Echo PE-280 User manual

Specifications, descriptions and illustrative material in this literature are as accurate as known at the time
of publication, but are subject to change without notice. Illustrations may include optional equipment and
accessories, and may not include all standard equipment.
Operator’s Manual
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PE-280
Power Edger
Burn Hazard
The muffler or catalytic muffler and surrounding cover may become extremely hot.
Always keep clear of exhaust and muffler area, otherwise serious personal injury may
occur.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Users of this equipment risk injury to themselves and others if the unit is used
improperly and/or safety precautions are not followed. ECHO provides an operator’s
manual and a safety manual. Both must be read and understood for proper and safe
operation. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PE-280
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................. 2
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3
The Operator’s Manual ................................................................................................................ 3
The Safety Manual....................................................................................................................... 3
Servicing Information ......................................................................................................................... 3
Parts/Serial Number..................................................................................................................... 3
Service......................................................................................................................................... 3
Echo Consumer Product Support ................................................................................................ 3
Product Registration .................................................................................................................... 3
Additional or Replacement Manuals ............................................................................................ 4
Safety................................................................................................................................................. 4
Manual Safety Symbols and Important Information..................................................................... 4
International Symbols .................................................................................................................. 5
Personal Condition and Safety Equipment .................................................................................. 6
Equipment.................................................................................................................................... 9
Emission Control (Exhaust & Evaporative)........................................................................................ 9
EPA 2010 and Later and/or C.A.R.B. TIER III ............................................................................. 9
Description....................................................................................................................................... 11
Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Assembly ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Drive Shaft/Power Head ............................................................................................................ 14
Throttle Linkage and Ignition Leads........................................................................................... 14
Support Handle.......................................................................................................................... 15
Operation ......................................................................................................................................... 15
Fuel............................................................................................................................................ 15
Starting Cold Engine.................................................................................................................. 17
Starting Warm Engine................................................................................................................ 18
Stopping Engine......................................................................................................................... 19
Edger Operation Techniques..................................................................................................... 19
Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 21
Skill Levels................................................................................................................................. 21
Maintenance Intervals................................................................................................................ 21
Air Filter ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Fuel Filter................................................................................................................................... 23
Cooling System.......................................................................................................................... 24
Exhaust System......................................................................................................................... 25
Carburetor Adjustment............................................................................................................... 26
Lubrication ................................................................................................................................. 26
Edger Blade Replacement ......................................................................................................... 27
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................... 29
Storage ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Long Term Storage (Over 30 Days)........................................................................................... 30
Specifications................................................................................................................................... 31
Warranty Statements ....................................................................................................................... 32
Notes ............................................................................................................................................... 34
Product Registration ........................................................................................................................ 35
Notes ............................................................................................................................................... 36

PE-280 INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the ECHO family. This ECHO product was designed and manufactured to provide long life and
on-the-job dependability. Read and understand this manual and the SAFETY MANUAL. You will find both
easy to use and full of helpful operating tips and SAFETY messages.
The Operator’s Manual
Keep it in a safe place for future reference. Contains specifications and information for safety, operation,
maintenance, storage and assembly specific to this product.
The Safety Manual
Keep it in a safe place for future reference. Explains possible hazards and the measures you should take to
insure safe operation.
SERVICING INFORMATION
Parts/Serial Number
Genuine ECHO Parts and ECHO REPOWER™ Parts and
Assemblies for your ECHO products are available only from an
Authorized ECHO Dealer. When you do need to buy parts always
have the Model Number and Serial Number of the unit with you. You
can find these numbers on the engine housing. For future
reference, write them in the space provided below.
Model No. _________________ SN. ___________________
Service
Service of this product during the warranty period must be performed by an Authorized ECHO Service
Dealer. For the name and address of the Authorized ECHO Service Dealer nearest you, ask your retailer or
call: 1-800-432-ECHO (3246). Dealer information is also available on our Web Site. When presenting your
unit for Warranty service/repairs, proof of purchase is required.
Echo Consumer Product Support
If you require assistance or have questions concerning the application, operation or maintenance of this
product you may call the ECHO Consumer Product Support Department at 1-800-673-1558 from 8:00 am to
5:00 pm (Central Standard Time) Monday through Friday. Before calling, please know the model and serial
number of your unit.
Product Registration
To ensure trouble free warranty coverage it is important that you register your ECHO equipment on-line at
www.echo-usa.com or by filling out the product registration sheet included in this manual. Registering your
product confirms your warranty coverage and provides a direct link between you and ECHO if we find it
necessary to contact you.

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SAFETY PE-280
Additional or Replacement Manuals
Replacement Operator, Safety Manuals, and Parts Catalogs
are available from your ECHO dealer or at www.echo-usa.com
or by contacting ECHO Inc., 400 Oakwood Road, Lake Zurich,
IL 60047 (800-673-1558). Always check the ECHO Web Site for
updated information.
Safety Videos are available from your Echo dealer. A $5.00 shipping charge will be required for each video.
SAFETY
Manual Safety Symbols and Important Information
Throughout this manual and on the product itself, you will find safety alerts and helpful, informational
messages preceded by symbols or key words. The following is an explanation of those symbols and key
words and what they mean to you.
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “DANGER” calls attention to an act or condition
which WILL lead to serious personal injury or death if not avoided.
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “WARNING” calls attention to an act or condition
which CAN lead to serious personal injury or death if not avoided.
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “CAUTION” calls attention to an act or condition
which may lead to minor or moderate personal injury if not avoided.
The enclosed message provides information necessary for the protection of the unit.
Note: This enclosed message provides tips for use, care and maintenance of the unit.
CIRCLE AND SLASH SYMBOL
This symbol means the specific action shown is prohibited. Ignoring these prohibitions can result
in serious or fatal injury.
For more information
scan this QR code.

PE-280 SAFETY
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International Symbols
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Warning, See
Operator’s
Manual
Carburetor
Adjustment -
High Speed
Mixture
DO NOT Allow
Flames or
Sparks Near
Fuel
Ignition
ON / OFF
Wear Eye, Ear
and Head
Protection
Carburetor
Adjustment -
Idle Speed
DO NOT
Smoke Near
Fuel
Primer Bulb
Wear Hand
and Foot
Protection
Carburetor
Adjustment -
Low Speed
Mixture
Choke Control
“RUN” Position
(Choke Open)
Choke Control
“COLD START”
Position (Choke
Closed)
Safety/Alert Emergency
Stop
Keep Feet
Away
From Blade
RotatingCutting
Attachment
Hot Surface Fuel and Oil
Mixture
Keep Bystanders and Helpers
Away 15 m (50 ft.).
A V O I D K I C K O U T .
Keep Bystanders At Least
15 meters (50 feet) Away.
Thrown
Objects
Direction of
Blade
Beware Throw n Objects
Wear Eye Protection

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SAFETY PE-280
Personal Condition and Safety Equipment
Users of this product risk injury to themselves and others if the unit is used improperly and/or safety
precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating unit.
Physical Condition
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
• If you are tired or sick.
• If you are taking medication.
• If you have taken alcohol or drugs.
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.
Eye Protection
•Eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements must be worn whenever you operate the
unit.
•For additional safety, a full-face shield may be worn over safety glasses or goggles to provide
protection from sharp branches or flying debris.
Hand Protection
Wear sturdy, no-slip, rubber work gloves to improve your grip on the handles. Gloves also provide protection
against cuts and scratches, cold environments, and reduce the transmission of machine vibration to your
hands.
Hearing/Ear Protection
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever unit is used.
Breathing Protection
Operators who are sensitive to dust or other common airborne allergens may need to wear a dust mask to
prevent inhaling these materials while operating unit. Dust masks can provide protection against dust, plant
debris, and other plant matter such as pollen. Make sure the mask does not impair your vision, and replace
the mask as needed to prevent air restrictions.
Proper Clothing
Wear snug-fitting, durable clothing:
• Pants should have long legs, shirts should have long sleeves.
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS.
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, JEWELRY, or clothing with loose or hanging items that could become
entangled in moving parts or surrounding growth.
• Keep clothing buttoned or zipped, and keep shirt tails tucked in.
Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid rubber soles:
• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES.

PE-280 SAFETY
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• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.
Keep long hair away from engine and air intake. Retain hair with cap or net.
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue, which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy
work for early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
The components of this machine generate an electromagnetic field during operation, which may
interfere with some pacemakers.To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons with
pacemakers should consult with their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating
this machine.In the absence of such information, ECHO does not recommend the use of this
machine by anyone who has a pacemaker.
Extended Operation / Extreme Conditions
Prolonged exposure to cold and/or vibration may result in injury. Read and follow all safety and
operation instructions to minimize risk of injury. Failure to follow instructions may result in painful
wrist/hand/arm injuries.
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the fingers of certain individuals,
may be brought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling
and burning sensations, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are
strongly recommended, because the minimum exposure, which might trigger the ailment, is unknown.
• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles,
hands, and wrists.
• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm
exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by not
smoking.
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs
where operating the unit or other hand-held power equipment
is not required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the
fingers followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician before further exposing yourself to
cold and vibration.

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SAFETY PE-280
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers,
hands, arms, and shoulders may cause soreness, swelling,
numbness, weakness, and extreme pain in those areas. Certain
repetitive hand activities may put you at a high risk for developing a
Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which could occur when your wrist swells
and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe
that prolonged exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS
can cause severe pain for months or even years.
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position.
Instead try to maintain a straight wrist position. Also, when
grasping, use your whole hand, not just the thumb and index finger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive movement.
• Do exercise to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in
the fingers, hands, wrists, or arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent nerve
and muscle damage can be prevented.
All over head electrical conductors and communications wires can have electricity flow with high
voltages. This unit is not insulated against electrical current. Never touch wires directly or indirectly,
otherwise serious injury or death may result.
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains
poisonous emissions and can cause serious injury or death.
Read the Manuals
• Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual and Safety Manual for instructions on Safe
Operation.
Clear the Work Area
• Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and animals prevented from coming nearer
than 15 m (50 ft.) while the unit is in use.
Keep a Firm Grip
• Always hold throttle handle and support handle with thumbs and fingers tightly encircling the handles.
Keep a Solid Stance
• Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not
work in odd positions or on ladders. Do not over reach.

PE-280 EMISSION CONTROL (EXHAUST & EVAPORATIVE)
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Avoid Hot Surfaces
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact
during and immediately after operation.
Equipment
Use only ECHO attachments. Serious injury may result from the use of a non-approved attachment
combination. ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting devices, attachments or
accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHO. Read and comply with all safety
instructions listed in this manual and safety manual.
• Check unit for loose/missing nuts, bolts, and screws. Tighten and/or replace as needed.
• Inspect shield for damage and that shield is securely in place. Replace if shield is damaged or missing.
• Check that the cutting attachment is firmly attached and in safe operating condition.
• Check that support handle is adjusted for safe, comfortable operation. See Assembly Section for proper
adjustment.
Moving parts can amputate fingers or cause severe injuries. Keep hands, clothing and loose objects
away from all openings.
◆ALWAYS stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and make sure all moving parts have come to a complete
stop before removing obstructions, clearing debris, or servicing unit.
◆DO NOT start or operate unit unless all guards and protective covers are properly assembled to unit.
◆NEVER reach into any opening while the engine is running. Moving parts may not be visible through
openings.
Check fuel system for leaks due to fuel tank damage, especially if the unit is dropped. If damage or
leaks are found, do not use unit, otherwise serious personal injury or property damage may occur.
Have unit repaired by an authorized servicing dealer before using.
EMISSION CONTROL (EXHAUST & EVAPORATIVE)
EPA 2010 and Later and/or C.A.R.B. TIER III
The emission control system for the engine is EM (engine modification)
and, if the second to last character of the Engine Family on the Emission
Control Information label (sample below) is “C”, “K”, or “T”, the emission
control system is EM and TWC (3-way catalyst). The fuel tank/fuel line
emission control system is EVAP (evaporative emissions). Evaporative
emissions for California models are only applicable to fuel tanks.

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EMISSION CONTROL (EXHAUST & EVAPORATIVE) PE-280
An Emission Control Label is located on the engine. (This is an
EXAMPLE ONLY, information on label varies by engine FAMILY).
Product Emission Durability (Emission Compliance Period)
The 50 or 300 hour emission compliance period is the time span
selected by the manufacturer certifying the engine emissions output
meets applicable emissions regulations, provided that approved
maintenance procedures are followed as listed in the Maintenance Section of this manual.