Makita RBC411U User manual

Petrol Brushcutter
RBC411
RBC411U
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
RBC411 RBC411U
Important:
Read this instruction manual carefully before putting the brushcutter into operation and strictly observe the
safety regulations!
Preserve instruction manual carefully!

Thank you very much for selecting the MAKITA brushcutter. We are pleased to be
able to offer you the MAKITA brushcutter which is the result of a long development
programme and many years of knowledge and experience.
Please read, understand and follow this booklet which refers in detail to the various
points that will demonstrate its outstanding performance. This will assist you to
obtain the best possible result from your MAKITA brushcutter.
Table of Contents Page
Symbols.........................................................................2
Safety instructions .........................................................3
Technical data ...............................................................7
Designation of parts.......................................................8
Assembly of engine and shaft .......................................9
Mounting of handle........................................................9
Mounting of protector...................................................10
Mounting of cutter blade..............................................11
Fuels/refueling.............................................................12
Correct handling of machine........................................13
Putting into operation...................................................14
Resharpening the cutting tool......................................15
Maintenance schedule.................................................16
Storage........................................................................17
You will note the following symbols when reading the instruction manual.
Read instruction manual Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons and pets
Take particular care and attention Wear protective helmet, eye and ear
protection
Forbidden Top permissible tool speed
Keep distance Fuel and oil mixture
Flying object hazard Engine-Manual start
No smoking Emergency stop
No open flame First Aid
Protective gloves must be worn ON/START
Wear sturdy boots with non-slip
soles. Steel toed safety boots are
recommended.
OFF/STOP
Kickback
SYMBOLS
English (Original instructions)
2

(1)
(3)
(2)
(4)
(5)(6)
General Instructions
Read this instruction manual to become familiar with handling of the–
equipment. Users insufficiently informed will risk danger to themselves as well
as others due to improper handling.
It is recommended only to lend the equipment to people who have proven to–
be experienced.
Always hand over the instruction manual.
First users should ask the dealer for basic instructions to familiarize oneself–
with the handling of brushcutters.
Children and young persons aged under 18 years must not be allowed to–
operate this equipment. Persons over the age of 16 years may however
use the device for the purpose of being trained while under supervision of a
qualified trainer.
Use with the utmost care and attention.–
Operate only if you are in good physical condition. Perform all work calmly–
and carefully. The user has to accept liability for others.
Never use this equipment after consumption of alcohol or drugs, or if feeling–
tired or ill.
National regulation can restrict the use of the machine.–
Intended use of the machine
This equipment is only intended for cutting grass, weeds, bushes,–
undergrowth. It should not be used for any other purpose such as edging or
hedge cutting as this may cause injury.
Personal protective equipment
The clothing worn should be functional and appropriate, i.e. it should be tight-–
fitting but not cause hindrance. Do not wear either jewelry or clothing which
could become entangled with bushes or shrubs.
In order to avoid either head-, eye-, hand-or foot injuries as well as to protect–
your hearing the following protective equipment and protective clothing must
be used during operation.
Always wear a helmet where there is a risk of falling objects. The protective–
helmet (1) is to be checked at regular intervals for damage and is to be
replaced at the latest after 5 years. Use only approved protective helmets.
The visor (2) of the helmet (or alternatively goggles) protects the face from–
flying debris and stones. During operation always wear goggles, or a visor to
prevent eye injuries.
Wear adequate noise protection equipment to avoid hearing impairment (ear–
muffs (3), ear plugs etc.).
The work overalls (4) protect against flying stones and debris.–
We strongly recommend that the user wears work overalls.
Gloves (5) are part of the prescribed equipment and must always be worn–
during operation.
When using the equipment, always wear sturdy shoes (6) with a non-slip sole.–
This protects against injuries and ensures a good footing.
Starting up the brushcutter
Please make sure that there are no children or other people within a working–
range of 15 meters (50 ft), also pay attention to any animals in the working
vicinity.
Before use always check the equipment is safe for operation:–
Check the security of the cutting tool, the throttle lever for easy action and
check for proper functioning of the throttle lever lock.
Rotation of the cutting tool during idling speed is not allowed. Check with your–
dealer for adjustment if in doubt. Check for clean and dry handles and test the
function of the start/stop switch.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3

Resting•
Transport•
Refuelling•
Maintenance•
Tool Replacement•
Start the brushcutter only in accordance with the instructions.
Do not use any other methods for starting the engine!–
Use the brushcutter and the tools only for such applications as specified.–
Only start the engine, after the entire assembly is done. Operation of the–
device is only permitted after all the appropriate accessories are attached!
Before starting make sure that the cutting tool has no contact with hard–
objects such as branches, stones etc. as the cutting tool will revolve when
starting.
The engine is to be switched off immediately in case of any engine problems.–
Should the cutting tool hit stones or other hard objects, immediately switch off–
the engine and inspect the cutting tool.
Inspect the cutting tool at short regular intervals for damage (detection of–
hairline cracks by means of tapping-noise test).
If the equipment gets heavy impact or fall, check the condition before–
continuing work. Check the fuel system for fuel leakage and the controls
and safety devices for malfunction. If there is any damage or doubt, ask our
authorized service center for the inspection and repair.
Operate the equipment only with the shoulder harness attached which is to be–
suitably adjusted before putting the brushcutter into operation. It is essential
to adjust the shoulder harness according to the user size to prevent fatigue
occurring during use. Never hold the cutter with one hand during use.
During operation always hold the brushcutter with both hands.–
Always ensure a safe footing.
Operate the equipment in such a manner as to avoid inhalation of the exhaust–
gases. Never run the engine in enclosed rooms (risk of gas poisoning).
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas.
Switch off the engine when resting and when leaving the equipment–
unattended, and place it in a safe location to prevent danger to others or
damage to the machine.
Never put the hot brushcutter onto dry grass or onto any combustible–
materials.
Always install the approved cutting tool guard onto the equipment before–
starting the engine.
Otherwise contact with the cutting tool may cause serious injury.
All protective installations and guards supplied with the machine must be–
used during operation.
Never operate the engine with faulty exhaust muffler.–
Shut off the engine during transport.–
When transporting the equipment, always attach the cover to the cutting–
blade.
Ensure safe position of the equipment during car transportation to avoid fuel–
leakage.
When transporting, ensure that the fuel tank is completely empty.–
When unloading the equipment from the truck, never drop the Engine to the–
ground or this may severely damage the fuel tank.
Except in case of emergency, never drop or cast the equipment to the ground–
or this may severely damage the equipment.
Remember to lift the entire equipment from the ground when moving the–
equipment. Dragging the fuel tank is highly dangerous and will cause damage
and leakage of fuel, possibly causing fire.
Refueling
Shut off the engine during refueling, keep away from open flames and do not–
smoke.
Avoid skin contact with mineral oil products. Do not inhale fuel vapor. Always–
wear protective gloves during refueling. Change and clean protective clothing
at regular intervals.
Take care not to spill either fuel or oil in order to prevent soil contamination–
(environmental protection). Clean the brushcutter immediately after fuel has
been spilt.
Avoid any fuel contact with your clothing. Change your clothing instantly if fuel–
has been spilt on it (to prevent clothing catching fire).
Inspect the fuel cap at regular intervals making sure that it can be securely–
fastened and does not leak.
Carefully tighten the fuel tank cap. Change location to start the engine (at–
least 3 meters away from the place of refueling).
Never refuel in closed rooms. Fuel vapors accumulate at ground lever (risk of–
explosions).
Only transport and store fuel in approved containers. Make sure the fuel–
stored is not accessible to children.
3 meters (10 ft)
4

12
2
Caution:
Kickback
Diagrammatic
figure
Diagrammatic
figure
Method of operation
Only use in good light and visibility. During the winter season beware of–
slippery or wet areas, ice and snow (risk of slipping). Always ensure a safe
footing.
Never cut above waist height.–
Never stand on a ladder.–
Never climb up into trees to perform cutting operation.–
Never work on unstable surfaces.–
Remove sand, stones, nails etc. found within the working range.–
Foreign particles may damage the cutting tool and can cause dangerous kick-
backs.
Before commencing cutting, the cutting tool must have reached full working–
speed.
When using metal blades, swing the tool evenly in half-circle from right to left,–
like using a scythe.
If grass or branches get caught between the cutting tool and guard, always
stop the engine before cleaning. Otherwise unintentional blade rotation may
cause serious injury.
Take a rest to prevent loss of control caused by fatigue. We recommend to–
take a 10 to 20-minute rest every hour.
Cutting Tools
Use an applicable cutting tool for the job in hand.–
Metal blades are suitable for cutting weeds, high grasses, bushes, shrubs,
underwood, thicket, and the like.
Never use other blades including metal multi-piece pivoting chains and flail
blades. Otherwise serious injury may result.
When using metal blades, avoid “kickback” and always prepare for an–
accidental kickback. See the section “Kickback” and “Kickback prevention.”
Kickback (blade thrust)
Kickback (blade thrust) is a sudden reaction to a caught or bound cutting–
blade. Once it occurs, the equipment is thrown sideway or toward the
operator at great force and it may cause serious injury.
Kickback occurs particularly when applying the blade segment between 12–
and 2 o’clock to solids, bushes and trees with 3 cm or larger diameter.
To avoid kickback:–
Apply the segment between 8 and 11 o’clock;•
Never apply the segment between 12 and 2 o’clock;•
Never apply the segment between 11 and 12 o’clock and between 2 and•
5 o’clock, unless the operator is well trained and experienced and does it at
his/her own risk;
Never use cutting blades close to solids, such as fences, walls, tree trunks•
and stones;
Never use cutting blades vertically, for such operations as edging and•
trimming hedges.
Vibration
People with poor circulation who are exposed to excessive vibration may–
experience injury to blood vessels or the nervous system. Vibration may
cause the following symptoms to occur in the fingers, hands or wrists: “Falling
asleep” (numbness), tingling, pain, stabbing sensation, alteration of skin color
or of the skin. If any of these symptoms occur, see a physician!
To reduce the risk of “white finger disease”, keep your hands warm during–
operation and well maintain the equipment and accessories.
Maintenance instructions
Have your equipment serviced by our authorized service center, always using–
only genuine replacement parts. Incorrect repair and poor maintenance can
shorten the life of the equipment and increase the risk of accidents.
The condition of the cutter, in particular of the cutting tool of the protective–
devices and also of the shoulder harness must be checked before
commencing work. Particular attention is to be paid to the cutting blades
which must be correctly sharpened.
Turn off the engine and remove spark plug connector when replacing or–
sharpening cutting tools, and also when cleaning the cutter or cutting tool.
5

Never straighten or weld damaged cutting tools.
Pay attention to the environment. Avoid unnecessary throttle operation for–
less pollution and noise emissions. Adjust the carburetor correctly.
Clean the equipment at regular intervals and check that all screws and nuts–
are well tightened.
Never service or store the equipment in the vicinity of naked flames.–
Always store the equipment in locked rooms and with an emptied fuel tank.–
When cleaning, servicing and storing the equipment, always attach the cover–
to the cutting blade.
Observe the relevant accident prevention instructions issued by the relevant trade associations and by the insurance companies.
Do not perform any modifications to the equipment as this will endanger your safety.
The performance of maintenance or repair work by the user is limited to those activities as described in the instruction manual. All other work is
to be done by an Authorized Service Agent. Use only genuine spare parts and accessories released and supplied by MAKITA.
Use of non-approved accessories and tools means increased risk of accidents.
MAKITA will not accept any liability for accidents or damage caused by the use of non-approved cutting tools and fixing devices of cutting tools,
or accessories.
First Aid
In case of accident make sure that a first-aid box is available in the vicinity of
the cutting operations. Immediately replace any item taken from the first aid box.
When asking for help, please give the following
information:
Place of accident–
What happened–
Number of injured persons–
Kind of injuries–
Your name–
6

Model
RBC411 RBC411U
U handle
Dimensions: length x width x height (without cutting blade) mm 1,705 x 620 x 435 1,710 x 670 x 430
Mass (without plastic guard and cutting blade) kg 7.3
Volume (fuel tank) L 1.1
Engine displacement cm340.2
Maximum engine performance kW 1.47 at 7,000 min-1
Engine speed at recommended max. spindle speed min-1 10,000
Maximum spindle speed (corresponding) min-1 6,800
Fuel consumption kg/h 0.98 (32.8 oz/h)
Specific fuel consumption g/kWh 1134.5 (29.9 oz/kwh)
Idling speed min-1 2,800
Clutch engagement speed min-1 3,600
Carburetor (Float - carburetor) type MIKUNI VM
Ignition system type Solid state ignition
Spark plug type NGK BPM7A
Electrode gap mm 0.6 – 0.7
Mixture ratio (Fuel: MAKITA 2-stroke oil) 25 : 1
Gear ratio 13/19
1) The data takes equally into account the idling and racing or wide open throttle speed operating modes.
TECHNICAL DATA
7

RBC411
RBC411U
GB DESIGNATION OF PARTS
1 Fuel Tank
2 Rewind Starter
3 Air Cleaner
4 I-O Switch (on/off)
5 Spark Plug
6 Exhaust Muffler
7 Clutch Case
8 Hanger
9 Handle
10 Throttle Lever
11 Throttle wire
12 Shaft
13 Protector
14 Gear Case
15 Handle Holder
16 Cutter Blade
17 Waist Pad
18 Fuel Filler Cap
19 Starter Knob
20 Choke Lever
21 Exhaust Pipe
DESIGNATION OF PARTS
8

(4)
(3)
CAUTION: Before doing any work on the brushcutter, always switch off the motor
and pull the spark plug connector off the spark plug.
Always wear protective gloves.
CAUTION: Start the brushcutter only after having assembled it completely.
After checking the parts, fasten the drive shaft to the engine with four bolts–
M6 x 22 (1). At this time, fasten also the earth terminal (2) of the stop cord to the
engine.
Place the handle with the throttle lever on the handle holder on the right side (to–
be held by the right hand) and the other on the left side.
Fit the handle edge to the handle holder groove, and provisionally fix the upper–
side (3) of the handle holder by four bolts M5 x 25 (4).
Adjust the handle to an angle easy to manipulate, and tighten the bolt (4)–
uniformly on the right and left sides.
Mount the waist pad (5). When the waist pad is mounted, be sure to confirm that–
the wires do not move horizontally.
Avoid any tendency of the throttle wire to loop at the handle bar.–
The purpose of the detent lock is to prevent the engine from rotating relative to
the drive shaft while operating the starter or transporting the equipment from
place to place. The detent should be unlocked while the unit is being used.
Hanger
Detent lock Throttle wire
ASSEMBLY OF ENGINE AND SHAFT
MOUNTING OF HANDLE
9

To meet the applicable safety provisions, only the tool/protector combinations as
indicated in the table must be used.
Be sure to use genuine MAKITA cutter blade or nylon cutting head.
The cutter blade must be well polished, free of cracks or breakage.–
If the cutter blade hits against a stone during operation, stop the engine and–
check the blade immediately.
Polish or replace the cutter blade every three hours of operation.–
The outside diameter of the cutter blade must be 255 mm (10-1/32”).–
Never use any blades surpassing 255 mm (10-1/32”) in outside diameter.
CAUTION: The appropriate protector must always be installed, for your own safety and in order to comply with accident-prevention regulations.
Operation of the equipment without the guard being in place is not permitted.
Fix the protector (1) to the clamp (3) with two bolts M6 x 30 (2).–
NOTE: Tighten the right and left bolts evenly so that the gap between the clamp (3)
and the protector (1) will be constant.
Otherwise, the protector sometimes may not function as specified.
Protector for model
RBC411
Protector for model
RBC411U
MOUNTING OF PROTECTOR
10