Shindaiwa LE235 User manual

X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Operator’s
Manual
LE235
Power Edger
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
Read and understand all provided literature before use.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury.

TABLE OF CONTENTS LE235
2 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................. 3
Servicing Information .................................................................................. 3
Parts/Serial Number............................................................................. 3
Service................................................................................................. 4
Consumer Product Support ................................................................. 4
Product Registration ............................................................................ 4
Additional Literature............................................................................. 4
Safety.......................................................................................................... 4
Manual Safety Symbols and Important Information............................. 4
International Symbols .......................................................................... 5
Personal Condition and Safety Equipment .......................................... 7
Equipment.......................................................................................... 11
Emission Control (Exhaust & Evaporative) .............................................. 13
CARB And EPA Emissions Control Information ................................ 13
Description ................................................................................................ 14
Contents.................................................................................................... 16
Assembly................................................................................................... 17
Support Handle.................................................................................. 17
Operation .................................................................................................. 17
Starting Cold Engine.......................................................................... 17
Starting Warm Engine........................................................................ 19
Stopping Engine ................................................................................ 20
Edger Operation Techniques............................................................. 21
Maintenance ............................................................................................. 23
Skill Levels ......................................................................................... 23
Maintenance Intervals........................................................................ 24
Air Filter ............................................................................................. 25
Fuel Filter........................................................................................... 26
Spark Plug ......................................................................................... 27
Cooling System.................................................................................. 28
Exhaust System................................................................................. 30
Carburetor Adjustment....................................................................... 31
Lubrication ......................................................................................... 32
Edger Blade Replacement................................................................. 33
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 34
Storage ..................................................................................................... 36
Long Term Storage (Over 30 Days)................................................... 36
Specifications............................................................................................ 37
Product Registration ................................................................................ 38

LE235 INTRODUCTION
X7732272902 3
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
INTRODUCTION
Specifications, descriptions and illustrative material in this literature are as
accurate as known at the time of publication, but are subject to change
without notice. Illustrations may include optional equipment and
accessories, and may not include all standard equipment.
Read and understand all provided literature.
Literature contains specifications and
information for safety, operation,
maintenance, storage and assembly specific
to this product. Scan QR codes for more
information.
For additional literature, including safety manuals where applicable, or
questions regarding terms used in this manual, visit:
https://www.echo-usa.com/manuals
OR
https://www.shindaiwa-usa.com/manuals
SERVICING INFORMATION
Parts/Serial Number
Genuine SHINDAIWA Parts and
Assemblies for your SHINDAIWA
products are available only from an
Authorized SHINDAIWA Dealer.
When you do need to buy parts
always have the Model Number and
Serial Number of the unit with you.
You can find these numbers on the
engine housing. For future reference,
write them in the space provided
below.
Model No. _________________ Serial No. _________________

SAFETY LE235
4 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Service
Service of this product during the warranty period must be performed by an
Authorized SHINDAIWA Service Dealer. For the name and address of the
Authorized SHINDAIWA Service Dealer nearest you, ask your retailer or
call: 1-877-986-7783. Dealer information is also available on
WWW.SHINDAIWA-USA.COM. When presenting your unit for Warranty
service/repairs, proof of purchase is required.
Consumer Product Support
If you require assistance or have questions concerning the application,
operation or maintenance of this product you may call the SHINDAIWA
Consumer Product Support Department at 1-877-986-7783 from 8:00 am to
5:00 pm (Central Standard Time) Monday through Friday. Before calling,
please know the model and serial number of your unit.
Product Registration
To ensure trouble free warranty coverage it is important that you register
your SHINDAIWA equipment on-line at WWW.SHINDAIWA-USA.COM or by
filling out the product registration sheet included in this manual. Registering
your product confirms your warranty coverage and provides a direct link
between you and ECHO if we find it necessary to contact you.
Additional Literature
In addition to finding information online, information is available from your
Authorized Shindaiwa Service Dealer, or by contacting ECHO Inc., 400
Oakwood Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (1-800-432-ECHO (3246)).
SAFETY
Manual Safety Symbols and Important Information
Throughout this manual and on the product itself, you will find safety alerts
and helpful, informational messages preceded by symbols or key words.
The following is an explanation of those symbols and key words and what
they mean to you.
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “DANGER”
calls attention to an act or condition which WILL lead to serious
personal injury or death if not avoided.

LE235 SAFETY
X7732272902 5
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “WARNING”
calls attention to an act or condition which CAN lead to serious
personal injury or death if not avoided.
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word “CAUTION”
calls attention to an act or condition which may lead to minor or
moderate personal injury if not avoided.
The enclosed message provides information necessary for the
protection of the unit.
Note: This enclosed message provides tips for use, care and
maintenance of the unit.
CIRCLE AND SLASH SYMBOL
This symbol means the specific action shown is prohibited.
Ignoring these prohibitions can result in serious or fatal injury.
International Symbols
Symbol Description Symbol Description
Warning, See
Operator’s Manual
Carburetor Adjustment -
High Speed Mixture
Wear Eye, Ear and
Head Protection
Carburetor Adjustment -
Idle Speed
Wear Hand
and Foot Protection
Carburetor Adjustment -
Low Speed Mixture
Safety/Alert Emergency Stop
H
T
L

SAFETY LE235
6 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Hot Surface Fuel and Oil Mixture
DO NOT Allow Flames
or Sparks Near Fuel
Ignition
ON / OFF
DO NOT Smoke Near
Fuel Primer Bulb
Choke Control “RUN”
Position (Choke Open)
Choke Control “COLD
START” Position
(Choke Closed)
Keep Bystanders and
Helpers
Away 15 m (50 ft.).
Keep away from rotating
blade
Beware Thrown
Objects
Symbol Description Symbol Description

LE235 SAFETY
X7732272902 7
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Personal Condition and Safety Equipment
Cancer and Reproductive Harm
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
The muffler or catalytic muffler and surrounding cover
may become extremely hot. Always keep clear of
exhaust and muffler area, otherwise serious personal
injury may occur.
Users of this product risk injury to themselves and others if the
unit is used improperly and/or safety precautions are not
followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when
operating unit.
Physical Condition
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
• If you are tired or sick
• If you are taking medication
• If you have taken alcohol or drugs
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.
Eye Protection
◆Eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements
must be worn whenever you operate the unit.
◆For additional safety, a full-face shield may be worn over
safety glasses or goggles to provide protection from sharp
branches or flying debris.

SAFETY LE235
8 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Hand Protection
Wear sturdy, no-slip, rubber work gloves to improve your grip on the
handles. Gloves also provide protection against cuts and scratches, cold
environments, and reduce the transmission of machine vibration to your
hands.
Hearing/Ear Protection
ECHO recommends wearing personal protection whenever unit is used.
Breathing Protection
Operators who are sensitive to dust or other common airborne allergens
may need to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling these materials while
operating unit. Dust masks can provide protection against dust, plant debris,
and other plant matter such as pollen. Make sure the mask does not impair
your vision, and replace the mask as needed to prevent air restrictions.
Proper Clothing
Wear snug-fitting, durable clothing:
• Pants should have long legs, shirts should have long sleeves.
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS.
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, JEWELRY, or clothing with loose or
hanging items that could become entangled in moving parts or
surrounding growth.
• Keep clothing buttoned or zipped, and keep shirt tails tucked in.
Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid rubber soles:
• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES.
• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.
Keep long hair away from engine and air intake. Retain hair with cap or net.
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue, which may lead to
heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for early morning or late afternoon hours
when temperatures are cooler.

LE235 SAFETY
X7732272902 9
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
The components of this machine generate an electromagnetic
field during operation, which may interfere with some
pacemakers. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury,
persons with pacemakers should consult with their physician
and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this
machine. In the absence of such information, ECHO does not
recommend the use of this machine by anyone who has a
pacemaker.
Extended Operation / Extreme Conditions
Prolonged exposure to cold and/or vibration may result in
injury. Read and follow all safety and operation instructions to
minimize risk of injury. Failure to follow instructions may result
in painful wrist/hand/arm injuries.
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects
the fingers of certain individuals, may be brought about by exposure to
vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and
burning sensations, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers.
The following precautions are strongly recommended, because the
minimum exposure, which might trigger the ailment, is unknown.
• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles, hands, and
wrists.
• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exercises
during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking.
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where operating
the unit or other hand-held power equipment is not required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the fingers followed
by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician before further
exposing yourself to cold and vibration.

SAFETY LE235
10 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands,
arms, and shoulders may cause soreness, swelling, numbness, weakness,
and extreme pain in those areas. Certain repetitive hand activities may put
you at a high risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme
RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which could occur when
your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area.
Some believe that prolonged exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS.
CTS can cause severe pain for months or even years.
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do
the following:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent,
extended, or twisted position.
Instead try to maintain a straight
wrist position. Also, when
grasping, use your whole hand,
not just the thumb and index
finger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize
repetition and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with
which you do the repetitive
movement.
• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if you
feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, or arms. The
sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent nerve and
muscle damage can be prevented.
All over head electrical conductors and communications wires
can have electricity flow with high voltages. This unit is not
insulated against electrical current. Never touch wires directly
or indirectly, otherwise serious injury or death may result.

LE235 SAFETY
X7732272902 11
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately
ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions
and can cause serious injury or death.
Read Manuals
• Provide all users of this equipment with literature for instructions on safe
operation.
Clear The Work Area
• Always clear the work area of foreign objects, and check for any hidden
hazards. spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and
animals prevented from coming nearer than 50 ft. (15 m) while the unit is
in use.
Keep A Firm Grip
• Always hold throttle handle and support handle with thumbs and fingers
tightly encircling the handles.
Keep A Solid Stance
• Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery,
uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions or on ladders.
Do not over reach.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid
contact during and immediately after operation.

SAFETY LE235
12 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
Equipment
Use only Shindaiwa attachments. Serious injury may result from
the use of a non-approved attachment combination. ECHO, INC.
will not be responsible for the failure of cutting devices,
attachments or accessories which have not been tested and
approved by ECHO. Read and comply with all safety
instructions listed in this manual and safety manual.
◆Check unit for loose/missing nuts, bolts, and screws.
Tighten and/or replace as needed.
◆Inspect shield for damage and that shield is securely in
place. Replace if shield is damaged or missing.
◆Check that the cutting attachment is firmly attached and in
safe operating condition.
◆Check that support handle is adjusted for safe,
comfortable operation. See Assembly Section for proper
adjustment.
Moving parts can amputate fingers or cause severe injuries.
Keep hands, clothing and loose objects away from all openings.
◆ALWAYS stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and make
sure all moving parts have come to a complete stop before
removing obstructions, clearing debris, or servicing unit.
◆DO NOT start or operate unit unless all guards and
protective covers are properly assembled to unit.
◆NEVER reach into any opening while the engine is running.
Moving parts may not be visible through openings.
Periodically Check fuel system (fuel lines, vent, grommet, fuel
tank, and fuel cap) for leaks especially if the unit is dropped. If
damage or leaks are found, do not use unit, otherwise serious
personal injury or property damage may occur. Have unit
repaired by an authorized servicing dealer before using.

LE235 EMISSION CONTROL
X7732272902 13
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
EMISSION CONTROL (EXHAUST &
EVAPORATIVE)
CARB And EPA Emissions Control Information
The emission control system for
the engine is EM (engine
modification) and, if the second to
last character of the Engine Family
on the Emission Control
Information label (sample below) is
“B”, “C”, “K”, or “T”, the emission
control system is EM and TWC (3-
way catalyst). The fuel tank/fuel
line emission control system is EVAP (evaporative emissions). Evaporative
emissions for California models are only applicable to fuel tanks and fuel
feed lines.
An Emission Control Label is
located on the engine. (This is an
EXAMPLE ONLY, information on
label varies by engine FAMILY).
Product Emission Durability
(Emission Compliance
Period)
The 50 or 300 hour emission compliance period is the time span selected by
the manufacturer certifying the engine emissions output meets applicable
emissions regulations, provided that approved maintenance procedures are
followed as listed in the Maintenance Section of this manual.

DESCRIPTION LE235
14 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
DESCRIPTION
Locate the safety decal(s) on your unit. Make sure the decal(s) is legible and
that you understand and follow the instructions on it. If a decal cannot be
read, a new one can be ordered from your dealer. Safety label is for
example only. Your label my appear slightly different.
1
23
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

LE235 CONTENTS
X7732272902 15
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
CONTENTS
The Shindaiwa product you purchased has been factory pre-assembled for
your convenience. Due to packaging restrictions, some assembly may be
necessary.
After opening the carton, check for damage. Immediately notify your retailer
or Shindaiwa Dealer of damaged or missing parts. Use the contents list to
check for missing parts.
1. Air Cleaner
2. Spark Plug
3. Top Guard
4. Spark Arrestor Muffler Or Spark Arrestor Muffler With Catalyst
5. Fuel Tank
6. Fuel Tank Cap
7. Recoil Starter Handle
8. Purge Bulb
9. Choke
10. Power Head
11. Throttle Handle - For Right Hand
12. Throttle Trigger
13. Throttle Trigger Lockout
14. Stop Switch
15. Support Handle - For Left Hand
16. Drive Shaft Assembly
17. Wheel
18. Debris Shield/Flap
19. Blade
1 Power Head / Drive Shaft Assembly
1 Operator’s Manual
1 Warranty Statement
2 Split Pins

ASSEMBLY LE235
16 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
ASSEMBLY
Support Handle
1. If necessary, position support
handle for comfortable
operation and securely tighten
screw.
Note: Label shows minimum
spacing for support
handle location.
OPERATION
Starting Cold Engine
The attachment will operate immediately when the engine
starts, and could result in possible serious injury. Keep
movable parts of the attachment away from objects that could
become entangled or thrown, and surfaces that could cause
loss of control.

LE235 OPERATION
X7732272902 17
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
1. Stop Switch
Move stop switch (A) forward,
away from the STOP position.
2. Choke
Move choke (B) to COLD
START ( ) (CLOSED)
position.
3. Purge Bulb
Pump purge bulb (C) until fuel
is visible and flows freely in the
clear fuel tank return line.
Pump bulb an additional 4 or 5
times.
4. Recoil Starter
Lay the unit on a flat area and
keep movable attachment
parts clear of all obstacles.
Firmly grasp throttle handle
and throttle trigger lockout with
left hand and fully depress
throttle trigger to wide open
position. Rapidly pull recoil
starter handle/rope (D) until
engine fires (or maximum five
[5] pulls).
A
B
C
D

OPERATION LE235
18 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
5. Choke
After engine fires (or 5 pulls), move choke (B) to the RUN ( ) (OPEN)
position. Firmly grasp throttle handle and throttle trigger lockout with left
hand and fully depress throttle trigger to wide open position. Pull starter
handle/rope until engine starts and runs. Release throttle trigger and
allow unit to warm up at idle for several minutes.
Note: If engine does not start with choke in “Run” position after 5
pulls, repeat instructions 2 - 5.
6. Throttle Trigger
After engine warm-up, grip throttle handle and support handle. Depress
the throttle trigger lockout, and gradually depress throttle trigger to
increase engine RPM to operating speed.
Starting Warm Engine
The starting procedure is the same as Cold Start except DO NOT close the
choke, and do not hold throttle trigger fully depressed.
The attachment should not move at idle, otherwise serious
personal injury may result.
Note: If attachment moves, readjust carburetor according to
“Carburetor Adjustment” instructions in this manual or see
your Dealer.
1. Stop Switch
Move stop switch (A) forward,
away from the STOP position.
A

LE235 OPERATION
X7732272902 19
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
2. Purge Bulb
Pump purge bulb (C) until fuel
is visible and flows freely in the
clear fuel tank return line.
Pump bulb an additional 4 or 5
times.
3. Recoil Starter
Lay the unit on a flat area and
keep movable attachment
parts clear of all obstacles.
Firmly grip throttle handle and
throttle trigger lockout with left
hand. Rapidly pull recoil starter
handle/rope (D) until engine
fires.
Note: If engine does not start
after 5 pulls, use Cold
Start Procedure.
Stopping Engine
1. Throttle
Release throttle trigger and
allow engine to return to idle
before shutting off engine.
2. Stop Switch
Move stop switch (A) rearward,
to STOP position.
C
D
A

OPERATION LE235
20 X7732272902
© 09/19 ECHO Incorporated
If engine does not stop when stop switch is moved to STOP
position, close choke - COLD START position - to stall engine.
Have your dealer repair stop switch before using unit again.
Edger Operation Techniques
Engine exhaust IS HOT, and contains Carbon Monoxide (CO), a
poison gas. Breathing CO can cause unconsciousness, serious
injury, or death. Exhaust can cause serious burns. ALWAYS
position unit so that exhaust is directed away from your face
and body.
1. Before edging, water the area to
soften the ground to make
edging easier.
2. Before edging, check the area
and remove all obstacles and
objects that could be thrown.
3. Plan to edge regularly to make it
easier to keep a neat edge and to
avoid having to make more than
one pass.
Note: Blade depth may have to
be adjusted due to
differences in height
between the hard surface
and the top of the grass.
Never adjust blade height with engine running, otherwise
serious personal injury may result.