21
CUTTING WITH BLADES
WARNING
DANGER
• Do not install a metal blade on GT series trimmer models,
or any model which lacks a hole for the blade-securing
cotter pin on the cutting head shaft.
• When using an SRM model with metal blades, replace the
trimmer debris shield with the metal blade debris shield.
(See operator’s manual.) A brace is used on some models
to support the shield.
• Also, use the unit with either a bar handle or a U-handle,
a metal debris shield, a shoulder harness, and blade collar
plus a nut and cotter pin. If your unit has a
D-handle, convert to a U-handle.
Install the blade properly with the teeth pointing in the direction
your blade head rotates. Refer to the operator’s manual for proper
blade installation and tooth direction. Be sure to use a new cotter
pin every time a blade is installed.
NOTE
A Maxi-Cut Weed Cutter may be installed on most ECHO GT
or SRM series units in place of a line head assembly. A special
interference-threaded lock nut is needed to secure it on GT
series units with a curved shaft. Straight shaft units use a nut
and cotter pin. The Maxi-Cut Weed Cutter can be used with
either a plastic line debris shield or a metal blade debris shield.
Installation instructions are on the Maxi-Cut package and in
the operator’s manual.
WARNING
DANGER
If a kickout occurs with a blade unit, the operator’s legs or
bystanders can be severely injured. Always wear the required
harness for the unit and be sure it is properly worn and
secured.
Adjust the shoulder harness to your body, and balance the as-
sembled unit from the harness as instructed on page 12. Inspect the
blades before use. The teeth must be sharp and there must be no
cracks in the steel. Dull blades increase the risk of blade kick out
reactions. Small cracks may grow to where a piece of the blade may
fly off during operation.
WARNING
DANGER
• Do not cut with dull, cracked or damaged metal blade.
• Before cutting growth, inspect for obstructions such as
boulders, metal stakes or strands of wire from broken
fences. If an obstruction cannot be removed, mark its
location so that you can avoid it with the blade. Rocks and
metal will dull or damage a blade. Wires can catch on the
blade head and flap around or be thrown into the air.
WARNING
DANGER
A metal blade SRM unit must have the items shown on page
9. These include either a bar handle or U-handle, a metal debris
shield, a shoulder harness and a blade-retaining nut and
cotter pin. These items are obtainable from your ECHO dealer
who sold you your unit.
NUT AND
COTTER PIN
COLLAR
UPPER ADAPTER
PLATE (COLLAR)
LOCKING
TOOL HOLE
BRACE
METAL BLADE
DEBRIS SHIELD
BLADE
COTTER PIN
NUT
LOWER ADAPTER
PLATE (COLLAR)
WIRES CAN CATCH
AND FLAP AROUND
