3
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
•
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and
proper use of the unit. Know how to stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
•
Stay alert. Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
•
Never allow children to operate the unit. Teens must be trained,
accompanied and supervised by an adult. Never allow adults to
operate the unit without proper instruction.
•
All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
•
Inspect the unit before use. Check for damaged parts. Check for
fuel leaks. Make sure all parts operate properly. Make sure all
fasteners are in place and secure. Make sure all moving parts are
properly aligned and are not bound. Replace parts that are cracked,
chipped, or damaged in any way. Have all damaged or improperly
working parts repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
•
Only use the trimming line described in the
Specifications
section
of this manual. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or
rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
•
Do not replace the cutting head with rigid or metal blades. Doing
so could result in serious injury.
•
Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
•
Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects that
may be thrown or become entangled with the unit.
•
Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them
outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are
still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
•
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using the unit.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine.
•
This unit is intended for occasional, household use only.
WARNING:
When using the unit, all safety
instructions must be followed. Please read these
instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the
safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please keep
these instructions for later use.
WHILE OPERATING
•
Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSI / ISEA
Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face mask 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 head shield must always be in place while operating
the unit. Do not operate the unit without both trimming lines
extended and the proper line installed. Do not extend the
trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
•
The cutting head should remain stationary when the engine
idles. If it does not, refer to
Adjusting the Idle Speed
.
•
Adjust the handle to provide the best grip, if applicable.
•
Make sure the cutting head 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. Refer to
Starting and Stopping
.
•
Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
Only use the unit as described in this manual.
•
Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on both handles or grips.
•
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take
extra care when working on stairs, steep slopes or inclines. To
avoid serious injury, do not operate the unit while on a ladder or
a roof.
•
Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not
touch or try to stop moving parts.
•
Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
•
Do not operate the unit faster than the speed needed to do the
job. Do not run the unit at high speed when not in use.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
•
Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved
for the storage of such materials.
•
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the
tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the
engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve
any pressure in the tank before fueling.
•
Always mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area
where there are no sparks or flames. DO NOT smoke.
•
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
•
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any
spilled fuel from the unit immediately, before starting the unit.
Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke.
•
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 outdoor area.
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable and
its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions:
