Makita EM408MP / EM409MP Grass Trimmer Attachment

Product Overview

This document provides instructions for the Makita EM408MP and EM409MP Grass Trimmer Attachments. These attachments are designed to be used with compatible Makita multi-function power units to trim grass, weeds, bushes, and hedges.

Always read and understand the entire manual, including safety warnings, before operating the equipment.

Technical Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Specifications may vary by country.

Approved Power Source

This attachment is approved for use with the following power sources:

• Battery-powered Multi-Function Power Units: DUX60, DUX18, UX01G
• Multi-Function Power Unit: EX2650LH

⚠️ WARNING: Never connect the attachment to an unapproved power source. An unapproved combination may cause serious injury.

Safety Warnings

General Safety

• Read all instructions and warnings before use.
• Do not allow children or untrained persons to operate the equipment.
• Stay alert, use common sense, and do not operate when tired, ill, or under the influence of medication, alcohol, or drugs.
• Avoid operating in adverse weather conditions, especially during thunderstorms.
• Follow all local regulations for outdoor equipment use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Always wear long, sturdy clothing (long pants, long-sleeved shirt), sturdy footwear (boots ?), and gloves ?.
• Tie back long hair.
• Wear a safety helmet if there is a risk of falling objects.
• Wear safety glasses ? that meet relevant standards (e.g., ANSI Z87.1, EN 166). A face shield may be required in some regions.
• Use hearing protection ?.
• Ensure bystanders ? and animals remain at least 15 m (50 ft) away from the operating area.

Intended Use

This attachment is designed for trimming grass, weeds, bushes, and hedges (EM408MP) or grass and weeds (EM409MP) when used with an approved power unit. Do not use for any other purpose.

Preparation Before Use

• Inspect for fuel leaks (if applicable), ensure all fasteners are tight, and replace any damaged parts.
• Ensure the cutting blade is properly installed and securely tightened.
• Ensure the blade guard is fitted correctly.
• Clean handles for a secure grip.
• Use only sharp, undamaged blades.
• Use all required parts for blade attachment.

Operation Safety

• Clean the work area of debris that could be thrown or caught by the blade.
• Maintain a firm grip with both hands. Use harness if provided.
• Ensure a stable stance. Do not overreach.
• Keep the cutting blade below waist level and body parts away from the blade and hot engine parts.
• If grass or branches get caught, stop the engine before clearing.
• Do not drop or throw the unit. Check for damage if dropped.
• Wait for the blade to reach cutting speed before starting to cut.
• Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
• Stop the engine and secure the unit when not in use or during breaks.

Cutting Blades & Kickback

• Use the correct type of cutting blade for the task (nylon line head for trimming, metal blades for tougher vegetation).
• Always use the appropriate blade guard.
• Be aware of "kickback" (sudden blade reaction ?) when the blade strikes a hard object. Avoid cutting with the section of the blade between 12 and 2 o'clock.
• Do not use the blade near fixed objects like fences, trees, or rocks.
• Do not cut vertically.

Maintenance & Storage

• Stop the engine and disconnect power before maintenance.
• Use authorized service centers for repairs.
• Clean the unit after use.
• Store the unit in a dry, secure location, out of reach of children. Attach blade guard for storage.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the Troubleshooting section for common issues and solutions.

Diagrams and Illustrations

Fig. 1: Safety symbols including prohibition ?, hearing protection ?, and general warnings ⚠️.

Fig. 2: Illustration showing cutting angles or areas, possibly related to kickback prevention.

Fig. 3 & 4: General views of the grass trimmer attachment components.

Fig. 5-7: Illustrations showing attachment points for the trimmer head and guards.

Fig. 8-11: Step-by-step illustrations for attaching cutting heads, including metal blades and nylon heads.

Fig. 12: Detail of attaching a metal blade.

Fig. 13-16: Illustrations demonstrating how to connect the attachment shaft to the power unit.

Fig. 17 & 18: Diagrams showing how to adjust the harness or shoulder strap for proper balance.

Fig. 19 & 20: Illustrations indicating lubrication points for the gearbox and drive shaft.

Fig. 21: Steps for loading nylon line into the trimmer head.

Fig. 22: Illustration for replacing a plastic blade.

Fig. 23: Diagram showing how to store the attachment with a protective cover on the shaft.

Assembly and Installation

Correct Blade and Guard Combination

It is crucial to use the correct blade and guard combination for safety. Using the wrong guard may not provide adequate protection from flying debris.

• EM408MP: Metal blades (2, 3, 4, 8-tooth) require the Universal Guard. Nylon Line Heads or Plastic Blades require the Universal Guard with an extension.
• EM409MP: Nylon Line Heads or Plastic Blades require the Narrow Guard.

Guard Installation

Never operate the attachment without a guard. Ensure the guard is securely attached.

• Universal Guard: Ensure the guard extension is fully attached. Be careful of the cutter when attaching the extension. Secure the guard with bolts.
• Narrow Guard: Secure the guard with bolts.

Blade/Head Installation

Use only genuine Makita blades and heads. Always remove the hex wrench after installation.

• Metal Blades: Wear gloves. Ensure blades are 230 mm (9") in diameter, sharp, and undamaged. If a blade hits a hard object, stop the tool immediately and check for damage. Sharpen or replace blades every 3 hours of use. Use the supplied wrench to tighten the blade nut to 16-23 N•m. Ensure arrows on the blade and guard align.
• Nylon Line Head: Ensure the washer is on the shaft. Insert the hex wrench to lock the spindle. Screw the nylon head onto the shaft. Loosen the head by turning clockwise while holding the washer with the hex wrench.
• Plastic Blade: Ensure the washer is on the shaft. Insert the hex wrench to lock the spindle. Align the plastic blade onto the spindle and tighten. Loosen the blade by turning clockwise while holding the washer with the hex wrench.

Tool Shaft Installation

Always check that the attachment shaft is securely connected to the power unit after installation. Improper installation can lead to detachment and injury.

• Move the power unit lever towards the attachment.
• Remove the attachment cover. Align the pin with the mark and connect the shaft until the release button pops up.
• Move the lever towards the power unit.
• Ensure the lever surface is parallel to the shaft.
• To remove the shaft, turn the lever towards the attachment and pull the shaft out while pressing the release button.

Operation

Using the Nylon Line Head

Use the tip of the nylon line for cutting. If the line wears down and shortens during cutting, the user must extend it manually. To feed more nylon line, tap the head on the ground while it is running.

If the nylon line does not feed out, rewind it. Refer to the Maintenance section.

Harness/Hanger Adjustment

Proper adjustment of the hanger position and strap length is crucial for balance. An improper balance can cause the cutting tool to move upwards, leading to injury.

• Adjust the hanger position and strap length so that: the hanger is at least 750 mm from the ground, the cutting blade is 100-300 mm from the ground, and the exposed part of the blade guard is at least 750 mm horizontally from the hanger.
• Tighten all screws securely after adjustment.

Maintenance

General Checks

• Tighten all loose bolts, nuts, and screws.
• Check for damaged parts and blades. Contact an authorized service center for replacements.

Blade Sharpening

⚠️ Do not sharpen blades yourself. Manual sharpening can cause imbalance and damage to the tool. Have dull blades sharpened and balanced by an authorized Makita service center.

Lubrication

• Gearbox: Lubricate the gearbox with grease (e.g., Shell Alvania 1 or 2) approximately every 30 operating hours via the grease hole. Do not lubricate when the gearbox is hot.
• Drive Shaft: Lubricate the drive shaft with grease approximately every 30 operating hours. Genuine Makita grease is recommended.

Plastic Blade Replacement

Replace the plastic blade if it is worn or broken. Align the arrow on the blade with the arrow on the guard before installation.

Storage

Clean and service the unit before storage. Remove the battery pack. Attach the blade guard. Store the attachment in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of reach of children. If storing the attachment separately from the power unit, place the protective cover on the shaft.

Nylon Line Replacement

Use only nylon line of the specified thickness. Do not use heavier lines, wire, or rope, as this may damage the tool and cause injury. Always remove the trimmer head from the tool before changing the line. Ensure the head cover is securely fastened. If the line no longer feeds out, replace the line. The replacement method may vary depending on the nylon line head model.

Inspection and Maintenance Intervals

Troubleshooting

Perform your own checks before contacting service. If a problem occurs that is not listed, contact an authorized Makita service center and use only genuine Makita parts.