Introduction of Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP

The Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP is a versatile articulating hedge trimmer designed for efficient trimming of various hedges and shrubs. Featuring a 20-inch double-sided blade with 13 adjustable angle settings, it allows for precise cuts in hard-to-reach areas, including overhead and low-lying hedges. This tool is compatible with Makita's couple-shaft power heads, enhancing its versatility. The EN401MP is priced at approximately $199.00, making it a practical choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Symbols 

The following symbols are used on the attachment and this instruction manual. Understand these definitions.

• Read and follow the instruction manual.
• Take particular care and attention!
• Forbidden!
• Beware of electrical lines. Risk of electrical shock.
• Beware of pinching
• Wear protective gloves.
• Wear protective helmet, eye and ear protection.
• Wear sturdy boots with non-slip soles.
• Hot surfaces - Burns to fingers or hands.
• Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 m (50 ft) away from the power tool.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons and pets
• First aid

Technical data

Approved power unit
This attachment is approved to use only with the following power unit(s):

• EX2650LH Multi Function Power Head HXU01, HXU02, BUX360, BUX361, BUX362, UX360D, UX361D, UX362D, DUX60, XUX01

Cordless Multi Function Power Head
WARNING: Never use the attachment with non-approved power unit. Non-approved combination may cause serious injury.

Approved attachment
This attachment is approved to use only with the following attachment(s):

• (Shaft extension attachment) LE400MP

WARNING: Never use a non-approved attachment. Nonapproved combination may cause serious injury.

Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP Part description

(Fig. 1)

The numbers below refer to the figure

1. Shaft
2. Gear case
3. Blades
4. Angle lock
5. Cutter unit handle
6. Blade cover

Safety precautions

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all instructions in this booklet and the instruction manual of the power unit.

• Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
• Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
• The term “hedge trimmer” and “equipment” in the warnings andprecautions refer to the combination of the attachment and the power unit.
• The term “motor” in the warnings and precautions refers to the engine or electric motor of the power unit.

Intended use

• This attachment is designed for only the purpose of trimming shrubs and hedges in conjunction with an approved power unit. Never use the attachment for the other purpose. Abusing the attachment may cause serious injury.

General precautions

• Before starting the hedge trimmer, read this booklet and the instruction manual of the power unit to become familiar with the handling of the hedge trimmer.
• Do not lend the attachment to a person with insufficient experience or knowledge regarding handling of hedge trimmers.
• When lending the attachment, always attach this instruction manual.
• Do not allow children or young persons under 18 years old to use the hedge trimmer. Keep them away from the hedge trimmer.
• Handle the hedge trimmer with the utmost care and attention.
• Never use the hedge trimmer after consuming alcohol or drugs, or if feeling tired or ill.
• Never attempt to modify the attachment.
• Follow the regulations about handling of hedge trimmers in your country.

Personal protective equipment

• Wear safety helmet, protective goggles and protective gloves to protect yourself from flying debris or falling objects. (Fig. 2)

  

• Wear ear protection such as ear muffs to prevent hearing loss.
• Wear proper clothing and shoes for safe operation, such as a work overall and sturdy, non-slip shoes. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• When touching blades or adjusting the blade angle, wear protective gloves. Blades can cut bare hands severely.

Work area safety

DANGER: Keep the hedge trimmer away from electric lines and communication cables.

• Touching or approaching high-voltage lines with hedge trimmer can result in death or serious injury. Watch power lines and electrical fences around the work area before starting operation.
• Operate the hedge trimmer under good visibility and daylight conditions only. Do not operate the hedge trimmer in darkness or fog.
• Start and operate the engine only outdoors in a well ventilated area. Operation in a confined or poorly ventilated area can result in death due to suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• During operation, never stand on an unstable or slippery surface or a steep slope. During the cold season, beware of ice and snow and always ensure secure footing.
• During operation, keep bystanders or animals at least 15 m away from the hedge trimmer. Stop the motor as soon as someone approaches.
• Before operation, examine the work area for wire fences, stones, or other solid objects. They can damage the blades.

WARNING: Use of this product can create dust containing chemicals which may cause respiratory or other illnesses. Some examples of these chemicals are compounds found in pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and herbicides. Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Putting into operation

• Before assembling or adjusting the equipment, switch off the motor and remove the spark plug cap or the battery cartridge.
• Before assembling the blades or adjusting the cutting angle, wear protective gloves.
• Before starting the motor, inspect the equipment for damages, loose screws/nuts or improper assembly. Replace if the blades are cracked, bent, or damaged. Check all control levers and switches for easy action. Clean and dry the handles.
• Never attempt to start the motor if the equipment is damaged or not fully assembled. Otherwise serious injury may result.
• Adjust the shoulder harness and hand grip to suit the operator’s body size.

Starting motor

• Wear the personal protective equipments before starting the motor.
• Start the engine at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from the fueling spot.
• Before starting the motor, make sure that there is no person or animal in the work area.
• When starting the engine or inserting a battery cartridge, keep the blades clear of your body and other object, including the ground. The blades may move when starting and may cause serious injury or damage to the blades and/or property.
• Place the equipment on firm ground. Maintain good balance and secure footing.

• When pulling the starter knob, hold the power unit firmly against the ground by your left hand. Never step on the drive shaft of the power unit. (Fig. 3)

  

• Follow the instruction manual of the power units for starting the motor.
• If the blades move at idle, stop the engine and adjust the idle speed down.

Operation

• In the event of an emergency, switch off the motor immediately.
• If you feel any unusual condition (e.g. noise, vibration) during operation, switch off the motor. Do not use the hedge trimmer until the cause is recognized and solved.
• The blades continue to move for a short period after releasing the throttle trigger or switch off the motor. Don’t rush to contact the blades.
• With the engine running only at idle, attach the shoulder harness.

• During operation, use the shoulder harness. Keep the hedge trimmer on your right side firmly. (Fig. 4)

  

• Hold the front handle with the left hand and the rear grip with the right hand, no matter you are right-hander or left-hander. Wrap your fingers and thumbs around the handles.
• Never attempt to operate the equipment with one hand. Loss of control may result in serious or fatal injury. To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep your hands and feet away from the blades.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Watch for hidden obstacles such as tree stumps, roots and ditches to avoid stumbling. Clear fallen branches and other objects away.
• Never work on a ladder or tree to avoid loss of control.
• Do not hold the machine above shoulder height.
• During operation, never hit the blades against hard obstacles such stones and metals. Take particular care when cutting hedges next to or against wire fences. When working close to the ground, make sure that no sand, grit or stones get between the blades.
• If the blades come into contact with stones or other solid objects, stop the motor immediately and check the blades for damage after removing the spark plug or the battery cartridge. Replace the blades if damaged.
• If thick branches get jammed in the blades, immediately switch off the motor, put the hedge trimmer down and then remove the obstruction after removing the spark plug or the battery cartridge. Check the blades for damage before using the equipment again.
• Never touch or approach the blades while they are moving. Blades can cut your finger easily. When handling the blades or adjusting the blade angle, stop the motor and remove the spark plug cap or the battery cartridge.
• Accelerating the motor with the blades blocked increases the load and will damage the motor and/or clutch.
• Check the cutting blades frequently during operation for cracks or blunt edges. Before the inspection, switch off the motor and wait until the blades stop completely. Replace damaged or dull blades immediately, even if they have only superficial cracks.
• If the equipment gets heavy impact or fall, check the condition before continuing work. Check the fuel system for fuel leakage and the controls and safety devices for malfunction. If there is any damage or doubt, ask Makita authorized service center for the inspection and repair.
• Do not touch the gear case. The gear case becomes hot during operation.
• Take a rest to prevent loss of control caused by fatigue. We recommend to take a 10 to 20-minute rest every hour.
• When you leave the equipment, even if it is a short time, always switch off the engine or remove the battery cartridge. Theequipment unattended with the engine running may be used by unauthorized person and cause serious accident.
• Before cutting, pull the throttle lever fully to achieve the maximum speed.
• Follow the instruction manual of the power unit for proper use of the control lever and switch.
• During or after operation, do not put the hot equipment onto dry grass or combustible materials.

Transport

• Before transporting the equipment, switch off the motor and remove the spark plug cap or battery cartridge. Always fit the blade cover during transportation.
• When carrying the equipment, carry it in a horizontal position by holding the shaft. Keep the hot muffler away from your body.
• When transporting the equipment in a vehicle, properly secure it to avoid turnover. Otherwise fuel spillage and damage to the equipment and other baggage may result.

Maintenance

• Before doing any maintenance or repair work or cleaning the equipment, always switch off the motor and remove the spark plug cap or the battery cartridge. Wait until the motor gets cold.
• To reduce the risk of fire, never service the equipment in the vicinity of fire.
• Always wear protective gloves when handling the blades.
• Always clean dust and dirt off the equipment. Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like for the purpose. Discoloration, deformation or cracks of the plastic components may result.
• After each use, tighten all screws and nuts, except for the carburetor adjustment screws.
• Keep the cutting tool sharp. If the cutting blades have become blunt and cutting performance is poor, ask Makita authorized service center to sharpen the blades.
• Never repair bent or broken blades by straightening or welding.
  It may cause parts of the blades to come off and result in serious injury. Contact Makita authorized service center for Makita genuine blades to replace them.
• Do not attempt any maintenance or repair not described in this booklet or the instruction manual of the power unit. Ask Makita authorized service center for such work.
• Always use Makita genuine spare parts and accessories only. Using parts or accessories supplied by a third party may result in the equipment breakdown, property damage and/or serious injury.
• Request Makita authorized service center to inspect and maintain the hedge trimmer at regular interval.

Storage

• Before storing the equipment, perform full cleaning and maintenance. Fit the blade cover.
• Store the equipment in a dry and high or locked location out of reach of children.
• Do not prop the equipment against something, such as a wall.
  Otherwise the hedge trimmer may fall suddenly and cause an injury.

First aid

• Always have a first-aid kit close by. Immediately replace any item taken from the first aid kit.
• When asking for help, give the following information:
  • Place of the accident
  • What happened
  • Number of injured persons
  • Nature of the injury
  • Your name

Description

The Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP boasts a robust 25.4cc 4-stroke engine, which provides ample power for trimming thick hedges and shrubs. The 30-inch blade length allows for efficient cutting, while the ability to handle branches up to 1 inch thick ensures that even the toughest jobs can be tackled. Weighing in at approximately 13.9 lbs, it is designed to be manageable for extended use without causing undue fatigue. The fuel capacity of 14.6 oz ensures that you can work continuously without frequent refueling.

The trimmer also features a vibration reduction system, which significantly reduces the vibration felt by the operator, making it more comfortable to use over long periods.

Assembly and adjustment

WARNING:

• Before assembling or adjusting the equipment, switch off the motor and remove the spark plug cap or the battery cartridge.
  Otherwise blades or other parts may move and result in serious injury.
• Before handling or working around blades, wear protective gloves and put the blade cover onto blades. 
  Otherwise the blades can cut bare hands severely.
• When assembling or adjusting the equipment, always put it down. Assembling or adjusting the equipment in an upright position may result in serious injury.
• Follow the warnings and precautions in the chapter “Safety precautions” and the instruction manual of the power unit.

Assembling the attachment

(Fig. 5)

Assemble the attachment as the following steps.

1. Loosen the screw (A) and (B).
2. Insert shaft into the cover (D).
   NOTE: Make sure that the shaft is completely inserted into the cover (approx. 237 mm/ 9-3/8”).
   If you are having trouble inserting the shaft, manually rotate the drive axle (C) a little and try again.
3. Make sure that the shaft is properly inserted and then tighten screw (B) and (A).

Mounting the attachment to a power unit

(Fig. 6)

To mount the attachment to a power unit, follow the steps below.

1. Make sure that the lock lever (A) is not tightened.
2. Align the pin (B) with the arrow mark (C).
3. Insert the shaft into the drive shaft of the power unit until the position line (E) and the release button (D) pops up.
4. Tighten the lock lever (A) firmly as shown.

To remove the attachment, loosen the lock lever, press the lock button and withdraw the shaft.
NOTICE: Do not tighten the lock lever (A) without the shaft of the attachment inserted. Otherwise the lock lever may tighten the entrance of the drive shaft too much and damage it.

Adjusting the cutting angle

(Fig. 7)

WARNING: Do not operate the tool with the loose and unstable cutter unit.
You can adjust the cutting angle upwards to 45° and downwards to 90°.

1. Stop the pole hedge trimmer motor and lay the machine on the ground.
2. To adjust the angle of the cutter unit, hold the handle (A) on the cutter unit with one hand, and hold the angle lock (B) as illustrated with the other hand.
3. Pull the angle lock gently, and change the angle of the cutter unit.

After adjusting the angle, return the angle lock gently.

Note:

• The cutter unit is fasten only with certain angles alongside the groove on the unit. Make sure the cutter unit sits properly. If the angle is not appropriate, the clutch is cut and the tool does not operate.
• Do not adjust the cutter unit while the pole hedge trimmer is in an position.
• Move the I-O switch to the “O” position and lay the pole hedge trimmer flat on the ground to adjust the cutting angle.
• Always secure the blades with the blade cover provided before adjusting cutting angle.

In case the cutter unit is loose, the bolt (A) (the axis of angle adjustment) needs to be tightened. (Fig. 8)

1. Set the socket wrench (C) and the hex wrench (B) on the bolt (A).
2. Adjust the tightness of the cutter unit by turning hex wrench (B), and then fasten the bolt by turning the socket wrench (C).

Note: Do not fasten the cutter unit too tight. The angle of the cutter unit can not be changed if it is too tight.

Operation of Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP

WARNING:

• If the blades move at idle, adjust the idle speed of the engine down. Otherwise you cannot stop the blades with throttle off and it may cause serious injury.
• Follow the warnings and precautions in the chapter “Safety precautions” and the instruction manual of the power unit.

Horizontal cut

(Fig. 9)

When trimming hedges horizontally, follow the steps below.

1. Pull the throttle lever fully.
2. Apply the blades to the hedge with an angle of 15° to 30°.
3. Trim the hedge with a swinging movement.

Vertical cut

(Fig. 10)

When trimming hedges vertically, follow the steps below.

1. Pull the throttle lever fully.
2. Apply the blades to the hedge parallel to each other.
3. Trim the hedge from the bottom upwards with a swinging movement.

Inspection and maintenance

WARNING:

• Before inspecting or maintaining the equipment, switch off the motor and remove the spark plug cap or the battery cartridge. Otherwise blades or other parts may move and result in serious injury.
• Before handling or working around blades, wear protective gloves and put the blade cover onto blades. During the assembly or adjustment, your fingers may contact with blades and it may cause serious injury.
• When inspecting or maintaining the equipment, always put the hedge trimmer down. Assembling or adjusting the equipment in an upright position may result in serious injury.
• Follow the warnings and precautions in the chapter “Safety precautions” and the instruction manual of the power unit.

Inspecting blades
Check the blades daily for damage, crack and dull edge. Ask Makita authorized service center to replace damaged blades or sharpen dull blades.

Adjusting the blade clearance

(Fig. 11)

The upper/lower blades wear out gradually after operations. If you cannot get a clean cut though the blades are sharp enough, adjust the clearance as follows. The tightness of the truss bolt decides the clearance of the blades. The nut holds the truss bolt with certain tightness. Too loose clearance causes blunt cut, but too tight clearance causes unnecessary heat and sooner worn-out of the blades.

1. Loosen the nuts (A) with a wrench.
2. Tighten the bolts (B) lightly till they stop. And then, screw them back a quarter to half turn each to gain necessary clearance.
3. Hold the bolts (B) and tighten the nuts (A).
4. Apply light oil on the friction surface of the blades.
5. Start the motor and operate the throttle on and off for a minute.
6. Measure the time necessary for the blades to stop after releasing the throttle. If it is two seconds or longer, switch off the motor and repeat the step 1 to 6.
7. Switch off the motor and touch the blade surface. If they are not too hot to touch, you have made a proper adjustment. If they are too hot to touch, turn the bolts (B) back a little and repeat the step 5 to 7.

Lubricating moving parts

(Fig. 12)

NOTICE: Follow the instruction of the frequency and amount of grease supplied. Otherwise insufficient lubrication may damage moving parts.

Gear case:
The gearbox of the pole hedge trimmer should be greased every 25 working hours. The grease hole locates under the bolt. Remove the bolt to lubricate. Add approx. 3 g (4 cc) of lubricant to the point A of the gearbox and 5 g (7 cc) of the lubricant to the point B respectively via the grease holes. Return the bolt after lubrication. After filling correct amount of grease, grease will come out a bit from the base of the blade during the first operation.

Drive axle:
Apply grease every 25 hours of operation.

Overall inspection

• Tighten loose bolts, nuts and screws.
• Check for damaged parts and blades. Ask Makita authorized service center to replace them.

Storage

WARNING: Follow the warnings and precautions in the chapter “Safety precautions” and the instruction manual of the power unit.

(Fig. 13)

When storing the hedge trimmer attachment separated from the power unit, put the cap onto the end of the shaft.

Setup Guide

To operate the Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP, 

1. Start by ensuring all safety precautions are taken, including wearing protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses. 
2. Assemble the trimmer by attaching the handle and checking that all parts are securely fastened. 
3. Fill the fuel tank with the recommended type of gas, following the instructions provided in the manual. 
4. Start the engine by pulling the choke lever and then the starter cord. Once running, adjust the choke lever to the correct position for optimal performance.
5. Before use, ensure that the blade is clean and free from debris. Regularly check and maintain the blade's sharpness to ensure optimal cutting performance.

Maintenance schedule

Troubleshooting

Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful Engine: The 25.4cc 4-stroke engine provides robust power for efficient trimming.
• Ergonomic Design: The trimmer is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring reduced vibration technology.
• Environmentally Friendly: The 4-stroke engine reduces emissions compared to traditional 2-stroke engines.
• Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials to withstand heavy use.

Cons

• Weight: At approximately 13.9 lbs, it may be heavy for some users.
• Noisy Operation: Like most gas-powered tools, it can be noisy during operation.
• Higher Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance to keep it in optimal condition.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Makita Hedge Trimmer EN401MP for its powerful performance and ease of use. Many reviewers appreciate its ability to handle thick branches with ease and the reduced vibration system that makes it more comfortable to use over long periods. Some common complaints include the weight of the trimmer and the noise during operation. However, overall, it has received positive feedback for its reliability and efficiency.