Efco SPARTA 381 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Storage and Environmental Protection

This document serves as the operator's instruction manual for the SPARTA 381 - STARK 3810 (36.2 cm³) and SPARTA 441 - STARK 4410 (40.2 cm³) brushcutters/grass trimmers. It provides detailed explanations of the machine's components, essential checks, and maintenance procedures to ensure correct and safe operation.

Function Description

The device is a brushcutter/grass trimmer designed for cutting grass and small shrubs. It can be equipped with various cutting attachments, including nylon line heads and rigid blades (grass blades or saw blades), depending on the task. The machine is powered by a 2-stroke internal combustion engine, requiring a pre-mixed fuel of unleaded gasoline and 2-cycle oil. Its primary function is to efficiently clear unwanted vegetation from various terrains.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual provides a table of technical data for both models:

Specification	SPARTA 381S / STARK 3810S	SPARTA 381T / STARK 3810T	SPARTA 441S / STARK 4410S	SPARTA 441T / STARK 4410T
Displacement	36.2 cm³	36.2 cm³	40.2 cm³	40.2 cm³
Engine	2-stroke EMAK	2-stroke EMAK	2-stroke EMAK	2-stroke EMAK
Power	1.3 kW	1.3 kW	1.6 kW	1.6 kW
Min. rpm	2800 min⁻¹	2800 min⁻¹	2800 min⁻¹	2800 min⁻¹
Max. speed of output spindle	8500 min⁻¹	8500 min⁻¹	8500 min⁻¹	8500 min⁻¹
Engine speed at max. output spindle speed	11700 min⁻¹	11700 min⁻¹	11700 min⁻¹	11700 min⁻¹
Fuel tank capacity	870 (0.87 l)	870 (0.87 l)	870 (0.87 l)	870 (0.87 l)
Primer carburetor	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Antivibration system	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cutting width	38 cm	38 cm	38 cm	38 cm
Weight (without cutting tool and guard)	7.2 kg	7.9 kg	7.3 kg	8.0 kg

The manual also includes sound pressure levels (LpA av) and measured sound power levels (LWA) for various models, ranging from 96.1 dB(A) to 99.3 dB(A) for pressure and 108.1 dB(A) to 112.1 dB(A) for power. Guaranteed sound power levels are slightly higher. Vibration levels are also provided for both left (sx) and right (dx) handles, indicating varying levels depending on the model and cutting attachment.

Usage Features

The brushcutter is designed for versatility, allowing for different cutting techniques:

Grass Trimming with Nylon Line Head: Ideal for cutting grass in hard-to-reach areas. The line head should be held just above the ground at an angle, allowing the line to do the work. Overly long lines can overload the engine and damage the clutch mechanism.
Clearing with Nylon Line Head: Removes unwanted vegetation by tilting the trimmer head just above the ground, letting the line strike around obstacles like trees and posts. This technique increases line wear.
Grass Clearing with Grass Blade: Used for all types of tall or coarse grass, cut with a sideways, swinging movement. The left-hand side of the blade (between 8 and 12 o'clock) should do the cutting.
Forestry Clearing with Saw Blade: Suitable for thinning brush and cutting small trees up to 5 cm in diameter. Avoid cutting larger trees to prevent the blade from jamming or causing kickback. This technique requires a double harness with a quick-release mechanism.
Sweeping: The fan effect of the rotating cord can be used for quick and easy clearing.

Safety precautions are emphasized throughout the manual, including wearing appropriate protective gear (helmet, eye protection, ear protection, heavy-duty trousers, gloves, and sturdy boots), maintaining a safe distance from bystanders (15 meters), and ensuring the cutting attachment is free from foreign objects before starting. The machine should only be used by adults in good physical condition and in well-ventilated areas, avoiding extreme weather conditions or enclosed spaces.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the machine's efficiency and longevity. The manual provides a detailed maintenance chart with recommended intervals for various components:

Complete Machine: Inspect for leaks, cracks, and wear (before each use, monthly, as required, and annually/every 100 hours). Clean after daily use.
Controls (STOP button, Choke Lever, Throttle Trigger, Trigger Interlock): Check operation (before each use).
Fuel Tank: Inspect for leaks, cracks, and wear (before each use, monthly, as required, and annually/every 100 hours). Clean (monthly).
Fuel Filter and Tube: Inspect (monthly). Clean and replace filter element (as required, annually/every 100 hours).
Cutting Attachments: Inspect for damage, sharpness, and wear (before each use, as required). Check tension (before each use). Sharpen (as required). Replace (as required).
Bevel Gear: Inspect for damage, wear, and grease level (monthly, as required).
Cutting Attachments Guard: Inspect for damage and wear (before each use, as required). Replace (as required).
All Accessible Screws and Nuts (Not Adjusting Screws): Inspect (monthly). Retighten (monthly).
Air Filter: Clean (monthly). Replace (as required, annually/every 100 hours).
Cylinder Fins: Clean (monthly).
Starter System Vents: Clean after daily use.
Starter Rope: Inspect for damage and wear (monthly). Replace (as required).
Carburetor: Check idle (cutting attachments must not rotate at idle) (before each use). Adjustments should be performed by an authorized dealer.
Spark Plug: Check electrode gap (monthly). Inspect for damage and wear (monthly). Replace (as required, annually/every 100 hours).
Vibration Mounts: Inspect for damage and wear (monthly). Replace by dealer (as required).
Cutting Attachments Nuts and Screws: Check that the locking nut is tightened correctly (before each use).

Specific instructions are provided for sharpening blades (2-3-4 tooth and 8 tooth) and saw blades, emphasizing uniform filing and correct angles. The manual also details how to replace the nylon line on LOAD&GO trimmer heads.

Extra maintenance, such as a general inspection by a specialized technician, is recommended at the end of the season for intensive use, or every two years for normal use. All maintenance not covered in the manual must be performed by an authorized service center using original spare parts.

Storage and Environmental Protection

For long-term storage, the fuel tank should be drained and cleaned, the carburetor emptied, and all metallic parts cleaned and lubricated to prevent rust. The machine should be stored in a dry place, away from heat sources and not in direct contact with the floor.

Environmental protection is a priority. Users are advised to minimize disturbance to neighbors, comply with local regulations for waste disposal (mowing waste, packaging, oils, fuels, batteries, filters, deteriorated parts), and take the machine to designated recycling centers at the end of its service life. The CE mark label should be destroyed along with the manual when the machine is scrapped.