Cutter Cage Removal and Cutter Change
A. To remove the cutter cage from the machine:
1. Make sure that the power source is disconnected. With gas models turn off fuel supply to engine and
disconnect spark plug.
2. Tilt machine onto the handle. (If your unit is equipped with a Honda GX engine, unit must be tilted
forward to change cutter or cylinders will be flooded with oil. This will prevent starting).
3. Facing the underside of the machine housing place a bar between the cutter rods to jam cage.
4. Insert a drift pin into the hole on the main shaft and pull towards you until loose (if equipped with a
Honda GX engine, drift pin will be pushed away from you to loosen main shaft). Remove drift pin and
turn shaft out by hand. Remove shaft.
Changing Cutters/Shafts
Once the cage has been removed use Allen Key and open end wrench, remove screws from cover plate
and remove from cage. With drift pin, tap rods (or, if changing cutters on edger cage) from the drive side
until free of cage. Replace cutters or shafts as required. Replace cover plate. To re-install cutter cage in
machine, reverse procedure for removal. Ensure that shaft is tight.
Removing cage for Hand Held Models
Remove thumbscrews from cover plate, remove cover. Using chuck wrench insert in slot of matching
spline of drive unit to hold cage assembly. Insert pin wrench in matching holes of cage assembly.
Holding both wrenches at the same time, turn pin wrench counter clockwise until cage is free.
Changing Cutters-Hand-Held Unit
Remove cage shaft plate by removing screws. Using drift pin, tap out rods until free of cage. Replace
cutters or shafts as required. Reposition rods and cover plate and re-install cage in unit by reversing
procedure for removal.
Starting Procedure
Gas Operated
Important:
Set the machine in an upright position and adjust the cutter cage to maximum height by
turning the height adjustment knob to its farthest position. (This will ensure clearance for the rotating
cage).
Open the fuel valve on gas tank. Place throttle lever at fast idle position. Set the choke to closed position.
Start engine, open choke to prevent flooding. Move throttle control to open or run position when engine is
warmed up. Increase throttle control to maximum operating position (3600r.p.m.), close choke. Stop
engine after two (2) minutes. Re-start engine.
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