Echo GT-225SF User manual

X7732275403
© 12/21 ECHO Incorporated
Operator’s Manual
GT-225SF
Grass Trimmer
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
Read and understand all provided literature before use.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury.
Note: This product complies with CAN ICES-2/NMB-2.

TABLE OF CONTENTS GT-225SF
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................. 3
Servicing Information .................................................................................. 3
Parts and Serial Number...................................................................... 3
Service................................................................................................. 4
ECHO Consumer Product Support...................................................... 4
Product Registration ............................................................................ 4
Additional Literature............................................................................. 4
Safety.......................................................................................................... 5
Manual Safety Symbols and Important Information............................. 5
International Symbols .......................................................................... 6
Personal Condition and Safety Equipment .......................................... 8
Equipment.......................................................................................... 13
Emission Control . (Exhaust & Evaporative) ............................................. 15
CARB and EPA Emissions Control Information ................................. 15
Description ................................................................................................ 16
Contents.................................................................................................... 17
Assembly................................................................................................... 18
Shield Installation............................................................................... 18
Support Handle.................................................................................. 18
Operation .................................................................................................. 19
Fuel.................................................................................................... 20
Starting Cold Engine.......................................................................... 23
Starting Warm Engine........................................................................ 24
Stopping Engine ................................................................................ 26
Applications ....................................................................................... 26
Operating Techniques - Nylon Line Head .......................................... 26
Maintenance ............................................................................................. 28
Skill Levels ......................................................................................... 28
Maintenance Intervals........................................................................ 29
Air Filter ............................................................................................. 30
Fuel Filter........................................................................................... 30
Spark Plug ......................................................................................... 31
Cooling System.................................................................................. 32
Exhaust System................................................................................. 34
Carburetor Adjustment....................................................................... 35
Lubrication ......................................................................................... 37
Nylon Line Replacement.................................................................... 37
Nylon Line Head Disassembly Instructions........................................ 39
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 40
Storage ..................................................................................................... 41
Long Term Storage (Over 30 Days)................................................... 41
Specifications............................................................................................ 42
Specifications............................................................................................ 44
Product Registration.................................................................................. 46

GT-225SF INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
Specifications, descriptions, and illustrative material in this literature are as
accurate as possible. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Illustrations might include optional equipment and accessories, and might
not include all standard equipment. Your equipment might appear slightly
different than pictured equipment.
Read and understand all provided literature.
Literature contains specifications and
information for safety, operation,
maintenance, storage, and assembly
specific to this product. Scan QR codes for
more information.
For additional literature, including safety manuals where applicable, or
questions regarding terms used in this manual, visit:
https://www.echo-usa.com/manuals
OR
https://www.shindaiwa-usa.com/manuals
SERVICING INFORMATION
Parts and Serial Number
Genuine ECHO 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. For
future reference write them in the
space provided below.
Model No. _____________________ Serial No. ____________________

SERVICING INFORMATION GT-225SF
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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 www.echo-usa.com. 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, call the ECHO Consumer
Product Support Department at 1-800-432-ECHO (3246) from 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time) Monday through Friday. Before calling,
please know the model and serial number of your unit.
Product Registration
Register your ECHO equipment online at www.echo-usa.com or by filling
out the product registration sheet included in this manual. Registering your
product confirms warranty coverage and provides a direct link to ECHO if
we find it necessary to contact you.
Additional Literature
In addition to finding information online, information is available from your
Authorized ECHO Service Dealer, or by contacting ECHO Incorporated,
400 Oakwood Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047, 1-800-432-ECHO (3246).

GT-225SF SAFETY
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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 might 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.

SAFETY GT-225SF
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International Symbols
Symbol Description Symbol Description
Warning, See
Operator’s
Manual
Carburetor
Adjustment -
High Speed
Mixture
Wear Eye, Ear
and Head
Protection
Carburetor
Adjustment - Idle
Speed
Wear Hand
and Foot
Protection
Carburetor
Adjustment - Low
Speed Mixture
Safety/Alert Emergency Stop
Hot Surface Fuel and Oil
Mixture
Do not operate
without guards
and shields in
place.
Do not use
blades. String
line only.
Avoid all power
lines. This unit
is not insulated
against
Plan retreat path
from falling
objects
DO NOT Allow
Flames or
Sparks Near
Fuel
Ignition
ON / OFF
DO NOT Smoke
Near Fuel Purge Bulb
H
T
L
STOP
Ignition
OFF
ON

GT-225SF SAFETY
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Choke Control
“RUN” Position
(Choke Open)
Choke Control
“COLD START”
Position (Choke
Closed)
Keep
Bystanders and
Helpers
Away 15 m
(50 ft.).
Rotating Cutting
Attachment
Do not exceed
10,000 RPM
Wear slip
resistant
footwear
Symbol Description Symbol Description

SAFETY GT-225SF
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Personal Condition and Safety Equipment
Cancer and Reproductive Harm
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
The muffler or catalytic muffler and surrounding cover
may become extremely hot. Always keep clear of
exhaust and muffler area, otherwise serious personal
injury might occur.
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 can be worn over
safety glasses or goggles to provide protection from sharp
branches or flying debris.

GT-225SF SAFETY
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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 and Ear Protection
ECHO recommends wearing personal protective equipment 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.
• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WITH BARE FEET.
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.

SAFETY GT-225SF
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The components of this machine generate an electromagnetic
field during operation, which can 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 and Extreme Conditions
Prolonged exposure to cold and/or vibration can result in injury.
Read and follow all safety and operation instructions to
minimize risk of injury. Failure to follow instructions can 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.

GT-225SF SAFETY
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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 exercises 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 can result.
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately
ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions
and can cause serious injury or death.

SAFETY GT-225SF
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Read the Manuals
• Provide all users of this equipment with literature for instructions on Safe
Operation.
Clear the Work Area
• Always clear the work area of foreign objects such as rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, or string, and check for any hidden hazards. Spectators
and fellow workers must be warned, and children and animals prevented
from coming nearer than 50 ft. (15 m) while the unit is in use.
• Outside the 50 ft. (15 m) zone, there is still a risk of injury from thrown
objects.
• Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection.
• If you are approached, stop the engine and cutting attachment.
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.
• Keep cutting attachment below waist.
• Keep all body parts away from rotating cutting attachment
Avoid Hot Surfaces
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris.
Avoid contact during and immediately after
operation.

GT-225SF SAFETY
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Equipment
Use only approved attachments. Serious injury may result from
the use of a non-approved attachment combination. ECHO
Incorporated will not be responsible for the failure of cutting
devices, attachments or accessories which have not been
tested and approved by ECHO Incorporated. Read and comply
with all safety instructions.
◆Do not attempt to modify this product. Serious injury can
result from the use of any modified product.
◆Check unit for loose or missing nuts, bolts, and screws.
Tighten or replace as needed.
◆Inspect shield for damage and ensure that shield is
properly installed, and that the cut-off knife is securely in
place. Replace if either is damaged or missing.
◆Check that the cutting attachment is firmly attached and in
safe operating condition.
◆Manufacturer recommended flexible non-metallic line is
installed in the trimmer head.
◆Assure that throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, and
stop switch all work properly.
◆Check that handle and harness (if included) are installed
and 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
assembling unit, removing obstructions, clearing debris,
or servicing unit.
◆Do not connect spark plug lead to spark plug until unit is
ready for use.
◆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.

SAFETY GT-225SF
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◆Position wiring safely to prevent snagging, separation of
connectors, or breakage during operation. Gather excess
wire, and secure with wiring clamp if provided on
equipment, or tuck behind the air filter area. Do not place
wiring directly against hot engine components.
◆Check wiring and connectors for nicks, cuts, exposed wire,
or other damage, and repair or replace as needed. Exposed
wire or connectors can cause shocks, sparks, and risk of
fire or explosion, resulting in serious injury.
◆Check wire terminals for secure connections.
Periodically Check fuel system (fuel lines, vent, grommet, fuel
tank, and fuel cap) for leaks 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.

GT-225SF EMISSION CONTROL
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EMISSION CONTROL (EXHAUST &
EVAPORATIVE)
CARB and EPA Emissions Control Information
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
“B”, “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 and fuel
feed lines.
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.

DESCRIPTION GT-225SF
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DESCRIPTION
Locate the safety decal(s) on your unit. Make sure the decal(s) is legible
and that you understand and follow the instructions on it. If a decal cannot
be read, a new one can be ordered from your ECHO dealer. The safety
decal is for example only. Your label may appear slightly different.
1
2
4
6
5
3
789
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
10
18

GT-225SF CONTENTS
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CONTENTS
The ECHO product you purchased has been factory pre-assembled for your
convenience. Due to packaging restrictions, some assembly may be
necessary.
After opening the carton, check for damage. Immediately notify your retailer
or ECHO Dealer of damaged or missing parts. Use the contents list to check
for missing parts.
1. Spark Plug
2. Top Guard
3. Recoil Starter / Handle
4. Spark Arrestor Muffler or Spark Arrestor Muffler with Catalyst
5. Fuel Tank
6. Fuel Tank Cap
7. Air Cleaner
8. Choke Lever
9. Purge Bulb
10. Power Head
11. Throttle Handle - For Right Hand
12. Stop Switch
13. Throttle Trigger
14. Support Handle - For Left Hand
15. Drive Shaft Assembly
16. Debris Shield with Cut-Off Knife
17. Cut-Off Knife
18. Speed Feed® 400 Head
1 Power Head / Drive Shaft Assembly
1 Quick Start Guide
1 Warranty Statement
1 Shield Assembly

ASSEMBLY GT-225SF
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ASSEMBLY
Shield Installation
Parts required: Shield Assembly
Cut-off knife on debris shield has sharp edges. Avoid contact
when installing or removing line head.
Wear Gloves or personal injury may result:
◆Cut-off knife is sharp.
◆Gear case and surrounding area may be hot.
1. Remove wing nut (A), washer
(B), and bolt (C).
2. Snap the shield over the
bearing housing.
3. Install bolt (C), washer (B), and
wing nut (A).
Support Handle
Note: Label (A) shows
minimum spacing for
Support Handle
location.
Note: Support Handle is pre-
installed. Re-
positioning and
tightening is all that is
required.
A
B
C
A

GT-225SF OPERATION
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1. Position Support Handle (A) in
comfortable operating position
and tighten wing nut (B). The
cutting attachment should be
5 - 7.5 cm (2 - 3 in.) above the
ground and as level as
possible.
OPERATION
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.
Engine exhaust IS HOT, and contains Carbon Monoxide (CO), a
poison gas. Breathing CO can cause unconsciousness, serious
injury, or death. Exhaust can cause serious burns. ALWAYS
position unit so that exhaust is directed away from your face
and body.
Operation of this equipment may create sparks that can start
fires around dry vegetation. This unit is equipped with a spark
arrestor to prevent discharge of hot particles from the engine.
Metal cutters can also create sparks if the cutter strikes rocks,
metal, or other hard objects. Contact local fire authorities for
laws or regulations regarding fire prevention requirements.
B
A
A
B

OPERATION GT-225SF
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Fuel
Diesel fuels and alternative fuels, such as E-15 (15% ethanol),
E-85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting ECHO requirements
are NOT approved for use in ECHO 2-stroke gasoline engines.
Use of diesel or alternative fuels can cause performance
problems, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, and
unintended machine operation, including, but not limited to,
improper clutch engagement. Diesel or alternative fuels can
also cause premature deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets,
carburetors and other engine components.
Fuel Requirements
Gasoline - Use fresh (purchased within the last 30 days from the pump) 89
Octane [R+M/2] (mid grade or higher) gasoline known to be good quality.
Gasoline may contain up to 10% Ethanol (grain alcohol) or 15% MTBE
(methyl tertiary-butyl ether). Gasoline containing methanol (wood alcohol) is
NOT approved. Use of ECHO branded fuel is recommended to extend
engine life in all air-cooled 2-stroke and 2/4-stroke hybrid engines.
Two Stroke Oil - A two-stroke engine oil, such as ECHO branded 2-stroke
oils, meeting ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. FD Standards must
be used. ECHO branded 2-stroke oils meet these standards. Engine
problems due to inadequate lubrication caused by failure to use an ISO-L-
EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345-FD certified oil will void the two-
stroke engine warranty.
2-Stroke engine oil contains petroleum distillates and other
additives that may be harmful if swallowed. Heated oil can
release vapors that can cause flash fire, or ignite with explosive
force. Read and follow the oil manufacturer’s instructions, and
observe all safety warnings and precautions for handling
flammable liquids. For more detailed safety and first aid
information, visit www.echo-usa.com for a copy of the Material
Safety Data Sheet.
◆KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
◆If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. CALL PHYSICIAN OR
A POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY.
◆WEAR SAFETY GLASSES when mixing or handling.