injury from the rakes and tines moving while the
engine is idling.
Keep the rakes and tines clear of foreign objects
– such objects may be caught and thrown and
damage the rakes and tines.
Check the rakes and their tines at regular short
intervals or immediately if there is a noticeable
change in the tool's behavior:
–
Shut off the engine, hold the machine
securely.
–
Check the condition and firm seat, watch out
for fine cracks
–
Replace damaged parts immediately, even if
they have only superficial cracks.
–
Shut off the engine and remove the spark plug
boot before replacing the tines or rake with
tines – risk of injury!.
Never continue using or attempt to repair dam‐
aged or cracked rakes or tines.
2.8
Vibrations
Prolonged use of the power tool may result in
vibration-induced circulation problems in the
hands (whitefinger disease).
No general recommendation can be given for the
length of usage because it depends on several
factors.
The period of usage is prolonged by:
–
Hand protection (wearing warm gloves)
–
Work breaks
The period of usage is shortened by:
–
Any personal tendency to suffer from poor cir‐
culation (symptoms: frequently cold fingers,
tingling sensations).
–
Low outside temperatures.
–
The force with which the handles are held (a
tight grip restricts circulation).
Continual and regular users should monitor
closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear (e.g. tingling
sensation in fingers), seek medical advice.
2.9
Maintenance and Repairs
Service the machine regularly. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not described in
the instruction manual. Have all other work per‐
formed by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that you have servicing and
repair work carried out exclusively by an author‐
ized STIHL servicing dealer. STIHL dealers are
regularly given the opportunity to attend training
courses and are supplied with the necessary
technical information.
Only use high-quality replacement parts in order
to avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the
machine. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL
replacement parts. They are specifically
designed to match your model and meet your
performance requirements.
To reduce the risk of injury, always shut off the
engine before carrying out any maintenance or
repairs or cleaning the machine. – Exception:
Carburetor and idle speed adjustments.
Do not turn the engine over on the starter with
the spark plug boot or spark plug removed
unless the slide control / stop switch is on STOP
or 0 since there is otherwise a risk of fire from
uncontained sparking.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not service or store
your machine near open flames.
Check the fuel filler cap for leaks at regular inter‐
vals.
Use only a spark plug of the type approved by
STIHL and make sure it is in good condition –
see "Specifications".
Inspect the ignition lead (insulation in good con‐
dition, secure connection).
Check the condition of the muffler.
To reduce the risk of fire and damage to hearing,
do not operate your machine if the muffler is
damaged or missing.
Do not touch a hot muffler since burn injury will
result.
Vibration behavior is influenced by the condition
of the AV elements – check the AV elements at
regular intervals.
English
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
6
0458-422-0121-D
