Makita RBC413U User manual

Petrol Brushcutter
RBC413U
RBC414U
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
RBC413U RBC414U
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 or nylon cutting head............12
Fuels/refuelling ............................................................13
Correct handling of machine........................................14
Putting into operation...................................................15
Resharpening the cutting tool......................................16
Maintenance schedule.................................................20
Storage........................................................................21
You will note the following symbols when reading the instruction manual.
Read instruction manual and follow the
warnings and safety precautions!
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)
15m(50FT)
360
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3
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.
Diagrammatic figure
15 Meters

Resting•
Transport•
Refuelling•
Maintenance•
Tool Replacement•
3 meters (10 ft)
4
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 metal 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.
Refuelling
Shut off the engine during refuelling, 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 refuelling. 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 refuelling).
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.

12 2
Caution:
Kickback
Diagrammatic
figure
Diagrammatic
figure
5
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.–
Nylon cutting heads (string trimmer heads) are suitable for trimming lawn grass.
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 metal 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 metal blades close to solids, such as fences, walls, tree trunks and•
stones;
Never use metal 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 metal 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.

6
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 metal 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–

Model RBC413U RBC414U
Handle type U handle
Dimensions: length x width x height (without cutting blade) mm 1,710 x 650 x 435 1,710 x 630 x 515
Net weight (without plastic guard and cutting blade) kg 7.1 7.2
Volume (fuel tank) cm31,100
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 type Diaphragm type
Ignition system type Solid state ignition
Spark plug type NGK BPMR7A
Electrode gap mm 0.6 – 0.7
Mixture ratio (Fuel: MAKITA 2-stroke oil) 25 : 1
Cutting tool (cutter blade dia.) mm 305 (with two-edged blade)
Gear ratio 13/19
• Due to our continuing program of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change without notice.
• Specifications may differ from country to country.
TECHNICAL DATA
7

DESIGNATION OF PARTS
19 12
13
20
15
16
18
17
14
1
2
8
9
10
7
3
11
4
5
6
1
2
8
9
10
7
3
11
4
5
6
RBC413U RBC414U
No. DESIGNATION OF PARTS
1 Fuel tank
2 Clutch case
3 Hanger
4 I-O switch (on/off)
5 Throttle lever
6 Throttle wire
7 Handle
8 Handle holder
9 Shaft
10 Cutting tool guard (Protector)
11 Gear case
12 Spark plug
13 Exhaust muffler
14 Exhaust pipe
15 Recoil starter
16 Starter knob
17 Primer pump
18 Choke lever
19 Air cleaner
20 Fuel tank cap
8

(2)
(1)
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 20 (1). At this time, fasten also the earth terminal (2) of the stop cord to the
engine.
CAUTION: Before doing any work on the brushcutter, always stop the engine and
pull the spark plug connector off the spark plug. Always wear protective
gloves!
CAUTION: Start the brushcutter only after having assembled it completely.
For model RBC413U
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 (1) of the handle holder by four bolts M5 x 25 (2).
Adjust the handle to an angle easy to manipulate, and tighten the bolt (2)–
uniformly on the right and left sides.
ASSEMBLY OF ENGINE AND SHAFT
MOUNTING OF HANDLE
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
For model RBC414U
Loosen knob (1).–
Place handle (4) between handle clamp (2) and handle holder (3).–
Adjust handle (4) to an angle that provides a comfortable working position and–
then secure by firmly hand-tightening knob (1).
CAUTION: Do not forget to mount spring (5).
Engine
9

For model RBC413U, RBC414U
– After assembling the handle, fit the control cable to the shaft by two clips (1).
Clips (1)
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 blades 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.
Resharpening or replace the cutter blade every three hours of–
operation.
If the nylon cutting head hits against a stone during operation, stop the–
engine and check the nylon cutting head immediately.
Metal blade Protector for metal blades
MOUNTING OF PROTECTOR
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.
The outside diameter of the cutter blade must be 255 mm
(10”). Cutter blades with outside diameter of 305 mm or
12 inches can be used only for those with two or three
blades.
10
Nylon cutting head Protector for nylon cutting head

(1)
(2)
(3)
(3)
(4)
Hex wrench
In use of the metal blade, fix the protector (3) to the clamp (2) with two bolts (1).–
NOTE: Tighten the right and left bolts evenly so that the gap between the clamp (2)
and the protector (3) will be constant.
Otherwise, the protector sometimes may not function as specified.
In cases where the nylon cord cutter is to be used, be sure to mount the nylon–
cord cutter protector (4) onto the metal blade protector (3).
Mount the nylon cord cutter protector (4) by sliding it into place from the flank of–
the metal blade protector (3) as shown.
Remove tape adhered to cutter, which cuts nylon cord, on nylon cord cutter–
protector (4).
CAUTION: Be sure to push in nylon cord cutter protector (4) until it is fully inserted.
Take care not to injure yourself on the cutter for cutting the nylon cord.
To remove the nylon cord cutter protector (4), apply a hex wrench into the notch–
on the metal blade protector (3), push it in and meanwhile slide the nylon cord
cutter protector (4).
11

(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(4)
Insert the hex wrench through the hole in the gear case and rotate the receiver–
washer (4) until it is locked with the hex wrench.
Loosen the nut (1) (left-hand thread) with the socket wrench and remove the nut–
(1), cup (2), and clamp washer (3).
Turn the machine upside down, and you can replace the cutter blade or nylon
cutting head easily.
Mounting of cutterblade
With the hex wrench still in place.
Mount the cutter blade onto the shaft so that the guide of the receiver washer (4)–
fits in the arbor hole in the cutter blade. Install the clamp washer (3), cup (2), and
secure the cutter blade with the nut (1).
[Tightening torque: 20 - 30 N·m]
NOTE: Always wear gloves when handling the cutter blade.
NOTE: The cutter blade-fastening nut (with spring washer) is a consumable part.
If there appears any wear or deformation on the spring washer, replace the
nut. Hex wrench
Hex wrench
Mounting of nylon cutting head
The clamp washer (3), cup (2), and nut (1) are not necessary for mounting the–
nylon cutting head. The nylon cutting head should go on top of the receiver
washer (4).
Insert the hex wrench through the hole in the gear case and rotate the receiver–
washer (4) until it is locked with the hex wrench.
Then screw the nylon cutting head onto the shaft by turning it counterclockwise.–
Remove the hex wrench.–
MOUNTING OF CUTTER BLADE OR NYLON CUTTING HEAD
12
Rotation
Make sure that the blade is the left way up.–
Loosen Tighten
Hex wrench

Handling petroleum products
Utmost care is required when handling fuel. Fuel may contain substances similar
to solvents. Refuel either in a well ventilated area or outdoors. Do not inhale fuel
vapors, avoid any contact of fuel or oil with your skin.
Mineral oil products degrease your skin. If your skin comes in contact with these
substances repeatedly and for an extended period of time, various skin diseases
may result. In addition, allergic reactions are known to occur. Eyes can be irritated
by contact with oil, fuel etc.
If oil comes into your eyes, immediately wash them with clear water.
If your eyes are still irritated, see a doctor immediately.
Fuel and oil mixture
The engine of the brushcutter is a high-efficiency two-stroke engine.
It is run with a mixture of fuel and two-stroke engine oil. The engine is designed
to use unleaded regular fuel with a min. Octane value of 91 RON. If no such fuel
is available, you can use fuel with a higher octane value. This will not affect the
engine, but may cause poor operating behavior.
A similar situation will arise from the use of leaded fuel. To obtain optimum engine
performance and to protect your health and the environment, only unleaded fuel
should be used!
For engine lubrication use a two-stroke engine oil (quality grade: TC-3), which is
added to the fuel. The engine has been designed to use MAKITA two-stroke engine
oil at mixture ratio of 25:1 to protect the environment. In addition, a long service life
and reliable operation with a minimum emission of exhaust gasses is assured. It is
absolutely essential to observe a mixture ratio of 25:1 MAKITA 2-stroke engine oil.
Otherwise reliable function of the brushcutter cannot be guaranteed.
The correct mixture ratio:
Mix 25 parts gasoline with 1 part MAKITA 2-stroke engine oil (see table on right).
NOTE: For preparing the fuel-oil mixture first mix the entire oil quantity with
half of the fuel required in an approved can which meets or exceeds
all local code standards, then add the remaining fuel. Throughly shake
the mixture before filling it into the brushcutter tank. It is not wise to
add more engine oil than specified to ensure safe operation. This will
only result in a higher production of combustion residues which will
pollute the environment and clog the exhaust channel in the cylinder,
the spark plugs as well as the muffler. In addition, fuel consumption
will rise and the performance will be decreased.
Refuelling
Never perform refuelling operations in a closed, unventilated area.
The engine must be switched off!
Thoroughly clean the area around the gas cap, to prevent dirt from getting into–
the fuel tank.
Unscrew the gas cap and fill the tank with fuel.–
Never fill the fuel tank to the very top.–
Securely screw on the gas cap.–
Wipe the screw plug and tank with an absorbent after refuelling!–
Allow cloths to dry and discard in a proper container.
Storage of Fuel
Fuel cannot be stored for an unlimited period of time.
Purchase only the quantity required for a 4 week operating period. Only use
approved fuel storage containers.
Observe the Safety Instructions on page 4!
25:1
+
Gasoline
(premium unleaded)
1,000 cc (1L)
5,000 cc (5L)
10,000 cc (10L)
40 cc
200 cc
400 cc
FUELS/REFUELLING
13

Detachment
In case of emergency, remove the emergency detachment lever (1) by pulling–
strongly with a finger. The machine sill detach from body.
Be extremely careful to maintain control of the machine at this time. Do not allow
the machine to be deflected toward you or anyone in the work vicinity.
WARNING: Failure to maintain complete control of the machine at all could result in
serious bodily injury or DEATH.
Either type I or II below is included in the tool package. Always wear the shoulder
harness when operating the brushcutter.
Type I
Attachment of shoulder harness
Adjust the strap length so that the cutter blade will be kept parallel with the–
ground.
Type II
Attachment of shoulder harness
Adjust the strap length so that the cutter blade will be kept–
parallel with the ground.
NOTE: Be careful not to trap clothing, etc., in the buckle.
Detachment
In case of emergency, push the notches (2) at both sides,–
and you can detach the machine from you.
Be extremely careful to maintain control of the machine at this
time. Do not allow the machine to be deflected toward you or
anyone in the work vicinity.
WARNING: Failure to maintain complete control of the machine
at all could result in serious bodily injury or DEATH.
Hanger
(1)
Hanger
Buckle
(2)
CORRECT HANDLING OF MACHINE
14
Type III
Attachment of shoulder harness
Adjust the strap length so that the cutter blade will be kept parallel with the–
ground.
Detachment
In an emergency, push the notches (1) at both sides, and you can detach the–
machine from you.
Be extremely careful to maintain control of the machine at this time. Do not allow
the machine to be deflected toward you or anyone in the work vicinity.
WARNING: Failure to maintain complete control of the machine at all could result in
serious bodily injury or DEATH.
Hanger
(1)

(3)
(1)
(2)
(4)
(5)
Starting
Move at least 3m (10ft) away from the place of refuelling. Place the brushcutter on a clean piece of ground taking care that the cutting tool does
not come into contact with the ground or any other objects.
First place the machine on the ground.–
Give a gentle push on the primer pump (4) repeatedly (7-10 times) until fuel–
comes into the primer pump.
Move the choke lever (5) to the top position (– ).
Firmly hold the unit by your left hand, as illustrated.–
Slowly pull the starter grip until resistance is felt and continue with a smart pull.–
Do not pull out the starter rope to its full extent and do not allow the starter handle–
to be retracted without control, but ensure that it is retracted slowly.
Repeat the starting operation until initial ignitions are heard.–
Depress the choke lever (– ) and pull the starter rope again until the engine
starts.
As soon as the engine starts, immediately tap and release the throttle, thus–
releasing the half-throttle lock so that the engine can run in idle.
Run the engine for approximately one minute at a moderate speed before–
applying full throttle.
Caution during operation:
If the throttle lever is opened fully in a no-load operation, the engine rotation is increased to 10,000 min-1 or more. Never operate the engine at a
higher speed than required and at an approximate speed of 6,000 - 8,000 min-1.
Cold start
Grasp the handle (hand pressure activates the safety lock-off lever (1)).–
Press the throttle lever (2) and hold it down.–
Push the I-O switch (3) to START.–
PUTTING INTO OPERATION
Observe the applicable accident prevention regulations!
15

IDLE ADJUSTMENT
Never attempt to make engine adjustments while the unit is running and strapped–
to the operator. Always make engine adjustments with the unit resting on a flat,
clear surface.
The cutter blade or the nylon cutting head should not run when the control lever is
fully released. If necessary, adjust the idle rpm using the idle adjusting screw.
Checking the Idle speed
Idle speed should be set to 2,600 min– -1.
If necessary correct it by means of the idle adjustment screw (the blade or the
nylon cutting head must not turn when the engine is on idle.)
Turning in the screw clockwise will cause an increase in the engine speed,
whereas turning the screw counterclockwise will reduce the engine speed.
CAUTION:
The cutting tools mentioned below must only be resharpened by an authorized
facility. Manual resharpening will result in imbalances of the cutting tool causing
vibrations and damage to the equipment.
cutter blade–
An expert resharpening and balancing service is provided by Authorized Service
Agents.
NOTE:
To increase the service life of the cutter blade it may be turned over once, until both
cutting edges have become blunt.
RESHARPENING THE CUTTING TOOL
Stopping
1) Release the throttle lever (2) fully, and when the engine rpm has lowered, set the
I-O switch (1) to STOP the engine will now stop.
2) Be aware that the cutting head may not stop immediately and allow it to slow
down fully.
OPERATION OF THROTTLE LEVER
With the throttle lever main unit held by hand (with the lock-off lever pushed), pull
the throttle lever to increase the engine rotation.
Release the throttle lever to let the engine run idle.
Release the hand from the throttle lever main unit. The lock-off lever returns
automatically so that the throttle lever is not pulled by mistake.
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Starting the warm engine
As described above, except without moving the choke lever (choke lever remains in the down position).–
increase
Idle adjusting
screw
reduce
16

NYLON CUTTING HEAD
The nylon cutting head is a dual line trimmer head that has bump & feed mechanism
or auto feed mechanism (ultra auto) (country specific).
The nylon cutting head with bump & feed mechanism feeds out the nylon cord after
tapping the trimmer head on the ground. The nylon cutting head with auto feed
mechanism automatically feeds out the nylon cord by the changes in centrifugal
force.
Operation
The most effective cutting area is shown by the shaded area.–
To feed the nylon cord, increase the nylon cutting head speed to approx.–
6,000 min-1 and tap the nylon cutting head lightly on the ground. With auto feed
mechanism, trigger action can feed the nylon cord.
If the nylon cutting head does not feed out by tapping, rewind/replace the nylon–
cord by following the procedures described under “Replacing the nylon cord.”
Replacing the nylon cord (BUMP & FEED)
WARNING: Make sure that the cover of the nylon cutting head is secured to the
housing properly as described below. Failure to properly secure the
cover may cause the nylon cutting head to fly apart resulting in serious
personal injury.
Press inward on the housing latches and lift upward to remove the cover.
Discard any of the remaining nylon cord.
Hook the middle of the new nylon cord to the notch located at the center of the spool
between the 2 channels provided for the nylon cord. One side of the cord should be
about 80 mm longer than the other side.
Wind both ends firmly around the spool in the direction marked on the head for left
hand direction indicated by LH.
Wind all but about 100 mm of the cords, leaving the ends temporarily hooked
through a notch on the side of the spool.
Most effective cutting area
Cover
PressPress
Latches
80 mm
Spool
For left hand
rotation
Notches
100 mm
17

Mount the spool in the housing so that the grooves and protrusions on the spool
match up with those in the housing. Keep the side with letters on the spool visible
on the top. Now, unhook the ends of the cord from their temporary position and feed
the cords through the eyelets to come out of the housing.
Align the protrusion on the underside of the cover with the slots of the eyelets.
Then push cover firmly onto the housing to secure it. Make sure the latches fully
spread in the cover.
Replacing the nylon cord (ULTRA AUTO)
1. Put off cover from housing, pressing two cover locking tabs located oppositely
on side of the housing.
2. Take off tab knob and spool from the housing.
3. Put each one end of two cutting lines into each holes at innermost of the slot on
one of spool outer anges. Put the lines into spool gutters through each slit on
the anges.
Eyelets
Cover
Protrusion
Slot of
eyelet
Pull up
Cover
locking tab
Tab knob Spool
Slit
There is a hole
innermost of the slit
18

4. Wind the lines up firmly to the direction slown by left-hand (LH) arrow on the
ange. Do not cross the lines.
5. Wind all but about 100 mm (3-15/16”) of the cords, leaving the end temporarily
hooked through a notch on the side of the spool.
6. Put tab knob onto the housing hub, positioning it can freely move up and down
against spring tension. Put the spool into the housing, aligning the teeth on
spool and tap knob alternately like gears.
7. Put in the cutting lines through the slot of eyelets.
8. Put the cover onto the housing, aligning the tabs on cover and the windows
on housing. Make sure the cover is secured exactly to the housing. Outer
edge of cover locking tab and outer surface of the housing should be on same
circumference.
To “LH” direction
100 mm from
notches
Tab knob’s teeth
Spool’s teeth
Cover locking tab
Housing window
Outer edge
of cover
locking tab
Outer
surface of
housing
19
Wind tightly

(3)
(4)
1. Before operation, pay particular attention to the tightness of Cutter Blade or
nylon cutting head.
Check bolts and nuts and retighten if necessary.: Every 8 hour (Daily)
2. Check clogging of the cooling air passage and the cylinder fins. Clean them if
necessary.: Every 8 hours (Daily)
3. Cleaning of air cleaner
Raise the lock lever (1) of the air cleaner cover and release the lock.–
Hold the right and left sides of the air cleaner cover, press it to the inside and–
then remove it.
Push the choke lever (2) up (arrow), to prevent dirt particles from entering the–
carburetor.
Remove the sponge element (3).–
Wash it with lukewarm water and then dry it throughly.
After cleaning, put back the sponge element and install the air cleaner cover (4)–
and tighten the screw to secure.
NOTE: If there is excessive dust or dirt adhering to the air cleaner, clean it every
day. A clogged air cleaner may make it difficult or impossible to start or run
the engine at proper rotational speeds.
5. Supply of grease to gear case.
Apply grease (SHELL ALVANIA No. 3 or equivalent) to the gear case through
the grease hole (3) every 30 hours.
(Genuine MAKITA grease may be purchased from your MAKITA dealer.)
6. Cleaning of mufer exhaust port: Every 50 hours (Monthly)
If the exhaust port (4) is clogged with carbon, remove it by scraping and tapping
gently with a screwdriver or the like.
7. Check of fuel filter. If clogged, clean the filter.
8. Replace fuel lines.: Every 200 hours (Yearly)
9. Overhaul engine.: Every 200 hours (Yearly)
10. Replace packings and gaskets with new ones.: Every time engine is
reassembled.
0.6 mm – 0.7 mm
(0.024” – 0.028”)
Gear case
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
4. Checkup of spark plug.: Every 8 hours (Daily)
The gap between the two electrodes of the spark plug should be 0.6 to 0.7 mm
(0.024” to 0.028”).
If the gap is too wide or too narrow, adjust it.
If the spark plug is clogged with carbon or fouled, clean it thoroughly or replace
it.
20