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WARNING
Make sure to use shoulder strap and cutting attachment guard. lf not, it
is very dangerous when you slip or lose your balance.
WARNING
CONTROLLING BLADE BOUNCE
Blade thrust can cause serious personal injury. Carefully study this
section. lt is important that you understand what causes blade thrust,
how you can reduce the chance of blade thrust and how you can remain
in control of the unit if blade thrust does occur.
1. What causes blade thrust:
blade thrust can occur when the moving blade contacts an object that it
cannot cut. This contact causes the blade to stop for an instan! and then
suddenly move or ounce away from the object that was hit. The operator
can lose control of the unit and the blade can cause serious personal injury
to the operator or any person nearby if the blade contacts any part of the
body.
2. How you can reduce the chance of blade thrust:
a. Recognize that blade thrust can happen. By understanding and knowing
about bounce, you can help eliminate the element of surprise.
b. Cut fibrous weeds and grass only. Do not let the blade contact materials
it cannot cut such as hard, woody vines and bushes or rocks, fences, metal,
etc.
c. Be extra prepared for bounce if you must cut where you cannot see the
blade making contact such as in areas of dense growth.
d. Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade increases the chance of bounce.
e. Avoid feeding the blade too rapidly. The blade can bounce away from
material being cut if the blade is fed !aster than its cutting capability.
f. Cut only from your right to your left.
g. Keep your path of advance clear of material that has been cut and other
debris.
3. How you can maintain the best control:
a. Keep a good, firm grip on the unit with both hands. A firm grip can help
neutralize bounce. Keep your right and left hands completely around the
respective handles.
b. Keep both feet spread apart in a comfortable stance and yet braced for
the possibility that the unit could bounce. Do not overreach. Keep firm
footing and balance.
MAINTENANCE BLADE
Check the blade and the fasteners for looseness, cracking, or bending.
Check the cutting edges and reform with a flat file.
Point:
