Shindaiwa C262 User manual

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© 02/21 ECHO Incorporated
Operator’s
Manual
C262
GRASS TRIMMER
/ BRUSH CUTTER
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.
Note: This product complies with CAN ICES-2/NMB-2.

TABLE OF CONTENTS C262
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................. 4
Servicing Information .................................................................................. 4
Parts/Serial Number............................................................................. 4
Service................................................................................................. 5
Consumer Product Support ................................................................. 5
Product Registration ............................................................................ 5
Additional Literature............................................................................. 5
Safety.......................................................................................................... 6
Manual Safety Symbols and Important Information............................. 6
International Symbols .......................................................................... 7
Personal Condition and Safety Equipment .......................................... 8
Equipment.......................................................................................... 13
Emission Control (Exhaust & Evaporative) .............................................. 15
CARB And EPA Emissions Control Information ................................ 15
Description ................................................................................................ 16
Contents.................................................................................................... 18
Assembly................................................................................................... 19
U-Handle Installation.......................................................................... 19
Throttle Linkage and Ignition Leads................................................... 19
Blade Installation ............................................................................... 20
Shield Installation............................................................................... 23
Nylon Line Head Installation .............................................................. 24
To Advance Trimmer Line.................................................................. 24
Balance and Adjust Unit .................................................................... 25
Operation .................................................................................................. 25
Operation With Blades ....................................................................... 26
Blade Selection.................................................................................. 27
Fuel.................................................................................................... 29
Starting Cold Engine.......................................................................... 32
Starting Warm Engine........................................................................ 34
Stopping Engine ................................................................................ 35
Applications ....................................................................................... 35
Operating Techniques ....................................................................... 36
Reaction Forces................................................................................. 36
Blade Cutting Problems ..................................................................... 37
Maintenance ............................................................................................. 38
Skill Levels ......................................................................................... 38
Maintenance Intervals........................................................................ 39
Air Filter ............................................................................................. 40
Fuel Filter........................................................................................... 41
Spark Plug ......................................................................................... 42

C262 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Cooling System ................................................................................. 43
Exhaust System ................................................................................ 44
Carburetor Adjustment ...................................................................... 46
Lubrication......................................................................................... 47
Nylon Line Replacement ................................................................... 48
Sharpening Metal Blades .................................................................. 49
Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 51
Storage ..................................................................................................... 53
Long Term Storage (Over 30 Days) .................................................. 53
Specifications ........................................................................................... 54
Product Registration ................................................................................. 56
Notes ....................................................................................................... 58

INTRODUCTION C262
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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. _________________

C262 SERVICING INFORMATION
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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 C262
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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.
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.

C262 SAFETY
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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
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.).
Use handlebar or
barrier when
operating with a
blade.
Beware Thrown
Objects
Wear harness
when operating
with a blade.

SAFETY C262
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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.
Beware of blade
thrust
Do not use blades.
String line only.
Do not use string
line. Blades only.
Symbol Description Symbol Description

C262 SAFETY
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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.
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.

SAFETY C262
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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.
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.

C262 SAFETY
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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.
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.

SAFETY C262
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• 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.
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.

C262 SAFETY
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Equipment
Use only approved 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 INC. Read and comply with all safety
instructions.
◆Check unit for loose or missing nuts, bolts, and screws.
Tighten or replace as needed.
◆Inspect shield for damage and ensure that shield is
properly installed, and that the cut-off knife is securely in
place. Replace if either is damaged or missing.
◆Check that the cutting attachment is firmly attached and in
safe operating condition.
◆Assure that throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, and
stop switch all work properly.
◆Check that handle and harness (if included) are 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
assembling unit, removing obstructions, clearing debris, or
servicing unit.
◆Do not connect spark plug lead to spark plug unitl unit is
ready for use.
◆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.
◆Position wiring safely to prevent snagging, separation of
connectors, or breakage during operation. Gather excess
wire, and secure with wiring clamp if provided on
equipment, or tuck behind the air filter area. Do not place
wiring directly against hot engine components.

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◆Check wiring and connectors for nicks, cuts, exposed wire,
or other damage, and repair or replace as needed. Exposed
wire or connectors can cause shocks, sparks, and risk of
fire or explosion, resulting in serious injury.
◆Check wire terminals for secure connections.
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.

C262 EMISSION CONTROL
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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 C262
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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 SHINDAIWA dealer. Safety label
is for example only. Your label my appear slightly different.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
15
14
16
17
18
19
20
21

C262 DESCRIPTION
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1. Spark Plug
2. Arm Rest
3. Spark Arrestor Muffler Or Spark Arrestor Muffler With Catalyst
4. Fuel Tank
5. Fuel Tank Cap
6. Recoil Starter Handle
7. Purge Bulb
8. Choke
9. Air Cleaner
10. Debris Shield With Cut-off Knife
11. Debris Shield Without Cut-off Knife
12. Cut-off Knife
13. Stop Switch
14. Throttle Trigger Lockout
15. Throttle Handle - For Right Hand
16. Throttle Trigger
17. Power Head
18. Drive Shaft Assembly
19. U-handle
20. Support Handle - For Left Hand
21. Nylon Cutter Head

CONTENTS C262
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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 Power Head / Drive Shaft Assembly
1 U-handle Assembly
1 Operator’s Manual
1 Warranty Statement
1 Shield With Cut Off Knife
1 Shield Without Cut Off Knife
1 U-handle mounting clamp (upper)
4Bolts
2 Cable Clips
1 Lower Fixing Plate
1 Large Nut (blade mounting)
1 Shoulder Harness w/Hip Pad
2CotterPin

C262 ASSEMBLY
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ASSEMBLY
U-Handle Installation
1. Position u-handle as shown
and install upper u-handle
clamp (A) and secure with 4 u-
handle bolts (B).
2. Route throttle linkage and
ignition lead assembly along
shaft and clip as shown.
Throttle Linkage and
Ignition Leads
1. Close choke and remove air
filter cover.
2. Place throttle wire assembly
(A) into adjustment fixture (B)
and install wire end into large
carburetor throttle swivel hole
(C).
3. Turn throttle wire retaining clip
(X) clockwise to lock into place.
Assure throttle wire retaining clip remains in place as shown when
removing or installing air filter cover.
4. Check throttle for freedom of movement and that wide open throttle /
low idle extremes are adjusted properly.
Parts Required: U-Handle, upper u-handle clamp, 4 u-handle bolts
A
C
B
AB
D
E
C
X

ASSEMBLY C262
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Note: The throttle linkage must be adjusted by moving the
adjustment nut (D). Consult with your dealer for correct
adjustment procedure.
5. Tighten nut (E).
6. Connect 2 ignition stop leads (F,
G) from throttle cable assembly
to 2 ignition leads (F, G) on
engine.
7. Install air filter and cover.
Blade Installation
You must install the U-Handle and all Blade Conversion parts
shown in the following instructions before operating this unit
with a metal blade, otherwise serious injury may result.
Shield with cutoff knife is for use with the Nylon Line Head only.
Install shield without cutoff knife when using plastic or metal
blades, or serious injury may result.
Note: Includes U-Handle, and necessary blade conversion parts.
Blades must be selected for type of cutting being performed.
See “Blade Selection.”
F
G
G
F