RedMax CHT2301 Owner's manual

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
OWNER/OPERATOR MANUAL
HEDGE-TRIMMERS
HT2301
CHT2301

Thank you for purchasing a RedMax
product.
Before using our hedge-trimmers,
please read this manual carefully to
understand the proper use of your unit.
T1146-93110 (109)
APPLICABLE SERIAL NUMBERS : 100101 and up

SAFETY FIRST
Instructions contained in warnings within this
manual marked with a symbol concern
critical points which must be taken into
consideration to prevent possible serious
bodily injury, and for this reason you are
requested to read all such instructions
carefully and follow them without fail.
■WARNINGS IN THE MANUAL
This mark indicates instructions which must be
followed in order to prevent accidents which could
lead to serious bodily injury or death.
This mark indicates instructions which must be
followed, or it leads to mechanical failure,
breakdown, or damage.
This mark indicates hints or directions useful in the
use of the product.
NOTE
IMPORTANT
WARNING
CONTENTS
1. Parts location …………………………………4
2. Specifications …………………………………5
3. Warning labels on the machine ……………6
4. Symbols on the machine ……………………7
5. For safe operation ……………………………8
6. Fuel……………………………………………14
7. Operation ……………………………………16
8. Maintenance …………………………………20
9. Storage ………………………………………24
10. Troubleshooting guide………………………24
11. Parts list………………………………………25

1. Parts location
❲ 4 ❳
1. Right handle
2. Fuel tank
3. Starter
4. Left handle
5. Throttle lever
6. Ignition switch
7. Throttle Cable
8. Muffler
9. Blade
10. Front handle
11. Rear handle
12. Air filter

2. Specifications
Engine Type······················································································ Air-cooled 2-stroke gasoline
Model········································································································ Zenoah G23LH
Displacement ······················································································· 1.4cu-in (22.5cm3)
Max. output ··································································· 0.7Hp (0.5kW)at 6500/min-1(rpm)
Idle speed························································································3200 ± 200/min-1(rpm)
Fuel ······················································································ Mixture (Gasoline 50 : Oil 1)
Carburetor ··················································································· Walbro Diaphragm type
Spark plug ···························································································· Champion RCJ6Y
Fuel tank capacity······························································································ 17.0 fl.oz (0.50)
■ HT2301
Type····································································· Reciprocating single-sided dual blades
Blade size····························································································· 600 (mm) / 24 (in)
Blade pitch··························································································· 41 (mm) / 1.62 (in)
Dry weight··························································································· 5.4 (kg) / 11.9 (lbs)
Transmission ····································································· Centrifugal clutch, Cam-crank
Reduction ratio··········································································································· 4.14
■ CHT2301
Type ····································································· Reciprocating duble-sided dual blades
Blade size····························································································· 750 (mm) / 30 (in)
Blade pitch··························································································· 41 (mm) / 1.62 (in)
Dry weight··························································································· 5.3 (kg) / 11.6 (lbs)
Transmission ····································································· Centrifugal clutch, Cam-crank
Reduction ratio··········································································································· 4.14
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
❲ 5 ❳

❲ 6 ❳
(1)Read owner's manual before operating this machine.
(2)Wear head, eye and ear protection.
If warning label peel off or become soiled and impossible to read, you should contact the dealer
from which you purchased the product to order new labels and affix them in the required
location(s).
Never modify your machine.
We won't warrant the machine, if you use the remodeled hedge-trimmer or you don't
observe the proper usage written in the manual.
WARNING
IMPORTANT
3. Warning labels on the machine

For safe operation and maintenance, symbols are
carved in relief on the machine. According to these
indications, please be careful not to make a
mistake.
(a)The port to refuel the "MIX GASOLINE"
Position: FUEL TANK CAP
(b)The direction to close the choke
Position: AIR CLEANER COVER
(c) The direction to open the choke
Position: AIR CLEANER COVER
4. Symbols on the machine
Made in Japan
RedMax
IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION
THIS ENGINE CONFORMS TO U.S. EPA
PH1 FOR SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINES.
ENGINE FAMILY : 1KZXS. 0254CD ; EM
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT : 22.5cc
REFER TO OWNER’S MANUMAL FOR MAINTE-
NANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS.
Made in Japan
RedMax
INFORMATION IMPORTANTE CONCERNANT LE MOTEUR
Ce moteur conformc aux normcs U.S. EPAPH1
pour
les petits moteurs tout-terrain.
Type de moteur : 1KZXS. 0254CD ; EM
Cylindrée du moteur : 22.5 cc
Se référer au Manuel de l’utilisateur pour
les spécifications d’entretien et les réglages.
❲ 7 ❳

❲ 8 ❳
5. For safe operation
1. Read this manual carefully until you
completely understand and follow all safety
and operating instructions.
2. Keep this manual handy so that you may refer
to it later whenever any questions arise. Also
note, if you have any questions which cannot
be answered herein, contact the dealer from
whom you purchased the product.
3. Always be sure to include this manual when
selling, lending, or otherwise transferring the
ownership of this product.
4. Never allow children or anyone unable to fully
understand the directions given in the manual
to use the machine.
■WORKING CONDITION
1. When using the product, you should wear proper
clothing and protective equipment.
(1)Helmet
(2)Ear protectors
(3)Protection goggles or face protector
(4)Thick work gloves
(5)Non-slip-sole work boots
2. And you should carry with you.
(1)Attached tools
(2)Properly reserved fuel
(3)Spare blade
(4)Things to notify your working area (rope,
warning signs)
(5)Whistle (for collaboration or emergency)
(6)Hatchet or saw (for removal of obstacles)
3. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
trousers, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear
anything which might be caught by a moving
part of the unit. Secure hair so it is above
shoulder length.
■WORKING CIRCUMSTANCE
1. Never start the engine inside a closed room or
building. Exhaust gases contain dangerous
carbon monoxide.
2. Never use the product,
a. when the ground is slippery or when you can’t
maintain a steady posture.

b. At night, at times of heavy fog, or at any other
times when your field of vision might be
limited and it would be difficult to gain a clear
view of the working area.
c. During rain storms, during lightning storms, at
times of strong or gale-force winds, or at any
other times when weather conditions might
make it unsafe to use the product.
■WORKING PLAN
1. You should never use the product when under
the influence of alcohol, when suffering from
exhaustion or lack of sleep, when suffering from
drowsiness as a result of having taken cold
medicine or at any other time when a possibility
exists that your judgment might be impaired or
that you might not be able to operate the product
properly and in a safe manner.
2. When planning your work schedule, allow plenty
of time to rest. Limit the amount of time over
which the product is to be used continuously to
somewhere around 30~40 minutes per session,
and take 10~20 minutes of rest between work
sessions. Also try to keep the total amount of
work performed in a single day under 2 hours or
less.
1. If you don’t observe the working time, or
working manner (See ■USING THE
PRODUCT), Repetitive Stress Injury(RSI)
could occur.
If you feel discomfort, redness and swelling
of your fingers or any other part of your
body, see a doctor before getting worse.
2. To avoid noise complaints, in general,
operate product between 8a.m. and 5p.m. on
weekdays and 9a.m. to 5p.m. weekends.
Check and follow the local regulations as to sound
level and hours of operations for the product.
NOTE
WARNING
5. For safe operation
❲ 9 ❳

❲ 10 ❳
■BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. The area within a perimeter of 50 feet (15m) of
the person using the product should be
considered a hazardous area into which no one
should enter. If necessary yellow warning rope,
warning signs should be placed around the
perimeter of the area. When work is to be
performed simultaneously by two or more
persons, care should also be taken to constantly
look around or otherwise check for the presence
and locations of other people working so as to
maintain a distance between each person
sufficient to ensure safety.
2. Check the condition of working area to avoid any
accident by hitting hidden obstacles such as
stumps, stones, cans, or broken grass.
Remove any obstacle before beginning work.
3. Inspect the entire unit for loose fasteners and
fuel leakage. Make sure that the cutting
attachment is properly installed and securely
fastened.
■STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Keep bystanders and animals at least 50feet
(15m) away from the operating point. If you are
approached, immediately stop the engine.
2. The product is equipped with a centrifugal clutch
mechanism, so the cutting attachment begins to
rotate as soon as the engine is started by putting
the throttle into the start position. When starting
the engine, place the product onto the ground in
a flat clear area and hold it firmly in place so as
to ensure that neither the cutting part nor the
throttle come into contact with any obstacle
when the engine starts.
IMPORTANT
5. For safe operation

Never place the throttle into the high speed
position when starting the engine.
3. After starting the engine, check to make sure
that the cutting attachment stops rotating when
the throttle is moved fully back to its original
position. If it continues to rotate even after the
throttle has been moved fully back, turn off the
engine and take the unit to your authorized Red
Max servicing dealer for repair.
■USING THE PRODUCT
Cut only materials recommended by the
manufacturer. And use only for tasks explained
in the manual.
1. Grip the handles firmly with both hands using
your whole hand. Place your feet slightly apart
(slightly further apart than the width of your
shoulders) so that your weight is distributed
evenly across both legs, and always be sure to
maintain a steady, even posture while working.
2. Maintain the speed of the engine at the level
required to perform cutting work, and never raise
the speed of the engine above the level
necessary.
3. If the unit start to shake or vibrate, turn off the
engine and check the whole unit. Do not use it
until the trouble has been properly corrected.
4. Keep all parts of your body away from rotating
cutting attachment and hot surfaces.
5. Never touch the muffler, spark plug, or other
metallic parts of the engine while the engine is in
operation or immediately after shutting down the
engine. Doing so could result in serious burns or
electrical shock.
IMPORTANT
WARNING
5. For safe operation
❲ 11 ❳

❲ 12 ❳
• IF SOMEONE COMES
1. Guard against hazardous situations at all times.
Warn adults to keep pets and children away
from the area. Be careful if you are approached.
Injury may result from flying debris.
2. If someone calls out or otherwise interrupts you
while working, always be sure to turn off the
engine before turning around.
■MAINTENANCE
1. In order to maintain your product in proper
working order, perform the maintenance and
checking operations described in the manual at
regular intervals.
2. Always be sure to turn off the engine before
performing any maintenance or checking
procedures.
The metallic parts reach high temperatures
immediately after stopping the engine.
3. When replacing the cutting attachment or any
other part, or when replacing the oil or any
lubricant, always be sure to use only RedMax
products or products which have been
certified by RedMax for use with the RedMax
product.
4. In the event that any part must be replaced or
any maintenance or repair work not described in
this manual must be performed, please contact a
representative from the store nearest RedMax
authorized servicing dealer for assistance.
5. Do not use any accessory or attachment other
than those bearing the RedMax mark and
recommended for the unit.
6. Under no circumstances should you ever take
apart the product or alter it in any way. Doing so
might result in the product becoming damaged
during operation or the product becoming unable
to operate properly.
WARNING
5. For safe operation

5. For safe operation
■HANDLING FUEL
1. The engine of the RedMax product is designed
to run on a mixed fuel which contains highly
flammable gasoline. Never store cans of fuel or
refill the tank of the unit in any place where there
is a boiler, stove, wood fire, electrical sparks,
welding sparks, or any other source of heat or
fire which might ignite the fuel.
2. Never smoke while operating the unit or refilling
its fuel tank.
3. When refilling the tank, always turn off the
engine and allow it to cool down. Take a careful
look around to make sure that there are no
sparks or open flames anywhere nearby before
refueling.
4. Wipe spilled fuel completely using a dry rag if
any fuel spillage occurs during refueling.
5. After refueling, screw the fuel cap back tightly
onto the fuel tank and then carry the unit to a
spot 10feet (3m) or more away from where it
was refueled before turning on the engine.
■TRANSPORTATION
1. When hand-carrying the product, cover over the
cutting part if necessary, lift up the product and
carry it paying attention to the blade.
2. Never transport the product over rough roads
over long distances by vehicle without removing
all fuel from the fuel tank. If doing so, fuel might
leak from the tank during transport.
❲ 13 ❳

❲ 14 ❳
• Gasoline is very flammable. Avoid smoking
or bringing any flame or sparks near fuel.
Make sure to stop the engine and allow it
cool before refueling the unit. Select outdoor
bare ground for fueling and move at least
3m(10ft) away from the fueling point before
starting the engine.
• The RedMax engines are lubricated by oil
specially formulated for air-cooled 2-cycle
gasoline engine use. If RedMax oil is not
available, use an anti-oxidant added quality oil
expressly labeled for air-cooled 2-cycle engine
use. (JASO FC GRADE OIL or ISO EGC
GRADE)
RECOMMENDED MIXING RATIO
GASOLINE 50:OIL 1
• Exhaust emission are controlled by the
fundamental engine parameters and
components(eq., carburation, ignition timing
and port timing) without addition of any
major hardware or the introduction of an
inert material during combustion.
• These engines are certified to operate on
unleaded gasoline.
• Make sure to use gasoline with a minimum
octane number of 90 ROZ(USA/Canada : pump
octane min.87)
• Unleaded gasoline is recommended to reduce
the contamination of the air for the sake of your
health and the environment.
• Poor quality gasolines or oils may damage
sealing rings, fuel lines or fuel tank of the
engine.
■HOW TO MIX FUEL
1. Measure out the quantities of gasoline and oil to
be mixed.
2. Put some of the gasoline into a clean, approved
fuel container.
3. Pour in all of the oil and agitate well.
4. Pour in the rest of gasoline and agitate again for
at least one minute.
5. Put a clear indication on the outside of the
WARNING
50:1 MIXING CHART
GASOLINE gal. 1 2 3 4 5
2-CYCLE OIL fl.oz 2.6 5.2 7.8 10.4 13
GASOLINE liter 1 2 3 4 5
2-CYCLE OIL ml 20 40 60 80 100
6. Fuel

container to avoid mixing up with gasoline or
other containers.
6. Indicate the contents on outside of container for
easy identification.
■FUELING THE UNIT
1. Untwist and remove the fuel cap. Rest the cap
on a dustless place.
2. Put fuel into the fuel tank to 80% of the full
capacity.
3. Fasten the fuel cap securely and wipe up any
fuel spillage around the unit.
1. Select bare ground for fueling.
2. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the
fueling point before starting the engine.
3. Stop the engine before refueling the unit.
FOR YOUR ENGINE LIFE, AVOID;
1. FUEL WITH NO OIL(RAW GASOLINE) – It will
cause severe damage to the internal engine
parts very quickly.
2. GASOHOL – It can cause deterioration of rubber
and/or plastic parts and disruption of engine
lubrication.
3. OIL FOR 4-CYCLE ENGINE USE or WATER
COOLED 2-CYCLE ENGINE USE – It can
cause spark plug fouling, exhaust port blocking,
or piston ring sticking.
4. Mixed fuels which have been left unused for
a period of one month or more may clog the
carburetor and result in the engine failing to
operate properly.
WARNING
6. Fuel
❲ 15 ❳

❲ 16 ❳
■STARTING ENGINE
The cutting head will start rotating upon the
engine starts.
1. Rest the unit on a flat, firm place. Keep the
cutting head off the ground and clear of
surrounding objects as it will start rotating upon
starting of the engine.
2. Push the primer pump several times until
overflown fuel flows out in the clear tube.
3. Move the choke lever to the closed position.
(OP1)
4. Set the ignition switch to the “START” position.
(OP2)
(1) choke lever
(2) ignition switch
(3) throttle lever
5. Holding the hedge-trimmer down, pull the
starting rope slowly until you meet resistance
(OP3). Then operatel hard several times, and
when the engine starts, wait for about 10
seconds and then pull the throttle lever (OP2(3)),
the choke lever (OP1(1)) will return automatically
to the original “OPEN” position.
Use the semi-acceleration device only in the
phase of starting the engine.
• Avoid pulling the rope to its end or returning it by
releasing the knob. Such actions can cause
starter failures.
IMPORTANT
WARNING
WARNING
7. Operation
[HT2301]
[CHT2301]
OP3
OP1
(2)
(3)
OP2

7. Operation
1. When restarting the engine immediately after
stopping it, leave the choke open.
2. Overchoking can make the engine hard to start
due to excess fuel. When the engine failed to
start after several attempts, open the choke and
repeat pulling the rope, or remove the spark plug
and dry it.
■STOPPING ENGINE (OP2)
1. Release the throttle lever and run the engine for
a half minute.
2. Shift the ignition switch to the “STOP” position.
• Except for an emergency, avoid stopping the
engine while pulling the throttle lever.
RUNNING IN THE ENGINE
• During the first 20 working hours, do not use the
hedge-trimmer at maximum power for long
periods.
■ADJUSTING IDLING SPEED
• Before adjusting the carburetor, clean the air
filter and warm up the engine. (OP4)
(1) air filter
• Idle screw is adjusted in order to ensure a good
safety margin between idle running and clutch
engagement. (OP5)
(1) Idle screw
With the engine idling (3200 rpm), the blade
should not rotate. We recommend that you
have the dealer or an authorised mechanic
carry out any carburetor adjustments.
WARNING
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
NOTE
OP4
OP5
❲ 17 ❳

• Weather conditions and altitude may effect
carburation.
• Do not allow anyone to stay close to the
hedge-trimmer while working or while
adjusting the carburetor.
■HOW TO USE
HANDLE (CHT2301 only)
To reduce fatigue when trimming hedges, the
handle can be swivelled through 90° to the left or
right. (OP6, OP7).
Do not press the throttle during this operation!
Proceed as follows:
1. Free the handle by pressing the locking lever;
(OP6)
2. Turn the handle until the locking lever clicks into
place;
3. When the handle is locked in its new position,
you can apply the throttle again.
(1) handle
(2) locking lever
You can swivel the handle even with the engine
idling because the hedge-trimmer is equipped with
a blade brake that maintains the blades at a
standstill.
WARNING
7. Operation
❲ 18 ❳
OP7
(2)
(1)
90°
90°
OP6

7. Operation
OP8
OP10
OP11
OP9
❲ 19 ❳
HEDGE TRIMMING TECHNIQUES
Trim sides of a hedge first, and then the top.
Vertical cut:
• With the single-sided blade hedge-trimmer,
model HT2301 always cut from the bottom up
(OP8). With the 2-sided blade model CHT2301
use an arcing cut from the bottom upwards, then
downwards to use both sides of the blades
(OP9).
Horizontal cut:
• In order to get the best cutting results, slightly tilt
the blade (5÷10°) towards the cutting direction
(OP10, OP11).
Cut slowly, specially with thick hedges.
Always follow the safety precautions.
The hedge-trimmer must only be used to trim
hedges or small bushes. It is forbidden to cut
other types of material. Do not use the hedge-
trimmer as a lever to lift, move or break objects,
nor lock it on fixed supports. It is forbidden to
apply tools or applications that are not the
ones indicated by the manufacturer onto the
hedge-trimmer’s power take-off. Do not use it
for pruning trees or cutting grass.
WARNING

❲ 20 ❳
8. Maintenance
every every every
25 50 100
system/compornent procedure before hours hours hours note
use after after after
fuel leaks, fuel spillage wipe out ✔
fuel tank, air filter, fuel filter inspect/clean ✔✔ replace, if necessary
see ■ADJUSTING replace carburetor
idle adjusting screw ✔
IDLING SPEED (p.17) if necessary
clean and readjust GAP: .025in(0.6~0.7mm)
spark plug ✔
plug gap replace, if necessary
cylinder fins, intake air cooling vent clean ✔
muffler, spark arrester, cylinder exhaust port clean ✔
throttle lever, ignition switch check operation ✔
replace if
cutting parts ✔
something's wrong
gear case grease ✔
screws/nuts/bolts tighten/replace ✔✔not adjusting screws
blade guard make sure to attach ✔
■MAINTENANCE CHART
ENGINESHAFT