TBC270S - Grass trimmer Tanaka - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL TBC270S Tanaka

NOTE: Some units do not carry them. Symbols WARNING The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm. Gloves should be worn when necessary, e.g., when assembling cutting equipment. It is important that you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Careless or improper use of the unit may cause serious or fatal injury. Use anti-slip and sturdy footwear. Read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts a solid object in the critical area. A dangerous reaction may occur causing the entire unit and operator to be thrust violently. This reaction is called blade thrust. As a result, the operator may lose control of the unit which may cause serious or fatal injury. Blade thrust is more likely to occur in areas where it is diffi cult to see the material to be cut. Always wear eye, head and ear protectors when using this unit. Do not use metal/rigid blades when this sign is shown on the unit. Indicates blade guard location for a trimmer head or Brain head. Keep all children, bystanders and helpers 15 m away from the unit. If anyone approaches you, stop the engine and cutting attachment immediately. Indicate handle location. Do not attach handle above this point. Be careful of thrown objects. WARNING

• Read the Operator's Manual and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and /or bystanders.

• Objects may be thrown or ricochet in all directions. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

• Keep bystanders at least 15 m away.

• To reduce the chance of hearing loss, always wear ear protection.

• To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control, never use a metal blade on a curved shaft grass trimmer. Never use a metal blade on any brush cutter without barrier bar or bicycle handle confi guration and safety strap.

• Use of a blade may cause a sudden sideways, forward or backward motion of the brush cutter when the blade contacts a solid object. See Ownerʼs manual for model specifi c details. Shows maximum shaft speed. Do not use the cutting attachment whose max rpm is below the shaft rpm. Before using your machine

• Read the manual carefully.

• Check that the cutting equipment is correctly assembled and adjusted.

Since this manual covers several models, there may be some diff erence between pictures and your unit. Use the instructions that apply to your unit.

5. Cutting attachment

8. Suspension eyelet

12. Throttle trigger lookout

000BookTBC-270S.indb7000BookTBC-270S.indb7 2012/06/2116:41:562012/06/2116:41:56WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Operator safety ○ Always wear a safety face shield or goggles. ○ Always wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder length. ○ Do not operate this tool when you are tired, ill or under the infl uence of alcohol, drugs or medication. ○ Never let a child or inexperienced person operate the machine. ○ Wear hearing protection. Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of any bystanders who may be signaling a problem. Remove safety equipment immediately upon shutting off engine. ○ Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. ○ Keep handles free of oil and fuel. ○ Keep hands away from cutting equipment. ○ Do not grab or hold the unit by the cutting equipment. ○ When the unit is turned off , make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before the unit is set down. ○ When operation is prolonged, take a break from time to time so that you may avoid possible Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which is caused by vibration. WARNING ○ Antivibration systems do not guarantee that you will not sustain Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, continual and regular users should monitor closely the condition of their hands and fi ngers. If any symptoms of the above appear, seek medical advice immediately. ○ If you are using any medical electric/electronic devices such as a pacemaker, consult your physician as well as the device manufacturer prior to operating any power equipment. Unit/machine safety ○ Inspect the entire unit/machine before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks and make sure all fasteners are in place and securely tightened. ○ Replace parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in any way before using the unit/machine. ○ Make sure the safety guard is properly attached. ○ Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments. ○ Use only accessories as recommended for this unit/machine by the manufacturer. WARNING Never modify the unit/machine in any way. Do not use your unit/ machine for any job except that for which it is intended. Fuel safety ○ Mix and pour fuel outdoors and where there are no sparks or fl ames. ○ Use a container approved for fuel. ○ Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit/machine or while using the unit/machine. ○ Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine. ○ Move at least 3 m away from fueling site before starting engine. ○ Stop engine before removing fuel cap. ○ Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit/machine. It is recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use. If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak. ○ Store unit/machine and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open fl ames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces. etc. WARNING Fuel is easy to ignite or get explosion or inhale fumes, so that pay special attention when handling or fi lling fuel. Cutting safety ○ Do not cut any material other than grass and brush. ○ Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects which can be thrown or become entangled. ○ For respiratory protection, wear an aerosol protection mask when cutting the grass after insecticide is scattered. ○ Keep others including children, animals, bystanders and helpers outside the 15 m hazard zone. Stop the engine immediately if you are approached. ○ Always keep the engine on the right side of your body. ○ Hold the unit/machine fi rmly with both hands. ○ Keep fi rm footing and balance. Do not over-reach. ○ Keep all parts of your body away from the muffl er and cutting attachment when the engine is running. ○ Keep cutting attachment below waist level. ○ When relocating to a new work area, be sure to shut off the machine and ensure that all cutting attachments are stopped. ○ Never place the machine on the ground when running. ○ Always ensure that the engine is shut off and any cutting attachments have completely stopped before clearing debris or removing grass from the cutting attachment. ○ Always carry a fi rst-aid kit when operating any power equipment. ○ Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building and/or near infl ammable liquids. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Maintenance safety ○ Maintain the unit/machine according to recommended procedures. ○ Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjustments. ○ Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments. ○ Use only genuine Tanaka replacement parts as recommended by the manufacturer. Transport and storage ○ Carry the unit/machine by hand with the engine stopped and the muffl er away from your body. ○ Allow the engine to cool, empty the fuel tank, and secure the unit/machine before storing or transporting in a vehicle. ○ Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit/machine. It is recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use. If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak. ○ Store unit/machine out of the reach of children. ○ Clean and maintain the unit carefully and store it in a dry place. ○ Make sure engine switch is off when transporting or storing. ○ When transporting in a vehicle, cover blade with blade cover. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, take care and use common sense. Contact your Tanaka dealer if you need assistance. Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words: WARNING Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or loss of life, if instructions are not followed. CAUTION Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage, if instructions are not followed. NOTE Helpful information for correct function and use. CAUTION Do not disassemble the recoil starter. You may get a possibility of personal injury with recoil spring.

or equivalent CHAMPION RCJ8 or equivalent Fuel Tank Capacity (l)

DS...98.3 SF....97.5

Vibration level (m/s

(ISO7916) Front handle Rear handle Left handle Right handle

NOTE Equivalent noise level/vibration level are calculated as the time-weighted energy total for noise/vibration levels under various working conditions with the following time distribution: 1/2 Idle, 1/2 racing.

• All data subject to change without notice. 000BookTBC-270S.indb9000BookTBC-270S.indb9 2012/06/2116:41:582012/06/2116:41:5810 ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES Drive shaft to engine (Fig. 1) Loosen tube locking bolt (1) about ten turns so that the bolt point will not obstruct drive shaft tube to be inserted. When inserting drive shaft tube, hold the tube locking bolt outward preventing inside fi tting from obstructing as well. Insert the drive shaft into the clutch case of the engine properly until the marked position (2) on the drive shaft tube meets the clutch case. NOTE When it is hard to insert drive shaft up to the marked position on the drive shaft tube, turn drive shaft by the cutter mounting end clockwise or counter-clockwise. Tighten tube locking bolt lining up the hole in the shaft tube. Then tighten clamp bolt securely (3). Installation of attachment

1. Join the attachment in place of it.

2. Make sure the lock pin (4) fi ts in the location hole (5) of tube and

that the tube will not come off . (Fig. 2)

3. Tighten the knob nut (6) securely. (Fig. 2)

Installation of handle WARNING When you use steel/rigid blades on straight shaft trimmers or brush cutters, always use a barrier bar (7) and shoulder harness with the loop handle. (Fig. 3) Attach the handle to the drive shaft tube with the angle towards the engine. Adjust the location to the most comfortable position before operation. NOTE If your unit has handle location label on drive shaft tube, follow the illustration. Remove the handle bracket (8) from the assembly. (Fig. 4) Place the handles and attach the handle bracket with four bolts lightly. Adjust to appropriate position. Then attach it fi rmly with the bolts. Put stop cords (11) and throttle wire (9) through protective tube (10), then unhook the hip pad. (Fig. 5) Throttle wire / stop cord Remove air cleaner cover. (Fig. 6) Connect stop cords. (Fig. 8) Connect throttle wire end to carburetor. (Fig. 9) Convert throttle wire and stop cords together with protective tube provided up to air cleaner cover. (Fig. 10) Throttle wire / stop cord (Fig. 7) (for TBC-270PFS/PFDS/SFS) Remove air cleaner cover. (Fig. 6) Connect stop cords. (Fig. 8) If the throttle outer end (12) is threaded on your unit, screw it into the cable adjuster stay (13) all the way, and then tighten this cable end using the adjuster nut (14) against the cable adjuster stay (13). Connect throttle wire end (15) to carburetor (16) and install swivel cap (if so equipped) where is included in tool bag, onto swivel. Cover throttle wire and stop cords together with protective tube provided up to air cleaner cover. (Fig. 10) Installation of blade guard (Fig. 11, 12, 13) NOTE The guard bracket may come already mounted to the gear case on some models. Install the blade guard and the bracket spacers (17) (If so equipped) on drive shaft tube against angle transmission. Tighten the guard bracket fi rmly so that the blade guard does not swing or move down during operation. Install the blade guard to the guard bracket, which also secures the guard to the gear case using the two guard mounting screws. CAUTION Some blade guards are equipped with sharp line limiters. Be careful with handling it. NOTE (Fig. 13) When using Tanaka aluminum head (CH-100 or CH-300) on your unit, the sharp line limiter (18) which is included in the tool bag, should be securely fastened to the blade guard using the bolt shown (19). When using a trimmer head with two piece type blade guard, attach the guard extension to the blade guard. (Fig. 14) NOTE ○ When attaching the guard extension to the blade guard, the sharp line limiter must be removed from the blade guard, (if so installed). ○ If your unit has guard location label on drive shaft tube, follow the indication. ○ To remove the guard extension, refer to the drawings. Wear gloves as the extension has a sharp line limiter, then push the four square tabs on the guard one by one in order. (Fig. 15) Installation of cutting blade (Fig. 16) (If so equipped) When installing a cutting blade, make sure that there are no cracks or any damage in it and that the cutting edges are facing the correct direction. NOTE ○ When installing cutter holder cap (20), be sure to set concave side upward. ○ Insert the hexagonal bar wrench (21) into the hole of the angle transmission in order to lock the cutter holder (22). Please note that the cutter fi xing bolt or nut (23) has left-handed threads, (clockwise to loosen/ counter-clockwise to tighten). Tighten the fi xing bolt or nut with the box wrench. CAUTION ○ Before operation, make sure the blade has been properly installed. ○ If your unit is equipped with protection cover under a cutting blade, check it for wear or cracks before operation. If any damage or wear is found, replace it, as it is an article of consumption. Installation of the Brain cutting head NOTE For installation see your Brain Owner's manual, provided with the Brain cutting head. WARNING For Tanaka Brain heads or Tanaka alloy head, use only fl exible, non-metallic line recommended by the manufacturer. Never use wire or wire ropes. They can break off and become a dangerous projectile. NOTE When using Tanaka alloy head (CH-100), initial cutting line length should be about 17 cm each. (Fig. 17) 000BookTBC-270S.indb10000BookTBC-270S.indb10 2012/06/2116:41:582012/06/2116:41:58G

OPERATING PROCEDURES Fuel (Fig. 18) WARNING The trimmer is equipped with a two-stroke engine. Always run the engine on fuel, which is mixed with oil. Provide good ventilation, when fueling or handling fuel. Fuel ○ Always use branded 89 octane unleaded gasoline. ○ Use genuine two-cycle oil or use a mix between 25:1 to 50:1, please consult the oil bottle for the ratio or Tanaka dealer. ○ If genuine oil is not available, use an anti-oxidant added quality oil expressly labeled for air-cooled 2-cycle engine use (JASO FC GRADE OIL or ISO EGC GRADE). Do not use BIA or TCW (2-stroke water-cooling type) mixed oil. ○ Never use multi-grade oil (10 W/30) or waste oil. ○ Always mix fuel and oil in a separate clean container. Always start by fi ling half the amount of fuel, which is to be used. Then add the whole amount of oil. Mix (shake) the fuel mixture. Add the remaining amount of fuel. Mix (shake) the fuel-mix thoroughly before fi lling the fuel tank. Fueling WARNING ○ Always shut off the engine before refueling. ○ Slowly open the fuel tank, when fi lling up with fuel, so that possible over-pressure disappears. ○ Tighten the fuel cap carefully, after fueling. ○ Always move the trimmer at least 3 m from the fueling area before starting. Before fueling, clean the tank cap area carefully, to ensure that no dirt falls into the tank. Make sure that the fuel is well mixed by shaking the container, before fueling. Starting (Fig. 19, 20) CAUTION Before starting, make sure the cutting attachment does not touch anything.

1. Set ignition switch (24) to ON position. (Fig. 19, 20)

• Push priming bulb (27) several times so that fuel fl ows through the bulb or return pipe. (If so equipped) (Fig. 21, 22)

2. With the safety trigger (25) pressed (if so equipped), pull

throttle trigger and push throttle lock (26), then slowly release the throttle trigger fi rst, then the safety trigger. This will lock the throttle in starting position.

3. Set choke lever to CLOSED position (28). (Fig. 21, 22)

4. Pull recoil starter briskly, taking care to keep the handle in your

grasp and not allowing it to snap back.

5. When you hear the engine want to start, return choke lever to

RUN position (open). Then pull recoil starter briskly again. NOTE If engine does not start, repeat procedures from 2 to 5.

6. After starting engine, pull throttle trigger to release throttle lock.

Then allow the engine about 2–3 minutes to warm up before subjecting it to any load. Cutting (Fig. 23, 24, 25, 26) ○ When cutting, operate engine at over 6500 rpm. Extended time of use at low rpm may wear out the clutch prematurely. ○ Cut grass from right to left. ○ Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts a solid object in the critical area. A dangerous reaction may occur causing the entire unit and operator to be thrust violently. This reaction is called blade thrust. As a result, the operator may lose control of the unit which may cause serious or fatal injury. Blade thrust is more likely to occur in areas where it is diffi cult to see the material to be cut. ○ Wear the harness as shown in the fi gure (if so equipped). The blade turns counter-clockwise, therefore, be advised to operate the unit from right to left for effi cient cutting. Keep onlookers out of working area at least 15 m. NOTE Press the quick release button or pull emergency release fl ap (If so equipped) in the event of emergency. (Fig. 25) WARNING If cutting attachment should strike against stones or other debris, stop the engine and make sure that the attachment and related parts are undamaged. When grass or vines wrap around attachment, stop engine and attachment and remove them. Stopping (Fig. 27) Decrease engine speed and run at an idle for a few minutes, then turn off ignition switch (24). WARNING A cutting attachment can injure while it continues to spin after the engine is stopped or power control is released. When the unit is turned off , make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before the unit is set down. MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF THE EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS MAY BE PERFORMED BY ANY NON-ROAD ENGINE REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT OR INDIVIDUAL. Carburetor adjustment (Fig. 28) WARNING ○ The cutting attachment may be spinning during carburetor adjustments. ○ Never start the engine without the complete clutch cover and tube assembled! Otherwise the clutch can come loose and cause personal injuries. In the carburetor, fuel is mixed with air. When the engine is test run at the factory, the carburetor is basically adjusted. A further adjustment may be required, according to climate and altitude. The carburetor has one adjustment possibility: T = Idle speed adjustment screw. Idle speed adjustment (T) Check that the air fi lter is clean. When the idle speed is correct, the cutting attachment will not rotate. If adjustment is required, close (clockwise) the T-screw, with the engine running, until the cutting attachment starts to rotate. Open (counter-clockwise) the screw until the cutting attachment stops. You have reached the correct idle speed when the engine runs smoothly in all positions well below the rpm when the cutting attachment starts to rotate. If the cutting attachment still rotates after idle speed adjustment, contact your Tanaka dealer. NOTE ○ Standard Idle rpm is 2500–3000 rpm. ○ (TBC-290/D/S/DS, TBC-340/D/S/DS) The standard openings (returns) of H-screw from lightly seated position, is as follows. (lf so equipped) TBC-290/D/S/DS, TBC-340/D/S/DS H-SCREW 1 000BookTBC-270S.indb11000BookTBC-270S.indb11 2012/06/2116:41:582012/06/2116:41:5812 ○ Some models sold areas with strict exhaust emission regulation do not have high and low speed carburetor adjustments. Such adjustments may allow the engine to be operated outside of their emission compliance limits. For these models, the only carburetor adjustment is idle speed. ○ For models that equipped with low and high speed adjustments; carburetors are preset at the factory. Minor adjustments may optimize performance based on climate, altitude, etc. Never turn the adjustment screws in increments greater than 90 degrees, as engine damage can result from incorrect adjustment, if you are not familiar with type of adjustment-assistance Tanaka dealer. WARNING When the engine is idling the cutting attachment must under no circumstances rotate. Air fi lter (Fig. 29) The air fi lter must be cleaned from dust and dirt in order to avoid: ○ Carburetor malfunctions ○ Starting problems ○ Engine power reduction ○ Unnecessary wear on the engine parts ○ Abnormal fuel consumption Clean the air fi lter daily or more often if working in exceptionally dusty areas. Cleaning the air fi lter Remove the air fi lter cover and the fi lter (29). Rinse it in warm soap suds. Check that the fi lter is dry before reassembly. An air fi lter that has been used for some time cannot be cleaned completely. Therefore, it must regularly be replaced with a new one. A damaged fi lter must always be replaced. Fuel fi lter (Fig. 30) Drain all fuel from fuel tank and pull fuel fi lter line from tank. Pull fi lter element out of holder assembly and rinse element in warm water with detergent. Rinse thoroughly until all traces of detergent are eliminated. Squeeze, do not wring, away excess water and allow element to air dry. NOTE If element is hard due to excessive dirt buildup, replace it. Spark plug (Fig. 31) The spark plug condition is infl uenced by: ○ An incorrect carburetor setting ○ Wrong fuel mixture (too much oil in the gasoline) ○ A dirty air fi lter ○ Hard running conditions (such as cold weather) These factors cause deposits on the spark plug electrodes, which may result in malfunction and starting diffi culties. If the engine is low on power, diffi cult to start or runs poorly at idling speed, always check the spark plug fi rst. If the spark plug is dirty, clean it and check the electrode gap. Re-adjust if necessary. The correct gap is 0.6 mm. The spark plug should be replaced after about 100 operation hours or earlier if the electrodes are badly eroded. NOTE In some areas, local law requires using a resistor spark plug to suppress ignition signals. If this machine was originally equipped with resistor spark plug, use same type of spark plug for replacement.

ffl er (Fig. 32) Remove the muffl er and clean out any excess carbon from the exhaust port or muffl er inlet every 100 hours of operation. Cylinder (Engine cooling) (Fig. 33) The engine is air cooled, and air must circulate freely around engine and over cooling fi ns on cylinder head to prevent overheating. Every 100 operating hours, or once a year (more often if conditions require), clean fi ns and external surfaces of engine of dust, dirt and oil deposits which can contribute to improper cooling. NOTE Do not operate engine with engine shroud or muffl er guard removed as this will cause overheating and engine damage. Angle transmission (Fig. 34) Check angle transmission or angle gear for grease level about every 50 hours of operation by removing the grease fi ller plug on the side of angle transmission. If no grease can be seen on the fl anks of the gears, fi ll the transmission with quality lithium based multipurpose grease up to 3/4. Do not completely fi ll the transmission. Blade (Fig. 35) WARNING Wear protective gloves when handling or performing maintenance on the blade. ○ Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is more likely to snag and thrust. Replace the fastening nut if it is damaged and hard to tighten. ○ When replacing blade, purchase one recommended by Tanaka, with a 25.4 mm (one inch) fi tting hole. ○ When installing a saw blade (31), always face the stamped side up. In the case of a 4 tooth blade (30), it can be used on either side. ○ Use the correct blade for the type of work. ○ When replacing blades, use appropriate tools. ○ When cutting edges become dull, re-sharpen or fi le as shown in the illustration. Incorrect sharpening may cause excessive vibration. ○ Discard blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken or damaged in any way. NOTE When sharpening blade it is important to maintain an original shape of radius at the base of the tooth to avoid cracking. Maintenance schedule Below you will fi nd some general maintenance instructions. For further information please contact your Tanaka dealer. Daily maintenance ○ Clean the exterior of the unit. ○ Check that the harness is undamaged. ○ Check the blade guard for damage or cracks. Change the guard in case of impacts or cracks. ○ Check that the cutting attachment is properly centred, sharp, and without cracks. An off -centre cutting attachment induces heavy vibrations that may damage the unit. ○ Check that the cutting attachment nut is suffi ciently tightened. ○ Make sure that the blade transport guard is undamaged and that it can be securely fi tted. ○ Check that nuts and screws are suffi ciently tightened. Weekly maintenance ○ Check the starter, especially the cord and return spring. ○ Clean the exterior of the spark plug. ○ Remove it and check the electrode gap. Adjust it to 0.6 mm, or change the spark plug. ○ Clean the cooling fi ns on the cylinder and check that the air intake at the starter is not clogged. ○ Check that the angle gear is fi lled with grease up to 3/4. ○ Clean the air fi lter. Monthly maintenance ○ Rinse the fuel tank with gasoline. ○ Clean the exterior of the carburetor and the space around it. ○ Clean the fan and the space around it. 000BookTBC-270S.indb12000BookTBC-270S.indb12 2012/06/2116:41:592012/06/2116:41:59G