Shindaiwa LE242 Owner's manual

WARNING!
Always wear eye protection when oper-
ating this machine. To minimize the risk of injury,
read this manual and familiarize yourself with its
contents.
SHINDAIWA OWNER’S/OPERATOR’S MANUAL
LE242
LAWN EDGER
X7502801802
01/13

2
Introduction
The Shindaiwa 242 series has been
designed and built to deliver supe-
rior performance and reliability without
compromise to quality, comfort, safety
or durability.
Shindaiwa engines represent the lead-
ing edge of high-performance engine
technology, delivering exceptionally
high power with remarkably low dis-
placement and weight. As an owner/
operator, you’ll soon discover for your-
self why Shindaiwa is simply in a class
by itself!
Throughout this manual are special
“attention statements”.
Attention Statements
WARNING!
A statement preceded by
the triangular attention symbol and
the word “WARNING” contains infor-
mation that should be acted upon to
prevent serious bodily injury.
CAUTION!
A statement preceded by the word
“CAUTION” contains information
that should be acted upon to pre-
vent mechanical damage.
IMPORTANT!
A statement preceded by the word
“IMPORTANT” is one that possesses
special signicance.
NOTE:
A statement preceded by the word
“NOTE” contains information that is
handy to know and may make your job
easier.
DANGER!
A statement preceded by
the triangular attention symbol and
the word “DANGER” contains infor-
mation that should be acted upon
to prevent serious injury or death.
IMPORTANT!
The operational procedures described in this manual are intended to help you get the most from this unit as well as to pro-
tect you and others from harm. These procedures are guidelines for safe operation under most conditions, and are not
intended to replace any safety rules and/or laws that may be in force in your area. If you have questions regarding your
Shindaiwa hand held power equipment, or if you do not understand something in this manual, contact your local Shindaiwa
dealer for assistance. You may also contact Shindaiwa at the address printed on the back of this Manual.
ECHO, Inc. reserves the right to
make changes to products without
prior notice, and without obligation to
make alterations to units previously
manufactured.
IMPORTANT!
The information contained in these
instructions describes units available at
the time of publication.
Operational and Warning Labels
Contents PAGE PAGE
Keep feet away from
blade. Rotating blade
may cause injury.
Blade may continue to
rotate after the unit is
shut off.
WARNING!
The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Attention Statements .......................... 2
Safety ................................................. 3
Product Description ............................ 5
Specications ..................................... 5
Emission Control ................................ 6
Assembly............................................ 6
Mixing fuel .......................................... 7
Filling the fuel tank.............................. 8
Starting the Engine ............................ 9
Stopping the Engine ......................... 10
Read and follow this
operators manual.
Failure to do so could
result in serious injury.
Wear eye and hearing
protection at all time
during the operation
of this unit.
Keep bystanders
at least 50 feet (15 m)
away during operation.
Beware of thrown or
ricocheted objects.
PAGE
Checking Unit Condition................... 10
Operation.......................................... 10
Maintenance..................................... 12
Long Term Storage ........................... 17
Troubleshooting Guide ..................... 18
Warranty Statement ......................... 21
WARNING: Surface can be
hot. Always wear gloves
when handling this unit.

3
50 FEET
(15m)
KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
AT LEAST 50 FEET (15m)
BEWARE OF THROWN OR
RICHOCHETED OBJECTS
KEEP AWAY FROM
ROTATING BLADE
Shindaiwa
READ THE
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WEAR HEARING AND
ANSI Z87.1 APPROVED
EYE PROTECTION
P/N 19422-00046
IMPORTANT!
Safety and Operation Information Labels: Make sure all
information labels are undamaged and readable. Imme-
diately replace damaged or missing information labels.
New labels are available. Contact your local authorized
Shindaiwa dealer.
Work Safely
This machine operates at very high
speeds and has the potential to do
serious damage if misused, abused
or mishandled. To reduce the risk
of injury, you must maintain control
at all times, and observe all safety
precautions during operation. Never
permit a person without training or
instruction to operate this machine!
Safety
WARNING!
Never make unauthorized
attachment installations. Do not
use attachments not approved by
Shindaiwa for use on this unit.
WARNING!
Never operate power
equipment of any kind if you
are tired or if you are under the inu-
ence of alcohol, drugs, medication or
any other substance that could affect
your ability or judgement.
WARNING!
Use Good Judgement
Stay Alert
You must be physically and mentally t
to operate this unit safely.
ALWAYS wear eye protection to
shield against thrown objects.
NEVER run the engine when trans-
porting the unit.
NEVER run the engine indoors! Make
sure there is always good ventila-
tion. Fumes from engine exhaust can
cause serious injury or death.
ALWAYS use the proper cutting tool
for the job.
ALWAYS clear your work area of trash
or hidden debris that could be thrown
back at you or toward a bystander.
ALWAYS stop the engine immedi-
ately if it suddenly begins to vibrate
or shake. Inspect for broken, miss-
ing or improperly installed parts or
attachments.
ALWAYS keep the unit as clean as
practical. Keep it free of loose vegeta-
tion, mud, etc.
ALWAYS hold the unit rmly with
both hands and maintain control at
all times.
ALWAYS keep the handles clean.
ALWAYS disconnect the spark plug
wire before performing any mainte-
nance work.
ALWAYS keep a Solid Stance. Main-
tain 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.
This label indicates the minimum distance between
front handle and rear grip per ANSI B175.3.
Safety Equipment and Labels
WARNING!
The ignition components of this machine generate an electromagnetic eld 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 ECHO products by anyone who has a pacemaker.

4
The properly equipped operator
Always operate with both hands
rmly gripping the unit.
Always wear eye protection such as goggles or
safety glasses. Wear hearing protection devices
and a broad-brimmed hat or helmet.
Wear sturdy footwear with nonslip
soles to provide good footing. Steel-
toed safety boots are recommended.
Never operate unit bare-footed!
Keep a proper footing and do not
overreach—maintain your balance
at all times during operation.
Keep away from rotating attachments
at all times, and NEVER lift a moving
attachment above waist-height.
Always make sure the appropriate cutting
attachment shield is correctly installed and in
good condition.
Safety (continued)
Be aware of the working environment
Avoid long-term operation in very
hot or very cold weather. Make sure bystanders or observers
outside the 15 meters “danger zone”
wear eye protection.
Be extremely careful of
slippery terrain, especially
during rainy weather.
Always make sure the
appropriate cutting attachment
shield is correctly installed.
If contact is made with a hard
object, stop the engine and
inspect the cutting attachment
for damage.
When operating in rocky terrain or near
electric wires or fences, use extreme
caution to avoid contacting such items
with the cutting attachment.
Be constantly alert for objects and
debris that could be thrown either
from the rotating cutting attachment
or bounced from a hard surface.
Reduce the risk of bystanders being
struck by ying debris. Make sure no
one is within 15 meters—that’s about
16 paces—of an operating attachment.
ALWAYS protect yourself
from hazards such as
thorny brush and ying
debris by wearing gloves
and close tting clothing
that covers arms and
legs. Never wear shorts.
Don't wear loose clothing
or items such as jewelry
that could get caught in
machinery or underbrush.
Secure long hair so it is
above shoulder level.

5
Product Description
Using the illustration as a guide,
familiarize yourself with your machine
and its various components. Under-
standing your machine helps ensure
top performance, long service life and
safer operation.
Specications
Model LE242
Dry weight (Including attachments) 6.1 kg / 13.5 lb.
Engine type 2-stroke, single cylinder, air cooled, gasoline engine
Bore x stroke 33 x 28 mm / 1.3 x 1.1 in.
Displacement 23.9 cc / 1.46 cu. in.
Fuel/oil ratio 50:1 with *ISO-L-EGD or JASO FD class engine oil
Carburetor type diaphragm-type
Fuel tank capacity .69 L / 23.5 oz.
Ignition Electronic
Spark plug NGK BPM8Y
Electrode Gap 0.6 mm / 0.024 in.
Torque 150-170 kgf cm / 130 - 150 in • lbf
Air cleaner type Double layer felt
Starting method Recoil
Stopping method Slide switch
Transmission type Automatic, Centrifugal clutch w/bevel gear
Idle Speed 3,000 RPM
Clutch Engagement Speed 3,900 RPM
Wide Open Throttle Speed (W.O.T.) 11,800 RPM
Outer tube
Edger blade
Grip
Gearcase
Cutting
attachment shield
Handle
Throttle
trigger
Throttle interlock
lever
Ignition switch
Fuel tank
WARNING!
Do not make unauthorized
modications or alterations to any of
these units or their components.
Specications are subject to change without notice.

6
Assembly
IMPORTANT!
The terms “left”, “left-hand”, and
“LH”; “right”, “right-hand”, and “RH”;
“front” and “rear” refer to directions as
viewed by the operator during normal
operation.
Adjustable Handle
This unit comes with the handle
installed. It can be re-adjusted for
operator comfort in the following
manner.
1. Loosen adjustment knob. Locate
the handle at the best position for
operator comfort (usually about
10 inches ahead of the throttle
lever), and secure it by tightening
the adjustment knob at the handle
base.
Handle
Hex Nut
Washer
Outer Tube
Adjustment Knob
Mounting Screw
Throttle Assembly
Washer
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 fol-
lowed as listed in the Maintenance Section of this manual.
Emission Control (Exhaust & Evaporative)
EPA 2010 and Later and/or C.A.R.B. TIER III
The emission control system for the engine is EM (engine modication) and, if the second to last character of the Engine
Family on the Emission Control Information label (sample below) is “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 emis-
sions for California models are only applicable to fuel tanks.
Thisunitcomescompletelyassembled.
Before using this product, please make
sure you have all the components
required for a complete unit. Carefully
inspect all components for damage.
■Operator’s Manual
■Unit assembly
■Assembly Tool (s)
■Safety Glasses
■Emission Control Warranty
Statement

7
Remove air cleaner cover
Lock Nut
Cable
Adjuster
Adjust as required for 4-6 mm free play
4-6 mm (3/16”-
1/4”)Throttle Free
Play
Throttle Trigger Free Play
Adjust Throttle Trigger Free Play
The throttle trigger free play should be
approximately 4 - 6 mm (3/16” - 1/4”).
Make sure that the throttle trigger oper-
ates smoothly without binding. If it
becomes necessary to adjust the trig-
ger free play, follow the procedures and
illustrations that follow.
1. Loosen the air cleaner cover knob
and remove the air cleaner cover.
2. Loosen the lock nut on the cable
adjuster.
3. Turn the cable adjuster in or out as
required to obtain proper free play
4-6 mm.
4. Tighten the locknut.
5. Reinstall the air cleaner cover.
WARNING!
Alternative fuels, such as E15 (15% ethanol), E-85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting Shindaiwa require-
ments are NOT approved for use in Shindaiwa gasoline engines. Use of alternative fuels may cause performance
problems, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, and unintended machine operation, including, but not limited to,
improper clutch engagement. Alternative fuels may also cause premature deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets, carbure-
tors and other engine components.
Fuel Requirements
Gasoline - Use 89 Octane [R+M/2] (mid grade or higher) gasoline known to be good quality. Gasoline may contain up to
10% Ethanol (grain alcohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether). Gasoline containing methanol (wood alcohol) is NOT
approved.
2 Stroke Mixture Oil - A 2-stroke engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345/FD standards
must be used. Shindaiwa OneTM 2-Stroke Oil is strongly recommended as it meets this standard and is specically
formulated for use in all Shindaiwa 2-stroke engines. Engine problems due to inadequate lubrication caused by fail-
ure to use an ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345/FD certied oil will void the engine warranty.
Mixing Fuel
Assembly (continued)
For increased engine protection, Shindaiwa recommends using Shindaiwa Red ArmorTM engine oil to protect the engine
from harmful carbon build up, maintain engine performance, and increase engine life. Shindaiwa Red ArmorTM engine oil
exceeds ISO-L-EGD and J.A.S.O. M345/FD performance requirements.
IMPORTANT!
Shindaiwa OneTM 2-Stroke oil or Red ArmorTM engine oil may be mixed at 50:1
ratio for application in all Shindaiwa engines sold in the past, regardless of ratio
specied in those manuals.
IMPORTANT!
Stored fuel ages. Do not mix more fuel than you expect to use in thirty (30)
days, ninety (90) days when a fuel stabilizer is added. Use of unmixed, improp-
erly mixed, or stale fuel, may cause hard starting, poor performance, or severe
engine damage and void the product warranty. Read and follow instructions in
the Long Term Storage section of this manual.
Examples of 50:1 mixing quanti-
ties

8
Handling Fuel
DANGER
Fuel is VERY ammable. Use extreme care when mixing, storing or handling or serious personal injury may result.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• DO NOT smoke near fuel.
• DO NOT allow ames or sparks near fuel.
• Fuel tanks/cans may be under pressure. Always loosen fuel caps slowly allowing pressure to equalize.
• NEVER refuel a unit when the engine is HOT or RUNNING!
• DO NOT ll fuel tanks indoors. ALWAYS ll fuel tanks outdoors over bare ground.
• DO NOT overll fuel tank. Wipe up spills immediately.
• Securely tighten fuel tank cap and close fuel container after refueling.
• Inspect for fuel leakage. If fuel leakage is found, do not start or operate unit until leakage is repaired.
• Move at least 3m (10 ft.) from refueling location before starting the engine.
• DO NOT store a unit with fuel in its tank. Leaks can
occur. Return unused fuel to an approved fuel storage
container.
Storage - Fuel storage laws vary by locality. Contact your
local government for the laws affecting your area. As a
precaution, store fuel in an approved, airtight container.
Store in a well-ventilated, unoccupied building, away from
sparks and ames.
IMPORTANT!
Stored fuel may separate. ALWAYS shake fuel con-
tainer thoroughly before each use.
Mixing Instructions
1. Fill an approved fuel container with half of the re-
quired amount of gasoline.
2. Add the proper amount of engine oil to gasoline.
3. Close container and shake to mix oil with gasoline.
4. Add remaining gasoline, close fuel container, and
remix.
IMPORTANT!
Spilled fuel is a leading cause of hydrocarbon emissions.
Some states may require the use of automatic fuel shut-
off containers to reduce fuel spillage.
After use
1. Place the unit on a at, level
surface.
2. Clear any dirt or other debris from
around the fuel ller cap.
Filling the Fuel Tank
CAUTION!
Slowly remove the fuel cap only
after stopping the engine.
WARNING!
Minimize the Risk of Fire
■NEVER smoke or light res near
the engine.
■ALWAYS stop the engine and
allow it to cool before refueling.
■ALWAYS Wipe all spilled fuel and
move at least 3 meters (10 feet)
from the fueling point and source
before starting.
■NEVER place ammable material
close to the engine mufer.
■NEVER operate the engine
without the mufer and spark
arrester screen in place and in
good working condition.
■FUEL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.
■ALWAYS store gasoline in
a container approved for
ammable liquids.
■ALWAYS inspect the unit for
fuel leaks before each use.
During each rell, check that
no fuel leaks from around
the fuel cap and/or fuel tank.
If fuel leaks are evident, stop
using the unit immediately.
Fuel leaks must be repaired
before using the unit.
■ALWAYS move the unit
at least 3 meters (10 feet)
away from a fuel storage
area or other readily am-
mable materials before
starting the engine.
3. Remove the fuel cap, and ll the
tank with clean, fresh fuel.
4. Reinstall the fuel ller cap and
tighten rmly.
5. Wipe away any spilled fuel before
starting engine.

9
Slide the ignition switch to
the “I” position.
ON
Slide the ignition switch to
the “I” position.
ON
1. Slide the ignition switch to the “I”
position.
2. Press the primer bulb until fuel
can be seen owing in the trans-
parent return tube.
Primer
bulb
Return tube
Press the primer bulb
Starting the Engine
IMPORTANT!
Engine ignition is controlled by a two position switch mounted on the throttle housing labeled, “I” for ON or START and “O” for OFF
or STOP.
WARNING!
Never start the engine
from the operating position.
IMPORTANT!
The primer system only pushes fuel
through the carburetor. Repeatedly
pressing the primer bulb will not ood
the engine with fuel.
CAUTION!
Do not pull the recoil starter to
the end of the rope travel. Pulling
the recoil starter to the end of
the rope travel can damage the
starter.
3. Set the choke lever to the
CLOSED position if engine is cold.
4. While holding the outer tube rmly
with left hand. Use your other hand
to slowly pull the recoil starter han-
dle until resistance is felt, then pull
quickly to start the engine.
5. When the engine starts, slowly
move the choke lever to the “OPEN”
position. If the engine stops after
the initial start, close the choke and
restart.
Closed
Set the choke lever to the CLOSED
position Make sure the
attachment is clear
of obstructions!
...and pull recoil
starter handle
upward
Hold
the unit
rmly...
WARNING!
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.
IMPORTANT!
If the engine fails to start after several
attempts with the choke in the closed
position, the engine may be ooded
with fuel. If ooding is suspected, refer
to the “Starting a Flooded Engine” sec-
tion of this manual.
Open
When the engine starts, slowly move the
choke lever to the “OPEN” position
■After the engine starts, allow the
engine to warm up at idle 2 or 3
minutes before operating the unit.
■If the engine does not continue to
run, repeat the appropriate crank-
ing procedures for a cold or warm
engine.When the engine starts,
clear excess fuel from the combus-
tion chamber by accelerating the
engine several times with the throt-
tle lever.
When the Engine Starts...
■Advancing the throttle makes the
cutting attachment move faster;
releasing the throttle permits the
attachment to stop moving. If the
cutting attachment continues to
move when the engine returns to
idle, carburetor idle speed should
be adjusted (see “Adjusting Engine
Idle”.).
If the engine does not start
■Repeat the appropriate starting pro-
cedure for a cold or warm engine.
■If the engine still fails to start,
use the procedures for “Starting a
ooded engine.”

10
Starting a ooded engine
1. Slide the ignition switch to the “I” (ON) position.
2. Open the choke, put the throttle lever in the full throttle position, then clear
excess fuel from the combustion chamber by cranking the engine several
times.
3. If the engine still fails to start or re, refer to the troubleshooting ow chart at
the end of this manual.
NEVER operate the unit with the cut-
ting attachment shield or other pro-
tective devices removed!
Use only authorized Shindaiwa parts
and accessories with your Shindaiwa
trimmer. Do not make modications to
this unit without written approval from
Shindaiwa.
ALWAYS make sure the cutting
attachment is properly installed and
rmly tightened before operation.
NEVER use a cracked or warped
cutting attachment: replace it with a
serviceable one.
Checking Unit Condition
ALWAYS make sure the cutting attach-
ment ts properly into the appropri-
ate attachment holder. If a properly
installed attachment vibrates, replace
the attachment with new one and
re-check.
ALWAYS stop the engine immedi-
ately and check for damage if you
strike a foreign object or if the unit
becomes tangled. Do not operate
with broken or damaged equipment.
NEVER allow the engine to run at high
RPM without a load. Doing so could
damage the engine.
NEVER operate a unit with worn or
damaged fasteners or attachment
holders.
WARNING!
A cutting attachment shield
or other protective device is no
guarantee of protection against rico-
chet. YOU MUST ALWAYS GUARD
AGAINST FLYING DEBRIS!
OFF
1. Idle the engine briey before stop-
ping (about 2 minutes).
2. Slide the ignition switch to the “O”
(Engine OFF) position.
Stopping the Engine
IMPORTANT!
When the unit is turned off make sure
the cutting attachment has stopped
before the unit is set down.
Operation
Starting the Engine (continued)
WARNING!
Moving parts can amputate ngers 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.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust IS HOT, and contains Carbon Monoxide (CO), a poison gas. Breathing CO can cause uncon-
sciousness, serious injury, or death. Exhaust can cause serious burns. ALWAYS position unit so that exhaust is directed
away from your face and body..
WARNING!
Operation of this equipment may create sparks that can start res. This unit is equipped with a spark arrestor
to prevent discharge of hot particles from the engine. Metal blade use also can create sparks if the blade strikes rocks,
metal, or other hard objects. Contact local re authorities for laws or regulations regarding re prevention requirements.