AL-KO solo 142, 154 Brushcutter Instruction Manual

142, 154 Brushcutter
Instruction Manual

solo 142, 154 Brushcutter

© 2015
AL-KO KOBER GROUP Kötz, Germany
This documentation or excerpts therefrom may not be reproduced or disclosed to third parties without the express permission of the AL-KO KOBER GROUP.

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ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK

• Read this documentation before starting up the machine. This is a precondition for safe working and flawless operation.
• Observe the safety warnings in this documentation and on the product.
• This documentation is a permanent integral part of the product described and must be passed on to the new owner if the product is sold.

Explanation of symbols
CAUTION!
Following these safety warnings carefully can prevent personal injury and/or material damage.
**** Special instructions for greater ease of understanding and improved handling.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This documentation describes a hand-held scythe with a petrol engine.
Symbols on the machine

| Caution! Special care required during use.
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| Read the operating instructions before start-up.
| Wear safety goggles, safety helmet, ear defenders.
| Wear gloves.
| Wear safety shoes.
| Keep body and clothing away from cutting parts.
| Danger due to ejected objects!
| The distance between the device and other persons must be at least 15 m.

Product overview
see Figure 1

1 Cutting blade
2 Transmission
3 Guard plate
4 Bike handle
5 Throttle lever
6 “Engine off / on” switch
7 Throttle lever lock| 8 Shoulder strap
9 Air filter cover
10 Petrol tank
11 Decompression valve
12 Primer (cold start)
13 “Choke / run” lever
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Safety and protective equipment
Emergency Stop
In the event of an emergency, swith the ignition switch to “STOP”.
Stone impact guard
Protects the operator from ejected objects. The integrated cutter shortens the cutting string to the permissible length.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury!
Safety and protective devices should not be disabled.
Designated use
This device is intended for trimming and mowing lawns on private premises. Using this device for any other or additional purpose is considered contrary to its intended use.
Possible misuse
CAUTION!
The equipment is intended for domestic use only.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Use the machine only in perfect working order.

• Do not deactivate safety and protection devices

• The machine must not be operated with different cutting tools or attachments.

• Wear appropriate working clothes:
  • Long trousers, sturdy footwear, gloves.
  • Safety helmet, safety goggles, ear defenders.

• Always ensure stability when working.

• The machine must not be operated if the operator is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

• Always operate the appliance with two hands.

• Keep the handles dry and clean.

• Keep body and clothing away from cutting parts.

• Keep others away from dangerous areas.

• Remove foreign objects from the working area.

• Always keep the guard, string head and engine free of mowing debris.

• Before leaving the equipment unattended:
  • Turn the engine off
  • Wait for the cutting unit to stop

• Do not leave the appliance unsupervised.

• Children and other persons who are unfamiliar with the operating instructions must not operate the machine

• Before use, check that all screws, bolts and nuts on the device are tight.

• Insert the blade guard for ever, before they transport the device or the knife or store.

TECHNICAL DATA

142

Champion (RCS-6Y)
Drive| Centrifugal clutch
Handle| Bike handle
Sound power level| 105 dB(A)
Sound pressure level| 92 dB(A)
Vibration| 4.9 m/s² K = 2.1 m/s²
Cutting width blade| 25 cm
Engine speed max.| 11200 rpm
Engine speed idling| 2700 ±200 rpm

154

Champion (RCS-6Y)
Drive| Centrifugal clutch
Handle| Bike handle
Sound power level| 103 dB(A)
Sound pressure level| 92 dB(A)
Vibration| 4.9 m/s² K = 2.1 m/s²
Cutting width blade| 25 cm
Engine speed max.| 11200 rpm
Engine speed idling| 2700 ±200 rpm

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION!
The machine must not be put in operation before it has been assembled completely.
Mounting the bike handle
see Figure 2
**** Always guide the brush cutter to the right of your body using the bike handle.
The optimum orientation A>B is achieved when the middle of the implement is in line with the middle of your body.

1. Unscrew the wing screw
2. Remove the upper half shell from the handle support
3. Insert the bike handle into the lower half shell and align
4. Put on the upper half shell
5. Screw in the wing screw and tighten

Installing the safety cover
see Figure 3

1. Place the brush cutter so that the work shaft is pointing down.
2. Lift the stem tube and slide the guard (1) along the bottom of the stem tube to the correct position (to the stop on the bevel gear).
3. Put down the stem tube with the guard.
4. First tighten the fixing part (2) using a screw 5 x 20 mm in hole (a) on the guard.
5. Loosely tighten the second screw 5 x 20 mm in hole (b).

**** The fixing part (2) has a ridge inside for hole (a). Therefore, the first screw can immediately be tightened to the block through hole (a) without the connection being slanted.
see Figure 4

1. Place the brush cutter so that the work shaft is pointing up.
2. Tighten the guard and the fixing part using the 2 screws 5 x 35 through the holes on the retaining plate of the bevel gear. Correct the location of the guard if necessary. The holes must always overlap precisely.
3. Finally tighten the screw in hole (b).

Installing the cutting blade
see Figure 5

1. Place the brush cutter so that the work shaft is pointing up.

2. Place the cutting blade (5) on the pressure fitting (1).
   **** The recess of the pressure fitting must fit perfectly in the hole of the cutting blade in order to centre the cutting blade.

3. Mount the pressure disk (2).

4. Place the rider plate (3) and screw the locking nut (4) onto the shaft.
   **** Attention – left-hand thread – turn anticlockwise!
   Make sure that all parts are centered!

5. Block the shaft with the support pin (6) and tighten the nut (4)
   CAUTION!
   If the locking nut (4) will not tighten properly due to frequent loosening and tightening, then it must be replaced immediately!
   Check the tightness and centered position of the cutting blade.

Mounting the line head
see Figure 8
CAUTION!
Risk of injury
Never use the line head without a guard bar with line cutter.

1. Block the drive shaft (1) using a support pin.
2. Put on the pressure fitting (2).
3. Put on the anti-wrap guard (3) with the labelled part pointing towards the transmission.
4. Screw the line head on by hand (left-hand thread).
5. Push the guard bar (4) with pre-mounted line cutter onto the guard and screw it on tight.
6. Remove the support pin.

Adjusting the shoulder strap

1. First pass the shoulder strap over your left shoulder.
2. Hook the locking hook into the eye.
3. Perform some sweeping movements to check the length of the shoulder strap without turning on the motor.
   • The line cutting head or cutting blade must move parallel to the ground.
   CAUTION!
   Always use the shoulder strap when working with the device. Only hook up the shoulder strap once the engine is started and idling.
   ****  Putting on the double shoulder strap see Fig. 20 to Fig. 29

Balancing the brushcutter
see fig. 12

• Clip the hook of the carry strap into the fastening hole on the stem tube.
• Balance the brushcutter so the cutting blade sways about 10 cm above the ground without you holding the brushcutter with your hands.
• Reposition the hook if necessary to balance the brushcutter.

FUEL AND OPERATING FLUIDS

Safety
WARNING!
Danger of fire! Mixed fuel is highly inflammable!

• Use only appropriate containers to store mixed fuel
• Only refuel outdoors
• Do not smoke when refueling
• Do not open the tank cap when the engine is running or hot.
• Renew the tank or tank cap if damaged
• Always close the tank lid firmly
• If mixed fuel has leaked out:
  • Do not start the engine
  • Avoid start attempts
  • Clean the machine
  WARNING!
  Danger of poisoning! Never run the engine in enclosed spaces.

Mixing fuel
We recommend mixing with high-quality special 2-stroke oil if using a 1:50 mixing ratio.
If using brand-name 2-stroke oils, we recommend a 1:25 mixing ratio
Tables for fuel mixing ratios

25 parts petrol:
1 part mixing oil
2-stroke oil| 1 l| 40 ml
3 l| 120 ml
5 l| 200 ml
Mixing procedure| Petrol| Mixing oil
50 parts petrol:
1 part mixing oil
2-stroke oil| 1 l| 20 ml
3 l| 60 ml
5 l| 100 ml

Pour the petrol and corresponding oil according to the table into a suitable container and mix thoroughly.
Filling mixed fuel
see Figure 1

• Only refuel when the engine is switched off.
• Clean the area around the filling hole.
• Place the brushcutter so that the tank cap (10) is pointing up.
• Unscrew the tank cap (10) and pour in the mixed fuel up to the bottom edge of the pipe.
• Use a filter funnel to avoid impurities getting into the tank.
• After refueling, screw on the tank cap (10) until finger tight.

STARTUP

CAUTION!
Always perform a visual check prior to start-up.

• Do not operate the machine if the blade system and/or the fastening parts are loose, damaged or worn.
• Always operate the trimmer with the guard.
• Check the cutting parts for damage or cracks before use, and exchange any damaged or worn parts for original spare parts.

Starting the engine
WARNING!
Never leave an engine running in an enclosed space. Toxic hazard!

• Before start-up, shorten the cutting string to 13 cm to avoid overloading the engine.
• Observe local ordinances regarding operating times.

Choke setting:
see Figure 6

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CHOKE| RUN

Cold start
CAUTION!
Risk of kickback!
Always pull the starter cord straight out.
Do not let it snap back too quickly.
see Figure 7

1. Move the Start/Stop switch (2) to the “Start” position.

2. Release the throttle lever. The throttle lever engages at half-throttle setting.
   see Figure 10

3. Move the choke (7) to the “CHOKE” position.

4. Press the primer (8) several times until fuel is visible in the plastic bubble.

5. Press the decompression valve (6) each time before pulling the starter cord. The decompression valve (6) automatically jumps back to the normal position
   see Fig. 11
   CAUTION!
   Place the brushcutter on flat ground without any obstacles. Make sure the cutting tool does not contact any objects or the ground.
   Do not stand or kneel on the stem tube when starting, otherwise the shaft or the tube could be damaged. Adopt a stable standing posture, hold the implement securely with your left hand on the housing flange.

6. Pull the starter cord (1) out straight 3-4 times until you can hear the engine fire briefly.

7. Move the choke (7) to “RUN”.

8. Pull out the starter cord until the engine starts.

9. Repeat steps 1 to 8 if the engine does not start.

Warm start

1. Move the Start/Stop switch to “Start”.
2. Set the choke lever to “RUN”.
3. Press the decompression valve each time before pulling the starter cord (after the starter cord is pulled, the decompression valve automatically jumps back to the normal position).
4. Pull the starter cord quickly a maximum of 6 times – the engine starts. Keep the throttle lever fully depressed until the engine runs smoothly.

The engine does not start

1. Set the choke lever to “RUN”.
2. Pull the starter cord 5 times.

If the engine still does not start

1. Wait for 5 minutes and then try again with the throttle lever depressed.

OPERATION

Always let the engine run in the upper speed range during trimming and cutting.
Safety instructions
CAUTION!
Please observe the safety and warning notices in this manual and on the product.
CAUTION!
During extended periods of use the vibrations can cause disorders of the blood vessels or nervous systems of the fingers, hands and wrists. You may experience parts of your body going numb, twinges, pains or changes in the skin. If such symptoms arise, please consult your doctor!

• Never hold the string head higher than knee level when the device is in operation.

• Never work on a slippery hillside or slope.

• When mowing on sloping ground, always stand downhill of the cutting device.

• Never use the device in the vicinity of highly flammable liquids or gases – Risk of fire and/ or explosion!

• After contact with a foreign object:
  • Switch off the engine.
  • Examine the device for damage.

• Persons who are not familiar with the trimmer should practise handling it with the engine switched off.

Avoiding recoil
CAUTION!
Risk of injury from uncontrolled kickback!
Do not use cutting blade near solid obstacles.
Dense vegetation, young trees or brushwood can jam the cutting blade and stop it turning.

• Avoid jamming by noting the direction in which the vegetation leans and then cutting from the opposite side.
• If the cutting blade becomes entangled during cutting:
  • Switch off the engine immediately.
  • Hold up the device so that the cutting blade does not jump or break.
  • Push the caught material away.

Trimming

1. Examine the terrain and determine the desired cutting height.
2. Guide and hold the string head at the desired height.
3. Swing the device from side to side in a sweeping, scythe-like motion.
4. Always keep the string head parallel with the ground.

Close trimming

1. Hold the device so that it is tilted forward at a slight angle and moves just above the ground.
2. Always trim away from your body.

Trimming along fences and foundations
CAUTION!
Risk of injury from uncontrolled kickback!
Do not use cutting blade near solid obstacles.

1. Move the device slowly and with care, ensuring that the string does not impact with obstacles.

Trimming around tree trunks

1. Guide the device slowly and carefully around tree trunks, ensuring that the cutting string does not touch the tree bark.
2. Mow from left to right around tree trunks.
3. Cut grass and weeds with the tip of the string and keep the string head tilted slightly forwards.
   **** Trimming along stone walls, foundations and tree leads to increased string wear.

Mowing
Mowing with the line head

1. Tilt the string head to the right at an angle of 30 degrees.
2. Move the handgrip to the desired position.
   CAUTION!
   Risk of injury / damage to property from ejected foreign objects!
   Remove foreign objects from the working area.

Mowing with the cutting blade
see fig. 13
When mowing with the cutting blade, guide the cutting blade in a horizontal, curving motion from one side to another.
In addition before using the cutting blade:

• Use the carry strap.
• Check the cutting blade has been fitted cor- rectly.
• Wear protective clothing and eye protection.
• Do not use weed cutting blades for cutting undergrowth and young trees.
  CAUTION!
  Only use genuine cutting blades and accessories! Improper accessories can lead to injuries and malfunctions of the machine!
  Non-original parts can lead to injuries and malfunctions of the machine!

Switch off the engine

1. Release the gas lever and let the engine idle.
2. Set the ignition switch to “STOP”.
   CAUTION!
   Risk of injury!
   The engine continues to run after it is switched off.

Extending the cutting line
see fig. 14

1. Run the engine at full speed and tap the spool head on the ground.
   ➯ The line is automatically extended.
   **** The cutter on the guard shortens the string to the permissible length.

Cleaning the guard

1. Switch off the device.
2. Carefully remove mowing debris with a screwdriver or similar tool
   **** Clean the guard regularly to prevent the shaft tube from overheating.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Maintenance schedule
The following information relates to normal application conditions. Under special conditions such as working for a particularly long time, the specified maintenance intervals will have to be shortened accordingly.

| Once after 5 operating hours| Before starting work| Every week| Every 50 operating hours| Every 100 operating hours| If required| Every year before the mowing season
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Carburettor| | | | | | |
Check idling speed| | X| | | | |
Air filter| | | | | | |
Clean| | X| | | | |
Renew| | | | | | X|
Spark plug| | | | | | |
Check electrode gap, adjust if necessary| | | | X| | |
Renew| | | | | X| X|
Cooling air inlet| | | | | | |
Clean| | | X| | | X| X
Silencer| | | | | | |
Visual inspection for condition| | X| | | | |
Fuel tank| | | | | | |
Clean| | | | X| | | X
Fuel filter| | | | | | |
Renew| | | | | | | X
Transmission lubrication| | | | | | |
Check| | | X| | | | X
Metal cutting tool| | | | | | |
Check| | X| | | | |
Renew| | | | | | X|
Controls| | | | | | |
(Start/Stop switch, throttle lever, halfcocked lock, starter cord)| | X| | | | |
All accessible screws (except for setscrews)| | | | | | |
Retighten| X| | | | | X| X
Complete machine| | | | | | |
Visual inspection for condition| | X| | | | |
Clean| | | X| | | X| X

Carry out the maintenance work regularly. If necessary, contact a specialist workshop if you cannot do all the work yourself. The owner of the implement is also responsible for:

• Damage caused by incorrectly performed maintenance or repair work, or if such work is not carried out on schedule
• Follow-on damage, including corrosion, caused by incorrect storage

Cleaning the air filter
see Fig. 17
CAUTION!
Never operate the device without an air filter. Clean the air filter regularly. Exchange the filter if damaged.

1. Remove the wing screw (4), take off the cover (5) and take out the air filter (6).
2. Clean the air filter (6) with soap and water. Do not use petrol!
3. Allow the air filter (6) to dry.
4. Install the air filter (6) in reverse order.

Renewing the fuel filter
CAUTION!
Never operate the device without a fuel filter. Severe engine damage may result.

1. Remove the tank lid fully.
2. Drain the fuel into a suitable container.
3. Use a wire hook to pull the filter out of the tank.
4. Pull off the filter with a turning movement.
5. Renew the filter.

Adjusting Bowden cables
see Figure 9 The Bowden cables of your brushcutter are preset at the factory. If the position of the bike handle is changed significantly, this can result in extension of the Bowden cable, leading to a problem with the throttle lever function.
If the cutting tool of the brushcutter does not stop after starting and when the half-throttle lock is unlocked, the Bowden cable will have to be adjusted using the setscrew (8). After that, correct function of the throttle lever will once again be ensured.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury from rotating cutting head!

• Only adjust Bowden cables with the engine switched off.
• Only check the function with the strimmer lying down.

Changing the spark plug
see Fig. 18

1. Remove the spark plug cover (7)
2. Exchange the spark plug
3. Tighten the spark plug to a torque of 12-15 Nm.
4. Put the spark plug connector onto the spark plug.
5. Put on the spark plug cover (7)
   **** Electrode gap = 0.6 – 0.7 mm [0.025″] .

Setting the carburettor
see fig. 16
The carburettor is optimally set at the factory.
If it needs to be set nevertheless, use the following screws for setting:

• Idling speed stop screw (1)
• Idling speed mixture regulation screw (3)
• Full load mixture regulation screw (2)

STORAGE

CAUTION!
Risk of fire and/or explosion!
Do not store the machine in the vicinity of naked flames or heat sources.

• Empty the fuel tank before long periods of storage (over the winter).
• Only empty the fuel tank outdoors.
• Allow the engine to cool down before storage.

1. Empty the fuel tank.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it stops.
3. Let the engine cool down.
4. Loosen the spark plug with a spark plug socket.
5. Pour a teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into the combustion chamber.
6. Pull the starter cord slowly several times to distribute the oil in the interior of the engine.
7. Screw the spark plug back in.
8. Thoroughly clean and service the device.
9. Store the device in a cool dry place.

CAUTION!
Fire hazard!
Do not store fueled machine in buildings where the petrol fumes might come into contact with naked flames or sparks!
RECOMMISSIONING

1. Remove the spark plug.
2. Quickly pull the starter cord to remove leftover oil from the combustion chamber.
3. Clean the spark plug and check the spark gap. Replace if necessary.
4. Prepare the device for operation.
5. Fill the tank with the correct fuel/oil mixture (50:1).

DISPOSAL
Do not dispose of worn-out machines or spent batteries (including rechargeable batteries) in domestic waste!
The packaging, device and accessories are made from recyclable materials, and must be disposed of accordingly.

TROUBLESHOOTING

instructions
Engine starts but does not continue to run| Wrong lever position on the choke| Set the lever to RUN
Dirty, incorrectly adjusted or wrong spark plug| Clean, adjust or exchange the spark plug
Fuel filter clogged| Exchange the filter
Engine starts but does not run with full performance| Wrong lever position on the choke| Set the lever to RUN
Air filter clogged| Clean or exchange the filter
Motor runs spasmodically| Dirty, incorrectly adjusted or wrong spark plug| Clean, adjust or exchange the spark plug
Excessive smoke| Incorrect fuel mixture| Use the correct fuel mixture

**** In the case of faults that are not listed in this table, or faults that you cannot rectify without assistance, please contact our customer service department.

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We hereby declare that this product in its marketed form conforms to the requirements of the harmonised EU Directives, EU safety standards and the product-specific standards.

Product
Brushcutter
Serial number
G2342345
Model
137 SB/142 SB
Sound power level
measured / guaranteed
142 – 108/112 dB(A)
154 – 103/112 dB(A)| Manufacturer
AL-KO Geräte GmbH
Ichenhauser Str. 14
D-89359 Kötz
EU Directives
2006/42/EC
2000/14/EC
2002/88/EC
2004/108/EC| Duly authorised person
Andreas Hedrich
Ichenhauser Str. 14
D-89359 Kötz
Harmonised standards
EN ISO 11681-1
EN ISO 14982
EN ISO 22868
EN ISO 22867
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Declaration of conformity
2000/14/EC Appendix V

Kötz, 2015-02-27

WARRANTY

We will address claims for any defects in materials and workmanship during the statutory period of limitation by means of repairs or replacements of our choice. The period of limitation is governed by the laws of the country in which the machine was purchased.
Our warranty applies only if:

• The machine has been properly handled
• The operating instructions have been adhered to
• Original replacement parts have been used

The warranty is no longer in effect if:

• Efforts have been made to repair the machine
• Technical modifications have been made to the machine
• The machine has not been used for its intended purpose

The warranty does not cover:

• Damage to paint work through normal use
• Parts subject to wear as indicated in the replacement parts list with a box [xxx xxx (x)]
• Internal combustion engines – separate warranty conditions of the respective engine manufacturer apply

The warranty period begins with the purchase by the first buyer. The warranty period begins on the date that appears on the original purchase receipt. In the event of a warranty claim, please your contact supplier or the nearest authorised customer service centre with this warranty declaration and the purchase receipt in hand. This warranty does not affect the legal warranty claims by the purchaser against the seller.

AL-KO GERATE GmbH
Head Quarter
Ichenhauser St r. 14
89359 Katz
Deutschland
Telefon: (+49)8221/203-0
Telefax: (+49)8221/97-8199
www.al-ko.com

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