12
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING: do not attempt to operate this
trimmer until you thoroughly read and com-
pletely understand all instructions, safety rules,
etc. contained in this manual. Failure to comply
can result in accidents involving fire, electric
shock, or serious personal injury.
Save operator’s manual and review frequently
for continuing safe operation, and instructing
others who may use this tool.
READ ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• For safe operation, read and understand all
instructions before using the trimmer. Follow all
safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety
instructions listed below, can result in serious
personal injury.
• Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a
colorless, odorless poisonous gas. Inhaling car-
bon monoxide can cause serious brain injury or
death.
• Clear the work area before each use. Remove
all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails,
wire, or string which can be thrown or become
entangled in the string head.
• Wear full eye and hearing protection while
operating this unit.
• Wear heavy long pants, boots, and gloves. Do
not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, jew-
elry of any kind, or go barefoot.
• Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least
15 m (50 ft.) away.
• Do not operate this unit when you are tired,
ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medication.
• Do not operate in poor lighting.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance
or exposure to hot surfaces.
• Keep all parts of your body away from any
moving part.
• Do not touch areas around the muffler or cyl-
inder of the trimmer, these parts get hot from
operation.
• Always stop the engine and remove the spark
plug wire before making any adjustments or re-
pairs except for carburetor adjustments.
• Inspect the unit before each use for loose fas-
teners, fuel leaks, etc. Replace any damaged
parts before use.
• The string head will rotate during carburetor
adjustments.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: it has been re-
ported that vibrations from hand-held tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s
Syndrome in certain individuals. Symptoms may
include tingling, numbness and blanching of the
fingers, usually apparent upon exposure to cold.
Hereditary factors, exposure to cold and damp-
ness, diet, smoking and work practices are all
thought to contribute to the development of
these symptoms. It is presently unknown what,
if any, vibrations or extent of exposure may con-
tribute to the condition. There are measures
that can be taken by the operator to possibly
reduce the effects of vibration:
a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When
operating the unit wear gloves to keep the
hands and wrists warm. It is reported that cold
weather is a major factor contributing to Rayn-
aud’s Syndrome.
b) After each period of operation, exercise to
increase blood circulation.
c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount
of exposure per day.
d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners
tightened and worn parts replaced.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this
condition, immediately discontinue use and see
your physician about these symptoms.
CAUTIONS FOR FUEL AND REFUEL HANDLING
• Gasoline is extremely flammable and can be
explosive under certain conditions, creating the
potential for serious burns. When refueling,
servicing fuel system, draining gasoline and/or
adjusting the carburetor:
Stop engine and allow it to cool before refuel-
ing. DO NOT smoke.
• Make sure the area is well-ventilated and free
from any source of flame or sparks, including
the pilot light of any appliance.
• DO NOT fill the tank so the fuel level rises into
the filler neck or level surface of level gauge. If
the tank is overfilled, heat may cause the fuel to
expand and overflow through the vents in the
tank cap. Wipe off any spilled gasoline imme-
diately.
• Engines can become extremely hot during nor-
mal operation.
To prevent fire hazard: Keep the engine at least
1 m (3.3 ft) away from buildings, obstructions
and other flammable objects. DO NOT place
flammable objects close to the engine. DO NOT
expose combustible materials to the engine ex-
haust. To avoid getting an electric shock, DO
NOT touch spark plugs, plug caps or spark plug
leads during engine running.
To avoid a serious burn, DO NOT touch a hot en-
gine or muffler. The engine becomes hot during
