2
Contents
Attention Statements
PAGE
Introduction ..................................................2
Attention Statements ...................................2
Safety Precautions ........................................2
Operating Precautions .................................3
Safety Labels .................................................4
Operating the Trimmer ...............................4
Product Description .....................................5
Specifications ................................................5
Assembly and Adjustments .........................6
Adjusting the Cutter Assembly ...................7
Mixing Fuel ..................................................8
Starting the Engine ......................................9
Stopping the Engine ..................................10
Adjusting Engine Idle ................................10
Maintenance ...............................................11
Cutter Blade Adjustment ...........................13
Long Term Storage ....................................13
Troubleshooting Guide .............................14
Emission System Warranty .......................16
Throughout this manual are special
“Attention Statements.”
NOTE
A statement preceded by the word “NOTE”
contains information that is handy to know
and may make your job easier.
IMPORTANT!
A statement preceded by the word
“IMPORTANT” is one that possesses
special significance.
CAUTION!
A statement preceded by the word
“CAUTION” contains information that
should be acted upon to avoid damage
to the unit.
WARNING!
A statement preceded by the trian-
gular attention symbol and the word
“WARNING” indicates a potentially haz-
ardous situation which, if not avoided,
COULD result in death or serious
injury.
DANGER!
A statement preceded by the trian-
gular attention symbol and the word
“DANGER” indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, WILL result in death or
serious injury!
Introduction
The Shindaiwa AH231 Articulated Hedge
Trimmer is designed and built to deliver su-
perior 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 instruc-
tions describes units available at the time
of publication. While every attempt has
been made to provide the latest information
about your Shindaiwa product, there may
be some differences between your AH231
and what is described here.
Safety Precautions
DANGER!
THE ARTICULATED HEDGE
TRIMMER IS NOT INSULATED
AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK!
Approaching or contacting electrical
lines with the trimmer could cause
death or serious injury. Keep the trim-
mer at least 33 feet (10 meters) away
from electrical lines or branches that
contact electrical lines.
An articulated hedge trimmer has the
potential to do serious damage if misused,
abused or mishandled. To reduce the risk
of injury, you must maintain control at all
times, and observe all safety precautions
during operation.
Never permit a person
without training or instruction to operate
this trimmer!
IMPORTANT!
The procedures described in this manual
are intended to help you get the most
from your unit 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
power tool, 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.
Shindaiwa Inc. reserves the right to make
changes to products without prior notice
and without obligation to make alterations to
units previously manufactured.
Read and follow this manual, make sure
anyone using the trimmer does likewise.
Failure to do so could result in serious
personal injury or machine failure. Keep
this manual for future reference
Always wear a hard hat to reduce the
risk of head injuries during operation of
this machine. In addition, always wear
eye and hearing protection. Shindaiwa
recommends wearing a face shield as
additional face and eye protection. Wear
non-slip heavy-duty gloves to improve
your grip on the trimmer handle. Wear
sturdy footwear with nonslip soles to
provide good footing. Steel-toed safety
boots are recommended. Wear snug-
fitting clothes that also permit freedom
of movement.
Never operate this tool or any other power
equipment if you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any
substance that could affect your ability
or judgement.
Electrical Hazard
Keep bystanders at least 50 feet (15
meters) away from the operating trimmer
to reduce the risk of being struck by falling
objects or thrown debris.
Danger Falling Debris
WARNING!
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth de-
fects or other reproductive harm.
50 ft
15 M
