ECHO SRM-2620 Trimmer User Guide

Remove screws (A) and handle bracket (B) from support handle (C). Keep handle bracket for installation when barrier bar is not installed.
Position support handle (C) on shaft.
Install barrier bar (D) using screws (A).
Adjust handle position for comfortable operation. Tighten screws securely.

Safety Instructions:
Read and understand all provided literature before use. Use only ECHO attachments to prevent serious injury. Maintain proper spacing for the support handle. Always wear recommended hand and foot protection.

Maintenance:
Follow maintenance guidelines provided in the operator’s manual. Ensure proper fuel handling and regularly inspect the cutting attachment for wear and tear.

FAQ:

Q: What should I do if I encounter a safety alert symbol?
A: Pay close attention to the accompanying message. Danger means a condition that can lead to serious injury or death if not avoided, while warning alerts to potential risks.
Q: Can I use non-approved attachments with the product?
A: No, only use ECHO-approved attachments to prevent serious injury or damage to the product.

INTRODUCTION

This ECHO Quick Start Guide is designed to provide you with details about safety warning symbols, necessary assembly steps, and operational instructions to use your product without delay.

For Operators Manual, additional literature including safety manual, or a copy of the product warranty scan QR code, visit www.echo-usa.com/manuals or call 1-800-432-ECHO (3246). Before calling or accessing the website, know the model and serial number of your unit.

Products sold in Canada comply with CAN ICES-2 / NMB-2.

International Safety Symbols

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 “NOTICE” message provides information necessary for the protection of the unit.

Note: This “NOTICE” message provides tips for use, care and maintenance of the unit.

General Safety Requirements

Read and understand all provided literature before use. Failure to do so could result in serious injury. Additional operating instructions are available from your Authorized ECHO Dealer.

WARNINGS

Operating a poorly maintained unit can result in serious injuries to operator or bystanders. Always follow all maintenance instructions as written, otherwise serious personal injury can result.
Do not attempt to modify this product. Serious injury can result from the use of any modified product.
Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Serious injury can result from the use of this product in an impaired state.
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.
Eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements must be worn whenever you operate the unit.
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.

Use the Correct Personal Protection
WARNINGS

Safety Equipment
WARNINGS Before Each Use Inspect:

For damaged parts.
Cutting attachments for damage (cracked, chipped, etc.).
Cutting attachment is securely fastened.
Cutting shield is correct for cutting attachment and secured according to this manual.
Guards are installed correctly.

Use only ECHO attachments. Serious injury can result from the use of a non-approved attachment combination. ECHO Incorporated 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.

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.
Manufacturer recommended flexible non-metallic line is installed in the trimmer head.
Assure that throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, and stop switch all work properly.
Check that handle and harness (if included) are installed and adjusted for safe, comfortable operation. See Assembly Section for proper adjustment.
Do not connect spark plug lead to spark plug until 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 can 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.
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 can occur. Have unit repaired by an authorized servicing dealer before using.

Fuel Handling
DANGER

Fuel is VERY flammable. Use extreme care when mixing, storing or handling, or serious personal injury will result.
Mix and pour fuel outdoors where there are no sparks and flames.
Slowly remove the fuel cap only after stopping the engine.
Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel.
Wipe spilled fuel from the unit.
Move at least 3 m (10 ft) away from the fueling source and site before starting engine.
Work Area
Review the area to be cleared. Remove potential hazards such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or metal objects, which can be thrown.
Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets.
At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders and pets outside a 15 m (50 ft) radius.
Outside the 15 m (50 ft) zone, there is still a risk of injury from thrown objects.
Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye protection.
If you are approached, stop the engine and cutting attachment.
When a bladed unit is used, there is the added risk of injury to bystanders being struck with the moving blade in the event of a blade thrust or other unexpected reaction of the blade.

ASSEMBLY

Handle Positioning
Label shows minimum spacing for support handle location.

Install Brushcutter Handle
Note: The barrier bar is required when using grass or weed blades. Do not use the barrier bar as a handle.

Remove screws (A) and handle bracket (B) from support handle (C). Keep handle bracket for installation when barrier bar is not installed.
Position support handle (C) on shaft.
Install barrier bar (D) using screws (A).
Note: Support handle (C) must be at least 250 mm (10 in.) from center of rear handle grip.
Adjust handle position for comfortable operation. Tighten screws securely.

Brushcutter Shield and Blade Installation

Shield
- Shield mounting lock nuts (A).
- Shield (B).
- Shield Plate (C).
- Shield mounting bolts (D).
Blade
- Upper blade plate (E).
- Blade (F).
- Lower blade plate (G).
- Hex nut (H).
- Cotter pin (I).

Harness Adjustment and Balance of Unit

Loosen harness clamp screw.
Put on harness and attach unit to harness.
Slide harness clamp up (A) or down until unit balances with head or blade 200 mm ± 100 mm (8 in ± 4 in) from the ground (B).
Tighten harness clamp screw.
Loosen support handle clamp screws, and position handle for comfortable operation.
Tighten handle clamp screws securely.

Fuel Handling
Use fresh fuel (purchased within the last 30 days from the pump) when fueling your ECHO product. Stored fuel ages. Do not mix more fuel than you expect to use in 30 days, 90 days when a fuel stabilizer is added. A two-stroke engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD and JASO FD standard must be used.

Cold Start

Note: After engine fires (or 2-3 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 2-3 pulls, repeat steps “2 through 6″.

Warm Start

Note: If engine does not start after 2-3 pulls, use Cold Start Procedure.

Stop Engine

Throttle
Release throttle trigger and allow engine to return to idle before shutting off engine.
Stop Switch
Move stop switch button (A) backward to STOP position.

OPERATION

WARNING

Read and understand all provided literature before use. Refer to online Operators Manual for additional information.
Never use wire or wire-rope that can break off and become a dangerous “projectile”.
Wear gloves, cut-off knife is sharp, gear case and surrounding area can get hot.
Failure to follow instructions can result in serious injury.

Operating Techniques – Nylon Line Head
Nylon line heads can be used for trimming, scything, edging, and scalping of grass and light weeds.

Trimming
Feed the spinning line into the material to be cut. Tilt the line head to one side to direct cutting debris away from you

Straight shafts use counter-clockwise line head rotation – Tilt the cutting head down on the right side (muffler side) while cutting to direct cutting debris away from operator. Feed the line gradually into the material you wish to cut, avoiding contact with fences or other barriers.

Scything
Scything – Swing the cutting head in a level arc, gradually feeding the line into the material being cut. Move forward with each arc to cut a swath. Width of cutting swath depends on arc. Use a larger arc for a wider swath, or a smaller arc for a narrow swath. Keep line head tilted to direct cutting debris forward or away from you.

Edging and Scalping
Both of these are done with the nylon line cutting head tilted at a steep angle. Scalping is removing top growth, leaving the earth bare. Edging is trimming the grass back where it has spread over a pavement or driveway. During both edging and scalping, hold the unit at a steep angle in a position where the debris, and any dislodged dirt and stone, will not come back towards you even if it ricochets off the hard surface.

General

Debris flows in direction of line head rotation. Change line head position to assure debris flow is directed away from operator.
Keep cutting line away from wire fences to avoid entanglement.
Operate trimmer only with cutting head below knee height.

Operating Techniques – metal or plastic blade
Brush cutter blades can be used to cut and trim a wide variety of materials, refer to the blade selection section for determining the correct blade for the application.

Scything (3, 8, and 80 tooth weed/grass, and brush blades)

To cut large sections of field grass and weeds swing the cutting head in a level arc, gradually feeding the blade into the material being cut. Adjust throttle speed according to your work.
Do not swing the main pipe with arms. Turn hips to swing the blade horizontally from right to left, and cut weeds on the left side of the blade.
Do not scythe back and forth as the grass can scatter and kickout can occur easily.
Tilt blade left by 5 to 10 degrees so that cut grasses will push left, making progress easier.
Move forward with each arc to cut a swath.
Width of cutting swath depends on arc. Use a larger arc for a wider swath, or a smaller arc for a narrow swath. Suggested cutting width is about 1.5 m (4.9 ft).
When scything large brush up to 0.5” diameter from right to left, avoid cutting with highlighted section.

Reaction Forces

WARNINGS

The cutting attachment will continue to rotate even after the throttle is released, maintain control of the unit until it has come to a complete stop.
Blade thrust can occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not immediately cut. Following proper cutting techniques will prevent blade thrust.
Blade thrust can be violent enough to cause the unit and/or operator to be propelled in any direction, and possibly lose control of the unit.
Blade thrust can occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds.
Blade thrust is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut.

Push or Pull – Kickout
During normal use, operating a brushcutter with a circular metal blade can produce sudden strong reaction forces that are difficult to control. Strong reaction forces can cause a loss of balance or loss of control of the equipment, resulting in serious injury to operator and bystanders.
Understanding what causes these reactive forces can help you to avoid them, and can help you to maintain control of the equipment if you experience a sudden reaction during cutting. Reactive forces occur when the force being applied by the cutting teeth of a blade meet resistance, and some of the cutting force is directed back toward the equipment. The greater the cutting force or the amount of resistance, the greater the reactive force.

Push and Pull Forces
Push and pull forces are reactive forces that push the equipment directly toward the operator, or that pull the equipment directly away from the operator. These forces are the result of cutting on the sides of the blade. The direction of the force depends on the side of the blade being used, and the direction of blade rotation at the point of contact. The reactive force is in the opposite direction of blade rotation at the contact point, regardless of where the contact is being made. These types of reactive forces are also called “Blade Thrust.”

As shown in the illustration, a blade turning counterclockwise will cause the equipment to pull away from the operator if the point of cutting resistance is on the left side of the blade. If the point of cutting resistance is on the right side of the blade, the equipment will push back toward the operator. In both examples, the reactive force is in the opposite direction of blade rotation at the contact point where resistance occurs.

Kickout
Kickout is also a reactive force caused by resistance to cutting, but the direction of blade thrust is lateral (to the left or right of the blade), instead of forward or back toward the operator. In most cases, Push, Pull, and Kickout can be reduced or eliminated by:

Using the correct blade for the cutting job.
Using properly sharpened blades.
Applying consistent, even force to the blade during the cut.
Avoiding obstacles and ground hazards.
Using extra care when cutting harder materials such as extremely dry brush, saplings, and small trees.
Cutting from a stable, secure position.

Blade Cutting Problems
Binding – Blades can bind in the cut if dull or forced. Binding can damage blade, and result in blade breakage or injury from fragments and flying debris. If a blade binds in a cut, don’t try to get it out by applying “up and down” force to pry the cut open. Applying prying force to the blade can bend the blade, and result in blade failure and injury.
To free a blade that is bound in the cut, stop the engine, and support the trimmer or brushcutter to keep stress off the blade. Push the tree away from the entry point of the cut to open the cut, and pull the blade directly away from the cut in a straight-line motion. Use caution when releasing the tree to avoid being struck by spring-back or falling.
Inspect the blade for damage before proceeding. Sharpen teeth if dull, or replace blade if cracked, bent, missing teeth, or otherwise damaged.

To prevent binding:

Keep blades sharp.
Avoid excessive pressure during cuts.
Don’t exceed cutting capacity of blade.
Don’t use blades with damaged or missing cutting teeth.
Don’t rock blades in cut.

Operation With Blades
WARNING: Metal blades are very sharp and can cause severe injuries, even if engine is off and blades are not moving. Avoid contact with blades. Wear gloves to protect hands. Blade use demands specific brush cutter configuration. Operation without specified shield, barrier bar or U-handle, and harness can result in serious personal injury. Follow installation instructions.

*ANSI standards require brushcutters be equipped with a barrier bar or restrictive harness. U-Handle ensures a higher safety factor.
** Grass trimmers do not require a harness if dry weight is below 6.0 kg
(13.2 lb). For grass trimmers having a dry weight of 6.0 kg (13.2 lb) to 7.5 kg (16.5 lb), a single-shoulder harness is required. A harness may be used as outlined in the Operator’s Manual.
*** Brushcutters require at least a single shoulder harness if the dry weight is below 7.5 kg (16.5 lb).

WARNING Use only ECHO approved parts. Failure to use the correct parts can cause the blade to fly off. Seriously injury to the operator and / or bystanders can occur.

Before Each Use When Using a Blade:

Verify the handles are installed according to the manufacturers instructions. Use only ECHO approved parts. Failure to use the correct parts can cause the blade to fly off. Seriously injury to the operator and / or bystanders can occur.
Arbor diameter of upper blade plate must match arbor diameter of blades.
For barrier bar, follow installation instructions.
Make sure blade is secured properly.
A new cotter pin is required each time a blade is installed.
Shoulder harnesses can be used on all trimmers and brushcutters to reduce operator fatigue. Brushcutters over 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs.) dry weight (without fuel) and U- handle brushcutters REQUIRE a double shoulder harness.

Note: The barrier bar is used to restrict rearward movement of the unit. The barrier bar is not a handle and should not be gripped when using or carrying the unit.

Blade Selection
WARNING: The type of blade used MUST be matched to the type and size of material cut. An improper or dull blade can cause serious personal injury. Blades MUST be sharp. Dull blades increase the chance of kick-out and injury to yourself and bystanders. Never use an edging blade, circular saw blade, or any other type of unapproved blade.

3-Tooth Grass/Weed Blades can be used wherever the nylon line head is used. DO NOT use this blade for heavy weeds or brush.
8 Tooth Weed/Grass Blade is designed for grass, garden debris and thick weeds up to 19 mm (0.75 in.) diameter. DO NOT use this blade for brush or heavy woody growth.
80 Tooth Brush Blade is designed for cutting brush and woody growth up to 13 mm (0.5 in.) diameter.
22 Tooth Clearing Blade is designed for dense thickets and saplings up to 64 mm (2.5 in.) diameter.

WARNING: A trimmer-brushcutter with a metal blade can cause serious injuries if handled improperly.

Always use extreme care when carrying or handling the equipment to avoid contact with the cutting edges of the blade. Use the optional blade cover when unit is not in use.
Keep blades in protective packaging until ready to install. Store blades safely after removal to prevent injury from accidental contact.
Use blade protectors to protect blade teeth during unit transportation.

Use Shoulder/Waist Harness
Use of the shoulder/waist harness is recommended for ALL Trimmer/brushcutter use, not just blade operation. The shoulder/waist harness when used in a trimming operation with nylon line head suspends the trimmer from the operator’s shoulder and reduces operator fatigue.
During blade operation, the same fatigue reduction is achieved. Safety to the operator is also enhanced by reducing the possibility of blade contact with the operator’s hands and feet by restricting trimmer movement.
Make sure the warning sign on the back of the shoulder harness can be read easily.

Note: In case of Emergency, disconnect the trimmer from the harness.

Maintenance Procedures

Idle Speed Adjustment
NOTICE: Every unit is run at the factory and the carburetor is set in compliance with emission regulations. Carburetor adjustments, other than idle speed, must be performed by an authorized ECHO dealer.

If a tachometer is available, idle speed screw should be set to 3000 RPM. Turn idle screw clockwise to increase idle speed; counterclockwise to decrease idle speed. If a tachometer is not available, see your authorized ECHO dealer.

Replace Nylon Line: Speed Feed™

Cut one piece of 2.0 mm (0.80 in.) or 2.4 mm (0.95 in.) line to recommended length of 6 m (20 ft.).
Align arrows on top of knob with opening of eyelets.
Insert one end of trimmer line into eyelet and push line until equal lengths extend from trimmer head.
Hold trimmer head while turning knob clockwise to wind line onto spool until about 13 cm (5 in.) of each line remains exposed.

Sharpening 8-Tooth Metal Blade
Several styles of metal blades are approved for use on the Brushcutter. Only the 8-tooth blade can be sharpened during normal maintenance. The clearing and 80-tooth blades require professional service for sharpening. Before sharpening, CLOSELY inspect blade for cracks (look at the bottom of each tooth and the center mounting hole closely), missing teeth and bending. If ANY of these problems are discovered, replace the blade.
When sharpening a blade, always remove the same amount of materials from each tooth to maintain balance. A blade that is not balanced will cause unsafe handling due to vibration and can result in blade failure.

File each tooth at a 30° angle a specific number of times, e.g., four strokes per tooth. Work your way around the blade until all teeth are sharp.
DO NOT file the ‘gullet’ (radius) of the tooth with the flat file. The radius must remain. A sharp corner will lead to a crack and blade failure.
WARNING: If an electric grinder is used, be careful not to overheat the teeth, do not let the tips/teeth turn glowing red or turn blue. DO NOT put the blade in cooling water. This will change the temper of the blade and could cause it to break.
After sharpening the teeth, check the radius of each tooth to see if there is evidence of a square (sharp) corner. Use the round file (rat tail) to reset the radius.

Emissions Control Components

WARNING: The use of emission control components other than those specifically designed for this unit is a violation of federal law.

Maintain Air Filter

Close choke, remove air filter cover, clean air filter area, clean or replace filter (if damaged).

Maintain Spark Plug
Note: Use only NGK CMR7H spark plug otherwise severe engine damage can occur.

Adjust spark plug gap by bending outer electrode to a 0.65 mm (0.026 in) gap.
Tighten spark plug to 150 – 170 kgf•cm (130 – 150 lbf•in).

Maintain Spark Arrester Screen
Parts required: Spark Arrester Screen, Gasket.

Remove spark plug lead and engine cover or muffler cover if applicable.
Place piston at Top Dead Center (TDC) to prevent carbon/dirt from entering cylinder.
Remove spark arrester screen cover, gaskets, and screen, from muffler body.
Clean carbon deposits from muffler components.
Note: When cleaning carbon deposit, be careful, do not damage the catalytic element inside muffler (If equipped with catalytic element).
Replace screen if it is cracked, plugged, or has holes burned through.
Assemble components in reverse order.

DANGER: Fuel is VERY flammable. Use extreme care when mixing, storing or handling, or serious personal injury will result.

Maintain Fuel Filter

Use a clean rag to remove loose dirt from around fuel cap and empty fuel tank. Pull the fuel filter from the fuel tank. Remove the filter from the line and install the new filter (do not damage fuel line when removing the fuel filter from the tank).

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 (see example) 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).

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.

Service

Service of this product during the warranty period must be performed by an Authorized ECHO Service Dealer. For the name and address of the Authorized ECHO Service Dealer nearest you, ask your retailer or call 1-800-432-ECHO (3246). Dealer information is also available on our Web Site www.echo-usa.com. When presenting your unit for Warranty service/ repairs, proof of purchase is required.

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Transportation

WARNING
- During operation the muffler or catalytic muffler and surrounding cover can become hot. Always keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris during transportation or when storing, otherwise serious property damage or personal injury can result.
- Always secure the unit during transportation to prevent turnover, fuel spillage, and damage to the unit.

Short-term Storage

DANGER
- Store unit in a dry, dust free place, out of the reach of children.
- Do not store in enclosure where fuel fumes can accumulate or reach an open flame or spark, or serious personal injury will result.

Long-term Storage (Over 30 Days)

NOTICE
- Place the stop switch in the “OFF” position.
- Clean the exterior of the product.
- Perform all periodic maintenance.
- Tighten all the screws and nuts.
- Drain the fuel and run the unit until it stops.
- Allow engine to cool.
- Store unit in a dry, dust-free place, out of the reach of children.

Maintenance Intervals

PRODUCT REGISTRATION
To register your product, visit www.echo-usa.com.

Documents / Resources

ECHO SRM-2620 Trimmer [pdf] User Guide
SRM-2620, SRM-2620T, SRM-2620 Trimmer, SRM-2620, Trimmer

References

User Manual

ECHO SRM-2620 Trimmer

Product Information

Product Usage Instructions