2
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
Training
1.
Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before
attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2.
Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.
3.
Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate this machine. Children 16 and over
should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and
on the machine and be trained and supervised by an adult.
4.
Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5.
Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to
other people, their property and themselves.
Preparation
1.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all rocks, bottles,
cans or other foreign objects which could be picked up or thrown and cause personal injury
or damage to the machine.
2.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair, to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
injury to the eyes.
3.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting
clothes or jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or
sandals. Wear leather work gloves when feeding material in the chipper chute.
4.
Before starting, check all bolts and screws for proper tightness to be sure the machine is in
safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage at frequent intervals.
5.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
6.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where
specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
1.
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline
is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change
clothes immediately.
a.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
b.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
c.
When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with
a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all
times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
e.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
f.
Never fuel machine indoors.
g.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine
to cool at least five (5) minutes before refueling.
h.
Never over-fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2-inch below bottom of filler
neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
i.
Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
j.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another
area. Wait five (5) minutes before starting the engine.
k.
To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up.
Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
l.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame,
spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other
gas appliances.
Operation
1.
Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the feeding chambers and discharge
opening. Contact with the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands and feet.
2.
Before starting the machine, make sure the chipper chute, feed intake (nozzle) and cutting
chamber are empty and free of all debris.
3.
Thoroughly inspect all material to be shredded and remove any metal, rocks, bottles, cans or
other foreign objects which could cause personal injury or damage to the machine.
4.
If the impeller strikes a foreign object or if your machine should start making an unusual
noise or vibration, immediately shut the engine off. Allow the impeller to come to a
complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine and perform the
following steps:
a.
Inspect for damage.
b.
Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c.
Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continued safe operation.
5.
Do not allow an accumulation of processed material to build up in the discharge area. This
can prevent proper discharge and result in kickback of material through the feed opening.
6.
Do not attempt to shred or chip material larger than specified on the machine or in this
manual. Personal injury or machine damage could result.
7.
Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or discharge opening, remove or empty the
vacuum bag or inspect and repair the machine while the engine is running. Shut the engine
off, wait until all moving parts have stopped, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
8.
Never operate without the chipper chute, vacuum bag, inlet nozzle or optional hose
attachment (if applicable) properly attached to the machine. Never attempt to attach or
change either attachment while the engine is running. Never empty or change vacuum bag
while the engine is running. Vacuum bag must be kept closed at all times during operation.
9.
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. The governor controls
the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
10.
Keep your face and body back and to the side of the chipper chute while feeding material
into the machine to avoid accidental kickback injuries.
11.
Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
12.
Do not operate this machine on a paved, gravel or non-level surface.
13.
Do not operate this machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
14.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
15.
Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.
16.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgement.
Contact Customer Support for assistance and the name of the nearest service dealer.
17.
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
18.
If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for
the cause. Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble.
19.
Stop the engine when leaving the operating position, and when making any repairs,
adjustments and inspections.
20.
Take all possible precautions as recommended by the manufacturer when leaving the
machine unattended. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop, to prevent
unauthorized operation.
21.
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes
can collect.
WARNING
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and
follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see
this symbol -
HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of
the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.