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5
Safety (continued)
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area outdoors
where there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove
the fuel cap only after stopping engine. Do not
smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any
spilled fuel from the unit immediately.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. Do not
smoke, keep sparks and open flames from the area
while adding fuel or operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate
this unit only in a well ventilated area outdoors.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing pro-
tection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust
mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long
sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry,
short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair
above shoulder level.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in
place while operating the unit. Do not operate unit
without both trimming lines extended, and the proper
line installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond
the length of the shield.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment
remains stationary when the engine is idling. If it
does not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized
service technician.
• Adjust the J-Handle to your size to provide the best
grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operat-
ing. Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear han-
dle or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment when it is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler.
These parts get extremely hot from operation. When
turned off they remain hot for a short time.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at
high speed when not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or
when walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage.
Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance,
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or
other attachments.
• Use only genuine manufacturer’s replacement parts
and accessories for this unit. These are available
from your authorized service dealer. Use of any parts
or accessories not authorized by the manufacturer
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to
the unit, and void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the cutting
attachment and shield.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and
spark arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from
grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE
• Read and understand all safety warnings before
operating this unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when using the
brush blade accessory.
• Keep the J-handle between the operator and cutting
attachment or blade at all times.
• NEVER cut with the cutting blade located over 30
inches (76 cm) or more above the ground level.
• Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade
contacts an object that it does not immediately cut.
Blade thrust can be violent enough to cause the unit
and/or operator to be propelled in any direction , and
possibly lose control of the unit. Blade thrust can
occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or
binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is
difficult to see the material being cut.
• For operation with the brush blade, do not cut
anything thicker than 1/2 inch or a violent kickback
could occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is
rotating.
• A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues
to spin after the engine is stopped or the throttle trig-
ger is released. Maintain proper control until the
blade has completely stopped rotating.