Makita DBC340 User manual

DBC340
Important:
Read this instruction manual carefully before putting the brushcutter into operation and strictly observe the
safety regulations!
Keep this Instruction Manual!
Instruction Manual
Original Instruction Manual

2
Thank you for choosing a MAKITA product!
We trust that you will be a satisÞed customer. By choosing a
MAKITA you have chosen one of the most advanced brush-
cutters.
TheDBC340brushcuttercombinesthebeneÞtsofstate-of-the-art
technology, ergonomic design and highly convenient operation
at a low initial cost. The engine of the DBC340 brushcutter, with
its optimum cylindrical design, computerized control times and
maintenance-free electronic ignition, has long been a feature
of proven quality in the professional MAKITA DBC3310 brush-
cutter. It is characterized by its high performance and compa-
ratively low fuel consumption.
The drive shaft is designed for continuous heavy-duty use,
with 7 bearings and a tough centrifugal clutch. Four conical
hollow absorption elements between the main tube and the
handles reduce felt vibration to a minimum, for comfortable,
untiring long-term working. All important controls are located
on the right handle for ease of operation.
The following industrial property rights apply: US 512606,
EP 0696414, GBM 9412925.
To ensure your own safety and to get the maximum performance
out of your MAKITA brushcutter, we urge you to
read this instruction manual carefully before putting the
brushcutter into operation and to strictly observe all of
the safety regulations. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury to the operator and/or bystanders!
Table of contents Page
Packing ................................................................................2
Delivery inventory ..............................................................3
Explanation of symbols .....................................................3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
General precautions ....................................................... 4
Personal protective equipment ....................................... 4
Handling fuels / Refuelling ..............................................5
Putting into operation ...................................................5-6
Kickback .........................................................................6
Working behavior / Method of working ............................7
Applications for cutting tools............................................ 7
Transport..........................................................................7
Storage ...........................................................................8
Maintenance ...................................................................8
First Aid ...........................................................................8
Technical data .....................................................................9
Components ........................................................................9
PUTTING INTO OPERATION
Mounting the tube handle ............................................. 10
Mounting the cutter guard ........................................ 10-11
Installing the Cutting Tools
Mounting the 4-tooth star blade .................................... 11
Mounting the 8-tooth eddy blade (accessory) ............... 11
Mounting the steel bush cutter (accessory) .................. 11
Installing the trimmer head (accessory) ........................12
Installing the line cutter .................................................1 2
Lengthening the line ......................................................12
Fuel mixture / Refuelling ................................................ 13
Putting on the harness...................................................14
Balancing the brushcutter .............................................14
Start engine .................................................................. 15
Adjusting idling speed ...................................................15
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE WORK
Instructions for maintenance ......................................... 16
Sharpening of cutting tools ........................................... 16
Starter cable replacement ............................................. 17
Replacing the return spring ........................................... 17
Cleaning the air Þlter .....................................................18
Inspecting and replacing the spark plug ....................... 18
Replacing the suction head .......................................... 19
Trouble shooting ..............................................................19
Service, spare parts and guarantee ................................ 20
Extract from the spare part list .......................................21
EU conformity declaration ............................................... 21
Notes .............................................................................22-23
Packing
Your MAKITA brushcutter comes in a cardboard box to
protect it from shipping damage.
Cardboard is a raw material. We encourage you to re-use
the box or recycle it (waste paper).

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Delivery inventory
1. Brushcutter
2. Shoulder strap
3. 4-tooth star blade
4. Cutter guard
5. Tool protection (not shown)
6. Servicing tool (not shown)
7. Instruction Manual (not shown)
If one of these parts is missing when you unpack the brushcutter, contact your dealer!
Explanation of symbols
You will notice the following symbols on the brushcutter and in the instruction manual.
Read the instruction manual and follow
all warnings and safety instructions!
Particular care and
caution!
Forbidden!
Wear protective gloves!
Wear safety shoes!
Wear protective helmet, eye,
face and hearing protection!
The distance between the machine
and bystanders shall be at least 15m!
Danger:
Beware of thrown objects!
CAUTION: Kickback!
(blade thrust)
Maximum tool rpm
Direction of
blade rotation
Choke
Start engine!
Stop engine!
No smoking!
No open ßame!
Fuel and oil mixture
First aid
Recycling
CE-Marking
max.
10.000 1/min
max.
11.500 1/min

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1
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1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
General precautions
Proper use: These brushhcutters are provided with the appropri-
ate and approved cutting tools for the respective applications as
described on page 7. A brushcutter may be operated only by one
person, and only out of doors!
Improper use: The use of cutting tools or blades not approved for
this brushcutter is forbidden and may cause damage or injury!
Impermissible users:
Persons who are unfamiliar with this Instruction Manual, minors,
and persons under the inßuence of alcohol, drugs or medication
must not operate this tool.
To ensure correct operation, the user has to read this instruc-
tion manual to make himself familiar with the handling of the
brushcutter. InsufÞciently informed users will risk danger to
themselves as well as others due to improper handling (1).
- It is recommended only to lend the brushcutter to people who
have experience with brushcutters. When lending the brush-
cutter to someone else, give him this Instruction Manual as
well.
- First-time users should ask their dealer for basic instructions
so that they can familiarize themselves with the basic handling
of gasoline-powered brushcutting.
- Children and persons under the age of 18 must not be allo-
wed to operate the brushcutter. Exceptions may be made for
persons over 16 for training purposes under the supervision
of a qualiÞed trainer.
- Always use brushcutters with the utmost care and attention.
- Operate the brushcutter only if you are in good physical con-
dition. Perform all work calmly and carefully. The user must
accept liability for others.
- Never use the brushcutter after consumption of alcohol,
drugs or medication (2).
Personal protective equipment
- The clothing worn should be functional and appropriate, i.e.
it should be tight-Þtting but not cause hindrance. Do not wear
either jewellery or clothing which could become entangled with
bushes or shrubs. Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.
- In order to avoid 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 of the brushcutter:
- It is recommended to wear a protective helmet; it is imperative
when working in forests. The protective helmet (1) should be
checked at regular intervals for damage and must be replaced
after 5 years at the latest. Use only approved protective hel-
mets.
- The face shield (2) of the protective helmut protects against
ßyingsawdust,wood chips or stone chippings.Duringoperation
of the brushcutter always wear goggles or a visor to prevent
eye injuries.
- Wear adequate noise protection equipment to avoid hearing
impairement ( ear muffs (3), ear plugs etc.). Octave brand
analysis upon request.
- The forestry safety jacket (4) is equipped with special red
coloured shoulder parts. The arms and neck should always be
protected by clothing.
- The protective trousers (5) are made from a nylon fabric with
22 layers and protects against cuts. We strongly recommend
its use. In any case, it is essential that a long pair of trousers
made of tough material be worn during operation of the brus-
hcutter.
- Protective gloves (6) made of thick leather are part of the
prescribed equipment and must always be worn during ope-
ration of the brushcutter.
- Safety shoes or boots (7) Þtted with anti-skid sole, steel toe
caps and leg protection must always be used. Safety shoes
equipped with a protective layer give protection against cuts
and ensure a secure footing. 4
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3

5
Handling fuels / Refuelling
- Stop the engine before refuelling (11).
- Keep away from open ßame or sparks and do not smoke while
refuelling or mixing fuel (5).
- Let the engine cool down before refuelling.
- Fuel may contain substances similar to solvents. Eyes and skin
should not come in contact with mineral oil products. Always
wear protective gloves when refuelling. Frequently clean and
change protective clothes. Do not breathe in fuel vapors. In-
halation of fuel vapours can be hazardous to your health.
- Before refuelling the brushcutter make sure it is in a stabile
position.
- Do not spill fuel or oil. When you have spilt fuel or oil immedi-
ately clean the brushcutter. Fuel should not come in contact
with clothes. If your clothes come in contact with fuel, change
them at once.
- Ensure that no fuel or chain oil oozes into the soil (environ-
mental protection). Use an appropriate base.
- Refuelling is not allowed in closed rooms. Fuel vapors will
accumulate near the ßoor (explosion hazard).
- Carefully tighten the locking screw of the fuel tank and inspect
the fuel cap at regular intervals.
- Change the place before starting the engine (at least 3 m from
the place of refuelling) (6).
- Fuel cannot be stored for an unlimited period of time. Buy
only as much as will be consumed in the near future.
- Use only approved and marked containers for the transport
and storage of fuel. Ensure children have no access to fuel.
Putting into operation
- Do not work alone. Another person must be nearby in case
of emergencies (within shouting distance).
- Children and other persons must remain more than 15 meters
(16 1/2 yards) from the working area. Keep an eye out for
animals as well (7).
- Before use always check that the brushcutter is safe for
operation:
Make sure the cutting tool is securely installed. The throttle
must automatically return to the off position when released,
and the throttle lever lock must work properly. The cutting tool
must not turn during idling. The handles should be clean and
dry. The on/off switch must function properly. The guard must
be undamaged and securely installed in the correct position.
Otherwise you are in danger of injury!
- Start the brushcutter only in accordance with the instructions. Do
not use any other methods for starting the engine (8)!
- Use this brushcutter and its cutting tools only for the uses
they are intended for as speciÞed in the documentation.
- Start the brushcutter only after complete assembly and
inspection. Operation of the device is only permitted
after all the appropriate accessories are attached!
- The cutting tool must be equipped with its appropriate
guard. Never run the cutter without this guard!
- The cutting tool must not turn during idling. If necessary ad-just
the idling speed.
- Before starting, make sure that the cutting tool has no contact
with hard objects such as branches, stones etc.
- The engine must be switched off immediately if there are
any noticeable changes in the behaviour of the equipment.
- Should the cutting tool hit stones or other hard objects, imme-
diately switch off the engine and inspect the cutting tool.
- Inspect the cutting tool at freqvent intervals for damage (de-
tect hairline cracks by means of tapping - noise test). Hairline
cracks can occur in the region of the base of the teeth (9) after
long use. Damaged cutting tools and cutting tools with
hairline cracks must not be used any longer under any
circumstances.
360o
7
8
15 meters
6
3 meters
5
9
Schematic
drawing

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- Operate the brushcutter only with the shoulder strap attached,
which is to be suitably adjusted before putting the brushcut-
ter into operation. It is essential to adjust the shoulder strap
according to the user’s size to prevent fatigue during use.
Never hold the cutter with one hand during use.
- When working with the brushcutter always hold it with both
hands (10). Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
- Operate the brushcutter in such a manner as to avoid
inhalation of the exhaust gases. Do not start or operate the
brushcutter in closed rooms (risk of gas poisoning). Carbon
monoxide is an odorless gas. Work only in well-ventilated
places.
- When taking a break or leaving the brushcutter unattended,
turn off the engine (11) and set the brushcutter down in such
a way that there is no risk of injury to yourself or others.
- Never put the hot brushcutter onto dry grass or onto any com-
bustible materials.
- Shut off the engine during transport or when moving on to a
new location (11).
- Never operate the engine with a faulty exhaust mufßer.
Kickback
When operating the brushcutter, uncontrolled kickback may
occur. This is especially likely when using the 12-2 o´clock blade
area (12).
Never apply this segment of the brushcutter to solids, such as bus-
hes and trees, etc., having a diameter in excess of 2 cm (3/4").
If you do this, the brushcutter will be thrown to one side at high
speed and with great force. High risk of injury!
Never attempt to cut with the 12-2 o´clock blade area (Þgure
12)!
Kickback prevention (13):
-To avoid kickbacks, observe the following:
- Always watch what you´re doing! Be careful when continuing
cuts started previously.
- The cutting tool must be turning at full speed before starting
cuts.
- Kickback is especially likely in the blade area between 12 and
2 o´clock, especially when using metal cutting tools.
- Cutting operations within a blade segment between 11 and 12
o’clock, and between 2 and 5 o’clock, must only be performed
by trained and experienced operators, and then only at their
own risk.
- Easy cutting with almost no kickback is possible within a
blade segment between 8 and 11 o’clock.
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STOP
11
● Breaks
● Transport
● Refuelling
● Maintenance
● Tool replacement
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13
Caution:
Kickback
Caution:
Kickback

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Working behavior / Method of working
- Use the brushcutter only 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 your shoulder height.
- Never stand on a ladder and run the brushcutter.
- Never climb up into trees to perform cutting operations with
the brushcutter.
- Never work on unstable surfaces.
- Clearthe working area ofany foreign objects suchas stones.
Foreignparticles can rebound (dangerofinjury,14), damage
the cutting tool and cause dangerous kickbacks.
- Before commencing cutting, the cutting tool must have
reached full working speed.
Applications for cutting tools
Employ only the correct cutting tool for the job in hand (15)!
2-line trimmer head:
Exclusively for cutting along walls, fences, grass edges, trees,
posts etc. (supplementing the lawn mower).
8-tooth eddy blade, 4-tooth star blade and steel bush
cutter:
For cutting thicker materials like weeds, tall grass, bushes,
shrubs, mixed growth, thickets, etc. with stems up to 2 cm (3/4")
thick. Perform this cutting work by swinging the brushcutter
evenly in half-circles from left to right (similar to a scythe).
Transport
- When transporting the equipment or moving to another
working location, the brushcutter must be switched off in
order to avoid unintentionally starting the cutting tool.
- Never carry and transport the brushcutter when the cutting
tool is in operation!
- The tool protection included with the equipment must
always be used if the brushcutter is transported over longer
distances.
- Ensure that the brushcutter is safely secured so that no fuel
can run out before transporting it in a vehicle.
- Before shipping the brushcutter, completely empty the fuel
tank.
15
4-tooth star blade 8-tooth eddy blade
2-line trimmer head steel bush cutter
16

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Storage
- The brushcutter must be safely stored in a dry room. Use the
tool protection for metal cutting tools. Keep the brushcutter out
of reach of children.
- If the brushcutter is stored for a long period of time, it should be
givenathorough maintenance check and acompleteinspection
at an authorized MAKITA service centre.
- If the brushcutter is stored for a long period of time, the fuel
tank should be completely emptied and the carburetor run
dry. Fuels may only be stored for a limited period of time and
could cause deposits to form in the tank or in the carburetor.
- Fuel remains in reserve canisters should be used for other
engines or disposed of.
Maintenance
- The condition of the cutter, in particular of the cutting tool, the
protectivedevices and also theshoulderstrap must be checked
before commencing work. Particular attention must be paid to
the cutting blades, which must be correctly sharpened.
CAUTION: Metal cutting tools must be sharpened only at an
authorized service centre!
A tool which has been improperly sharpened can cause
unbalance and thus considerable danger of injury. Apart
from this, the equipment may be damaged due to
vibrations.
- When changing the cutting tool, cleaning the brushcutter and
the cutting tool etc., it is essential to switch off the engine
and pull the spark plug cap.
- Replace cracked, bent, warped, damaged or dull cutting
tools immediately. Never straighten or weld damaged cutting
tools.
- Operate the brushcutter with as little noise and pollution as
possible. In particular check the correct setting of the carbu-
retor.
- Clean the brushcutter at regular intervals and check that all
screws and nuts are well tightened.
- Never service or store the brushcutter near open ßames
(17)!
- Always store the brushcutter in a locked storage area, with
the fuel tank completely empty and the carburetor run dry.
Observe the accident pre- vention instructions issued by the
relevant trade associations and insurance companies. Do
not make any modiÞcations to the brushcutter - you will only
be putting your own safety at risk!
The performance of maintenance or repair work by the user is
limited to those activities described in this instruction manual. All
other work must be done by the MAKITA customer service (18).
Use only original MAKITA spares and accessories.
The use of non-MAKITA spares, accessories, or cutting tools
increases the risk of accident. MAKITA will not accept any
liabilityforaccidents or damage causedbythe use of non-approved
cutting tools and Þxing devices of cutting tools, or accessories.
First Aid
A Þrst-aid kit should always be nearby as a precaution in the event
of an accident.
Immediately replace any items taken from the Þrst aid kit.
When calling for help, give the following information:
- Place of accident
- What happened
- Number of persons injured
- Nature of injuries
- Your name
NOTE
Individuals 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 Þn-
gers, hands or wrists: ”Falling asleep” (numbness), tingling, pain,
stabbing sensation, alteration of skin colour or of the skin. If any
of these symptoms occur, see a physician! 20
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SERVICE
17

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Technical Data
DBC340
1) The maximum rated speed of the trimmer head is not exceeded when using a MAKITA trimmer head.
2) Figures derived in equal part from idle and top-speed operation.
3) At max. power. 4) Uncertainty (K=).
Components
1Cutting tool
2 Gear box
3 Cutter guard (Guard)
4 Main tube
5 Handle tube
6 Gashebel (throttle trigger)
7 Short-circuit switch (Start/Stop)
8Safety locking button (throttle trigger lockout)
9 Bowden cable guide
10 Tube handle holder
11 Hole bar
12 Tank cap
13 Spark plug
14 Starter grip
15 Cover with cooling slits
16 Type plate
17 Choke lever
18 Air Þlter (behind air Þlter cover)
19 Harness
20 Hip protection pad
21 Stop knob for halfway throttle
Displacement cm3 33
Bore mm 37
Stroke mm 31
Rated capacity per ISO 8893 kW 1.6
Operating speed 1/min 9,000
Maximum engine speed
with one-part metal cutting tool 1) 1/min 13,500
Maximum speed of the tool spindle
with one-part metal cutting tool 1) 1/min 10,800
Idling speed 1/min 2,500
Clutch engagement speed 1/min 3,300
Carburetor (diaphragm carburetor) Type WALBRO WT-387
Ignition system Type Transistor ignition
Spark plug Type CHAMPION RCJ 6Y
Electrode gap mm 0.5 - 0.8
Sound power level LWA, eq per ISO 10884 2) 4) dB(A) 108 / KWA=2,5
Sound pressure level LpA, eq at the workplace per ISO 7917 2) 4) dB(A) 98 / KpA=2,5
Vibration acceleration ahv, eq per ISO 7916 2) 4)
- Right handle (idling speed/maximum speed) m/s23.1 / 3.5 / K=2
- Left handle (idling speed/maximum speed) m/s23.8 / 5.0 / K=2
Fuel consumption per ISO 8893 3) kg/h 0.72
SpeciÞc consumption per ISO 8893 3) g/kWh 450
Fuel tank capacity l 0.5
Mixture ratio (fuel/two-stroke oil)
- when using MAKITA oil 50 : 1
- when using Aspen Alkylat (two-stroke fuel) 50 : 1 (2%)
- when using other oils (quality grade: JASO FC or ISO EGD) 50 : 1
Gear ratio 1 : 1.25
Dimensions, assembled, length / width / height mm 1890 / 670 / 470
Weight (without plastic guard and tool) kg 6.7
Serial number
Year of manufacture
Type plate
Indicate when ordering spare parts!
1
2
3
4
5
10
6
7
8
9
11
17
12
19
13
15
14
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4-tooth star blade: part no. 385 224 140
Outside diameter: 255 mm (10"), arbour: 20.0 mm (4/5") Part no.: 010 341 202
Steel bush cutter part no. 385 224 350
8-tooth eddy blade: part no. 385 224 180
Outside diameter: 255 mm (10"), arbour: 20.0 mm (4/5") Part no.: 010 341 202
2-line trimmer head: part no. 387 224 500
Cutting range: ø 400 mm (15 3/4")/Use only 2.4 mm (.095") replacement cutting line! Part no.: 010 341 202
15 m part no. 369 224 670 * Line cutter
120 m part no. 369 224 672 Install part no.: 957 341 010
CAUTION: When working on the brushcutter always be
absolutely certain to switch off the engine,
pull the spark plug cap and wear protective
gloves!
CAUTION: Do not start the brushcutter until fully as-
sembled and inspected!
A
- The screws (A/1) and the handle clamp (A/2) are supplied
with the accessories.
- Place the tube handle (A/3 - see illustration) into the tube
handle holder (A/4) (the bend in the tube handle is approx.
1 cm (3/8") away from the tube handle holder).
- Mount the handle clamp (B/2) by evenly screwing down
the screws (B/1) to align it parallel to the handle holder.
- Only slightly tighten the screws.
- Swing the tube handle forward by about 10 to 20° (Þgure C)
and Þrmly tighten the screws (B/1).
NOTE:
The inclination of the tube handles must be adjusted to the
height of the user. It must be ensured that the handles can
be easily reached by slightly bending the elbows and not by
bending the wrists.
1
3
4
ca. 1 cm
Cutting tool Cutter guard
Installing the cutter guard
Important: Safety regulations and your own safety make it imperative to use the right cutter guard with a given cutting
tool! Use only the combinations shown here, and when switching to a different cutting tool always change
the cutter guard as well!
Warning: Only use the cutting tools recommended here! It is not permitted to use other cutting tools as this can increase
danger of accidents and cause damage to the equipment!
*
PUTTING INTO OPERATION
Mounting the tube handle
2
Tool/guard combinations
B
1
2
C