

4. Add the remaining gasoline, close the container, and remix thoroughly.

Safe Handling Procedures:

Fuel is very flammable. Use extreme care when handling it.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• DO NOT smoke near fuel.

• DO NOT allow flames or sparks near fuel.

• Always loosen fuel caps slowly to allow pressure to equalize.

• NEVER refuel a unit when the engine is hot or running.

• DO NOT fill fuel tanks indoors. Always fill fuel tanks outdoors over bare ground.

• DO NOT overfill the fuel tank. Wipe up spills immediately.

• Securely tighten the fuel tank cap and close the fuel container after refueling.

• Inspect for fuel leakage. If leakage is found, do not start or operate the unit until it is repaired.

• Move the unit at least 3m (10 ft.) from the refueling location before starting the engine.

Always start the engine away from the operating position and ensure the blade cover is removed before use. The cutting attachment will move when the engine accelerates.

Starting a Cold Engine:

1. Move the ignition stop switch to the rear, to the “I” or ON position.

2. Prime the carburetor by repeatedly depressing the primer bulb until clear fuel is visible flowing through the transparent primer bulb.

3. Move the choke lever backward to the “closed” (Cold start) position.

4. Place the unit on the ground. Grip the support handle with your right hand and the starter handle with your left hand.

5. Pull the recoil starter cord. Always engage the starter before pulling, never pull the cord to its full length, and always rewind it slowly.

6. After the engine fires, move the choke to the RUN (OPEN) position.

7. If the engine stops, restart it with the choke in the RUN position.

8. Once the motor starts, allow it to warm up at idle for several minutes.

Starting a Warm Engine:

1. Follow steps 1, 2, 4, and 5 from the “Cold Engine” procedure. Ensure the choke is in the RUN (OPEN) position.

If you suspect the engine of your SHINDAIWA HT235 is flooded with excess fuel, follow these steps:

1. Slide the ignition switch to the “I” (ON) position.

2. Open the choke (move it to the RUN position) and put the throttle lever in the full throttle position.

3. Clear the excess fuel from the combustion chamber by cranking the engine several times with the recoil starter.

4. If the engine still fails to start, refer to the troubleshooting guide in your manual.

1. Release the throttle trigger and allow the engine to cool by idling for 2-3 minutes.

2. Move the ignition switch to the “O” or STOP position.

WARNING: If the engine does not stop when the stop switch is moved to the STOP position, close the choke to the COLD START position to stall the engine. Have the stop switch repaired by an authorized dealer before using the hedge trimmer again.

Before performing any maintenance, ensure the engine is stopped and the spark plug wire is disconnected.

1. Remove all grass clippings and dirt from the hedge trimmer. This includes compacted debris from around the fuel tank, muffler, and engine cooling fins. Clean under the cylinder cover and around the spark plug.

2. Inspect the air filter element for clogging and clean it as necessary.

3. Check for any loose, damaged, or missing components and repair them as needed. Inspect support and throttle handles for damage or loose attachments.

4. Lubricate the cutter blades with oil before use and after refueling.

5. Check the cutters and guide bar for damage and ensure all bolts are tight.

Perform this maintenance more frequently in dusty conditions.

1. Close the choke. Remove the air cleaner cover by loosening the cleaner cover knob.

2. Inspect the air cleaner element. If the element is damaged or distorted, replace it with a new one.

3. To clean the element, tap it gently on a hard surface to dislodge debris. You can also use compressed air to blow debris out from the inside face of the filter.

4. Install the filter element and cover in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION: Never operate the unit if the air cleaner assembly is damaged or missing.

Every 10 to 15 hours of operation, you should service the spark plug on your SHINDAIWA HT235.

1. Before removing the spark plug, clean the area around it to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the engine’s internal parts.

2. Remove and clean the spark plug.

3. Adjust the spark plug electrode gap to 0.6 mm (0.024 in).

4. If the spark plug must be replaced, use only an NGK BPM8Y or an equivalent spark plug of the correct heat range.

Perform gearcase lubrication every 20 hours of operation.

1. Clean any dirt from the grease fitting (A) and grommet (B) on the gearcase.

2. Apply 1-2 pumps of lithium-based grease. Do not force grease, as too much pressure can damage the seals.

3. For additional lubrication, remove the grommet next to the grease icon, add grease as illustrated in the manual, and then reinstall the grommet securely.

Lubrication:

Apply a few drops of oil to each bolt slot at the bottom of the blades.

Sharpening:

1. Slide the blades to allow file clearance using the slots on the bottom of the blades. Do not pry against the cutting edges.

2. Using a file, follow the original shape of the cutting edge. File each edge carefully to avoid damaging adjacent teeth. The specifications are: (A) 10mm Radius, (B) 100° (approx), (C) 35°, (D) 45°.

3. Lubricate the blades after sharpening.

Note: If the cutting blades overlap and are difficult to sharpen, you can move them by removing the grommet next to the tool icon on the bottom of the gear case, inserting a 5×10 mm screw into the gear shaft threads, and turning the screw with a wrench to move the blades. Reinstall the grommet securely afterwards.

This maintenance should be performed more often in dusty or extreme conditions.

Cylinder Fins:

1. Remove the 2 muffler cover screws and the muffler cover.

2. Remove the 5 cylinder cover screws and the cylinder cover.

3. Clean all grass and dirt from the cylinder fins to ensure proper engine cooling.

Fuel Filter:

1. Use a wire hook to carefully extract the fuel filter from inside the fuel tank. Be careful not to pierce the fuel line.

2. Inspect the fuel filter element. If it shows signs of contamination or damage, replace it with a genuine Shindaiwa replacement part.

3. Before reinstalling the filter, inspect the fuel line. If you find damage or deterioration, the unit should be serviced by a trained technician.

If the engine becomes sluggish and low on power, check and clean the spark arrester screen. Never operate the unit with a damaged or missing muffler or spark arrester.

1. Remove the 2 muffler cover screws and the muffler cover.

2. Remove the 3 screws holding the spark arrester screen, gasket, and cover to the muffler.

3. Remove the 2 muffler screws and the muffler itself.

4. Remove the spark arrester screen and clean it with a stiff bristle brush.

5. Inspect the cylinder exhaust port for any carbon buildup. If you note excessive buildup, consult with an authorized servicing dealer.

6. Reassemble the spark arrester, muffler, and muffler cover in the reverse order of disassembly.

The engine must return to idle speed when the throttle is released, and the idle speed must be low enough for the clutch to disengage the cutters.

1. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes until warm.

2. If the cutters move when the engine is at idle, reduce the idle speed by turning the idle adjustment screw (A) counterclockwise.

3. If a tachometer is available, adjust the idle speed to the RPM listed in the Specifications section.

WARNING: The cutters must NEVER engage at engine idle speed. If the idle speed cannot be adjusted correctly, return the trimmer to your dealer for inspection.

For storage periods of 30 days or longer, follow these procedures:

1. Clean external parts thoroughly and apply a light coating of oil to all metal surfaces.

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

a. Prime the primer bulb until no more fuel passes through.

b. Start and run the engine until it stops running.

c. Repeat steps a and b until the engine will no longer start.

3. Remove the spark plug and pour about 1/4 oz. of 2-stroke engine oil into the cylinder through the spark plug hole. Slowly pull the recoil starter 2 or 3 times to evenly coat the interior of the engine. Reinstall the spark plug.

4. Before storing, repair or replace any worn or damaged parts.

5. Remove the air cleaner element, clean it thoroughly, and then reassemble it.

6. Store the unit in a clean, dust-free area.

Follow this troubleshooting guide if your SHINDAIWA HT235 won’t start:

• Vaporlock: If the engine is hot/heat soaked, let it cool completely and restart. Low fuel quality can also cause this; refill with fresh, proper fuel mix.

• Engine won’t crank: If the recoil starter is faulty, there’s fluid in the crankcase, or there’s internal damage, consult an authorized servicing dealer.

• No compression: This could be a loose spark plug (tighten and re-test) or excess wear on the cylinder, piston, or rings (consult an authorized dealer).

• No fuel or incorrect fuel: If the tank is empty or has stale/incorrect fuel, refill with a fresh 50:1 mixture of 89+ octane gasoline and proper 2-stroke oil.

• Fuel not reaching carburetor: Check for a clogged fuel filter and/or vent and replace if needed. If the priming pump is not working, consult an authorized dealer.

• No spark: Ensure the ignition switch is in the “I” (ON) position. If the issue is a shorted ground or faulty ignition unit, consult an authorized dealer.

• Spark plug issues:

– If the plug is wet, the engine may be flooded. See “Starting a Flooded Engine” procedure.

– If the plug is fouled or improperly gapped, clean and gap it according to specifications, then restart.

– If the plug is damaged or the wrong size, replace it with the correct NGK BPM8Y plug, gapped to 0.6mm, and restart.

If your SHINDAIWA HT235 is running with low power, check the following:

• Engine Overheating: This can be caused by overworking the unit (use a lower throttle setting), improper fuel ratio (refill with correct 50:1 mix), or dirty/damaged fan or cylinder fins (clean, repair, or replace). If the carburetor mixture is too lean or there are carbon deposits, consult an authorized dealer.

• Engine is Rough, with Black Smoke/Unburned Fuel: This could be a clogged air cleaner element (service it), a loose or damaged spark plug (tighten or replace), an air leak or clogged fuel line (repair or replace), water in the fuel (refill with fresh fuel mix), or piston seizure/faulty carburetor (consult an authorized dealer).

• Engine is Knocking: This may be due to an overheating condition, improper fuel (refill with fresh, correct mix), or carbon deposits in the combustion chamber (consult an authorized dealer).

Here are solutions for other potential issues with your SHINDAIWA HT235:

• Poor acceleration: Clean the air filter or replace the fuel filter. If the idle speed is set too low, adjust it. If the fuel/air mixture is lean, consult an authorized dealer.

• Engine stops abruptly: Check if the ignition switch was turned off. Refill the fuel tank if empty. If there is water in the fuel, refill with a fresh mix. Replace a clogged fuel filter. Clean or replace a shorted spark plug or tighten a loose terminal. For ignition failure or piston seizure, see an authorized dealer.

• Engine difficult to shut off: The ground (stop) wire may be disconnected or the switch defective (test and replace). An incorrect spark plug may cause overheating (replace with correct plug). If the engine itself is overheated, let it idle until cool.

• Engine will not idle down: The idle may be set too high (adjust it). If the engine has an air leak, consult an authorized dealer.

• Excessive vibration: Inspect and re-tighten the loose attachment holder. Inspect and replace a warped or damaged attachment. Tighten a loose gearcase. Inspect and replace a bent main shaft or worn bushings.

• Engine overspeeding: The shaft may not be installed correctly, or the shaft/gearcase could be broken or damaged. Inspect and reinstall as required or consult an authorized dealer.