NUMBER 9

SHINDAIWA HT230 HEDGE TRIMMER VS THE COMPETITION ECHO HC-2400 STIHL HS-85

shindaiwa

CONrENrs

bull Why Buy A Shindaiwa HT230 2

bull Specifications 3

bull HandlesGrips 4

bull CoversEngine Access 6

bull Fuel TanksMountings 8

bull Carburetors lnsulators O

bull MufflersSpark Arrestors 2

bull Orive Clutches 4

bull FlywheelsStarter Pawls 6

bull CrankshaftsRodsPistons 8

bull Gearcase OesignServiceability 20

bull Gearcase Components 22

bull Local Price ComparisonNotes 24

NOTE This comparison was based on models available in the USA at the time of printing Models descriptions and specifications may vary in other countries

Al specificalions subject lo change withoul notice

WHY SUYASHINDAIWA HT230 HEDGE TRIMMER

Amazing performance exceptional comfort and marathon durability are three pretty good reasons for choosi ng a Shindaiwa HT230 hedge trimmer

Sure l1s easy to make claims about performance and durability However this booklet demonstrates the HT230 s advantages- both on paper and in its physical detai ls

First consider the specifications (see adjacent pagel The HT230 offers the most attract lve combination of power construction quality weightbalance gearcase reduction rat io and blade speed It is engineered for all -day comshyfort maximum performance and long long life

Check the category specific output This is the re lat ionship between an enshygines power rating and its d isplaceshyment The HT230 engine rates highest which mean s it delivers the most power per cc This high ratio is evidence that the HT230 eng ine is engineered and tuned for peak performance High outshyput engines are usually better made and more apt to endure in tough exshytended use

Why does the HT230 rate so high in quality and performance categories Like all Shindaiwa products it benefits from a long tradition of advanced engishyneeri ng strateg ies close-tolerance manufacturing and use of only the highshyest quality materials Its why al l Sh inshy

daiwa prod ucts are typically higher in power lighter in weight and incred ibly durable

Shindaiwa wont take chances on manufacturing shortcuts that often end up compromising longevity andor servshyiceability We stick with design strategies and manufacturing methods that have proved successfu l over time

Furthermore al l Shindaiwa products are designed for simple cost-effectlve maintenance and repalr Should service become necessary there s a network of wel l-trained Shindalwa service technishycians ready to help They have the parts and know-how to keep you r HT230 runshyning like new-now and for years to come

The competltion may Ih ink they re in the same league as the HT230 bul a careful analysis lells a dlfferent story This booklet presents an in-depth comshyparison of the HT230 and two worthy competitors The Echo HC-2400 and Stihl HS-85

Consider the evidence and see if you agree- The Shindaiwa HT230 cuts the competition lo pieces

(NOTE The specifications appearing in this booklet were derived Irom manulacturers sales literature trade publications and test data published by govshyernment agencies While these ligures were as acshycurate as possible al the lime 01 publicalion Ihey are subjecl lo change without notice)

HEDGE TRIMMER SPECCATONS

Oisplacement (cc)

BoreStroke (mm)

Max Output (hp)

Weight (lbs )

Power-To-Weight Ratio (hplbs )

Specilic Output (hpcc)

Cylinder Access

Throttle Grip

Muffler Mounting Points

Fuel Capacity (11 oz)

Fuel Tank Mounting Method

Carburetion

Carburetor Type

Insulator Thickness (mm)

Air Fi lter Type Area (sq mm)

Clutch Shoe Surlace Area (sq mm)

Flywheel Attachment

Crankshaft Construction

Reduclion RatioBlade Strokes 11500

Cam Gear Bearings

Blade Connecting Rod Bearings

Bl ade Orive Pin Oiameter (mm)

SHINDAIWA ECHO STlHL

HT230 HC-2400 HS-85

225 236 254

32 x 28 34 x 26 34 x 28

1 1 105 12

123 126 126

089 083 095

049 044 047

Thumbscrew Tools Required Tools Req uired

Cushioned Hard Plastic Hard Plastic

3 2 3

203 170 125

Cushion Salid Cushion

Walbro WYJ Zama C1 U Zama C10

Rotary Valve Butterlly Butterfly

25 23 23

Foam3300 Felt-Rubber3025 Foam-Feltj2 890

Bonded 1 472 Bonded 912 Steel 1 118

Mi lled Slol amp Key Cast-In Key Cast-in Key

Forged3-pc Forged 3-pc Fabric 5-pc

148 2400 139 2950 1562050

Ball Ball Caged Needle

Roller Roller Plain

12 10 10

Specifications derived rom manufacturers sales literature industry trade publications and test data published by government agencies Figures apply to modes available in the USA at the time of printing Specifications may vary in other countries AII specifications subiexclecl to change without notice

~

ECHO HC-2400 HANDLES AND GRIPS Has hard plastiacutec throttle

griacutep with no throttle lock Vital Concerns Specifications Cable routing is external

bull Is the front grip cushshyShindaiwa HT230 STIHL HC-8S ioned for comfort yet Has hard plastic throttle80th front and rear (throttle) grips are cushioned with a sturdy enough to enshy

sturdy tight-ce ll rubber Grips are secu re ly-mounted to griacutep with throttle lockdure in daily use

prevent twisting ar slld ing off Cable routing is externa bull Ooes the front hand Th rott le grip has a th rottle lock for co ld starting guard have a broad surshyRight-hand grip has a 5-34- in wide safety guard face far maxlmum

Handles are spaced lor optimum comfort and contro lsalety

Throttle cable and switch wires are routed inside the bull Is throttle grip cushshyhandle tubing ioned lar maximum comshylort in extended use Echo HC-2400 bull Ooes throttle grip conshyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Grip is not securely

tain a th rott le lock lor mounted to handle easler cold start ing Hard plastic throttle grip does not have a throttle lock

iquestji

bull Are throttle cable and Right-hand grip has a 5-1 4-in wide safety guard stop switch wires neatly Throttle cable and switch wires are routed through an routed to prevent snagshyexternal plastic harness

Internaging in sh rubs cable runStihl HS-85 bull Are front and rear

grips spaced lor maxishyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Foam-type grip is mum comlort and ea se securely mounted to handle 01 use Hard plastic throttl e grip has throttle lock fo r cold startlng

Right-hand grip has a small 3-34-1n wide safety guard

Throttle cable and switch wi res are routed th rough an external plastic harness

Analysis Only the HT230 has sturdy securely-mounted rubber grips on both l ront

and rear hand les Echos front grip is small and easily twists off the hand le post Stihls Soft rubberfoam-style front grip is th ick with annoying seams along each si de The HT230 has throttle grip

the widest safety guard for better right-hand protection

The HT230 and HS-85 throttle grips incorporate throttle locks that open the throttle for easier cold starting The HC-2400 lacks this feature

The HT230s throttle cable and switch wires run inside the throttle handle SHINDAIWA HT230 tube lor maximum protection and cleaner styl ing The dangling wirecable package Has cushioned throtte grip aboard the HC-2400 and HS-85 is mare vulnerable and apt to snag on shrubs with lock buttonThe HT230s handle spacing and overa ll balance make it easier and more Cable routing is internal

Broadestcomfortable to operate on an extended basis hand guardo

Ll

ECHO HC-2400 COVERSENGINE ACCESS Recoil housing must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools requiredVital Concerns Specilications

bull Are engine covers Shindaiwa HT230 made 01 heavy glassshy

Employs a heavy glass-lilled nylon cylindermuffler cover lilled nylon to resist breakage Cover styling is streaml ined

Cylinder Ilns are quickly accessed tllrough a detachable bull Are covers smooth cover--no tools required and Iree 01 sharp corshy

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark sc reenners to prevent snagshy may be serviced without removing any covers ~ ging PS

~

bull Are covers designed Echo HC-2400 to allow easy access to

Employs a lightweight plastic cy li ndermuffler covercrucial maintenance points Cover styling incorporates sharp corners and protrus ions

Cylinder fin access entails removal 01 recoil housing and bull Is the eng ine laid out cylindermulller cover Special tools are req uired with muffler on the side

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark screen opposite the operato r cannot be serviced without first removing engine cover

Exposed spark plugStihl HS-85 lead can

Employs a heavy plastic cylindermuffler cover snag Cover sty ling is boxy with sharp corners and protrusions

Cylinder lin access entai ls removal 01 cylindermulller cover Special too ls are required

Muffl er is on the side next to the operator Spark screen cannot be serviced without l irst removi ng eng ine cover

Analysis HT230 cylinder access is quick and easy via its uniq ue thumbscrewshy

mounted cover panel This leature encourages regular cooling system maintenance which is extremely important with todays leaner hotter-burning engines The HC-2400 and HS-85 discourage field maintenance by requiring special loo ls for cover removal ~

The HT230s covers are smooth and strong so they don t snag or break The HC-2400 engine cover is flimsy by compari son Though similar in size it weighs less than half of the HT230 cover system The HS-85 cover is heavier than the HC-2400 bu its styling is boxy and angular compared to the HT230s streamlined design

Unlike the HC-2400 and HS-85 the HT230s spark screen can be serviced Cover panelwithout removing the cylindermuffl er cover This is an important advantage because retained byspark screens must be clean for top performance and maximum engine lile

thumb screw The HS-85s muffler is located on the operator-side of the engine The

HT230 and HC-2400 mufflers are on the opposite side lor maximum operator comfort

STIHL HC-SS Boxy cover must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools required

Muffler on operator-

side -

Exposed spark plug lead can

--

~ Muffler away from operator

Spark plug lead protected by

detachable cover

SHINDAIWA HT230 A convenient cover panel

allows easy cylinder access No tools required

6

ECHO HC-2400FUEL TANKS AND MOUNTINGS Small 17 oz fuel tank is solid-mounted toVital Concerns Specilications crankcase

bull Is the fuel tank cushshyShindaiwa HT230 ion-mounted to help preshyvent breakage reduce Employs a three-point suspe nsion mounting system using

cushioned fl ange-head shoulder bolts fuel aeralion and block transfer of vi brat ions to Fuel capac ity is 203 f l oz the operator Fil ler neck dlameter IS 30 mm

bull Does the fue l tank have a large capacity Echo HC-2400 for longer inte rvals beshy

Employs a three point mounting system that includes a tween fuel stops

cush loned tab on the bottom and two solid-mounted bull Does the fi ller neck screws at the top have a large and unobshyFuel capacity is 170 fl oz structed opening for

Fi ller neck diameter is 28 mm easy refueling

Stihl HS-85

Employs a two-point mounting system that involves the Screws holdrear-handle anti-vi bration system Tank is attached via tan k fast tohandle bracket mounting bolts which thread into metal crankcase inserts in the bottom of the tank

Tank suspended Fuel capacity is 125 fl oz between thick Fi ller neck d iameter is 28 mm cushions

~ Analysis The HT230 tank floats between six anti-vibration cushions that reduce

the risk of tan k breakage and vibration-aerat ion of the fue The cushions al so increase operator comfort by reducing vibration freq uencies in fuel mass The HC-2400 tank has a cush ion on the bottom but is mounted so lid ly to the crankcase at the top The HS-85 s tank sits atop a rear AN handle bracket and is attached by two of the brackets th ree mounting screws Two inse rts in the bottom of the tank dou ble as anshychors for the rear handle system- a peculiar assignment fo r a fuel tank

The HT230 offers the greatest operational efficiency because its fuel tank capacity is 20 greater than the HC-2400 and a whopping 63 greater than the HSshy85 With the HT230 operators spend more time cutting less time refueling

The HT230 has the widest filler opening which makes it that much easier to fil l without spi lls

STIHL HC-85 Small 1250z fuel tank is cushion-mounted It is attached by rear handle

mounting screws

r ~Rear

handle mounting

screws thread into tank inserts

~ Largest filler hoe for easiest refuelmg

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large 203 oz fuel tank is cushion-mounted on

three shoulder bolts

Q ()

ECHO HC-2400 MUffLERS AND SPARK ARRESTORS Laeks third support

fastener STIHL HC-S5 Vital Concerns Specifications

Has third support bull Is the muffler large Shindaiwa HT230 fastener enough to assure maxishy

Employs a large-volume one-piece mufflermum performance and lowest possible exhaust Muffler is braced by a third support screw that threads noise into crankcase

Tubular spark arrestor screen sl ides into outlet p ipe bull Is the muffler a sturdy Screen is secured by a single Phillips screw one-piece assembly fo r

greater long-term conti shynuity Echo HC-2400

bull Ooes the muffler incorshy Employs a small-volume one-piece muffle r po rate a third fastene r Muff ler is attached via mounting bolts only It has no extra fo r extra support and support fastene r protection from vlbration

Flat spark arrestor screen IS housed beneath outlet cover damage

and gasket plate Three-piece assembly is secured by

bull Is the spark arrestor three Phillips screws screen easy to service Spark arrestor screens Stihl HS-85 must be cleaned regushy

Employs a large vo lu me one-piece muffler larly to maintain peak enshygine performance Muffler is braced by a third support screw that th reads

into crankcase

Flat spark arrestor sc reen sl ides beneath a spot welded outlet cover It is secured by a single slot-head screw

Analysis AII three models use one-piece mufflers but only the HT230 and HS-85

are large-volume des igns with an extra support screw The support screw is important because it helps prevent vibration loosening and the serious damage that can result

The HT230 has most easily serviced spark arrestor screen It is accessible without removing any components Like the HT230 the HS-85 s screen has a single lock screw To access it however the englne cover must first be removed (Torx d river requi red) HC-2400 screen service enta ils quite a bit more disassembly including reshymoval of the engine cover (Allen wrench required)

For top performance the spark arrestor screen must be clean Yet only Shindaiwa assures that this is a fast and easy fleld se rvice task

bull Spark sereen

serviee involves) manyparts

J

Slide-out sereen is easy to serviee

once muffler is exposed

Tubular1 spark sereen Support fasteneris easiest to~ flangeholeserviee

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large volume muffler has third support fastener and

easiest spark sereen aeeess

12 13

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

CONrENrs

bull Why Buy A Shindaiwa HT230 2

bull Specifications 3

bull HandlesGrips 4

bull CoversEngine Access 6

bull Fuel TanksMountings 8

bull Carburetors lnsulators O

bull MufflersSpark Arrestors 2

bull Orive Clutches 4

bull FlywheelsStarter Pawls 6

bull CrankshaftsRodsPistons 8

bull Gearcase OesignServiceability 20

bull Gearcase Components 22

bull Local Price ComparisonNotes 24

NOTE This comparison was based on models available in the USA at the time of printing Models descriptions and specifications may vary in other countries

Al specificalions subject lo change withoul notice

WHY SUYASHINDAIWA HT230 HEDGE TRIMMER

Amazing performance exceptional comfort and marathon durability are three pretty good reasons for choosi ng a Shindaiwa HT230 hedge trimmer

Sure l1s easy to make claims about performance and durability However this booklet demonstrates the HT230 s advantages- both on paper and in its physical detai ls

First consider the specifications (see adjacent pagel The HT230 offers the most attract lve combination of power construction quality weightbalance gearcase reduction rat io and blade speed It is engineered for all -day comshyfort maximum performance and long long life

Check the category specific output This is the re lat ionship between an enshygines power rating and its d isplaceshyment The HT230 engine rates highest which mean s it delivers the most power per cc This high ratio is evidence that the HT230 eng ine is engineered and tuned for peak performance High outshyput engines are usually better made and more apt to endure in tough exshytended use

Why does the HT230 rate so high in quality and performance categories Like all Shindaiwa products it benefits from a long tradition of advanced engishyneeri ng strateg ies close-tolerance manufacturing and use of only the highshyest quality materials Its why al l Sh inshy

daiwa prod ucts are typically higher in power lighter in weight and incred ibly durable

Shindaiwa wont take chances on manufacturing shortcuts that often end up compromising longevity andor servshyiceability We stick with design strategies and manufacturing methods that have proved successfu l over time

Furthermore al l Shindaiwa products are designed for simple cost-effectlve maintenance and repalr Should service become necessary there s a network of wel l-trained Shindalwa service technishycians ready to help They have the parts and know-how to keep you r HT230 runshyning like new-now and for years to come

The competltion may Ih ink they re in the same league as the HT230 bul a careful analysis lells a dlfferent story This booklet presents an in-depth comshyparison of the HT230 and two worthy competitors The Echo HC-2400 and Stihl HS-85

Consider the evidence and see if you agree- The Shindaiwa HT230 cuts the competition lo pieces

(NOTE The specifications appearing in this booklet were derived Irom manulacturers sales literature trade publications and test data published by govshyernment agencies While these ligures were as acshycurate as possible al the lime 01 publicalion Ihey are subjecl lo change without notice)

HEDGE TRIMMER SPECCATONS

Oisplacement (cc)

BoreStroke (mm)

Max Output (hp)

Weight (lbs )

Power-To-Weight Ratio (hplbs )

Specilic Output (hpcc)

Cylinder Access

Throttle Grip

Muffler Mounting Points

Fuel Capacity (11 oz)

Fuel Tank Mounting Method

Carburetion

Carburetor Type

Insulator Thickness (mm)

Air Fi lter Type Area (sq mm)

Clutch Shoe Surlace Area (sq mm)

Flywheel Attachment

Crankshaft Construction

Reduclion RatioBlade Strokes 11500

Cam Gear Bearings

Blade Connecting Rod Bearings

Bl ade Orive Pin Oiameter (mm)

SHINDAIWA ECHO STlHL

HT230 HC-2400 HS-85

225 236 254

32 x 28 34 x 26 34 x 28

1 1 105 12

123 126 126

089 083 095

049 044 047

Thumbscrew Tools Required Tools Req uired

Cushioned Hard Plastic Hard Plastic

3 2 3

203 170 125

Cushion Salid Cushion

Walbro WYJ Zama C1 U Zama C10

Rotary Valve Butterlly Butterfly

25 23 23

Foam3300 Felt-Rubber3025 Foam-Feltj2 890

Bonded 1 472 Bonded 912 Steel 1 118

Mi lled Slol amp Key Cast-In Key Cast-in Key

Forged3-pc Forged 3-pc Fabric 5-pc

148 2400 139 2950 1562050

Ball Ball Caged Needle

Roller Roller Plain

12 10 10

Specifications derived rom manufacturers sales literature industry trade publications and test data published by government agencies Figures apply to modes available in the USA at the time of printing Specifications may vary in other countries AII specifications subiexclecl to change without notice

~

ECHO HC-2400 HANDLES AND GRIPS Has hard plastiacutec throttle

griacutep with no throttle lock Vital Concerns Specifications Cable routing is external

bull Is the front grip cushshyShindaiwa HT230 STIHL HC-8S ioned for comfort yet Has hard plastic throttle80th front and rear (throttle) grips are cushioned with a sturdy enough to enshy

sturdy tight-ce ll rubber Grips are secu re ly-mounted to griacutep with throttle lockdure in daily use

prevent twisting ar slld ing off Cable routing is externa bull Ooes the front hand Th rott le grip has a th rottle lock for co ld starting guard have a broad surshyRight-hand grip has a 5-34- in wide safety guard face far maxlmum

Handles are spaced lor optimum comfort and contro lsalety

Throttle cable and switch wires are routed inside the bull Is throttle grip cushshyhandle tubing ioned lar maximum comshylort in extended use Echo HC-2400 bull Ooes throttle grip conshyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Grip is not securely

tain a th rott le lock lor mounted to handle easler cold start ing Hard plastic throttle grip does not have a throttle lock

iquestji

bull Are throttle cable and Right-hand grip has a 5-1 4-in wide safety guard stop switch wires neatly Throttle cable and switch wires are routed through an routed to prevent snagshyexternal plastic harness

Internaging in sh rubs cable runStihl HS-85 bull Are front and rear

grips spaced lor maxishyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Foam-type grip is mum comlort and ea se securely mounted to handle 01 use Hard plastic throttl e grip has throttle lock fo r cold startlng

Right-hand grip has a small 3-34-1n wide safety guard

Throttle cable and switch wi res are routed th rough an external plastic harness

Analysis Only the HT230 has sturdy securely-mounted rubber grips on both l ront

and rear hand les Echos front grip is small and easily twists off the hand le post Stihls Soft rubberfoam-style front grip is th ick with annoying seams along each si de The HT230 has throttle grip

the widest safety guard for better right-hand protection

The HT230 and HS-85 throttle grips incorporate throttle locks that open the throttle for easier cold starting The HC-2400 lacks this feature

The HT230s throttle cable and switch wires run inside the throttle handle SHINDAIWA HT230 tube lor maximum protection and cleaner styl ing The dangling wirecable package Has cushioned throtte grip aboard the HC-2400 and HS-85 is mare vulnerable and apt to snag on shrubs with lock buttonThe HT230s handle spacing and overa ll balance make it easier and more Cable routing is internal

Broadestcomfortable to operate on an extended basis hand guardo

Ll

ECHO HC-2400 COVERSENGINE ACCESS Recoil housing must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools requiredVital Concerns Specilications

bull Are engine covers Shindaiwa HT230 made 01 heavy glassshy

Employs a heavy glass-lilled nylon cylindermuffler cover lilled nylon to resist breakage Cover styling is streaml ined

Cylinder Ilns are quickly accessed tllrough a detachable bull Are covers smooth cover--no tools required and Iree 01 sharp corshy

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark sc reenners to prevent snagshy may be serviced without removing any covers ~ ging PS

~

bull Are covers designed Echo HC-2400 to allow easy access to

Employs a lightweight plastic cy li ndermuffler covercrucial maintenance points Cover styling incorporates sharp corners and protrus ions

Cylinder fin access entails removal 01 recoil housing and bull Is the eng ine laid out cylindermulller cover Special tools are req uired with muffler on the side

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark screen opposite the operato r cannot be serviced without first removing engine cover

Exposed spark plugStihl HS-85 lead can

Employs a heavy plastic cylindermuffler cover snag Cover sty ling is boxy with sharp corners and protrusions

Cylinder lin access entai ls removal 01 cylindermulller cover Special too ls are required

Muffl er is on the side next to the operator Spark screen cannot be serviced without l irst removi ng eng ine cover

Analysis HT230 cylinder access is quick and easy via its uniq ue thumbscrewshy

mounted cover panel This leature encourages regular cooling system maintenance which is extremely important with todays leaner hotter-burning engines The HC-2400 and HS-85 discourage field maintenance by requiring special loo ls for cover removal ~

The HT230s covers are smooth and strong so they don t snag or break The HC-2400 engine cover is flimsy by compari son Though similar in size it weighs less than half of the HT230 cover system The HS-85 cover is heavier than the HC-2400 bu its styling is boxy and angular compared to the HT230s streamlined design

Unlike the HC-2400 and HS-85 the HT230s spark screen can be serviced Cover panelwithout removing the cylindermuffl er cover This is an important advantage because retained byspark screens must be clean for top performance and maximum engine lile

thumb screw The HS-85s muffler is located on the operator-side of the engine The

HT230 and HC-2400 mufflers are on the opposite side lor maximum operator comfort

STIHL HC-SS Boxy cover must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools required

Muffler on operator-

side -

Exposed spark plug lead can

--

~ Muffler away from operator

Spark plug lead protected by

detachable cover

SHINDAIWA HT230 A convenient cover panel

allows easy cylinder access No tools required

6

ECHO HC-2400FUEL TANKS AND MOUNTINGS Small 17 oz fuel tank is solid-mounted toVital Concerns Specilications crankcase

bull Is the fuel tank cushshyShindaiwa HT230 ion-mounted to help preshyvent breakage reduce Employs a three-point suspe nsion mounting system using

cushioned fl ange-head shoulder bolts fuel aeralion and block transfer of vi brat ions to Fuel capac ity is 203 f l oz the operator Fil ler neck dlameter IS 30 mm

bull Does the fue l tank have a large capacity Echo HC-2400 for longer inte rvals beshy

Employs a three point mounting system that includes a tween fuel stops

cush loned tab on the bottom and two solid-mounted bull Does the fi ller neck screws at the top have a large and unobshyFuel capacity is 170 fl oz structed opening for

Fi ller neck diameter is 28 mm easy refueling

Stihl HS-85

Employs a two-point mounting system that involves the Screws holdrear-handle anti-vi bration system Tank is attached via tan k fast tohandle bracket mounting bolts which thread into metal crankcase inserts in the bottom of the tank

Tank suspended Fuel capacity is 125 fl oz between thick Fi ller neck d iameter is 28 mm cushions

~ Analysis The HT230 tank floats between six anti-vibration cushions that reduce

the risk of tan k breakage and vibration-aerat ion of the fue The cushions al so increase operator comfort by reducing vibration freq uencies in fuel mass The HC-2400 tank has a cush ion on the bottom but is mounted so lid ly to the crankcase at the top The HS-85 s tank sits atop a rear AN handle bracket and is attached by two of the brackets th ree mounting screws Two inse rts in the bottom of the tank dou ble as anshychors for the rear handle system- a peculiar assignment fo r a fuel tank

The HT230 offers the greatest operational efficiency because its fuel tank capacity is 20 greater than the HC-2400 and a whopping 63 greater than the HSshy85 With the HT230 operators spend more time cutting less time refueling

The HT230 has the widest filler opening which makes it that much easier to fil l without spi lls

STIHL HC-85 Small 1250z fuel tank is cushion-mounted It is attached by rear handle

mounting screws

r ~Rear

handle mounting

screws thread into tank inserts

~ Largest filler hoe for easiest refuelmg

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large 203 oz fuel tank is cushion-mounted on

three shoulder bolts

Q ()

ECHO HC-2400 MUffLERS AND SPARK ARRESTORS Laeks third support

fastener STIHL HC-S5 Vital Concerns Specifications

Has third support bull Is the muffler large Shindaiwa HT230 fastener enough to assure maxishy

Employs a large-volume one-piece mufflermum performance and lowest possible exhaust Muffler is braced by a third support screw that threads noise into crankcase

Tubular spark arrestor screen sl ides into outlet p ipe bull Is the muffler a sturdy Screen is secured by a single Phillips screw one-piece assembly fo r

greater long-term conti shynuity Echo HC-2400

bull Ooes the muffler incorshy Employs a small-volume one-piece muffle r po rate a third fastene r Muff ler is attached via mounting bolts only It has no extra fo r extra support and support fastene r protection from vlbration

Flat spark arrestor screen IS housed beneath outlet cover damage

and gasket plate Three-piece assembly is secured by

bull Is the spark arrestor three Phillips screws screen easy to service Spark arrestor screens Stihl HS-85 must be cleaned regushy

Employs a large vo lu me one-piece muffler larly to maintain peak enshygine performance Muffler is braced by a third support screw that th reads

into crankcase

Flat spark arrestor sc reen sl ides beneath a spot welded outlet cover It is secured by a single slot-head screw

Analysis AII three models use one-piece mufflers but only the HT230 and HS-85

are large-volume des igns with an extra support screw The support screw is important because it helps prevent vibration loosening and the serious damage that can result

The HT230 has most easily serviced spark arrestor screen It is accessible without removing any components Like the HT230 the HS-85 s screen has a single lock screw To access it however the englne cover must first be removed (Torx d river requi red) HC-2400 screen service enta ils quite a bit more disassembly including reshymoval of the engine cover (Allen wrench required)

For top performance the spark arrestor screen must be clean Yet only Shindaiwa assures that this is a fast and easy fleld se rvice task

bull Spark sereen

serviee involves) manyparts

J

Slide-out sereen is easy to serviee

once muffler is exposed

Tubular1 spark sereen Support fasteneris easiest to~ flangeholeserviee

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large volume muffler has third support fastener and

easiest spark sereen aeeess

12 13

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

WHY SUYASHINDAIWA HT230 HEDGE TRIMMER

Amazing performance exceptional comfort and marathon durability are three pretty good reasons for choosi ng a Shindaiwa HT230 hedge trimmer

Sure l1s easy to make claims about performance and durability However this booklet demonstrates the HT230 s advantages- both on paper and in its physical detai ls

First consider the specifications (see adjacent pagel The HT230 offers the most attract lve combination of power construction quality weightbalance gearcase reduction rat io and blade speed It is engineered for all -day comshyfort maximum performance and long long life

Check the category specific output This is the re lat ionship between an enshygines power rating and its d isplaceshyment The HT230 engine rates highest which mean s it delivers the most power per cc This high ratio is evidence that the HT230 eng ine is engineered and tuned for peak performance High outshyput engines are usually better made and more apt to endure in tough exshytended use

Why does the HT230 rate so high in quality and performance categories Like all Shindaiwa products it benefits from a long tradition of advanced engishyneeri ng strateg ies close-tolerance manufacturing and use of only the highshyest quality materials Its why al l Sh inshy

daiwa prod ucts are typically higher in power lighter in weight and incred ibly durable

Shindaiwa wont take chances on manufacturing shortcuts that often end up compromising longevity andor servshyiceability We stick with design strategies and manufacturing methods that have proved successfu l over time

Furthermore al l Shindaiwa products are designed for simple cost-effectlve maintenance and repalr Should service become necessary there s a network of wel l-trained Shindalwa service technishycians ready to help They have the parts and know-how to keep you r HT230 runshyning like new-now and for years to come

The competltion may Ih ink they re in the same league as the HT230 bul a careful analysis lells a dlfferent story This booklet presents an in-depth comshyparison of the HT230 and two worthy competitors The Echo HC-2400 and Stihl HS-85

Consider the evidence and see if you agree- The Shindaiwa HT230 cuts the competition lo pieces

(NOTE The specifications appearing in this booklet were derived Irom manulacturers sales literature trade publications and test data published by govshyernment agencies While these ligures were as acshycurate as possible al the lime 01 publicalion Ihey are subjecl lo change without notice)

HEDGE TRIMMER SPECCATONS

Oisplacement (cc)

BoreStroke (mm)

Max Output (hp)

Weight (lbs )

Power-To-Weight Ratio (hplbs )

Specilic Output (hpcc)

Cylinder Access

Throttle Grip

Muffler Mounting Points

Fuel Capacity (11 oz)

Fuel Tank Mounting Method

Carburetion

Carburetor Type

Insulator Thickness (mm)

Air Fi lter Type Area (sq mm)

Clutch Shoe Surlace Area (sq mm)

Flywheel Attachment

Crankshaft Construction

Reduclion RatioBlade Strokes 11500

Cam Gear Bearings

Blade Connecting Rod Bearings

Bl ade Orive Pin Oiameter (mm)

SHINDAIWA ECHO STlHL

HT230 HC-2400 HS-85

225 236 254

32 x 28 34 x 26 34 x 28

1 1 105 12

123 126 126

089 083 095

049 044 047

Thumbscrew Tools Required Tools Req uired

Cushioned Hard Plastic Hard Plastic

3 2 3

203 170 125

Cushion Salid Cushion

Walbro WYJ Zama C1 U Zama C10

Rotary Valve Butterlly Butterfly

25 23 23

Foam3300 Felt-Rubber3025 Foam-Feltj2 890

Bonded 1 472 Bonded 912 Steel 1 118

Mi lled Slol amp Key Cast-In Key Cast-in Key

Forged3-pc Forged 3-pc Fabric 5-pc

148 2400 139 2950 1562050

Ball Ball Caged Needle

Roller Roller Plain

12 10 10

Specifications derived rom manufacturers sales literature industry trade publications and test data published by government agencies Figures apply to modes available in the USA at the time of printing Specifications may vary in other countries AII specifications subiexclecl to change without notice

~

ECHO HC-2400 HANDLES AND GRIPS Has hard plastiacutec throttle

griacutep with no throttle lock Vital Concerns Specifications Cable routing is external

bull Is the front grip cushshyShindaiwa HT230 STIHL HC-8S ioned for comfort yet Has hard plastic throttle80th front and rear (throttle) grips are cushioned with a sturdy enough to enshy

sturdy tight-ce ll rubber Grips are secu re ly-mounted to griacutep with throttle lockdure in daily use

prevent twisting ar slld ing off Cable routing is externa bull Ooes the front hand Th rott le grip has a th rottle lock for co ld starting guard have a broad surshyRight-hand grip has a 5-34- in wide safety guard face far maxlmum

Handles are spaced lor optimum comfort and contro lsalety

Throttle cable and switch wires are routed inside the bull Is throttle grip cushshyhandle tubing ioned lar maximum comshylort in extended use Echo HC-2400 bull Ooes throttle grip conshyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Grip is not securely

tain a th rott le lock lor mounted to handle easler cold start ing Hard plastic throttle grip does not have a throttle lock

iquestji

bull Are throttle cable and Right-hand grip has a 5-1 4-in wide safety guard stop switch wires neatly Throttle cable and switch wires are routed through an routed to prevent snagshyexternal plastic harness

Internaging in sh rubs cable runStihl HS-85 bull Are front and rear

grips spaced lor maxishyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Foam-type grip is mum comlort and ea se securely mounted to handle 01 use Hard plastic throttl e grip has throttle lock fo r cold startlng

Right-hand grip has a small 3-34-1n wide safety guard

Throttle cable and switch wi res are routed th rough an external plastic harness

Analysis Only the HT230 has sturdy securely-mounted rubber grips on both l ront

and rear hand les Echos front grip is small and easily twists off the hand le post Stihls Soft rubberfoam-style front grip is th ick with annoying seams along each si de The HT230 has throttle grip

the widest safety guard for better right-hand protection

The HT230 and HS-85 throttle grips incorporate throttle locks that open the throttle for easier cold starting The HC-2400 lacks this feature

The HT230s throttle cable and switch wires run inside the throttle handle SHINDAIWA HT230 tube lor maximum protection and cleaner styl ing The dangling wirecable package Has cushioned throtte grip aboard the HC-2400 and HS-85 is mare vulnerable and apt to snag on shrubs with lock buttonThe HT230s handle spacing and overa ll balance make it easier and more Cable routing is internal

Broadestcomfortable to operate on an extended basis hand guardo

Ll

ECHO HC-2400 COVERSENGINE ACCESS Recoil housing must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools requiredVital Concerns Specilications

bull Are engine covers Shindaiwa HT230 made 01 heavy glassshy

Employs a heavy glass-lilled nylon cylindermuffler cover lilled nylon to resist breakage Cover styling is streaml ined

Cylinder Ilns are quickly accessed tllrough a detachable bull Are covers smooth cover--no tools required and Iree 01 sharp corshy

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark sc reenners to prevent snagshy may be serviced without removing any covers ~ ging PS

~

bull Are covers designed Echo HC-2400 to allow easy access to

Employs a lightweight plastic cy li ndermuffler covercrucial maintenance points Cover styling incorporates sharp corners and protrus ions

Cylinder fin access entails removal 01 recoil housing and bull Is the eng ine laid out cylindermulller cover Special tools are req uired with muffler on the side

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark screen opposite the operato r cannot be serviced without first removing engine cover

Exposed spark plugStihl HS-85 lead can

Employs a heavy plastic cylindermuffler cover snag Cover sty ling is boxy with sharp corners and protrusions

Cylinder lin access entai ls removal 01 cylindermulller cover Special too ls are required

Muffl er is on the side next to the operator Spark screen cannot be serviced without l irst removi ng eng ine cover

Analysis HT230 cylinder access is quick and easy via its uniq ue thumbscrewshy

mounted cover panel This leature encourages regular cooling system maintenance which is extremely important with todays leaner hotter-burning engines The HC-2400 and HS-85 discourage field maintenance by requiring special loo ls for cover removal ~

The HT230s covers are smooth and strong so they don t snag or break The HC-2400 engine cover is flimsy by compari son Though similar in size it weighs less than half of the HT230 cover system The HS-85 cover is heavier than the HC-2400 bu its styling is boxy and angular compared to the HT230s streamlined design

Unlike the HC-2400 and HS-85 the HT230s spark screen can be serviced Cover panelwithout removing the cylindermuffl er cover This is an important advantage because retained byspark screens must be clean for top performance and maximum engine lile

thumb screw The HS-85s muffler is located on the operator-side of the engine The

HT230 and HC-2400 mufflers are on the opposite side lor maximum operator comfort

STIHL HC-SS Boxy cover must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools required

Muffler on operator-

side -

Exposed spark plug lead can

--

~ Muffler away from operator

Spark plug lead protected by

detachable cover

SHINDAIWA HT230 A convenient cover panel

allows easy cylinder access No tools required

6

ECHO HC-2400FUEL TANKS AND MOUNTINGS Small 17 oz fuel tank is solid-mounted toVital Concerns Specilications crankcase

bull Is the fuel tank cushshyShindaiwa HT230 ion-mounted to help preshyvent breakage reduce Employs a three-point suspe nsion mounting system using

cushioned fl ange-head shoulder bolts fuel aeralion and block transfer of vi brat ions to Fuel capac ity is 203 f l oz the operator Fil ler neck dlameter IS 30 mm

bull Does the fue l tank have a large capacity Echo HC-2400 for longer inte rvals beshy

Employs a three point mounting system that includes a tween fuel stops

cush loned tab on the bottom and two solid-mounted bull Does the fi ller neck screws at the top have a large and unobshyFuel capacity is 170 fl oz structed opening for

Fi ller neck diameter is 28 mm easy refueling

Stihl HS-85

Employs a two-point mounting system that involves the Screws holdrear-handle anti-vi bration system Tank is attached via tan k fast tohandle bracket mounting bolts which thread into metal crankcase inserts in the bottom of the tank

Tank suspended Fuel capacity is 125 fl oz between thick Fi ller neck d iameter is 28 mm cushions

~ Analysis The HT230 tank floats between six anti-vibration cushions that reduce

the risk of tan k breakage and vibration-aerat ion of the fue The cushions al so increase operator comfort by reducing vibration freq uencies in fuel mass The HC-2400 tank has a cush ion on the bottom but is mounted so lid ly to the crankcase at the top The HS-85 s tank sits atop a rear AN handle bracket and is attached by two of the brackets th ree mounting screws Two inse rts in the bottom of the tank dou ble as anshychors for the rear handle system- a peculiar assignment fo r a fuel tank

The HT230 offers the greatest operational efficiency because its fuel tank capacity is 20 greater than the HC-2400 and a whopping 63 greater than the HSshy85 With the HT230 operators spend more time cutting less time refueling

The HT230 has the widest filler opening which makes it that much easier to fil l without spi lls

STIHL HC-85 Small 1250z fuel tank is cushion-mounted It is attached by rear handle

mounting screws

r ~Rear

handle mounting

screws thread into tank inserts

~ Largest filler hoe for easiest refuelmg

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large 203 oz fuel tank is cushion-mounted on

three shoulder bolts

Q ()

ECHO HC-2400 MUffLERS AND SPARK ARRESTORS Laeks third support

fastener STIHL HC-S5 Vital Concerns Specifications

Has third support bull Is the muffler large Shindaiwa HT230 fastener enough to assure maxishy

Employs a large-volume one-piece mufflermum performance and lowest possible exhaust Muffler is braced by a third support screw that threads noise into crankcase

Tubular spark arrestor screen sl ides into outlet p ipe bull Is the muffler a sturdy Screen is secured by a single Phillips screw one-piece assembly fo r

greater long-term conti shynuity Echo HC-2400

bull Ooes the muffler incorshy Employs a small-volume one-piece muffle r po rate a third fastene r Muff ler is attached via mounting bolts only It has no extra fo r extra support and support fastene r protection from vlbration

Flat spark arrestor screen IS housed beneath outlet cover damage

and gasket plate Three-piece assembly is secured by

bull Is the spark arrestor three Phillips screws screen easy to service Spark arrestor screens Stihl HS-85 must be cleaned regushy

Employs a large vo lu me one-piece muffler larly to maintain peak enshygine performance Muffler is braced by a third support screw that th reads

into crankcase

Flat spark arrestor sc reen sl ides beneath a spot welded outlet cover It is secured by a single slot-head screw

Analysis AII three models use one-piece mufflers but only the HT230 and HS-85

are large-volume des igns with an extra support screw The support screw is important because it helps prevent vibration loosening and the serious damage that can result

The HT230 has most easily serviced spark arrestor screen It is accessible without removing any components Like the HT230 the HS-85 s screen has a single lock screw To access it however the englne cover must first be removed (Torx d river requi red) HC-2400 screen service enta ils quite a bit more disassembly including reshymoval of the engine cover (Allen wrench required)

For top performance the spark arrestor screen must be clean Yet only Shindaiwa assures that this is a fast and easy fleld se rvice task

bull Spark sereen

serviee involves) manyparts

J

Slide-out sereen is easy to serviee

once muffler is exposed

Tubular1 spark sereen Support fasteneris easiest to~ flangeholeserviee

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large volume muffler has third support fastener and

easiest spark sereen aeeess

12 13

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

ECHO HC-2400 HANDLES AND GRIPS Has hard plastiacutec throttle

griacutep with no throttle lock Vital Concerns Specifications Cable routing is external

bull Is the front grip cushshyShindaiwa HT230 STIHL HC-8S ioned for comfort yet Has hard plastic throttle80th front and rear (throttle) grips are cushioned with a sturdy enough to enshy

sturdy tight-ce ll rubber Grips are secu re ly-mounted to griacutep with throttle lockdure in daily use

prevent twisting ar slld ing off Cable routing is externa bull Ooes the front hand Th rott le grip has a th rottle lock for co ld starting guard have a broad surshyRight-hand grip has a 5-34- in wide safety guard face far maxlmum

Handles are spaced lor optimum comfort and contro lsalety

Throttle cable and switch wires are routed inside the bull Is throttle grip cushshyhandle tubing ioned lar maximum comshylort in extended use Echo HC-2400 bull Ooes throttle grip conshyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Grip is not securely

tain a th rott le lock lor mounted to handle easler cold start ing Hard plastic throttle grip does not have a throttle lock

iquestji

bull Are throttle cable and Right-hand grip has a 5-1 4-in wide safety guard stop switch wires neatly Throttle cable and switch wires are routed through an routed to prevent snagshyexternal plastic harness

Internaging in sh rubs cable runStihl HS-85 bull Are front and rear

grips spaced lor maxishyOnly the right-hand grip is cushioned Foam-type grip is mum comlort and ea se securely mounted to handle 01 use Hard plastic throttl e grip has throttle lock fo r cold startlng

Right-hand grip has a small 3-34-1n wide safety guard

Throttle cable and switch wi res are routed th rough an external plastic harness

Analysis Only the HT230 has sturdy securely-mounted rubber grips on both l ront

and rear hand les Echos front grip is small and easily twists off the hand le post Stihls Soft rubberfoam-style front grip is th ick with annoying seams along each si de The HT230 has throttle grip

the widest safety guard for better right-hand protection

The HT230 and HS-85 throttle grips incorporate throttle locks that open the throttle for easier cold starting The HC-2400 lacks this feature

The HT230s throttle cable and switch wires run inside the throttle handle SHINDAIWA HT230 tube lor maximum protection and cleaner styl ing The dangling wirecable package Has cushioned throtte grip aboard the HC-2400 and HS-85 is mare vulnerable and apt to snag on shrubs with lock buttonThe HT230s handle spacing and overa ll balance make it easier and more Cable routing is internal

Broadestcomfortable to operate on an extended basis hand guardo

Ll

ECHO HC-2400 COVERSENGINE ACCESS Recoil housing must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools requiredVital Concerns Specilications

bull Are engine covers Shindaiwa HT230 made 01 heavy glassshy

Employs a heavy glass-lilled nylon cylindermuffler cover lilled nylon to resist breakage Cover styling is streaml ined

Cylinder Ilns are quickly accessed tllrough a detachable bull Are covers smooth cover--no tools required and Iree 01 sharp corshy

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark sc reenners to prevent snagshy may be serviced without removing any covers ~ ging PS

~

bull Are covers designed Echo HC-2400 to allow easy access to

Employs a lightweight plastic cy li ndermuffler covercrucial maintenance points Cover styling incorporates sharp corners and protrus ions

Cylinder fin access entails removal 01 recoil housing and bull Is the eng ine laid out cylindermulller cover Special tools are req uired with muffler on the side

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark screen opposite the operato r cannot be serviced without first removing engine cover

Exposed spark plugStihl HS-85 lead can

Employs a heavy plastic cylindermuffler cover snag Cover sty ling is boxy with sharp corners and protrusions

Cylinder lin access entai ls removal 01 cylindermulller cover Special too ls are required

Muffl er is on the side next to the operator Spark screen cannot be serviced without l irst removi ng eng ine cover

Analysis HT230 cylinder access is quick and easy via its uniq ue thumbscrewshy

mounted cover panel This leature encourages regular cooling system maintenance which is extremely important with todays leaner hotter-burning engines The HC-2400 and HS-85 discourage field maintenance by requiring special loo ls for cover removal ~

The HT230s covers are smooth and strong so they don t snag or break The HC-2400 engine cover is flimsy by compari son Though similar in size it weighs less than half of the HT230 cover system The HS-85 cover is heavier than the HC-2400 bu its styling is boxy and angular compared to the HT230s streamlined design

Unlike the HC-2400 and HS-85 the HT230s spark screen can be serviced Cover panelwithout removing the cylindermuffl er cover This is an important advantage because retained byspark screens must be clean for top performance and maximum engine lile

thumb screw The HS-85s muffler is located on the operator-side of the engine The

HT230 and HC-2400 mufflers are on the opposite side lor maximum operator comfort

STIHL HC-SS Boxy cover must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools required

Muffler on operator-

side -

Exposed spark plug lead can

--

~ Muffler away from operator

Spark plug lead protected by

detachable cover

SHINDAIWA HT230 A convenient cover panel

allows easy cylinder access No tools required

6

ECHO HC-2400FUEL TANKS AND MOUNTINGS Small 17 oz fuel tank is solid-mounted toVital Concerns Specilications crankcase

bull Is the fuel tank cushshyShindaiwa HT230 ion-mounted to help preshyvent breakage reduce Employs a three-point suspe nsion mounting system using

cushioned fl ange-head shoulder bolts fuel aeralion and block transfer of vi brat ions to Fuel capac ity is 203 f l oz the operator Fil ler neck dlameter IS 30 mm

bull Does the fue l tank have a large capacity Echo HC-2400 for longer inte rvals beshy

Employs a three point mounting system that includes a tween fuel stops

cush loned tab on the bottom and two solid-mounted bull Does the fi ller neck screws at the top have a large and unobshyFuel capacity is 170 fl oz structed opening for

Fi ller neck diameter is 28 mm easy refueling

Stihl HS-85

Employs a two-point mounting system that involves the Screws holdrear-handle anti-vi bration system Tank is attached via tan k fast tohandle bracket mounting bolts which thread into metal crankcase inserts in the bottom of the tank

Tank suspended Fuel capacity is 125 fl oz between thick Fi ller neck d iameter is 28 mm cushions

~ Analysis The HT230 tank floats between six anti-vibration cushions that reduce

the risk of tan k breakage and vibration-aerat ion of the fue The cushions al so increase operator comfort by reducing vibration freq uencies in fuel mass The HC-2400 tank has a cush ion on the bottom but is mounted so lid ly to the crankcase at the top The HS-85 s tank sits atop a rear AN handle bracket and is attached by two of the brackets th ree mounting screws Two inse rts in the bottom of the tank dou ble as anshychors for the rear handle system- a peculiar assignment fo r a fuel tank

The HT230 offers the greatest operational efficiency because its fuel tank capacity is 20 greater than the HC-2400 and a whopping 63 greater than the HSshy85 With the HT230 operators spend more time cutting less time refueling

The HT230 has the widest filler opening which makes it that much easier to fil l without spi lls

STIHL HC-85 Small 1250z fuel tank is cushion-mounted It is attached by rear handle

mounting screws

r ~Rear

handle mounting

screws thread into tank inserts

~ Largest filler hoe for easiest refuelmg

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large 203 oz fuel tank is cushion-mounted on

three shoulder bolts

Q ()

ECHO HC-2400 MUffLERS AND SPARK ARRESTORS Laeks third support

fastener STIHL HC-S5 Vital Concerns Specifications

Has third support bull Is the muffler large Shindaiwa HT230 fastener enough to assure maxishy

Employs a large-volume one-piece mufflermum performance and lowest possible exhaust Muffler is braced by a third support screw that threads noise into crankcase

Tubular spark arrestor screen sl ides into outlet p ipe bull Is the muffler a sturdy Screen is secured by a single Phillips screw one-piece assembly fo r

greater long-term conti shynuity Echo HC-2400

bull Ooes the muffler incorshy Employs a small-volume one-piece muffle r po rate a third fastene r Muff ler is attached via mounting bolts only It has no extra fo r extra support and support fastene r protection from vlbration

Flat spark arrestor screen IS housed beneath outlet cover damage

and gasket plate Three-piece assembly is secured by

bull Is the spark arrestor three Phillips screws screen easy to service Spark arrestor screens Stihl HS-85 must be cleaned regushy

Employs a large vo lu me one-piece muffler larly to maintain peak enshygine performance Muffler is braced by a third support screw that th reads

into crankcase

Flat spark arrestor sc reen sl ides beneath a spot welded outlet cover It is secured by a single slot-head screw

Analysis AII three models use one-piece mufflers but only the HT230 and HS-85

are large-volume des igns with an extra support screw The support screw is important because it helps prevent vibration loosening and the serious damage that can result

The HT230 has most easily serviced spark arrestor screen It is accessible without removing any components Like the HT230 the HS-85 s screen has a single lock screw To access it however the englne cover must first be removed (Torx d river requi red) HC-2400 screen service enta ils quite a bit more disassembly including reshymoval of the engine cover (Allen wrench required)

For top performance the spark arrestor screen must be clean Yet only Shindaiwa assures that this is a fast and easy fleld se rvice task

bull Spark sereen

serviee involves) manyparts

J

Slide-out sereen is easy to serviee

once muffler is exposed

Tubular1 spark sereen Support fasteneris easiest to~ flangeholeserviee

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large volume muffler has third support fastener and

easiest spark sereen aeeess

12 13

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

ECHO HC-2400 COVERSENGINE ACCESS Recoil housing must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools requiredVital Concerns Specilications

bull Are engine covers Shindaiwa HT230 made 01 heavy glassshy

Employs a heavy glass-lilled nylon cylindermuffler cover lilled nylon to resist breakage Cover styling is streaml ined

Cylinder Ilns are quickly accessed tllrough a detachable bull Are covers smooth cover--no tools required and Iree 01 sharp corshy

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark sc reenners to prevent snagshy may be serviced without removing any covers ~ ging PS

~

bull Are covers designed Echo HC-2400 to allow easy access to

Employs a lightweight plastic cy li ndermuffler covercrucial maintenance points Cover styling incorporates sharp corners and protrus ions

Cylinder fin access entails removal 01 recoil housing and bull Is the eng ine laid out cylindermulller cover Special tools are req uired with muffler on the side

Muffler is on the side opposite the operator Spark screen opposite the operato r cannot be serviced without first removing engine cover

Exposed spark plugStihl HS-85 lead can

Employs a heavy plastic cylindermuffler cover snag Cover sty ling is boxy with sharp corners and protrusions

Cylinder lin access entai ls removal 01 cylindermulller cover Special too ls are required

Muffl er is on the side next to the operator Spark screen cannot be serviced without l irst removi ng eng ine cover

Analysis HT230 cylinder access is quick and easy via its uniq ue thumbscrewshy

mounted cover panel This leature encourages regular cooling system maintenance which is extremely important with todays leaner hotter-burning engines The HC-2400 and HS-85 discourage field maintenance by requiring special loo ls for cover removal ~

The HT230s covers are smooth and strong so they don t snag or break The HC-2400 engine cover is flimsy by compari son Though similar in size it weighs less than half of the HT230 cover system The HS-85 cover is heavier than the HC-2400 bu its styling is boxy and angular compared to the HT230s streamlined design

Unlike the HC-2400 and HS-85 the HT230s spark screen can be serviced Cover panelwithout removing the cylindermuffl er cover This is an important advantage because retained byspark screens must be clean for top performance and maximum engine lile

thumb screw The HS-85s muffler is located on the operator-side of the engine The

HT230 and HC-2400 mufflers are on the opposite side lor maximum operator comfort

STIHL HC-SS Boxy cover must be removed

to expose cylinder fins Special tools required

Muffler on operator-

side -

Exposed spark plug lead can

--

~ Muffler away from operator

Spark plug lead protected by

detachable cover

SHINDAIWA HT230 A convenient cover panel

allows easy cylinder access No tools required

6

ECHO HC-2400FUEL TANKS AND MOUNTINGS Small 17 oz fuel tank is solid-mounted toVital Concerns Specilications crankcase

bull Is the fuel tank cushshyShindaiwa HT230 ion-mounted to help preshyvent breakage reduce Employs a three-point suspe nsion mounting system using

cushioned fl ange-head shoulder bolts fuel aeralion and block transfer of vi brat ions to Fuel capac ity is 203 f l oz the operator Fil ler neck dlameter IS 30 mm

bull Does the fue l tank have a large capacity Echo HC-2400 for longer inte rvals beshy

Employs a three point mounting system that includes a tween fuel stops

cush loned tab on the bottom and two solid-mounted bull Does the fi ller neck screws at the top have a large and unobshyFuel capacity is 170 fl oz structed opening for

Fi ller neck diameter is 28 mm easy refueling

Stihl HS-85

Employs a two-point mounting system that involves the Screws holdrear-handle anti-vi bration system Tank is attached via tan k fast tohandle bracket mounting bolts which thread into metal crankcase inserts in the bottom of the tank

Tank suspended Fuel capacity is 125 fl oz between thick Fi ller neck d iameter is 28 mm cushions

~ Analysis The HT230 tank floats between six anti-vibration cushions that reduce

the risk of tan k breakage and vibration-aerat ion of the fue The cushions al so increase operator comfort by reducing vibration freq uencies in fuel mass The HC-2400 tank has a cush ion on the bottom but is mounted so lid ly to the crankcase at the top The HS-85 s tank sits atop a rear AN handle bracket and is attached by two of the brackets th ree mounting screws Two inse rts in the bottom of the tank dou ble as anshychors for the rear handle system- a peculiar assignment fo r a fuel tank

The HT230 offers the greatest operational efficiency because its fuel tank capacity is 20 greater than the HC-2400 and a whopping 63 greater than the HSshy85 With the HT230 operators spend more time cutting less time refueling

The HT230 has the widest filler opening which makes it that much easier to fil l without spi lls

STIHL HC-85 Small 1250z fuel tank is cushion-mounted It is attached by rear handle

mounting screws

r ~Rear

handle mounting

screws thread into tank inserts

~ Largest filler hoe for easiest refuelmg

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large 203 oz fuel tank is cushion-mounted on

three shoulder bolts

Q ()

ECHO HC-2400 MUffLERS AND SPARK ARRESTORS Laeks third support

fastener STIHL HC-S5 Vital Concerns Specifications

Has third support bull Is the muffler large Shindaiwa HT230 fastener enough to assure maxishy

Employs a large-volume one-piece mufflermum performance and lowest possible exhaust Muffler is braced by a third support screw that threads noise into crankcase

Tubular spark arrestor screen sl ides into outlet p ipe bull Is the muffler a sturdy Screen is secured by a single Phillips screw one-piece assembly fo r

greater long-term conti shynuity Echo HC-2400

bull Ooes the muffler incorshy Employs a small-volume one-piece muffle r po rate a third fastene r Muff ler is attached via mounting bolts only It has no extra fo r extra support and support fastene r protection from vlbration

Flat spark arrestor screen IS housed beneath outlet cover damage

and gasket plate Three-piece assembly is secured by

bull Is the spark arrestor three Phillips screws screen easy to service Spark arrestor screens Stihl HS-85 must be cleaned regushy

Employs a large vo lu me one-piece muffler larly to maintain peak enshygine performance Muffler is braced by a third support screw that th reads

into crankcase

Flat spark arrestor sc reen sl ides beneath a spot welded outlet cover It is secured by a single slot-head screw

Analysis AII three models use one-piece mufflers but only the HT230 and HS-85

are large-volume des igns with an extra support screw The support screw is important because it helps prevent vibration loosening and the serious damage that can result

The HT230 has most easily serviced spark arrestor screen It is accessible without removing any components Like the HT230 the HS-85 s screen has a single lock screw To access it however the englne cover must first be removed (Torx d river requi red) HC-2400 screen service enta ils quite a bit more disassembly including reshymoval of the engine cover (Allen wrench required)

For top performance the spark arrestor screen must be clean Yet only Shindaiwa assures that this is a fast and easy fleld se rvice task

bull Spark sereen

serviee involves) manyparts

J

Slide-out sereen is easy to serviee

once muffler is exposed

Tubular1 spark sereen Support fasteneris easiest to~ flangeholeserviee

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large volume muffler has third support fastener and

easiest spark sereen aeeess

12 13

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

ECHO HC-2400FUEL TANKS AND MOUNTINGS Small 17 oz fuel tank is solid-mounted toVital Concerns Specilications crankcase

bull Is the fuel tank cushshyShindaiwa HT230 ion-mounted to help preshyvent breakage reduce Employs a three-point suspe nsion mounting system using

cushioned fl ange-head shoulder bolts fuel aeralion and block transfer of vi brat ions to Fuel capac ity is 203 f l oz the operator Fil ler neck dlameter IS 30 mm

bull Does the fue l tank have a large capacity Echo HC-2400 for longer inte rvals beshy

Employs a three point mounting system that includes a tween fuel stops

cush loned tab on the bottom and two solid-mounted bull Does the fi ller neck screws at the top have a large and unobshyFuel capacity is 170 fl oz structed opening for

Fi ller neck diameter is 28 mm easy refueling

Stihl HS-85

Employs a two-point mounting system that involves the Screws holdrear-handle anti-vi bration system Tank is attached via tan k fast tohandle bracket mounting bolts which thread into metal crankcase inserts in the bottom of the tank

Tank suspended Fuel capacity is 125 fl oz between thick Fi ller neck d iameter is 28 mm cushions

~ Analysis The HT230 tank floats between six anti-vibration cushions that reduce

the risk of tan k breakage and vibration-aerat ion of the fue The cushions al so increase operator comfort by reducing vibration freq uencies in fuel mass The HC-2400 tank has a cush ion on the bottom but is mounted so lid ly to the crankcase at the top The HS-85 s tank sits atop a rear AN handle bracket and is attached by two of the brackets th ree mounting screws Two inse rts in the bottom of the tank dou ble as anshychors for the rear handle system- a peculiar assignment fo r a fuel tank

The HT230 offers the greatest operational efficiency because its fuel tank capacity is 20 greater than the HC-2400 and a whopping 63 greater than the HSshy85 With the HT230 operators spend more time cutting less time refueling

The HT230 has the widest filler opening which makes it that much easier to fil l without spi lls

STIHL HC-85 Small 1250z fuel tank is cushion-mounted It is attached by rear handle

mounting screws

r ~Rear

handle mounting

screws thread into tank inserts

~ Largest filler hoe for easiest refuelmg

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large 203 oz fuel tank is cushion-mounted on

three shoulder bolts

Q ()

ECHO HC-2400 MUffLERS AND SPARK ARRESTORS Laeks third support

fastener STIHL HC-S5 Vital Concerns Specifications

Has third support bull Is the muffler large Shindaiwa HT230 fastener enough to assure maxishy

Employs a large-volume one-piece mufflermum performance and lowest possible exhaust Muffler is braced by a third support screw that threads noise into crankcase

Tubular spark arrestor screen sl ides into outlet p ipe bull Is the muffler a sturdy Screen is secured by a single Phillips screw one-piece assembly fo r

greater long-term conti shynuity Echo HC-2400

bull Ooes the muffler incorshy Employs a small-volume one-piece muffle r po rate a third fastene r Muff ler is attached via mounting bolts only It has no extra fo r extra support and support fastene r protection from vlbration

Flat spark arrestor screen IS housed beneath outlet cover damage

and gasket plate Three-piece assembly is secured by

bull Is the spark arrestor three Phillips screws screen easy to service Spark arrestor screens Stihl HS-85 must be cleaned regushy

Employs a large vo lu me one-piece muffler larly to maintain peak enshygine performance Muffler is braced by a third support screw that th reads

into crankcase

Flat spark arrestor sc reen sl ides beneath a spot welded outlet cover It is secured by a single slot-head screw

Analysis AII three models use one-piece mufflers but only the HT230 and HS-85

are large-volume des igns with an extra support screw The support screw is important because it helps prevent vibration loosening and the serious damage that can result

The HT230 has most easily serviced spark arrestor screen It is accessible without removing any components Like the HT230 the HS-85 s screen has a single lock screw To access it however the englne cover must first be removed (Torx d river requi red) HC-2400 screen service enta ils quite a bit more disassembly including reshymoval of the engine cover (Allen wrench required)

For top performance the spark arrestor screen must be clean Yet only Shindaiwa assures that this is a fast and easy fleld se rvice task

bull Spark sereen

serviee involves) manyparts

J

Slide-out sereen is easy to serviee

once muffler is exposed

Tubular1 spark sereen Support fasteneris easiest to~ flangeholeserviee

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large volume muffler has third support fastener and

easiest spark sereen aeeess

12 13

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

ECHO HC-2400 MUffLERS AND SPARK ARRESTORS Laeks third support

fastener STIHL HC-S5 Vital Concerns Specifications

Has third support bull Is the muffler large Shindaiwa HT230 fastener enough to assure maxishy

Employs a large-volume one-piece mufflermum performance and lowest possible exhaust Muffler is braced by a third support screw that threads noise into crankcase

Tubular spark arrestor screen sl ides into outlet p ipe bull Is the muffler a sturdy Screen is secured by a single Phillips screw one-piece assembly fo r

greater long-term conti shynuity Echo HC-2400

bull Ooes the muffler incorshy Employs a small-volume one-piece muffle r po rate a third fastene r Muff ler is attached via mounting bolts only It has no extra fo r extra support and support fastene r protection from vlbration

Flat spark arrestor screen IS housed beneath outlet cover damage

and gasket plate Three-piece assembly is secured by

bull Is the spark arrestor three Phillips screws screen easy to service Spark arrestor screens Stihl HS-85 must be cleaned regushy

Employs a large vo lu me one-piece muffler larly to maintain peak enshygine performance Muffler is braced by a third support screw that th reads

into crankcase

Flat spark arrestor sc reen sl ides beneath a spot welded outlet cover It is secured by a single slot-head screw

Analysis AII three models use one-piece mufflers but only the HT230 and HS-85

are large-volume des igns with an extra support screw The support screw is important because it helps prevent vibration loosening and the serious damage that can result

The HT230 has most easily serviced spark arrestor screen It is accessible without removing any components Like the HT230 the HS-85 s screen has a single lock screw To access it however the englne cover must first be removed (Torx d river requi red) HC-2400 screen service enta ils quite a bit more disassembly including reshymoval of the engine cover (Allen wrench required)

For top performance the spark arrestor screen must be clean Yet only Shindaiwa assures that this is a fast and easy fleld se rvice task

bull Spark sereen

serviee involves) manyparts

J

Slide-out sereen is easy to serviee

once muffler is exposed

Tubular1 spark sereen Support fasteneris easiest to~ flangeholeserviee

SHINDAIWA HT230 Large volume muffler has third support fastener and

easiest spark sereen aeeess

12 13

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

DRIVE CLUTCHES

Vital Concerns Specilications bull 00 clutch shoes have S~h i~n~d~a~iw~~~ __________~ ~ aHT~2~3~O~_ a broad surface area for

Large two-shoe sing le-spring clutch mounts to clutch positive engagement carrier via two shoulder bolts with wave washers and long wear

Clutch body is powdered metal with 4 mm margln at bull Are clutch shoes spring hook attachment ho le bonded with a fiber linshy

Clutch shoe surface is fiber lined ing to ensure smooth enshygagement and extended Clutch shoe surlace area is 1440 sq mm life

Echo HC-2400 bull Is the clutch body made from heat and Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt wear-resistant powshy

Clutch body is powdered metal with 15 mm margin atdered metal

spring hook attachment hole bull Is there plenty of mashyClutch shoe surface is l iber li ned terial around the clutch

Clutch shoe surface area is 912 sq mmspring hook attachment holes If not the clutch

Stihl HS-85 body may fa il premashyturely due to spring Two-shoe two-spring clutch threads onto crankshalt hook wear Clutch body is powdered metal with 25 mm margi n at

spring hook attachment hole

Clutch shoe surface is bare metal

Clutch shoe surlace area is 984 sq mm

Analysis With as much as 58 more clutch shoe surface area than its competitors

the robust HT230 clutch promises smoother more positive engagement and much longer lile

Material around the HT230s clutch spring attachment holes is 166 thicker than the HC-2400 clutch and 60 thicker than the HS-85 clutch The thicker this margin the less chance there is 01 breakage due to spring hook wear

Unlike the HT230 and HC-2400 which have fiber-lined clutch shoes the HS-85 shoes are bare metal When these shoes engage the clutch drum perimeter the contact is metal to metal The HT230 s large liber-lined shoes provide superior power transmission This is a vital hedge trimmer consideration because the smoother the engagement the less jarri ng and stress on gearcase components

The HT230s heavy gauge clutch spring is less apt to break than the comshypetitions lighter-duty springs

14

ECHO HC-2400 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

with fiber lining

Fiber-lined shoes

STIHL HC-85 Two-shoe two-spring clutch

is not fiber-lined

Thin hook margin

Bare metal shoes____

Thick hook margino Thin hook

marginWear-resistant powdered

metal

______ Largest ______ surface area

SHINDAIWA HT230 Two-shoe single spring clutch

with thick fiber lining ~ Mounts to alloy carrier Offers ~ directional engagementHeavy-gauge

single spring is less apt Fiber-lined shoes to break

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

ECHO HC-2400 fLYWHEELSSTARTER PAWLS Key is cast into f1ywheel bore

Vital Concerns Specifications bull Does the Ilywheel Shindaiwa HT230 have a close-tolerance

Has a close-tolerance precision dle-cast bore with deep precision die-cast bore STIHL HC-8S sharp key slot and well -delined key Key is cast intosloO This assures a Uses standard Woodruff key to marry flywheel and crankshyf1ywheel boretight interlock 01 Ilyshyshalt

wheel Woodruff key Mountlng taper is 15 mm longand crankshalt

Extra large starter pawlspring assembly housed in flyshybull Does the bore have wheel an extended taper for maximum crankshaft Echo HC-2400 contact area

Non-machined Ilywheel bore has a cast-in key If cast-in bull Are starter pawl and Mounting taper is Just 8 mm long key shears ~ u-spring sized lor maxishy f1ywheel Standard starter pawlspring assembly pops into a mum durability and long is ruinedstamped cu pli le

Stihl HS-85 ~ Non-machined flywheel bore has a cast-in key Standard pawl ~

housed inMounting taper is 16 mm long stamped cupo

Standard starte r pawlspring assembly pops into a stamped cup

Analysis Only the HT230 flywheel has a close-tolerance precision die-cast bore and

deep sharp key slot for absolute mounting secur ity This proven system with slot and Woodruff key provides absolute mounting security and unwavering ignition ti ming

Flywheels with cast-in keys such as those used on the HC-2400 and HSshy85 save production steps but can prove costly If the key is sheared or damaged Inshystead 01 simply replacing a Woodruff key the owner must buy a complete Ilywheel asshysembly-an expensive proposition - Woodruff key

The HT230s robust starter pawl and spring are twice as large as the comshypetitive components and that much more durable By mounting the pawl in the Ilyshy SHINDAIWA HT230 wheel Shindaiwa achieves maximum simplicity and eliminates an unnecessary part Close-tolerance precision

die-cast bore deep key slot and Woodruff key assure

Deep a firm tit on crankshaft key slol

16 1 7

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

CRANKSHAlTSRODSPISTONS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Is the crankshaft a Shindaiwa HT230 rack-salid three-piece

Emplays a th ree-piece forged crankshaft with mi lled slat farging caged needle beari ngs and twa-ring pistan

bull Is the key slat milled Pistan pin bearing cantai ns nine 7 mm needles

far sharp definit ian and Rad is farged Smal l end jaurnal is rel ieved far maximum precise fit-up with the flyshy

lubricatian at high RPMwheel key

bull Oaes the cannecti ng Echo HC-2400 rad rollan caged rleedle bearings Emplays a three-piece farged crankshaft wi th milled slat

caged needle bearings and twa-ri ng pistan bull Is the rod s smal l-end

Pistan pin bearing cantains eight 6 mm need lesjaurnal relieved ta enshycaurage lubricant flaw Rad IS fa rged Small end jau rnal is nat relieved ta pin and bearing This is vital an eng ines with Stihl HS-85 small-end thrust control

Emplays a five-p iece crankshaft assembly made fram twa where bearing expasure fine-blanked steel caunterweig hts a pressed-in crankpin is limited and pressed-in inputautput shafts Slat is ground nat

bull Is the pistan fitted milled Has caged need le bearings and twa-ring pistan with twa campressian Pistan pin bearing cantains nine 7 mm needles rings for superior sealshy

Rad is farged Small end jaurnal is nat rel ieved ing maximum support within the cy linder and langest engine life

Analysis The HT230 incorporates the optimum combination af three-piece crankshaft

wi th milled key slat forged caunterweights farged rad and larg e apen-caged needle bearings Compare that ta the HS-85 crankshaft which camprises five separate pieces (thrust washers nat included) and ground key sla1 Farged three-piece crankshyshaft systems have proven durability even under the mast adverse canditians

Relieved edges on the small end of the HT230 connecting rod assure that pistan pin and bearing are always adequately lubricated This is beneficial ta engine life especial ly at maximum RPM under severe canditians

Because the HT230 and HC-2400 are designed with flywheel an the reca il (tap) side af the engine their autput shafts are much shorter than the HS-85s which has flywheel and clutch maunted an the output side The langer the autput shaft the greater the leverage an bearings and seals under severe cammercial canditians

18

ECHO HC-2400 Has forged three-piece crankshaft

Output side

STIHL HC-8S Has five-piece

crankshaft assembly

Pressed-in shaft

Pressed-in shaft (outputlflywheel side) with ground key slot

--------- Thrust washer Ih

Rod reliacuteeved for better lubrication

Milled key slo l SHINDAIWA HT230

Has forged three-p iece crankshaft

Large piston pin bearing with thrust washers

1 (

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

GEARCASE DESIGN AND SERVICEABILITY

Vital Concerns bull Is the gearcase comshypact and lorwardshymounted for optimum balance

bull Is the gearcase easy to access and se rvice witho ut special tools

bull Ooes the gearcase have a grease fitting lor convenient field lubricashytion

bull 00 blade studs have a large circumference lor optimum load distr ishybution

bull Are clutch drum and pinion separate composhynents lor easier service and individual re placeshymenO

Analysis

Specilications Shindaiwa HT230

Has compact forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service is easy no special tools or procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 12 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are separate components

Echo HC-2400

Has compact mid-mounted gearcase (pinion in center)

Gearcase service requires special tool s and procedures

Has grease fitting for lubrication

Blade stud d iameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

Stihl HS-85

Has large forward-mounted gearcase (pinion in rear)

Gearcase service requires special tools and procedures

Has Torx filler plug for lubrication

Blade stud diameter is 10 mm

Clutch drum and pinion are one piece

The HT230 gearcase offers compact styling and the advantage of lorwardshymounting lor optimum balance and comfortable handling HS-85 gearcase casting is huge by compari son because it must also accommodate flywheel and blade brake asshysembly The HC-2400s centered pinion puts engine directly above gearcase

Field lubrication is easy to perform on the HT230 and HC-2400 because their gearcases contain grease fl ttings To lube the HS-85 gearcase the operator must remove a filler plug (Torx driver required)

The HT230s forged clutch drum and pinion may be disconnected lor easy service and better economy For example if pinion becomes worn it can be reshymoved Irom drum and replaced With HC-2400 and HS-85 the entire piniondrum asshysembly must be replaced Also by making drum and pinion separate Shindaiwa avoids compromises in manufacturing a composite assembly

The HT230 has a much larger diameter blade stud which helps disperse the load for reduced wear and tear

0n

[~

~- ~ ~ Cl

bull

Q

V Forged clutch drum and pinion are separate parts Grease fitting

One-piece clutch drumpiniacuteon

ECHO HC-2400 Has compact miacuted-mounted

gearcase with grease fitting

Torx One-piece Plug

drumpinion

STIHL He-8S Has bulky forward-mounted

gearcase with filler plug

_---~ll ~ 10mm

blade stud

SHINDAIWA HT230 Has compact forward-mounted

gearcase wiacuteth grease fitting I

xmiddot

12mm blade stud

~

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

GEARCASE COMPONENTS

Vital Concerns Specilications bull Are pinion and cam Shindaiwa HT230 gearshaftssupported

Pinion and cam gear shafts ro llan ball bearingsby ball bearings Pol ished 5 mm thick connecting rod s are litted with roller

bull Are blade connectirlg bearingsrods supported by rol ler

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod servicebearing s

Reduction ratio is 148 or 2400 strokes 11500 RP M bull Are connecting rods sufficiently th ick and polshyEcho HC-2400 ished lor long wear and

Pinion and cam gear shalts rollan ball bearings reduced Iriction Pol ished 3 mm th ick connecting rods are litted with ro ller

bull Are cam gear and beari ngs lo bes designed lor easy

Lobes on same side 01 cam gear dillicult con rod service con-rod replacement

Reduction ratio is 139 or 2950 strokes 11 500 RPM bull Does the gear reducshytion ratio deliver adeshyStihl HS-85 quate but not excessive

Pinion supported by ball bearing cam gear shafts supshyblade speed Too slow ported by needle bearings and cutting performshy

ance sullers Too last Unpolished 3 mm th ick connecting rods have plain bearings-no rollers and wear is accelerated

Lobes on either side 01 cam gear easy con rod se rv ice

Reduction ratio is 1 56 or 2050 strokes 11 500 RPM

Analysis The HT230 gearcase leads the pack is construction quality and simplicity

It and the HC-2400 use ball bearings on cam gear shafts and rolle r bearings on conshynecting rods The HS-85 however uses tiny needle beari ngs on cam gear shafts and no beari ngs at al l on connect ing rods HT230 and HS-85 cam gears have lobes on either side which makes it easy to replace all parts HC-2400 has both lobes on one side which complicates replacement 01 the inner connecting rod

The HT230s polished connecting rods are much thicker and stronger than competing rods The thin unpolished no-bearing HS-85 rods are likely to run hotter

With its 1 48 gear ratio the HT230 delivers high speed cutting performshyance without ri ski ng the integ rity 01 gearcase components and blades Higher speeds can lead to damage especially under no- load conditions

Despite a claimed 52 increase in blade speed the HS-85s 1 56 ratio proshyduces the slowest speed 01 all The new ratio is actually 26 higher than the original 1 71 ratio Stihls advertising department evidently multiplied by the number 01 blades

22

ECHO HC-2400 Pinion and cam gear

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by rolfers

Rod service is complicated STIHL HC-8S

Pinion ro ls on bal bearing cam gear on needle bearing

No bearings on con rods Rod service is simple

Thin unpolished con rods have

no rollers

~~ bull

To repair inner con Po lished rod press-fit gear con rods must be removed glide on Needle~ or entire con rod rolers bearing e

cam assembly must be replaced bullbull

O O ~ Thickest rods

shySHINDAIWA HT230 Pinion and cam gear Bal bearing

supported by bal bearings Con rods supported by ro lers

Rod service is simple 23

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA

NUMBER 9

shindaiwa Shindaiwa Inc P O Box 28 10 Tualatin Oregon 97062 Te lephone 503 692-3070 FAX 503 692-6696 wwwshindaiwacom

Specifications subject to change without notice

copy Shindaiwa Inc1998 Form 6146 1 Printed in UsA