GGP Italy SPA Brush Cutter STAR31 STAR55FP Instructions Manual

							The machine is supplied with
some of the components disassembled and the
fuel tank empty.  
Always wear strong work
gloves to handle the cutting devices. Mount
the components very carefully so as not to
impair the safety and efficiency of the
machine. If in doubt, contact your dealer.
1. COMPLETING THE MACHINE
1a. “MONO” models
•Model 31 (Fig. 1)
–Fit the front handgrip with guard (1) on the
drive tube (2) using the cap (3), screws (4) and
nuts (5) inserted into their specific seatings.
–Before tightening the screws (4), position the
handgrip (1) matching up with the arrow (6) on
the label located on the drive tube.
–Fully tighten the screws (4).
•Models 36 - 41 - 45P - 55P (Fig. 2)
–Fit the front handgrip with guard (1) on the
plastic fairing (2), fully tightening the screws
(3).
1b. “DUPLEX” models
•Model 31D (Fig. 3)
–Put the handlebar (1) with relative rubber
sleeves into the seating in the support (2),
located on the drive tube (3), making sure that
the controls are on the right.
–Fit the cap (4), fully tightening the screws (5)
and nuts (6) inserted in their specific seatings.
–The support (2) is already preassembled on
the drive tube (3) so that the edge matches up
with the arrow (7) on the label; this position
must never be changed.

!WARNING!
IMPORTANT•Models 36D - 41D - 45DP - 55DP (Fig. 4)
–Unscrew the central knob (1) and remove the
cap (2).
–Insert the handlebar (3), making sure that the
controls are on the right.
–Set the handlebar in the most comfortable
working position and lock it using the cap (2)
and knob (1).
1c. “FLEX” models
•Models 41F - 45FP - 55FP (Fig. 5)
–Fit the front handgrip with guard (1) on the
drive tube (2) using the cap (3), screws (4) and
nuts (5) inserted in their specific housings,
making sure that the plate (7) under the left
rear screw is in the correct position.
–Before tightening the screws (4), position the
handgrip (1) matching up with the arrow (6) on
the label located on the drive tube.
–Fully tighten the screws (4).
Proceed as follows to connect the flexible tube
to the power unit:
–Insert the end of the shaft (8) into the hub (9)
protruding from the front handgrip, align the
pin (10) with the hole (11) in the drive tube
flange and fully screw in the sleeve (12).
–Insert the end of the shaft (13) into the hub (14)
protruding from the power unit, press the lock-
ing button (15) and fully insert the flexible tube
(16) into its seating until the button (15) can be
felt to rise.
–Connect the throttle wires (17) to the carburet-
tor lever (18), making sure that the sheath (19)
is properly inserted into its specific seating
and lock the nut (20).
–Connect the two terminals of the red cables
(21) together and connect the black cable (22)
to the terminal screwed onto the power unit.
2. FITTING THE GUARDS
Each cutting device is pro-
vided with a specific guard. Never use guards
other than those indicated for each cutting
device.
!WARNING!
6MACHINE ASSEMBLYEN
4. MACHINE ASSEMBLY 
						

							•3 or 4-point blade  (Fig. 6)
ear protective gloves and
fit the blade guard.
–Remove the blade (if fitted) as described in
paragraph 3.
–The guard (1) is fixed to the angle transmission
(2) by two screws (3).
•Cutting line head  (Fig. 7)
When using the cutting
line head the additional guard, with line cut-
ting knife, must always be fitted.  
–Remove the blade (if fitted) as described in
paragraph 3.
–The guard (1) is fixed to the angle transmission
(2) by two screws (3).
–Fit the additional guard (4), inserting the cou-
plers into the respective seatings in the guard
(1) and pressing until a click is heard.
3. REMOVING AND REFITTING THE CUT-
TING DEVICES
Use only original cutting
devices or ones homologated by the
Manufacturer.
•3 or 4-point blade (Fig. 8)
Wear protective gloves and
fit the blade guard.
The cup screw (4) has a left-
hand thread and so must be unscrewed in a
clockwise direction and screwed up anticlock-
wise.
–Insert the wrench supplied (2) into the specific
hole in the angle transmission (3) and rotate
the blade (1) by hand until the wrench enters
the inner hole, blocking rotation.
–Remove the cup (4) unscrewing the central
screw 
in a clockwise direction.
–Unthread the outer ring-nut (5) and remove the
blade (1).
NOTE

!WARNING!

!WARNING!

!WARNING!

!WARNING!
When mounting,
–Ensure that the grooves in the inner ring-nut
(6) match up perfectly with the angle transmis-
sion (3).
–Fit the blade (1) and outer ring-nut (5).
–Refit the cup (4), fully tightening it 
in an anti-
clockwise direction.
–Remove the wrench (2) to restore blade rota-
tion.
•Cutting line head (Fig. 9)
The cutting line head has a
left-hand thread and so must be unscrewed in a
clockwise direction and screwed up anticlock-
wise.
–Insert the wrench supplied (2) into the specific
hole in the angle transmission (3) and rotate
the cutting line head (1) by hand until the
wrench enters the inner hole, blocking rota-
tion.
–Remove the cutting line head (1) unscrewing it
in a clockwise direction.
When mounting,
–Ensure that the grooves in the inner ring-nut
(6) match up perfectly with the angle tranmis-
sion (3).
–Fit the cutting line head (1) screwing it up 
in an
anticlockwise direction.
–Remove the wrench (2) to restore shaft rota-
tion.
•Saw blade (if permitted)
Use of the saw blade is
prohibited on machines marked with the spe-
cific symbol (see chap. 2 n° 6).
Follow the instructions supplied with the saw
blade to fit it and its guard. 

!WARNING!
NOTE
MACHINE ASSEMBLY7EN 
						

							8PREPARING TO WORKEN
CHECKING THE MACHINE
Before starting work please:
–check that all the screws on the machine and
the cutting device are tightly fastened;
–check that the cutting device is undamaged
and that the 3 or 4-point metal blades (if fitted)
are properly sharpened;
–check that the air filter is clean;
–check that the protection devices are well fas-
tened and working efficiently;
–check the handgrips are well fastened.
PREPARING THE FUEL
This machine is fitted with a two-stroke engine
which requires a mixture of petrol and lubricating
oil.
Using petrol alone will dam-
age the motor and will cause for invalidation of
the warranty.
Only use quality fuels and
oils to maintain high performance and guarantee
the duration of the mechanical parts over time.
•Petrol characteristics
Only use unleaded petrol with a fuel grade of at
least 90 N.O.
Unleaded petrol tends to
create deposits in the container if preserved for
more than 2 months. Always use fresh petrol!
•Oil characteristics
Only use top quality synthetic oil specifically for
two-stroke engines.
Your dealer can provide you with oils which have
been specifically developed for this type of
engine, and which are capable of guaranteeing a
high level of protection.
The use of these oils makes it possible to pre-
pare a 2% mixture, consisting in 1 part oil to 50
parts petrol.
In the event that no specific oil is available, it is
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
possible to use a mineral lubricating oil for
engines (class FA or FB), where in this case the
mixture must be 4%, i.e. 1 part oil and 25 parts
petrol.
•Preparation and preservation of the fuel
mixture
Petrol and the fuel mixture are highly inflam-
mable!
–Keep the petrol and fuel mixture in homolo-
gated fuel containers, in safe place, away
from any flames or heat sources.
–Never leave the containers within the reach
of children.
–Never smoke whilst preparing the mixture
and avoid inhaling the petrol fumes.
The chart indicates the amount of petrol and oil
to use to prepare the fuel mixture according to
the type of oil used.
To prepare the fuel mixture:
–Place about half the amount of petrol in a
homologated tank.
–Add all the oil, according to the chart.
–Add the rest of the petrol.
–Close the top and shake well.
The fuel mixture tends to
age. Do not prepare excessive amounts of the
fuel mixture to avoid deposits from forming.
Keep the petrol and fuel mix-
ture containers separate and easily identifiable to
avoid the mistake of using one in place of the
other.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT

!DANGER!
5. PREPARING TO WORK
Petrol Synthetic oil Mineral Oil
2-stroke Class FA - FB
litres litres cm3litres cm3
10.022.0 0.04 40
20.04400.0880
30.06600.12120
50.10100 0.20 200
10 0.20 200 0.40 400 
						

							Periodically clean the petrol
and fuel mixture containers to remove any even-
tual deposits.
REFUELLING
Never smoke whilst refu-
elling and avoid inhaling the petrol fumes.
Carefully open the tank top
as pressure could have formed inside.
Before refuelling:
–Shake the fuel mixture container well.

!WARNING!

!DANGER!
IMPORTANT–Place the machine on a flat stable surface,
with the fuel tank cap facing upwards.
–Clean the fuel tank cap and the surrounding
area to avoid any dirt from entering the tank
during refilling.
–Carefully open the fuel tank cap to allow the
pressure inside to decrease gradually. Use a
funnel to refill and avoid filling the tank to the
brim.
Always close the fuel tank
cap firmly.
Immediately clean all
traces of fuel which may have dripped on the
machine or the ground and do not start the
engine until the petrol fumes have dissipated.

!WARING!

!WARNING! PREPARING TO WORK / HOW TO START - USE – STOP THE ENGINE
9EN
when it was switched off or after refuelling.
To start the engine (Fig. 10):
1. Set the switch (1) to «START».
2.
If your machine has a decompressionvalve, press it now.
3. Operate the starter, turning lever (5) or (5a) to
«CLOSE».
4. Press the primer device button (6) 3 or 4
times to prime the carburettor.
5. Hold the machine firmly on the ground with
one hand on the power unit, in order not to
lose control of the machine during startup
(Fig. 11).
To prevent distortions, the
drive tube must not be used as a support for the
hand or knee during startup.  
6. Pull the starter rope slowly for 10 - 15 cm until
IMPORTANT
STARTING THE ENGINE
The engine must be start-
ed in an area at least 3 metres from where
you refilled the fuel tank.
Before starting the engine:
–Place the machine firmly on the ground.
–Remove the guard from the blade (if used).
–Make sure the blade (if used) is not touching
the ground or any other object.
•Cold starting
A “cold” start of the engine
means starting it after at least 5 minutes fromNOTE

!WARNING!
6. HOW TO START - USE – STOP THE ENGINE 
						

							EN10HOW TO START - USE – STOP THE ENGINE
you feel some resistance, then tug it hard a
few times until you hear the engine turn over.
To avoid breaking the starter
rope, do not pull the whole length of it or let it
slide along the edge of the cable guide hole.
Release the starter gradually, to avoid letting it fly
back uncontrollably.
7. Pull the starter rope again until the engine
starts as normal.
Starting the engine with
the starter engaged causes the cutting
device to move, only stopping when the
starter is disconnected.
8.In models 31 - 36 - 41,when the engine has
started, press the throttle trigger to discon-
nect the starter and allow the engine to idle.
In models 45P - 55P, the starter is discon-
nected by turning lever (2a) to «OPEN».
9.Let the engine run idle for at least 1 minute
before using the machine.
If the starter rope is pulled
repeatedly with the choke on, it may flood the
engine and make starting difficult.
If you have flooded the engine, remove the spark
plug and gently pull the handle on the starter
rope to eliminate any excess fuel; then dry the
spark plug electrodes and replace it on the
engine.
•Hot starting
When hot starting (immediately after stopping
the engine), follow the procedure indicated
above in points 1 - 5 - 6 - 7.
USE OF THE ENGINE (Fig. 10)
Cutting device speed is regulated by the throttle
trigger (2), located on the rear handgrip (4) or the
right handgrip (4a) of the handlebar.
The throttle trigger only works if the lockout (3) is
IMPORTANT

!WARNING!
IMPORTANT
pressed at the same time.
The movement is transmitted from the engine to
the drive shaft by a centrifugal mass clutch that
prevents the shaft from moving when the engine
is running at minimum speed.
Never use the machine if
the cutting device moves when the engine is
running idle; if this is the case regulate the
minimum rate (see chap.8) and if the problem
persists please contact your dealer.
The correct running speed will be achieved by
pressing the throttle trigger (2) as far as possible.
Avoid using the engine at full
power for the first 6-8 working hours.
STOPPING THE ENGINE (Fig. 10)
To stop the engine:
–Release the throttle trigger (2) and allow the
engine to run idle for a few seconds.
–Set the switch (1) to “STOP”.
When you have reduced
speed to a minimum, it will take a few sec-
onds for the cutting device to stop
!WARNING!
IMPORTANT

!WARNING! 
						

							ENUSING THE MACHINE11
To respect people and the environment:
– Try not to cause any disturbance.
– Scrupulously comply with local regulations
and provisions for the disposal of waste
materials after sawing.
– Scrupulously comply with local regulations
and provisions for the disposal of oils,
petrol, damaged parts or any elements
which have a strong impact on the environ-
ment.
Prolonged exposure to
vibrations can cause injuries and neurovas-
cular disorders (also called “Renaud’s syn-
drome” or “white hand”), especially to people
suffering from circulation disorders. The
symptoms can regard the hands, wrists and
fingers and are shown through loss of sensi-
tivity, torpor, itching, pain and discolouring of
or structural changes to the skin. These
effects can be worsened by low ambient tem-
peratures and/or by gripping the handgrips
excessively tightly. If the symptoms occur,
the length of time the machine is used must
be reduced and a doctor consulted.
Always wear suitable
clothing when using the machine. Your deal-
er can provide you with all the information on
the most suitable accident-prevention
devices to guarantee your safety.
USING THE WEBBING (Fig. 12)
The machine must always
be used connected to the webbing worn cor-
rectly. Frequently check the efficiency of the
quick release mechanism used to quickly free
the machine from the belts in case of danger.
The webbing must be put on before connecting
the machine to the special coupling and the
belts must be adjusted to suit the operator’s
height and stature.
If the machine has more than one coupling hole,
use the most favourable point for keeping the
machine balanced when working.

!WARNING!

!WARNING!

!WARNING!
Always use webbing suited to the weight of the
machine and the cutting device used
–the single or double belt models can be used
for machines weighing less than 7.5 kg fit-
ted with the cutting line head or 3 or 4-point
blades;
–the double belt model must be used for
machines weighing more than 7.5 kg fitted
with the saw blade
(if permitted).
•
Single belt “MONO” models
The belt (1) must go over the left shoulder
towards the right hip. 
•
Double belt models
The belt (2) must be worn with:
–the padded part and snap-hook coupling on
the right;
–the release in front;
–the belt cross-over on the operator’s back.
The belts must be tensioned so that the load is
evenly distributed on the shoulders.
•
“FLEX” models
Wear the webbing harness like a normal back-
pack.
Tension the belts so that the load is evenly dis-
tributed on the shoulders, fasten the waist belt
and connect the elastic to the plate.
USING THE MACHINE
When working, the
machine must always be firmly held in both
hands, keeping the power unit on the right of
the body and the cutting group below the line
of the belt.
Stop the engine immedi-
ately if the blade stops during sawing. Always
beware of a kickback, which could occur if a
blade encounters a solid object (logs, roots,
branches, stones, etc.). Do not touch the

!WARNING!

!WARNING!
7. USING THE MACHINE 
						

							EN12USING THE MACHINE
ground with the blade. Kickbacks cause
blade recoils that are difficult to control, so as
to cause loss of control of the machine, com-
promise operator safety and cause damage
to the machine itself.
Before tackling a mowing job for the first time it
is advisable to gain the necessary familiarity with
the machine and the most suitable cutting tech-
niques, finding out how to wear the webbing cor-
rectly, firmly gripping the machine and making
the movements required by the job.
•
Choosing the cutting device
Choose the most suitable cutting device for the
job to be done, according to these general indi-
cations:
–
the 3-point bladeis suitable for cutting
brushwood and small shrubs up to 2 cm in
diameter;
–
the 4-point bladeis suitable for cutting resist-
ant grass over large surfaces;
–
the cutting line headcan eliminate tall grass
and non-woody vegetation near fences, walls,
foundations, pavements, around trees, etc. or
to completely clean a particular area of the
garden;
–
the saw blade(if permitted) is suitable for cut-
ting resistant bushes, shrubs and small trees
with a trunk up to 6 cm.
WORKING TECHNIQUES
a) 3-point blade (Fig. 13)
Start cutting above the undergrowth and then
move down with the scything blade so as to cut
the brush into small pieces.
b) 4-point blade (Fig. 14)
Proceed using the machine as a traditional
scythe, with a circular movement of about 60-
90°, thus moving outside the undergrowth, and
so on.  
c) Cutting line head
Use ONLY nylon lines. The
!WARNING!
use of metal lines, plasticised metal lines
and/or lines not suitable for the head can
cause serious injuries and wounds.
During use it is advisable to stop the engine peri-
odically and remove the weeds wound round the
machine, so as to prevent the drive tube from
overheating due to the grass caught under the
guard. 
Remove the caught-up grass with a screwdriver
to allow the rod to be properly cooled.
Do not use the machine
for sweeping, tilting the cutting line head.
The power of the engine could throw objects
and small stones 15 metres or more, causing
damage and injuries to people.
•Cutting in motion (Scything) (Fig. 15)
Proceed at a regular pace, with a circular motion
similar to a traditional scythe, without tilting the
cutting line head during the operation.
First try cutting at the right height in a small area,
so as to then achieve a uniform cutting height
keeping the cutting line head at a constant dis-
tance from the ground.
For heavier cutting it can be useful to tilt the cut-
ting line head by about 30°.
Do not work in this way if
there is the possibility of causing objects to
be thrown, which could harm people and ani-
mals and cause damage.
•Precision cutting (Trimming)
Keep the machine slightly tilted so that the lower
part of the cutting line head does not touch the
ground and the cutting line is at the required
point, always keeping the cutting device at a dis-
tance from the operator.
•Cutting near fences/foundations (Fig.16)
Slowly approach the cutting line head to fences,
posts, rocks, walls, etc. without hitting them
hard. 

!WARNING!

!WARNING! 
						

							If the line strikes a solid object it could break or
become worn; if it gets tangled in a fence it
could break abruptly.
In any case, cutting around pavements, founda-
tions, walls, etc. can cause greater wear than
normal in the line.
•Cutting round trees (Fig.17)
Walk round the tree from left to right, approach-
ing the trunks slowly so as not to strike the tree
with the line and keeping the cutting line head
tilted forward slightly.
Remember that the nylon line could lop or dam-
age small shrubs and that the impact of the
nylon line against the trunk of bushes or trees
with soft bark could seriously damage the plant.
•
Adjusting line length when working (Fig. 18)
This machine is fitted with a “Tap & Go” head.
To release more line, tap the cutting line head
against the round with the engine at top speed:
the line will be released automatically and the
knife cut off the excess length.
d) Saw blade (if permitted) (Fig. 19)
Use of the saw blade is
prohibited on machines marked with the spe-
cific symbol (see chap. 2 n° 6). When using
the saw blade, where permitted, the specific
guard must always be fitted. The blade must
always be well sharpened to reduce the risk
of kickback.
When felling small trees,
estimate the direction in which the cut tree
will fall, also taking the wind direction into
consideration.
To get a good result when felling small trees, the
cut must be made with a rapid movement
towards the branch or trunk to be cut, with the
engine at maximum revs.

!WARNING!

!WARNING!
Do not use the right-hand area of the blade
because there is a high risk of kickback or the
blade seizing up, due to the direction of rotation.
END OF OPERATIONS
When you have finished your work:
–Switch off the engine as indicated above
(Chap. 6).
–Wait for the cutting device to stop and fit the
blade guard (if 3 or 4-point blades of saw
blades are used).
USING THE MACHINE13EN 
						

							Correct maintenance is essential to maintain the
original efficiency and safety of the machine over
time.
During maintenance oper-
ations:
–Remove the spark plug cap.
–Wait until the engine is sufficiently cold.
–Use protective gloves when handling the
blades.
–Keep the blade protection device on,
except when intervening directly on the
blade.
–Never dispose of oils, fuel or other polluting
materials in unauthorised places.
CYLINDER AND SILENCER
To reduce fire risks, periodically clean the cylin-
der flaps with compressed air and clear the
silencer area to get rid of sawdust, branches,
leaves or other debris.
STARTING SYSTEM
To avoid overheating and damage to the engine,
always keep the cooling air vents clean and free
of sawdust and debris.
The starter rope must be replaced as soon as it
shows signs of wear.
NUTS AND SCREWS
Periodically check that all the nuts and screws
are securely tightened and the handgrips are
tightly fastened.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER  (Fig. 20)
Cleaning the air filter is
essential to guarantee the efficiency and duration
of the machine. Do not work with a damaged fil-
ter or without a filter, as this could permanently
damage the engine. 
It must be cleaned after every 8-10 working
hours.
Clean the filter as follows:
–Remove the cover (1) and filter element (2) by
pressing the tongue (3).
IMPORTANT

!WARNING!
–Wash the filter element(2) with soap and water.
Do not use petrol or other solvents.
–Leave the filter to dry in the open air. 
–Fit the filter element (2) and the cover (1) back
on.
CHECKING THE SPARK PLUG (Fig. 21)
Periodically remove and clean the spark plug
using a metal brush to get rid of any deposits.
Check and reset the correct distance between
the electrodes.
Replace the spark plug and fasten it firmly using
the supplied wrench.
The spark plug must be replaced with one with
the same characteristics whenever the elec-
trodes have burnt or the insulation has worn, and
in any case every 100 working hours.
TUNING THE CARBURETTOR
The carburettor is tuned by the manufacturer to
achieve maximum performance in all situations,
with a minimum emission of toxic gas in compli-
ance with the regulations in force.
In the case of poor performance contact your
Dealer for a check of the carburetion and engine.
•
Tuning minimum speed 
The minimum speed must
only be tuned if the cutting device moves
when the engine idles.
Speed is reduced by turning the screw marked
«MIN» anti-clockwise until the cutting device
stops moving. The engine should continue to run
as normal.
If the engine does not idle smoothly, turn the
screw clockwise to increase the speed.
The cutting device must
not move when the engine idles; contact your
dealer if you are not able to tune it to your
satisfaction.
!WARNING!

!WARNING!
14MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE EN
8. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE  
						

							ANGLE TRANSMISSION (Fig. 22)
Lubricate with lithium-based grease. 
Remove the screw (1) and put in the grease,
turning the shaft manually until grease emerges,
then replace the screw (1).
SHARPENING THE 3 OR 4-POINT BLADE
(Fig. 23)
Use protective gloves. If
sharpening is done without removing the
blade, disconnect the spark plug cap.
Sharpening must be done taking account of the
type of blade and cutting edges, using a flat file
and working all the points equally.
The references for correct sharpening are given
in Fig. 23:
A = Incorrect sharpening
B = Sharpening limits
C = Incorrect and unequal angles
It is important to retain the correct balance after
sharpening.
3 or 4-point blades can be used from both sides.
When one side of the points is worn, the blade
can be turned and the other side used.
The blade must never be
repaired, but must be replaced as soon as
signs of breaking are noted or the sharpening
limit is exceeded.
HEAD LINE REPLACEMENT
Follow the instructions attached to the head for
replacing the nylon line.
SHARPENING THE LINE CUTTING KNIFE
(Fig. 24)
–Remove the line cutting knife (1) from the
guard (2) by unscrewing screw (3).
–Fix the line cutting knife in a vice and sharpen
it using a flat file, being careful to retain the
original cutting angle.
–Refit the knife on the guard.

!WARNING!

!WARNING!SHARPENING THE 24-TOOTH SAW BLADE
(Fig. 25)
Use protective gloves. If
sharpening is done without removing the
blade, disconnect the spark plug cap.
Check that the blade set is approximately 1 mm
and, if necessary, adjust it with pliers.
Sharpen all the teeth uniformly using a round file
(1) 5.5 mm in diameter, using it as shown in the
figure and working alternately on the left and
right teeth. 
The tooth profile must not be changed.
The saw blade is not
reversible, thus it must only be used from one
side.
The blade must never be repaired, but must be
replaced as soon as signs of breaking are noted
or the sharpening limit is exceeded.
EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE
All maintenance operations not foreseen in this
manual must be performed exclusively by your
dealer.
All and any operations performed in unautho-
rised centres or by unqualified persons will total-
ly invalidate the warranty.
STORAGE
After every work stint, clean the machine thor-
oughly to remove all dust and debris, and repair
or replace any faulty parts.
The machine must be stored in a dry place away
from the elements and with the cover correctly
fitted.

!WARNING!

!WARNING! MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE 
15EN