This document serves as the Operator's Manual for the BCI 52 2-Cycle Brush Cutter, providing essential information for its safe operation, assembly, and maintenance.
Function Description
The BCI 52 is a versatile 2-cycle brush cutter designed for various outdoor landscaping tasks. Its primary functions include:
- Cutting grass and light weeds: Ideal for general lawn maintenance and clearing overgrown areas.
- Edging: Provides clean and precise edges along pathways, driveways, and garden beds.
- Decorative trimming: Suitable for intricate trimming around trees, fences, and other obstacles.
- Brush cutting: Equipped to handle thicker vegetation beyond what a standard string trimmer can manage.
The unit is designed for occasional household use. It can also accommodate other optional attachments, enhancing its utility for different tasks.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model Name: BCI 52
- Engine Type: Air-Cooled, 2-Cycle
- Engine Displacement: 51.7cc
- Rated Motor Power: 1.3kW
- Lubrication: Fuel/Oil Mixture
- Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1
- Volumes of Fuel Tank: 38.72 oz. (1100ml)
- Trimmer Mechanism: Bump Head
- Cutting Path Diameter: 18in (450mm)
- Trimming Line: 0.095 in. (2.4mm) / 0.103 in. (2.6mm)
- Max. Engine Speed (with cutting attachment, no-load): 9600/min
Usage Features
The BCI 52 incorporates several features to facilitate its use:
Assembly:
The manual provides detailed instructions for assembling the unit, including mounting the rod, assembling the handle, fitting the guard for the straight shaft grass deflector, and assembling/disassembling the cutting head (both Nylon cutting head and blade). It emphasizes the importance of correct assembly before use and warns against using the machine without the guard assembled.
Fueling:
The device requires a mixture of regular grade gasoline (leaded or unleaded, alcohol-free) and a quality-proven motor oil for air-cooled 2-cycle engines, with a recommended mixing ratio of Gasoline 50: Oil 1. Users are cautioned against using oil for 4-cycle engines or water-cooled 2-cycle engines, as this can lead to spark plug fouling, exhaust port blocking, or piston ring sticking. Fueling should always be done in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area, with the engine off and cooled. The fuel tank cap should be opened slowly to relieve pressure, and spilled fuel must be wiped up immediately. The unit should be moved at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source before starting.
Starting the Unit:
A clear sequence of steps is provided for starting the engine:
- Press the fuel pump 10 times until fuel is visible.
- Turn the engine switch to the ON position.
- Put the choke lever on the (OFF) position.
- Pull the recoil starter handle 3-5 times.
- Pull the starter grip slowly for 10-15 cm until resistance is felt, then tug a few times until the engine turns over.
- Adjust the choke lever to the (ON) position.
- Pull the starter grip again until the engine starts normally.
Once the engine is running and idling, the throttle lever can be engaged by pressing the lock-off lever first.
Adjusting Line Length:
The unit features a "Tap & Go" head. To release more line, the cutting line head should be tapped against the ground with the engine at top speed. The line will automatically release, and the knife will cut off any excess length.
Safety Features:
The manual highlights numerous safety precautions, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (safety glasses/goggles, ear/hearing protection, face mask, heavy long pants, boots, gloves, long sleeve shirt), inspecting the area for debris, keeping bystanders at least 50 feet (15 m) away, and ensuring all guards and safety attachments are properly installed. It also warns against touching hot surfaces (engine, gear housing, muffler) and the sharp line cutting blade. The unit is equipped with an ON/OFF stop control for immediate shutdown.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the efficiency and safety of the BCI 52. The manual outlines a comprehensive maintenance schedule and procedures:
General Maintenance:
- Cleaning: The unit should not be sprayed with water. Instead, it should be cleaned with a cloth and hand brush. After each use, it should be cleaned of dust and debris.
- Fasteners: Periodically check that all nuts and screws are securely tightened, and handgrips are fastened.
- Pre-operation Check: Before each use, check for leaks, visual defects, securely fitted parts, and proper condition of all safety devices.
Scheduled Maintenance:
- Air Filter: Clean the air filter every 12 hours of use. Replace it every 36 hours. Cleaning involves loosening the knob, removing the cover and filter element, washing the element with soap and water (not petrol or other solvents), drying it in open air, and reassembling. The engine should never run without the air filter element installed.
- Spark Plug: Periodically remove and clean the spark plug with a metal brush. Check and reset the correct distance between electrodes (0.5 mm). Replace the spark plug every 100 working hours or if electrodes are burnt/insulation is worn.
- Nylon Spool: Replace and reclean the nylon spool at the end of the trimming season or as required. This should be done by a customer service center.
- Line Cutting Knife: The line cutting knife on the guard should be removed by unscrewing the screws, sharpened with a flat file while retaining the original cutting angle, and then refitted.
Engine and Silencer Cleaning:
To reduce fire risks, periodically clean the cylinder fins with compressed air and clear the silencer area of sawdust, branches, leaves, or other debris.
Starting Unit Maintenance:
Keep cooling air vents clean and free of sawdust and debris to prevent overheating and engine damage. If the starter cable shows signs of wear, contact a dealer for replacement.
Storage:
- Short-term (1-2 weeks): Store the unit horizontally, or vertically with the engine at the top if horizontal storage is not possible.
- Long-term:
- Drain the fuel tank into an approved container and reinstall the cap.
- Start the engine and let it run until it stalls to ensure all fuel is drained from the carburetor.
- Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and add 5 drops of high-quality motor oil or 2-cycle oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil, then reinstall the spark plug.
- Thoroughly clean the unit and inspect for loose or damaged parts, repairing or replacing as needed.
- Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area, secured from unauthorized use and out of reach of children.
- When suspending attachments, ensure the hanger cap is securely locked into one of the holes on the hanger cap.
Troubleshooting:
The manual includes a troubleshooting guide to address common issues such as the engine not starting, idling incorrectly, failing to accelerate, lacking power, or the cutting head not advancing line properly. Solutions range from refilling fuel and cleaning filters to replacing spark plugs and adjusting idle speed. For further assistance, users are advised to contact an authorized service dealer.
Warranty:
Sunseeker provides a three-year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship for products purchased and used in the United States, its possessions, and territories. The warranty is valid if the product has been operated and maintained according to the Operator's Manual and has not been subjected to misuse, abuse, commercial use (90-day warranty for commercial use), neglect, or other specified damages. Warranty service requires proof of purchase through a local authorized service dealer.