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:
3
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Maintain the unit with care.
• All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in
this manual, should be performed by an authorized service dealer.
• Never remove, modify or make inoperative any safety device
furnished with the unit.
• Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or
replacing any parts on the unit:
1. Stop the unit.
2. Make sure all moving parts have stopped.
3. Allow the unit to cool.
4. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
• Secure the unit while transporting.
• Never store the unit with fuel in the tank, inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame (pilot lights, etc.) or sparks
(switches, electrical motors, etc.).
• Store the unit in a dry place, secured or at a height to prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep the unit out of the reach of
children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.
Keep handles dry and clean (free from debris, oil and grease).
Clean the unit after each use. Refer to Cleaning and Storage. Do
not use solvents or strong detergents.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to
instruct other users. If you loan this unit to others, also loan
them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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.
• 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.
• Do not force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at
the intended rate.
• Always stop the unit when operation is delayed or when walking
from one location to another.
• Before setting the unit down, always make sure the engine is off
and all moving parts have stopped.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate the unit
before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
• Turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug for
maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement
parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any other parts or accessories
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit,
and void the warranty.
• Keep the unit clean. Carefully remove vegetation and other
debris that could block moving parts.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor.
Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.
• If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit immediately.
Inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is
generally an indicator of trouble.
