Hedge Clipper
Operator's Manual
MODEL
HC-235
WARNING
Users of this equipment risk injury to themselves and others if the unit is used
improperly and/or safety precautions are not followed. ECHO provides an opera-
tor’s manual and a safety manual. Both must be read and understood for proper
and safe operation. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.
X750010616
03/13
X7502255906
Hedge Clipper
OperatOr's Manual
3
sAfeTy
mANuAl sAfeTy symbols ANd ImpoRTANT INfoRmATIoN
Throughout this manual and on the product itself, you will find safety alerts and helpful, informational messages pre-
ceded by symbols or key words. The following is an explanation of those symbols and key words and what they mean to
CIRCLE AND sLAsH syMbOL
DANGER
This symbol means the specific action
shown is prohibited. Ignoring these prohi-
bitions can result in serious or fatal injury.
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word
“DANGER” calls attention to an act or condition
which WILL lead to serious personal injury or
death if not avoided.
NOTE
WARNING
This enclosed message provides tips for use, care and
maintenance of the unit.
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word
“WARNING” calls attention to an act or condi-
tion which CAN lead to serious personal injury or
death if not avoided.
IMPORTANT
The enclosed message provides information neces-
sary for the protection of the unit.
CAUTION
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word
“CAUTION” calls attention to an act or condition
which may lead to minor or moderate personal
injury if not avoided.
INTeRNATIoNAl symbols
Symbol
description/application
Symbol
description/application
Symbol
description/application
Symbol
description/application
Symbol form/shape
Symbol form/shape
Symbol form/shape
Symbol form/shape
Carburetor adjustment
- High speed mixture
Carburetor adjustment
- Low speed mixture
Read and understand
owners manual.
Fuel and oil mixture
Finger Severing
Wear eyes, ears and
head protection
Safety/Alert
Carburetor adjustment
- Idle speed
Avoid all power
lines. This unit is not
insulated against
electrical current.
Do not operate closer
than 15 M (50 ft.) from
electrical hazards.
Hot
Surface
Emergency stop
DO NOT SMOkE
NEAR FUEL.
Wear hand protection.
Use two handed.
Plan retreat
path from falling
objects.
Primer bulb
Ignition
Choke Control
"Cold Start"
Position
Ignition
ON/OFF
Wear slip resistant
foot wear.
DO NOT ALLOW
FLAMES OR
SPARkS NEAR
FUEL.
(Choke Closed)
Choke Control
"Run"
Position
Do not operate with-
out guards in place.
keep bystanders at least
4.5 meters (15 feet) away.
(Choke Open)
4
peRsoNAl CoNdITIoN ANd sAfeTy equIpmeNT
WARNING
Users of this product risk injury to themselves and others if the unit is used improperly and/or safety precautions are
not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating unit.
Proper Clothing
Physical Condition
Wear snug fitting, durable clothing;
• Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
• if you are tired or sick,
• if you are taking medication,
• if you have taken alcohol or drugs.
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, JEWELRY,
or clothing with loose or hanging items that could
become entangled in moving parts or surrounding
growth.
Eye Protection
Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid soles;
• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,
• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.
Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves.
Keep long hair away from engine and air intake. Retain
hair with cap or net.
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE re-
quirements whenever you operate the unit.
Hand Protection
Wear no-slip, heavy-duty work gloves to improve your
grip on the handle. Gloves also reduce the transmission
of machine vibration to your hands.
Hot Humid Weather
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue
which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for
early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures
are cooler.
Hearing Protection
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever
unit is used.
WARNING
The ignition components of this machine generate an electromagnetic field during operation which may interfere
with some pacemakers. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons with pacemakers should consult with
their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this machine. In the absence of such informa-
tion, ECHO does not recommend the use of ECHO products by anyone who has a pacemaker.
Extended Operation/Extreme Conditions
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the fingers of certain individuals, may be
brought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and burning sensa-
tions, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended,
because the minimum exposure, which might trigger the ailment, is unknown.
• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles, hands,
and wrists.
• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exer-
cises during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking.
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where op-
erating the unit or other hand-held power equipment is not required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the fingers fol-
lowed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician before
further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
Hedge Clipper
OperatOr's Manual
5
Repetitive Stress Injuries
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders may cause soreness,
swelling, numbness, weakness, and extreme pain in those areas. Certain repetitive hand activities may put you at a high
risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which
could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged
exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain for months or even years.
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position.
Instead try to maintain a straight wrist position. Also, when grasping,
use your whole hand, not just the thumb and index finger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive move-
ment.
• Do exercise to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if
you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, or
arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent
nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.
DANGER
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated
areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can cause
serious injury or death.
Read the Manuals
• Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual and
Safety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation.
Clear the Work Area
• Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and
animals prevented from coming nearer than 15 m (50 ft.) while the
unit is in use.
Keep a Firm Grip
• Always hold throttle handle and support handle with thumbs and
fingers encircling the handles.
Keep a Solid Stance
• Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery,
uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions or on lad-
ders. Do not over reach.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact during
and immediately after operation.
WARNING
Never perform blade maintenance procedures while engine is run-
ning.
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