TBC225 - Grass trimmer Tanaka - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL TBC225 Tanaka

TBC-2500 TBC-280PF 000BookTBC-225.indbA000BookTBC-225.indbA 2012/10/2216:19:182012/10/2216:19:182 Meanings of symbols 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. 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. 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. Indicate handle location. Do not attach handle above this point. 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 50 feet (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 the owner's manual for model specifi c details. Contents

WHAT IS WHAT? ...................................................3

WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .........4

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

5. Cutting attachment

10. Throttle trigger lookout

000BookTBC-225.indb3000BookTBC-225.indb3 2012/10/2216:19:192012/10/2216:19:19WARNINGS 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. ○ Wear head protection. ○ 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 HAVS 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. WARNING 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 10 ft (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 16 ft. (5 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 the infl ammable liquid. 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 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.

4.3 (9.5 lbs) 5.0 (11.0 lbs) 5.8 (12.7 lbs) 4.4 (9.7 lbs)

(ISO7916) Front handle Rear 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.

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.

Fig. 1 NOTE ○ For TBC-225C/225CS, attach the pipe holders (4) on drive shaft tube and then insert drive shaft into fan case properly until the marked position (2) on the pipe holder meets the fan case. ○ 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. Assemble the attachment.

2. Make sure the lock pin (5) fi ts in the location hole

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

3. Tighten the knob nut (7) securely. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2 Installation of handle (Fig. 3) 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 indication. Throttle wire/stop cord Remove air cleaner cover. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4 Connect stop cords. (Fig. 5) Fig. 5 Set outer-receiver (8) (If so provided) into wire guide and put throttle wire through the outer-receiver. (Fig. 4) Connect throttle wire end to carburetor and install swivel cap (9) (if so equipped) where is included in tool bag, onto swivel. (Fig. 6)

Fig. 6 000BookTBC-225.indb7000BookTBC-225.indb7 2012/10/2216:19:192012/10/2216:19:198 Cover throttle wire and stop cords together with protective tube provided up to air cleaner cover. (Fig. 7) Fig. 7 Installation of blade guard (Fig. 8, 9, 10, 11) Install the blade guard as shown in Fig. 8, 9, 10, 11. Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Fig. 11 NOTE If your unit has guard location label on drive shaft tube, follow the indication. CAUTION ● Do not attempt to install metal blade on the curved shaft trimmer. It is very dangerous. ● Some blade guards are equipped with sharp line limiters. Be careful with handling it. Installation of cutting blade (Fig. 12) (If so equipped) When installing a cutting blade, make sure that there are no cracks or any damage to it and that the cutting edges are facing the correct direction.

Fig. 12 NOTE ○ When installing cutter holder cap (10), be sure to set concave side upward. Insert the allen wrench (11) into the hole of the angle transmission in order to lock the cutter holder (12). Please note that the cutter fi xing bolt or nut (13) has left-handed threads, (clockwise to loosen/counter-clockwise to tighten). Tighten the fi xing bolt or nut with the box wrench. ○ If your unit is of a nut securing type and equipped with a cotter pin, the blade must be retained with a new cotter pin (14) each time installed. (Fig. 13) 000BookTBC-225.indb8000BookTBC-225.indb8 2012/10/2216:19:202012/10/2216:19:20G

Fig. 13 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 5" (13 cm) each. (Fig. 14) 5" (13 cm) 5" (13 cm) CH-100 Fig. 14 OPERATING PROCEDURES Fuel (Fig. 15) WARNING The trimmer is equipped with a two-stroke engine. Always run the engine on fuel 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. ○ Only for the state of California at 50:1. ○ If genuine oil is not available, use an antioxidant 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 lling 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. Fig. 15 Fueling WARNING ● Always shut off the engine before refueling. ● Slowly open the fuel tank, when fi lling up with fuel, so that possible overpressure disappears. ● Tighten the fuel cap carefully, after fueling. ● Always move the trimmer at least 10 ft. (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. 16, 17) CAUTION Before starting, make sure the cutting attachment does not touch anything. 000BookTBC-225.indb9000BookTBC-225.indb9 2012/10/2216:19:202012/10/2216:19:2010

Set ignition switch (15) to ON position. (Fig. 16, 17)

• Push priming bulb (18) several times so that fuel fl ows through return pipe. (If so equipped) (Fig. 18)

2. With the safety trigger (16) pressed (if so

equipped), pull throttle trigger and push throttle lock (17), then slowly release the throttle trigger fi rst, then the safety trigger. This will lock the throttle in starting position.

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

handle in your grasp and not allowing it to snap back. (Fig. 19) Fig. 19

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. 20, 21, 22) Fig. 20 Fig. 21 Fig. 22 ○ When cutting, operate engine at over 6500/min. 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. 000BookTBC-225.indb10000BookTBC-225.indb10 2012/10/2216:19:202012/10/2216:19:20G

○ Wear the harness as shown in the fi gure (if so equipped). The blade turns counterclockwise, therefore, be advised to operate the unit from right to left for effi cient cutting. Keep onlookers out of working area at least 50 ft. (15 m). NOTE Press the quick release button or pull emergency release fl ap (If so equipped) in the event of emergency. (Fig. 24) 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. 23) ○ Decrease engine speed and run at an idle for a few minutes, then turn off ignition switch (15).

Fig. 23 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

Fig. 24 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 Tanaka dealer. NOTE Standard idle rpm is 2,500 - 3,000/min. WARNING When the engine is idling the cutting attachment must under no circumstances rotate. NOTE 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. 000BookTBC-225.indb11000BookTBC-225.indb11 2012/10/2216:19:202012/10/2216:19:2012 Air fi lter (Fig. 25)

Fig. 25 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 (20). 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. 26) 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. Fig. 26 NOTE If element is hard due to excessive dirt buildup, replace it. Spark plug (Fig. 27) .024" (0.6 mm) Fig. 27 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. Readjust if necessary. The correct gap is .024" (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. Muffl er (Fig. 28) Remove the muffl er and clean out any excess carbon from the exhaust port or muffl er inlet every 100 hours of operation. Fig. 28 Cylinder (Engine cooling) (Fig. 29) The engine is air cooled, and air must circulate freely around engine and over cooling fi ns on cylinder head to prevent overheating. 000BookTBC-225.indb12000BookTBC-225.indb12 2012/10/2216:19:202012/10/2216:19:20G

Fig. 29 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. Flexible drive shaft (Fig. 30) Flexible drive shaft should be removed and lubricated with good quality lithium grease every 20 hours. To remove the fl exible shaft, fi rst remove screw (21), loosen bolt (22) and remove the gear case then pull the shaft out of the drive shaft pipe. Clean the shaft off and apply a generous coat of lithium grease to it and insert if back into the drive shaft pipe, turn it until it drops into place then install the gear case, install & tighten screw (21) and bolt (22).

Fig. 30 Angle transmission (Fig. 31) Fig. 31 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. 32)

Fig. 32 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 1" (25.4 mm) fi tting hole. ○ When installing saw blade (24), always face the stamped side up. In the case of a 4-tooth blade (23), it can be used on either side. ○ Use correct blade for the type of work. ○ When replacing blade, use appropriate tools. ○ When cutting edges become dull, re-sharpen or fi le as shown in fi gure. Incorrect sharpening may cause excessive vibration. ○ Discard blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken or damaged in any way. NOTE When sharpening blades 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. 000BookTBC-225.indb13000BookTBC-225.indb13 2012/10/2216:19:202012/10/2216:19:2014 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 - centred 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 cord and return spring. ○ Clean the exterior of the spark plug. ○ Remove it and check the electrode gap. Adjust it to .024" (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. IMPORTANT NOTICE THIS INFORMATION IS FOR THE US AND CANADIAN MARKETS ONLY. ○ 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 and a safety guard specifi cally designed and approved for blade use. ○ Use only attachments or accessories designed for your unit and off ered by Tanaka. Although some unauthorized parts may be adaptable, their use may be extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury or death. Tanaka off ers a complete line of trimmer/brush cutter accessories to accomplish any job while ensuring safe operation. The following models are sold as grass trimmers capable of being converted to blade-capable brush cutters: TBC-245PF, TBC-255PF, TBC-260PF, TBC- 260PFL, TBC-280PF, TBC-250SF, TBC-260SF, TBC-2500. Blade adapter kits for these models can be purchased at your local Tanaka dealer. These kits contain a safety barrier bar and shoulder strap as well as the necessary blade guard and blade mounting hardware. WARNING The blade conversion kit MUST be used when operating these models with steel blades. Never install a steel blade without the use of the blade-securing cotter pins included in the kit. Proper installation of all blade-mounting components is required when converting a grass trimmer to a blade- capable brush cutter. Consult your Tanaka dealer if you are uncertain about any aspect of blade use on your Tanaka unit. Bicycle Style Handle Kit #748502 This kit converts models TBC-245PF, TBC-255PF, TBC-260PF, TBC-260PFL, TBC-2500, TBC-280PF from "D" style front handles to dual handled style brush cutters. 000BookTBC-225.indb14000BookTBC-225.indb14 2012/10/2216:19:202012/10/2216:19:20G

4.3 (9.5 lbs) 5.0 (11.0 lbs) 5.8 (12.7 lbs) 4.4 (9.7 lbs)

4.3 (9.5 lbs) 5.0 (11.0 lbs) 5.8 (12.7 lbs) 4.4 (9.7 lbs)

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints,

• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and

• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber. Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to fi lter out microscopic particles.