Makita ER400MP, Original Instruction Manual

5

Part description (Fig. 1)

The numbers below refer to the figure 

1. Shaft

2. Protector (Cutting tool guard)

3. Cord cutter

4. Nylon cutting head (String trimmer head)

Safety precautions

 WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all instructions 

in this booklet and the instruction manual of the power unit. 

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in 

electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The term “string trimmer” and “equipment” in the warnings and 

precautions refer to the combination of the attachment and the 

power unit.

Intended use

• 

This attachment is designed only for the purpose of trimming 

grass and light weed in conjunction with an approved power unit. 

Never use the attachment for the other purpose. Abusing the 

attachment may cause serious injury.

General precautions

• 

Before starting the string trimmer, read this booklet and the 

instruction manual of the power unit to become familiar with the 

handling of the string trimmer.

•  Do not lend the attachment to a person with insufficient 

experience or knowledge regarding handling of string trimmers.

• 

When lending the attachment, always attach this instruction 

manual.

• 

Do not allow children or young persons under 18 years old to use 

the string trimmer. Keep them away from the string trimmer.

• 

Handle the string trimmer with the utmost care and attention.

• 

Never use the string trimmer after consuming alcohol or drugs, or 

if feeling tired or ill.

• 

Never attempt to modify the attachment.

• 

Follow the regulations about handling of string trimmers in your 

country.

Personal protective equipment

• 

Wear safety helmet, protective goggles and protective gloves to 

protect yourself from flying debris or falling objects. 

(Fig. 2)

•  Wear ear protection such as ear muffs to prevent hearing loss.

• 

Wear proper clothing and shoes for safe operation, such as 

a work overall and sturdy, non-slip shoes. Do not wear loose 

clothing or jewelry. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be 

caught in moving parts.

Work area safety

• 

Operate the equipment under good visibility and daylight 

conditions only. Do not operate the equipment in darkness or fog.

• 

Start and operate the engine only outdoors in a well ventilated 

area. Operation in a confined or poorly ventilated area can result 

in death due to suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

• 

During operation, never stand on an unstable or slippery surface 

or a steep slope. During the cold season, beware of ice and snow 

and always ensure secure footing.

• 

During operation, keep bystanders or animals at least 15 m 

away from the equipment. Stop the engine as soon as someone 

approaches.

• 

Before operation, examine the work area for stones or other 

solid objects. They can be thrown and cause injury or property 

damage.

• 

 WARNING:

 Use of this product can create dust containing 

chemicals which 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.

Putting into operation

•  Before assembling or adjusting the equipment, switch off the 

engine and remove the spark plug.

• 

Before starting the engine, inspect the equipment for damages, 

loose screws/nuts or improper assembly. Check all control levers 

and switches for easy action. Clean and dry the handles.

• 

Never attempt to start the engine if the equipment is damaged or 

not fully assembled. Otherwise serious injury may result.

• 

Adjust the shoulder harness and hand grip to suit the operator’s 

body size.

Starting engine

• 

Wear the personal protective equipments before starting the 

engine.

• 

Start the engine at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from the fueling 

spot.

• 

Before starting the engine, make sure that there is no person or 

animal in the work area.

• 

When starting the engine, keep the rotating parts clear of your 

body and other object, including the ground. They may rotate 

when starting and may cause injury or damage to the equipment 

and/or property.

•  Place the equipment on firm ground. Maintain good balance and 

secure footing.

•  When pulling the starter knob, hold the power unit firmly against 

the ground by your left hand. Never step on the drive shaft of the 

power unit. 

(Fig. 3)

• 

Follow the instruction manual of the power unit for starting the 

engine.

• 

If the nylon cutting head rotates at idle, stop the engine and 

adjust the idle speed down.

Operation

•  In the event of an emergency, switch off the engine immediately.

• 

If you feel any unusual condition (e.g. noise, vibration) during 

operation, switch off the engine. Do not use the equipment until 

the cause is recognized and solved.

• 

The cutting attachment continues to move for a short period after 

releasing the throttle trigger or switch off the engine. Don’t rush to 

contact it.

• 

With the engine running only at idle, attach the shoulder harness.

• 

During operation, use the shoulder harness. Keep the equipment 

on your right side firmly. 

(Fig. 4)

• 

Hold the front handle with the left hand and the rear grip with the 

right hand, no matter you are right-hander or left-hander. Wrap 

your fingers and thumbs around the handles.

• 

Never attempt to operate the equipment with one hand. Loss 

of control may result in serious or fatal injury. To reduce the 

risk of injury, keep your hands and feet away from the cutting 

attachment.

• 

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. 

Watch for hidden obstacles such as tree stumps, roots and 

ditches to avoid stumbling.

• 

If the equipment gets heavy impact or fall, check the condition 

before continuing work. Check the fuel system for fuel leakage 

and the controls and safety devices for malfunction. If there is 

any damage or doubt, ask Makita authorized service center for 

the inspection and repair.

• 

Take a rest to prevent loss of control caused by fatigue. We 

recommend to take a 10 to 20-minute rest every hour.

• 

When you leave the equipment, even if it is a short time, always 

switch off the engine. The equipment unattended with the engine 

running may be used by unauthorized person and cause serious 

accident.

• 

Follow the instruction manual of the power unit for proper use of 

the control lever and switch.

• 

During or after operation, do not put the hot equipment onto dry 

grass or combustible materials.

• 

Never attach cutting blades. Blade contact may result in serious 

injury.

• 

If grass or branches get caught between the cutting tool and 

guard, always stop the motor and remove the spark plug cap or 

the battery cartridge before cleaning. Otherwise unintentional 

blade rotation may cause serious injury.

• 

Check the cutting attachment frequently during operation for 

cracks or damages. Before the inspection, switch off the engine 

and wait until the cutting attachment stops completely. Replace 

damaged cutting attachment immediately, even if it has only 

superficial cracks.