Echo GT-1100 User manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WEED & GRASS
TRIMMERS
X
V
GT-1100
GT-2101
999222-01804
A CAUTION
READ RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

INTRODUCTION
ECHO Weed and Grass Trimmers, Model G.T.-1100 and
Model G.T.-2101, are lightweight, high performance,
gasoline powered units designed to trim weeds and
grass in areas that are difficult to manage by any other
means.
This manual provides the information necessary for
assembly, operation and maintenance.
CONTENTS
Safety. 2
Description. 5
Operation. 6
Troubleshooting. 12
Service. 13
• Care. 13-14
• Replacing Line. 15
• Replacing Head. 16
Assembly. 18
Storage .20
Specifications . 2 1

SAFETY
UNDERSTAND SAFETY WARNINGS
A DANGER: This symbol is used to call attention to
procedures that must be followed to avoid the
risk of serious immediate and irreversible human
injury or death.
A CAUTION: This symbol is used to call attention
to procedures that must be followed to avoid
serious, although not necessarily always im¬
mediate, risk of human injury or death.
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Follow all danger and caution warnings in this manual
and on safety decals on the trimmer.
FOLLOW SAFETY DECALS
Safety decals are placed on your trimmer for your
protection. Make sure decals are legible and that you
understand and follow the instructions on them.
USE TRIMMER AS INTENDED
A DANGER: Do not use steel blades on this unit.
These units are not designed for use with steel blades.
Steel blades may cause serious injury.
ALWAYS obey local ordinances regulating the use of in¬
ternal combustion engines.
ALWAYS use cutting attachments approved and supplied
by ECHO INC. to avoid possible injury.
NEVER operate the unit without the shield in the correct
position.

SAFETY
HANDLE FUEL SAFELY
ALWAYS store gasoline in an approved container.
DO NOT smoke while handling gasoline.
ALWAYS stop the engine before refueling.
DO NOT refuel a hot engine. Wait until engine cools.
ALWAYS remove the fuel cap slowly in order to relieve
any pressure built up in tank.
DO NOT overfill the tank and always wipe up spilled fuel.
ALWAYS restart the engine at least 10 feet away from
refueling point.
'C
AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE
DO NOT operate in a confined area.
KEEP PEOPLE AND ANIMALS AWAY
DO NOT operate if people or animals are in work area.

SAFETY
WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AND EQUIPMENT
ALWAYS wear safety protection that meets A.N.S.I. Z87
standards, while operating the unit.
• Always wear gloves and non-skid footwear.
• Dress properly with snug fitting, durable clothing and
avoid loose clothing.
OPERATE SAFELY
DO NOT operate the unit when you are fatigued.
ALWAYS remain alert when operating the unit to avoid
possible injury to yourself and other people.
DO NOT operate the unit while under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
4

SPARK PLUG
MUFFLER
CYLINDER
FILTER
FUEL TANK CAP
SHIELD
ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
CONTROLS
FUEL TANK
CUTTER
HEAD
RECOIL STARTER
HANDLE
DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LOOP HANDLE
IGNITION
SWITCH
(G.T. 1100)
IGNITION THROTTLE
SWITCH TRIGGER
(G.T. 2101)
5

OPERATION
2-CYCLE FUEL (32:1, ECHO Oil)
Use a mixture of 32 parts leaded or unleaded regular
grade gasoline (min. Octane 87) and one part 32:1
ECHO 2-stroke oil.
NOTE: Do not use gasohol or alcohol blended fuels in
this engine.
2-CYCLE FUEL (50:1, ECHO Approved Oil)
Use a mixture of 50 parts leaded or unleaded regular
grade gasoline (min. Octane 87) and one part 50:1
ECHO 2-stroke oil.
NOTE: Do not use gasohol or alcohol blended fuels in
this engine.
MIX FUEL
NOTE: Use only oils recommended above.
NOTE: Do not mix fuel in engine fuel tank.
• Pour 1/2 of the gasoline into a safe container.
• Add oil to gas and mix.
• Add remaining gasoline and remix.
• Install fuel tank cap and wipe spilled fuel from con¬
tainer and area.
CHECK TRIMMER CONDITION
1. Check for loose nuts, bolts and screws before using
unit.

OPERATION
SAFE STARTING TECHNIQUES
NOTE: Always dear work area of debris before starting
operation.
NOTE: Always hold the unit firmly.
NOTE: When pulling starting rope, use short pulls. 1/2
to 2/3 of rope length.
NOTE: Do not allow the starter handle to snap back
against the housing.
NOTE: Always hold the unit firmly
STARTING COLD ENGINE
A DANGER: When engine starts, cutter head may
rotate, even with trigger in low speed position.
1. Turn ignition switch to START/RUN.
NOTE: The ignition switch on the G.T. 1100 is located
next to the carburetor.
3. Depress throttle trigger lully.
4 Pull starter handle several times until engine tires
once.

OPERATION
5. Turn choke lever to RUN (open) position.
6. Start engine.
7. Release throttle trigger and allow engine to warm
up.
8. Squeeze throttle trigger gradually.
WARM ENGINE STARTING
1. Turn ignition switch to START/RUN position.
2. Place the choke lever in the RUN (open) position.
3. Pull starter handle.
NOTE: If engine does not start after 4 pulls, use cold
start procedure.
STOPPING ENGINE
1. Release throttle trigger and allow engine to idle.
2. Turn ignition switch to STOP.
,/|\ CAUTION: If engine does not stop, close choke
lever to stop engine. Check and repair stop switch
before starting engine again.
NOTE: The ignition switch on the G.T. 1100 is located
next to the carburetor.
8

OPERATION
OPERATE SAFELY AND AVOID
DAMAGE TO TRIMMER
• Keep both hands on handles when engine is running. •
• If cutter becomes clogged, stop engine and clean cutter.
• Do not overreach or stand on unstable surfaces.
• If the cutter head strikes an obstruction or is prevented •
from turning freely, stop engine and inspect cutter head
for damage.
If the trimmer is operated for extended periods in
high temperatures, the driveshaft housing may become
very hot (too hotto touch). Allow unit to cool, check lubri¬
cation as outlined in service section before continuing.
To avoid engine damage, do not run at full throttle
without load.
ADJUSTING LINE LENGTH
RECOMMENDED LINE LENGTH: 5 inches (measured
from edge of cutting head to tip of line).
NOTE: Trimming is done with the tip of the line. Cutting
with entire length of the tine will result in the line
snapping or fraying.
If line is too long, cut-off knife will cut line to length
during operation.
ADJUSTMENT (G.T.-2101, Echomatlc Head)
1. With engine running at normal operating speed, tap
head firmly on the ground.
NOTE: One inch of line will be released each time head
is tapped.
ADJUSTMENT (G.T.-1100, GT Head)
1. With engine stopped, unwind line from spool until
proper length is achieved.
SPOOL
EYELET
9

OPERATION
TRIMMING
1. Place trimmer so cutter is facing straight ahead.
CAUTION: Cutting with the head tilted to the right
will result In debris being thrown towards
operator.
2. Trim from right to left tilting the unit slightly to the left
allowing the debris to be thrown away from the
operator.
m
0
SCALPING
L
NOTE: Scalping is the removal of all vegetation down to
the ground.
Bf
1. Tilt the cutter head about 30 degrees to the left.
NOTE: Scalping is very effective around trees and
shrubs, but care should be taken not to bruise
bark and young sensitive growth.
„ ‘<t
m
NOTE: When trimming around flowers, keep in mind
that line cuts in a full circle around the head.
i. • •
■ n .4
EDGING
1. Tilt cutter head at right angles to the ground.
2. Adjust handle bracket to fit edging position.
3. Allow line to skim along edge of the concrete or
other hard surface when edging.
CAUTION: Never use ECHO units with blades lor
edging.

OPERATION
MOWING
Jk DANGER: During this operation, debris may be
thrown in any direction. Always wear eye
protection when using trimmer.
11

TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLE
CAUSE
WHATTO DO
1 .
Engine fails to start.
No fuel in tank.
Fill tank.
Strainer clogged.
Clean strainer.
Fuel line clogged.
Clean fuel line.
Spark plug shorted or fouled.
Spark plug broken (cracked procelain or
electrodes broken).
Install new spark plug.
Replace spark plug.
Ignition lead wire shorted, broken or
Replace lead wire or attach to spark
disconnected from spark plug.
plug.
Ignition inoperative (no spark from lead
wire).
Contact your nearest authorized dealer.
2.
Engine hard to start.
Water in gasoline or stale fuel mixture.
Drain entire system and refill with fresh
fuel.
Too much oil in fuel mixture.
Drain and refill with correct mixture.
Engine over or under choked.
If flooded by over choking, proceed
according to instructions in previous
section. If under choked, move choke
lever to closed position and crank two or
three times.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
Gasket leaks (carburetor or cyt. base
gasket).
See “Carburetor Adjustment.”
Replace gaskets.
Weak spark at lead wire.
Contact your nearest authorized dealer.
3.
Engine misses.
Dirt in fuel line or carburetor.
Remove and clean.
Carburetor improperly adjusted.
See “Carburetor Adjustment" in service
section.
Spark plug fouled, broken or incorrect
Clean or replace spark plug - set gap to
gap setting.
0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028).
Weak or intermittent spark at lead wire.
Contact your nearest authorized dealer.
4.
Engine lacks power.
Air cleaner clogged.
Clean air cleaner.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
See "Carburetor Adjustment."
Muffler clogged.
Clean carbon from muffler.
Clogged exhaust ports.
Remove muffler, rotate engine until the
piston is at bottom of cylinder. With a
wooden scraper or blunt tool, remove all
carbon from exhaust ports. Be careful not
to scratch or damage piston or cylinder
walls. Blow out loose carbon with
compressed air. Start engine and run
briefly to remove all carbon, then install
muffler and gasket.
Poor compression.
Contact your nearest authorized dealer.
5.
Engine overheats.
Insufficient oil in fuel mixture.
Mix fuel as shown in starting instructions.
Air flow obstructed.
Clean flywheel and cylinder fins and
screen.
6.
Engine noisy or knocking.
Loose flywheel.
Spark plugs incorrect heat range.
Worn bearings, piston rings or cylinder
walls.
Tighten flywheel nut.
Replace with plugs specified for engine.
Contact your nearest authorized dealer.
7.
Engine ‘'stalls” under load.
Carburetor main adjustment too “lean.”
See "Carburetor Adjustment.”
Engine overheats.
See "Carburetor Adjustment,”
12

SERVICE
CLEANING AIR FILTER
(Before Each Use)
1. Remove air filter cover.
2. Remove air filter from cover.
3. Brush dirt from filter or wash it in suitable cleaner.
NOTE: Allow all parts to air dry.
4. Reinstall filter and cover.
NOTE: Insure filter is undamaged and is property fitted
- replace if necessary.
CLEANING FUEL STRAINER
(Check Periodically)
1. Pick up fuel strainer through fuel inlet port with a
piece of steel wire
2. Clean strainer in suitable cleaner or replace it.
3. Reinstall strainer.
CHECKING SPARK PLUG
(Check Periodically)
1. Check for proper gap of 0.6-0 7 mm (0.024-0.028).
2. Inspect electrode for wear.
3. Inspect insulator for oil or other deposits.
4. Replace plug, if needed, and torque to 145-155 kg-
cm (125-135 in. lb).
LUBRICATING DRIVESHAFT
(Flexible Shaft)
1. Loosen screw and bolt and remove bearing housing.
2. Pull the flexible shaft from the drive shaft tube
3. Wipe shaft clean and recoat it with a thin coating
(.352-.705 oz.) of lithium base grease.
4. Reverse the above procedure for installation.
13

SERVICE
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
(As Needed)
The idle speed adjustment screw controls the throttle
opening at idle position.
If the idling adjustment is too low or too high, use the
following procedure.
ADJUSTING IDLE SPEED SCREW
1. Start engine and allow it to warm up.
2. Turn screw clockwise until cutting head begins to
rotate.
3. Turn screw counterclockwise one turn or until head
stops rotating.
CLEANING MUFFLER AND EXHAUST PORT
(SAM) (Clean as Necessary)
1. Remove muffler cover and muffler.
NOTE: Be careful not to scratch the cylinder or piston
when cleaning the cylinder exhaust port
2. Clean deposits from cylinder exhaust port.
3. Replace spark arrester screen if clogged.
4. Install muffler and muffler cover.
14

SERVICE
CLEANING CYLINDER FINS
(Check Periodically)
1. Remove cover.
2. Remove dust and dirt from between fins.
3. Reinstall cover.
4. Clean air intake grids on crankcase.
REPLACING NYLON LINE
(GT-2101, Echomatic Head)
1. T urn cutting head clockwise, using locking tool, until
head comes free of shaft.
2. D epress button on head and remove cover.
• Remove hub and spring from head.
3. S ecure one end of the replacement nylon line to the
loop on the hub.
• Hold the line tight while winding it in a clockwise
direction.
15

SERVICE
4. Feed the nylon line through the eyelet in the hub and
press the reel into position against the spring.
5. Align pegs on cover with holes in head and press
cover into place.
REPLACING NYLON LINE
(GT-1100 Head)
NOTE: Use 3.66 m (12 ft.) of line.
1. Loop one end of line through the retainer slots in
spool holder.
2. Wind the line evenly and tightly onto the spool in a
clockwise direction {note arrow on spool) as viewed
from outer end of head.
RETAINER SLOT
ARROW
iJ/i
/ WIND
TIGHTLY
3. Thread end of line through eyelet in housing.
INSTALLING NYLON CUTTER HEAD
1. Rotate the driveshaft until the holes in the upper
adapter plate and bearing housing are aligned.
2. Insert the locking tool in holes.
3. Screw the cutter head onto the driveshaft. (Rotate
the head CLOCKWISE to tighten.)
4. Remove locking bar.
16

SERVICE
INSTALLING MAXICUT HEAD
1. Align hole in adapter plate with hole in bearing
housing and install locking tool.
2. Rotate nylon line cutter head counterclockwise until
it comes free of shaft.
3. Tighten blade attaching screws and nuts (A) until
blades are snug.
4. Loosen screws and nuts (A) until blades swing
freely.
5. Install Maxicut Head (B) on shaft.
6. Install flat washer (C).
7. Install and tighten lock nut (D).
NOTE: This is an interference thread nut. It must be
tightened until the Maxicut Head will not rotate
on the shaft.
17

ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLING DRIVESHAFT
1. Stand engine upright on a level surface.
2. Loosen the two bolts at driveshaft end of engine.
3. Carefully fit driveshaft assembly to engine making sure the
shaft is correctly engaged.
NOTE: The line on the driveshaft housing must be in
contact with the engine (arrow A on driveshaft
indicates line).
4. Rotate the driveshaft housing until gear housing is in line
with the engine.
5. Tighten bolts.
ASSEMBLING THROTTLE CABLE
NOTE: The engine is delivered separated from shaft.
The throttle cable is attached to the shaft.
1. Remove nut from throttle cable.
2. Insert throttle cable through hole in fan cover.
3. Reinstall nut. Finger tighten nut and attach the inner
cable to the swivel on the throttle lever.
NOTE: It is important that the nipple olthe throttle cable fits
into one side ot slot.
4. Tighten nut.
5. Check throttle for freedom of movement and make sure it
returns to idle position.
6. Attach ground wire under screw head of fan housing
screw.
NOTE: On Model G.T. 1100. ground wire is already attached
to rear ot stop switch.
18

ASSEMBLY
INSTALLING LOOP HANDLE
1. Remove the wing nut, washer and bolt from the loop
handle.
2. Push the handle over the driveshaft so that it is 152.4
mm 203.2 mm (6-8 in.).
3. Place handle in comfortable operating position and
secure position with bolt, washer and wing nut.
INSTALLING SHIELD
(With Cut-Off Knife)
1. Remove wing nut, washer and bolt from the shield.
2. Install the shield on the bearing housing.
3. Install bolt, washer and wing nut.
NO TE: The location of the cut- off knife should be adjusted
depending on the model. (Remove both nuts
and cut-off knife and set as required.)
CAUTION: Do not operate trimmer without
shield in correct position.
19