3
S
Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
S
Always use the handlebar and a properly
adjusted shoulder strap with a blade (see
ASSEMBLY).
UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY
WARNING:
Stop unit and disconnect
the spark plug before performing mainte-
nance (except carburetor adjustments).
S
Look for and replace damaged or loose
parts before each use. Look for and repair
fuel leaks before use. Keep unit in good
working condition.
S
Throw away blades that are bent, warped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way. Replace trimmer head parts that are
cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in
any other way before using the unit.
S
Maintain unit according to recommended
procedures. Keep blade sharp. Keep cut-
ting line at the proper length.
S
Use only 0.080
″
(2 mm) diameter Weed
Eater
®
brand replacement line. Never use
wire, rope, string, etc.
S
Install required shield properly before using
the unit. Use the metal shield for all metal
blade use. Use the plastic shield for all line
trimmer use.
S
Use only specified blade or trimmer head;
make sure it is properly installed and se-
curely fastened.
S
Never start engine with clutch shroud re-
moved. The clutch can fly off and cause se-
rious injury.
S
Be sure blade or trimmer head stops turning
when engine idles.
S
Make carburetor adjustments with the low-
er end supported to prevent blade or trim-
mer line from contacting any object. Hold
unit by hand; do not use the shoulder strap
for support.
S
Keep others away when making carburetor
adjustments.
S
Use only recommended Weed Eater
r
ac-
cessories and replacement parts.
S
Have all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual performed by your
authorized service dealer.
FUEL SAFETY
S
Mix and pour fuel outdoors.
S
Keep away from sparks or flames.
S
Use a container approved for fuel.
S
Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit or while using the unit.
S
Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting engine.
S
Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
the fueling site before starting engine.
S
Stop engine and allow it to cool before re-
moving fuel cap.
S
Empty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the car-
buretor by starting the engine and letting it
run until it stops.
S
Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
S
Always store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING:
Inspect the area to be
cut before each use. Remove objects (rocks,
broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which
can be thrown or become entangled in the
blade or trimmer head.
S
Keep others including children, animals,
bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15
meters) away. Stop engine immediately if
you are approached.
S
Always keep engine on the right--hand side
of your body.
S
Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
S
Keep firm footing and balance.
Do not
overreach.
S
Keep blade or trimmer head below waist level.
Do not raise engine above your waist.
S
Keep all parts of your body away from
blade, trimmer head, and muffler when en-
gine is running. Keep all of your body away
from the muffler when it is hot. A hot muffler
can cause serious burns.
S
Cut from your left to your right. Cutting on
right side of the shield will throw debris
away from the operator.
S
Use only in daylight or good artificial light.
S
Use only for jobs explained in this manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
S
Stop the unit before carrying.
S
Keep muffer away from your body.
S
Allow the engine to cool and secure the unit
before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.
S
Empty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carbu-
retor by starting the engine and letting it run
until it stops.
S
Store unit so the blade or line limiter blade
cannot accidentally cause injury. The unit
can be hung by the tube.
S
Store unit out of reach of children.
SAFETY NOTICE:
Exposure to vibrations
through prolonged use of gasoline powered
hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve
damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of
people prone to circulation disorders or abnor-
mal swellings. Prolonged use in cold weather
has been linked to blood vessel damage in
otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur
such as numbness, pain, loss of strength,
change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling
in the fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the
use of this tool and seek medical attention. An
anti--vibration system does not guarantee the
avoidance of these problems. Users who oper-
ate power tools on a continual and regular basis
must monitor closely their physical condition
and the condition of this tool.
SPECIAL NOTICE:
This unit is equipped
with a temperature limiting muffler and spark
arresting screen which meets the require-
ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All
U.S. forest land and the states of California,
Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ore-
gon, and Washington require by law that
many internal combustion engines be
equipped with a spark arresting screen. If you
