Makita GRU01 Cordless Grass Trimmer Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Cordless Grass Trimmer
GRU01

IMPORTANT: Read Before Using.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Due to our continuing program of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change without notice.
• Specifications may differ from country to country.
• The weight may differ depending on the attachment(s), including the battery cartridge. The lightest and heaviest combinations, according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2014, are shown in the table.

Applicable battery cartridge and charger

• Some of the battery cartridges and chargers listed above may not be available depending on your region of residence.

WARNING: Only use the battery cartridges and chargers listed above. Use of any other battery cartridges and chargers may cause injury and/or fire.

SAFETY WARNINGS

Important safety instructions
WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following.
Read All Instructions
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
General instructions

1. Never allow people unfamiliar with these instructions or children to use the machine. Local regulations can restrict the age of the operator. It is dangerous in the hands of untrained users or children.
2. Be sure that anyone who is to operate the string trimmer has first read the instruction manual.
3. Use the string trimmer with the utmost care and attention.
4. Operate the string trimmer only if you are in good physical condition. Perform all work calmly and carefully. Use common sense and keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
5. Never operate the string trimmer when tired, feeling ill or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. Avoid accidentally starting:
   — Ensure the switch is in the off position before installing the battery pack. Inserting the battery pack into the string trimmer with the switch on invites accidents.
   — Carrying the string trimmer with your finger on the switch invites accidents.
7. The string trimmer should be switched off immediately if it shows any signs of abnormal operation.
8. Don’t force the tool. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.
9. Don’t overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
10. Stay alert – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate appliance when you are tired

11. Store idle appliances indoors. 12. Keep fingers away from the switch trigger when not operating the tool and when moving from one operating position to another.

Intended use of the tool

1. Use the right tool. The cordless string trimmer is only intended for cutting grass and light weeds. It should not be used for any other purpose such as edging or hedge cutting as this may cause injury.
2. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended accessories and attachments. Use of any other accessories and attachments may increase the risk of injury.

Personal protective equipment

1. Dress Properly. The clothing worn should be functional and appropriate, i.e. it should be tight-fitting but not cause hindrance. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of thick leather gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
2. In order to avoid either head, eye, hand, or foot injuries as well as to protect your hearing the following protective equipment and protective clothing must be used during the operation of the equipment.
   
3. Always wear a helmet where there is a risk of falling objects. The protective helmet is to be checked at regular intervals for damage and is to be replaced at least every five years. Use only approved protective helmets.
4.  Use safety glasses. The visor of the helmet (or alternatively goggles) protects the face from flying debris and stones. During operation of the tool always wear goggles, or a visor to prevent eye injuries.
5. Wear adequate noise protection equipment to avoid hearing impairment (earmuffs, earplugs, etc.).
   
6. Work overalls protect against injury from flying stones and debris. It is strongly recommended that the user wears work overalls.
7. Special gloves made of thick leather are part of the prescribed equipment and must always be worn during the operation of the tool.
8. When using the tool, always wear sturdy shoes with a nonslip sole. This protects against injuries from flying debris and ensures a good footing.
9. Use a dust mask if the operation is dusty.

Electrical and battery safety

1. Avoid dangerous environments. Don’t use the tool in damp or wet locations or expose it to rain. Water entering the tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
2. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to the battery pack, picking up, or carrying the machine. Carrying the machine with your finger on the switch or energizing machine that has the switch on invites accidents.
3. Disconnect the battery pack from the machine before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the machine. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the machine accidentally.
4. Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
5. Use machines only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
6. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
7. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
8. Do not use a battery pack or machine that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
9. Do not expose a battery pack or machine to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C (265°F) may cause an explosion.
10. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or machine outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
11. Have servicing performed by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the product is maintained.
12. Do not modify or attempt to repair the machine or the battery pack except as indicated in the instructions for use and care.
13. Do not dispose of the battery(ies) in a fire. The cell may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.
14. Do not open or mutilate the battery(ies). Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.
15. Do not charge the battery in rain, or in wet locations.
16. Do not replace the battery with wet hands.
17. Do not replace the battery in the rain.
18. Do not wet the terminal of the battery with a liquid such as water, or submerge the battery. Do not leave the battery in the rain, nor charge, use, or store the battery in a damp or wet place. If the terminal gets wet or liquid enters inside of the battery, the battery may be short-circuited and there is a risk of overheating, fire, or explosion.
19. After removing the battery from the tool or charger, be sure to attach the battery cover to the battery and store it in a dry place.
20. If the battery cartridge gets wet, drain the water inside and then wipe it with a dry cloth. Dry the battery cartridge completely in a dry place before use.
21. Do not charge the battery outdoors.
22. Do not handle chargers, including charger plug, and charger terminals with wet hands.

Starting up the tool

1.  Make sure that there are no children or other people within a working range of 15 meters (50 ft), also pay attention to any animals in the working vicinity. Otherwise, stop using the tool.
2. Before use always check that the tool is safe for operation. Check the security of the nylon cutting head and the guard and the switch trigger/lever for easy and proper action. Check for clean and dry handles and test the on/off function of the switch.
3. Check damaged parts before further use of the tool. A guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by our authorized service center unless indicated elsewhere in this manual.
4. Switch on the motor only when hands and feet are away from the nylon cutting head.
5. Before starting make sure that the nylon cutting head has no contact with hard objects such as branches, stones, etc. as the nylon cutting head will revolve when starting.
6. Remove any adjusting key, wrench, or blade cover before turning the power tool on. An accessory left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
7. Make sure there are no electrical cables, water pipes, gas pipes, etc. that could cause a hazard if damaged by the use of the tool.
8. Do not use a cutting tool that is not recommended by Makita. 9. Do not operate the tool in bad weather or if there is a risk of lightning.

Method of operation

1. Only use the tool in good light and visibility. During the winter season beware of slippery or wet areas, ice, and snow (risk of slipping). Always ensure a safe footing.
2. Take care against injury to feet and hands from the nylon cutting head.
3. Never cut above waist height.
4. Never stand on a ladder and run the tool.
5. Never climb up into trees to perform the cutting operations with the tool.
6. Never work on unstable surfaces.
7. Remove sand, stones, nails, etc. found within the working range. Foreign particles may damage the nylon cutting head.
8. Should the nylon cutting head hit stones or other hard objects, immediately switch off the motor and inspect the nylon cutting head.
9. Before commencing cutting, the nylon cutting head must have reached full working speed.
10. During operation always hold the tool with both hands. Never hold the tool with one hand during use. Always ensure a safe footing.
11. The nylon cutting head has to be equipped with a guard. Never run the tool with damaged guards or without guards in place!
12. All protective equipment such as guards supplied with the string trimmer must be used during operation.
13. Except in case of emergency, never drop or cast the tool to the ground or this may severely damage the tool.
14. Never drag the tool on the ground when moving from place to place, the tool may become damaged if moved in this manner.
15. Always remove the battery cartridge from the tool:
    — whenever leaving the tool unattended;
    — before clearing a blockage;
    — before checking, cleaning or working on the tool;
    — whenever the tool starts vibrating abnormally;
    — whenever transporting the tool.
16. Always ensure that the ventilation openings are kept clear of debris.
17. Cutting elements continue to rotate after the motor is switched off.
18. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks that may ignite dust or fumes.
19. Take a rest to prevent loss of control caused by fatigue. We recommend taking a 10 to 20-minute rest every hour.
20. Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring. Cutting tool contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
21. Do not use the tool on steep slopes.
22. The shoulder harness must be used during operation if supplied with the tool.
23. Do not start the tool when the cutting tool is tangled with cut grass.
24. Before starting the tool, be sure that the cutting tool is not touching the ground and other obstacles such as a tree.
25. Always keep your hands, face, and clothes away from the cutting tool when it is rotating. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.
26. Only use the cutting tool that is marked with a speed equal to or higher than the speed marked on the tool.
27. Do not touch the gear case during and immediately after the operation. The gear case becomes hot during operation and can cause burn injury.
28. Do not use the tool when there is a risk of lightning.
29. When you use the tool on muddy ground, wet slopes, or slippery places, pay attention to your footing.
30. Avoid working in a poor environment where increased user fatigue is expected.
31. Do not use the tool in bad weather where visibility is limited. Failure to do so may cause a fall or incorrect operation due to low visibility.
32. Do not submerge the tool into a puddle.
33. Do not leave the tool unattended outdoors in the rain.
34. When wet leaves or dirt adhere to the suction mouth (ventilation window) due to rain, remove them.
35. Do not use the tool in the snow.

Maintenance instructions

1. The condition of the nylon cutting head, protective devices must be checked before commencing work.
2. Turn off the motor and remove the battery cartridge before carrying out maintenance, replacing the nylon cutting head or nylon cord, and cleaning the tool.
3. Check for loose fasteners and damaged parts such as cracks in the nylon cutting head.
4. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories if applicable.
5. When not in use store the equipment in an indoor dry location that is locked up or out of children’s reach.
6. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended replacement parts and accessories.
7. Inspect and maintain the tool regularly, especially before/after use. Has the tool been repaired only by our authorized service center?
8. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Keep all cooling air inlets clear of debris.
9. Always keep the tool in good working condition. Poor maintenance can result in inferior performance and shorten the life of the tool.
10. Do not wash the tool with high-pressure water.
11. When washing the tool, do not let water enter the electrical mechanism such as the battery, motor, and terminals.
12. When storing the tool, avoid direct sunlight and rain, and store it in a place where it does not get hot or humid.
13. Perform inspection or maintenance in a place where rain can be avoided.
14. After using the tool, remove the adhered dirt and dry the tool completely before storing it. Depending on the season or the area, there is a risk of malfunction due to freezing.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

WARNING: DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with the product (gained from repeated use) replace strict adherence to safety rules for the subject product. MISUSE or failure to follow the safety rules stated in this instruction manual may cause serious personal injury.

WARNING: The use of this product can create dust-containing chemicals that may cause respiratory or other illnesses. Some examples of these chemicals are compounds found in pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Symbols

The followings show the symbols used for tool.

 V volts
direct current
n° no-load speed
.....min/r/min revolutions or reciprocation per minute

Important safety instructions for battery cartridge

1. Before using the battery cartridge, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using the battery.
2. Do not disassemble or tamper with the battery cartridge. It may result in a fire, excessive heat, or explosion.
3. If operating time has become excessively shorter, stop operating immediately. It may result in a risk of overheating, possible burns and even an explosion.
4. If electrolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them out with clear water and seek medical attention right away. It may result in loss of your eyesight.
5. Do not short the battery cartridge: (1) Do not touch the terminals with any conductive material. (2) Avoid storing battery cartridge in a container with other metal objects such as nails, coins, etc. (3) Do not expose the battery cartridge to water or rain. A battery short can cause a large current flow, overheating, possible burns, and even a breakdown.
6. Do not store and use the tool and battery cartridge in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 50 °C (122 °F).
7. Do not incinerate the battery cartridge even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The battery cartridge can explode in a fire.
8. Do not nail, cut, crush, throw, drop the battery cartridge, or hit against a hard object to the battery cartridge. Such conduct may result in a fire, excessive heat, or explosion.
9. Do not use a damaged battery.
10. The contained lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements. For commercial transports e.g. by third parties, forwarding agents, the special requirements on packaging and labeling must be observed. For the preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required. Please also observe possibly more detailed national regulations. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging.
11. When disposing of the battery cartridge, remove it from the tool and dispose of it in a safe place. Follow your local regulations relating to the disposal of batteries.
12. Use the batteries only with the products specified by Makita. Installing the batteries to non-compliant products may result in a fire, excessive heat, explosion, or leak of electrolyte.
13. If the tool is not used for a long period of time, the battery must be removed from the tool.
14.  During and after use, the battery cartridge may take on heat which can cause burns or low-temperature burns. Pay attention to the handling of hot battery cartridges.
15. Do not touch the terminal of the tool immediately after use as it may get hot enough to cause burns.
16.  Do not allow chips, dust, or soil stuck into the terminals, holes, and grooves of the battery cartridge. It may result in poor performance or breakdown of the tool or battery cartridge.
17. Unless the tool supports the use of near high-voltage electrical power lines, do not use the battery cartridge near high-voltage electrical power lines. It may result in a malfunction or breakdown of the tool or battery cartridge.
18. Keep the battery away from children.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

CAUTION: Only use genuine Makita batteries. Use of non-genuine Makita batteries, or batteries that have been altered, may result in the battery bursting causing fires,  personal injury, and damage. It will also void the Makita warranty for the Makita tool and charger.

Tips for maintaining maximum battery life

1. Charge the battery cartridge before completely discharging. Always stop tool operation and charge the battery cartridge when you notice less tool power.
2. Never recharge a fully charged battery cartridge. Overcharging shortens the battery service life.
3. Charge the battery cartridge with room temperature at 10 °C – 40 °C (50 °F – 104 °F). Let a hot battery cartridge cool down before charging it.
4. When not using the battery cartridge, remove it from the tool or the charger.
5. Charge the battery cartridge if you do not use it for a long period (more than six months).

PARTS DESCRIPTION

NOTE: The protector supplied as the standard accessory varies depending on the country.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

WARNING: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and the battery cartridge is removed before adjusting or checking the function on the tool. Failure to switch off and remove the battery cartridge may result in serious personal injury from accidental start-up.

Installing or removing battery cartridge

CAUTION: Always switch off the tool before installing or removing of the battery cartridge.
CAUTION: Hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly when installing or removing the battery cartridge. Failure to hold the tool and the battery cartridge firmly may cause them to slip off your hands and result in damage to the tool and battery cartridge and a personal injury.

To remove the battery cartridge, slide it from the tool while sliding the button on the front of the cartridge. To install the battery cartridge, align the tongue on the battery cartridge with the groove in the housing and slip it into place. Insert it all the way until it locks in place with a little click. If you can see the red indicator on the upper side of the button, it is not locked completely.

CAUTION: Always install the battery cartridge fully until the red indicator cannot be seen. If not, it may accidentally fall out of the tool, causing injury to you or someone around you.
CAUTION: Do not install the battery cartridge forcibly. If the cartridge does not slide in easily, it is not being inserted correctly.

Tool/battery protection system
The tool is equipped with a tool/battery protection system. This system automatically cuts off power to the motor to extend tool and battery life. The tool will automatically  stop during operation if the tool is placed under one of the following conditions:

Overload protection
If the tool gets into one of the following situations, the tool automatically stops and the caution lamp starts blinking in green:

• The tool is overloaded by entangled weeds or other debris.
• The cutting tool is locked or kicked back.
• The main power button is turned on while the switch trigger is being pulled.

In this situation, release the switch trigger and remove entangled weeds or debris if necessary. After that, pull the switch trigger again to resume.

CAUTION: If you need to remove the entangled weeds on the tool or release the locked cutting tool, be sure to turn the tool off before you start.

Overheat protection for tool or battery
If the tool or battery cartridge is overheated, the tool stops automatically. When the tool is overheated, the caution lamp lights up in red. When the battery cartridge is overheated, the caution lamp blinks in red. Let the tool and/or battery cool down before turning the tool on again.

Over-discharge protection
When the battery capacity becomes low, the tool stops automatically and the caution lamp starts blinking in red. If the tool does not operate even when the switches are operated, remove the battery cartridge from the tool and charge it.

Indicating the remaining battery capacity

Press the check button on the battery cartridge to indicate the remaining battery capacity. The indicator lamps light up for a few seconds.

NOTE: Depending on the conditions of use and the ambient temperature, the indication may differ slightly from the actual capacity.
NOTE: The first (far left) indicator lamp will blink whenthe battery protection system works.

Main power switch

Tap the main power button to turn on the tool.
To turn off the tool, press and hold the main power button until the speed indicator goes off.

NOTE: The tool will automatically turned off if it is left without any operations for a certain period of time. Switch action

WARNING: For your safety, this tool is equipped with lock-off lever which prevents the tool from unintended starting. NEVER use the tool if it runs when you simply pull  the switch trigger without pressing the lock-off lever. Return the tool to our authorized service center for proper repairs BEFORE further usage.
WARNING: NEVER tape down or defeat pur- pose and function of lock-off lever.

CAUTION: Before installing the battery car- tridge into the tool, always check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the “OFF” position when released. Operating a tool with a switch that does not actuate properly can lead to loss of control and serious personal injury.
CAUTION: Never put your finger on the main power button and switch trigger when carrying the tool. The tool may start unintentionally and cause injury.

NOTICE: Do not pull the switch trigger hard without pressing the lock-off lever. This can cause switch breakage.

To prevent the switch trigger from being accidentally pulled, a lock-off lever is provided. To start the tool, depress the lock-off lever and pull the switch trigger. The tool speed increases by increasing pressure on the switch trigger. Release the switch trigger to stop.

Speed adjusting

You can select the tool speed by tapping the main power button. Each time you tap the main power button, the level of speed will change.

Automatic Torque Drive Technology

When you turn on the Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), the tool runs at optimum rotation speed and torque for the condition of grass being cut.
To start ADT, press and hold the reverse button until the ADT indicator turns on.
To stop ADT, press and hold the reverse button until the ADT indicator turns off.

Reverse button for debris removal

WARNING: Switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge before you remove entangled weeds or debris which the reverse rotation function can not remove. Failure to switch off and remove the battery cartridge may result in serious personal injury from accidental start-up.

This tool has a reverse button to change the direction of rotation. It is only for removing weeds and debris entangled in the tool.
To reverse the rotation, tap the reverse button and pull the switch trigger while depressing the lock-off lever when the cutting tool is stopped. The speed indicators and ADT indicator start blinking, and the cutting tool rotates in reverse direction when you pull the switch trigger.
To return to regular rotation, release the trigger and wait until the cutting tool stops.

NOTE: During the reverse rotation, the tool operates only for a short period of time and then automatically  stops.
NOTE: Once the tool is stopped, the rotation returns to regular direction when you start the tool again.
NOTE: If you tap the reverse button while the cutting tool is still rotating, the tool comes to stop and to be ready for reverse rotation.

Electric brake

This tool is equipped with an electric brake. If the tool consistently fails to quickly stop after the switch trigger is released, have the tool serviced at our service center.

CAUTION: This brake system is not a substi- tute for the protector. Never use the tool without the protector. An unguarded cutting tool may result in serious personal injury.

Electronic function

Constant speed control
The speed control function provides the constant rotation speed regardless of load conditions.
Soft start feature
Soft start because of suppressed starting shock.

ASSEMBLY

WARNING: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and battery cartridge is removed before carrying out any work on the tool. Failure to switch off and remove the battery  cartridge may result in serious personal injury from accidental start-up.
WARNING: Never start the tool unless it is completely assembled. Operation of the tool in a partially assembled state may result in serious personal injury from accidental  start-up.

Installing the handle

1. Attach the upper and lower clamps on the damper.
2. Put the handle on the upper clamp and fix it with hex socket head bolts as illustrated.

CAUTION: Do not remove or shrink the spacer. Doing so lose the balance of the tool and may cause personal injury.

Attaching the barrier

For the loop handle model only (country specific) If the barrier is included in your model, attach it to the handle using the screw on the barrier.

CAUTION: After assembling the barrier, do not remove it. The barrier works as a safety part to prevent you from contacting the cutting blade accidentally.

Hex wrench storage

CAUTION: Be careful not to leave the hex wrench inserted in the tool head. It may cause injury and/or damage to the tool.
When not in use, store the hex wrench as illustrated to keep it from being lost.

For the loop handle model, the hex wrench can also be stored on the handle as illustrated.

Correct combination of the cutting tool and the protector

CAUTION: Always use the correct combination of cutting tool and the protector. A wrong combination may not protect you from the cutting tool, flying debris, and stones. It can also affect the balance of the tool and result in an injury.

Installing the protector

WARNING: Never use the tool without the guard or with the guard improperly installed.
Failure to do so can cause serious personal injury.
CAUTION: Take care not to injure yourself on the cutter for cutting the nylon cord.
Attach the protector to the clamp using bolts.

Installing the cutting tool

CAUTION: Always use the supplied wrench(es) to remove or to install the cutting tool.
CAUTION: Be sure to remove the hex wrench inserted into the tool head after installing the cutting tool.

NOTE: The type of the cutting tool(s) supplied as the standard accessory varies depending on the countries. The cutting tool is not included in some specifications of the model.
NOTE: Turn the tool upside down so that you can replace the cutting tool easily.

NOTICE: Be sure to use genuine Makita nylon cutting head.

1. Insert the hex wrench through the hole in the toolhead to lock the spindle. Rotate the spindle until the hex wrench is fully inserted.
2. Place the nylon cutting head onto the spindle and tighten it securely by hand.
3. Remove the hex wrench from the tool head.
   To remove the nylon cutting head, follow the installation procedures in reverse.

OPERATION

Attaching the shoulder harness

CAUTION: When you use the tool in combi- nation of the backpack-type power supply such as portable power pack, do not use the shoulder harness included in the tool package, but use the hanging band recommended by Makita.

If you put on the shoulder harness included in the tool package and the shoulder harness of the backpack-type power supply at the same time, removing the tool or backpack-type power supply is difficult in case of an emergency, and it may cause an accident or injury. For the recommended hanging band, ask Makita Authorized Service Centers.

CAUTION: Always use the shoulder harness attached to the tool. Before operation, adjust the shoulder harness according to the user size to prevent fatigue.
CAUTION: Before operation, make sure that the shoulder harness is properly attached to the hanger on the tool.

1. Wear the shoulder harness on your left shoulder.
2. Clasp the hook on the shoulder harness to tool’s hanger.
3. Adjust the shoulder harness to a comfortable working position.

The shoulder harness features a means of quick release.
Simply squeeze the sides of the buckle to release the tool from the shoulder harness.

Correct handling of the tool

WARNING: Always position the tool on your right-hand side. Correct positioning of the tool allows for maximum control and will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
WARNING: Be extremely careful to maintain control of the tool at all times. Do not allow the tool to be deflected toward you or anyone in the work vicinity. Failure to keep control of the tool could result in serious injury to the bystander and the operator.
WARNING: To avoid accident, leave more than 15m (50 ft) distance between operators when two or more operators work in one area. Also, arrange a person to observe the distance between operators. If someone or an animal enters the working area, immediately stop the operation.

CAUTION: If the cutting tool accidentally impacts a rock or hard object during operation, stop the tool and inspect for any damage. If the cutting tool is damaged, replace it immediately. Use of a damaged cutting tool may result in serious personal injury.

Correct positioning and handling allow optimum control and reduce the risk of injury.

When using a nylon cutting head (bump & feed type)
The nylon cutting head is a dual string trimmer head provided with a bump & feed mechanism.
To feed out the nylon cord, tap the cutting head against the ground while rotating.

NOTICE: The bump feed will not operate properly if the nylon cutting head is not rotating.
NOTE: If the nylon cord does not feed out while tapping the head, rewind/replace the nylon cord by following the procedures in the section for the maintenance.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and battery cartridge is removed before attempting to perform inspection or maintenance on the tool. Failure to switch off and remove the battery cartridge may result in serious personal injury from accidental start-up.
NOTICE: Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.

To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other maintenance or adjustment should be performed by Makita Authorized or Factory Service Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.

Replacing the nylon cord

WARNING: Use only the nylon cord with diameter specified in this instruction manual. Never use heavier line, metal wire, rope or the like. Failure to do so may cause damage to the tool and result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Always remove the nylon cutting head from the tool when replacing the nylon cord.
WARNING: Make sure that the cover of the nylon cutting head is secured to the housing properly as described below. Failure to properly secure the cover may cause the nylon cutting head to fly apart resulting in serious personal injury.

Replace the nylon cord if it is not fed any more. The method of replacing the nylon cord varies depending on the type of the nylon cutting head.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Before asking for repairs, conduct your own inspection first. If you find a problem that is not explained in the manual, do not attempt to dismantle the tool. Instead, ask Makita  Authorized Service Centers, always using Makita replacement parts for repairs.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

WARNING: Do not mount a metal blade on this tool and only use the recommended accessories or attachments indicated in this manual. The use of a metal blade or any other accessory or attachment may result in serious personal injury.

CAUTION: These accessories or attachments are recommended for use with your Makita tool specified in this manual. The use of any other accessories or attachments might present a risk of injury to persons. Only use accessory or attachment for its stated purpose.

If you need any assistance for more details regard- ing these accessories, ask your local Makita Service Center.

• Nylon cutting head
• Nylon cord (cutting line)
• Protector
• Makita genuine battery and charger

NOTE: Some items in the list may be included in the tool package as standard accessories. They may differ from country to country.

MAKITA LIMITED WARRANTY

Please refer to the annexed warranty sheet for the most current warranty terms applicable to this product.
If annexed warranty sheet is not available, refer to the warranty details set forth at below website for your respective country.

United States of America: www.makitatools.com
Canada: www.makita.ca
Other countries: www.makita.com

Makita Corporation
3-11-8, Sumiyoshi-cho,
Anjo, Aichi 446-8502 Japan
www.makita.com

885860-946 GRU01-1
EN, ESMX
20201202