Yard Machines MTD308P, Operator'S Manual

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PLEASE READ - SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions
should always be followed to assure maximum safety and
optimum performance. Read this manual before assem-
bling and operating this appliance. Failure to comply with
instructions may result in electrical shock, burns, fire, or
personal injury.
WARNING
1-1. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, BURNS, FIRE OR PERSONAL
INJURY:
1. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS listed in
this manual before/during operation of this trimmer.
2. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK this
equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized exten-
sion cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the extension cord, reverse the plug. Do not change
the plug in any way.
3. INSPECT UNIT FOR DAMAGE to the housing or
plug. Keep all fasteners tight. Do not use if the trigger
does not turn the unit off properly. Never use unit if
cord or plug has been damaged, the motor or unit
itself is not working as it should or has been dropped,
damaged, left outdoors or dropped in water. Never
operate with any air opening blocked. Keep air open-
ings free of debris that may reduce air flow. Replace
damaged parts that are chipped, cracked or dam-
aged in any way. Keep cutter knife sharp.
4. DOUBLE INSULATED to help protect against
electric shock. Double insulation construction
consists of 2 separate “layers” of electric insulation.
Appliances built with this insulation system are not
intended to be grounded. As a result, the extension
cord used with your unit can be plugged into any
conventional 120 volt electrical outlet. Normal safety
precautions must be observed when operating an
electrical appliance. The double insulation system is
only for added protection against injury resulting from
a possible internal electrical insulation failure.
5. EXTENSION CORD - Use only with an extension
cord intended for outdoor use. Match wire gauge to
the cord length. See table below. A 2-wire cord with-
out a ground connection may be used since this
appliance is double insulated. If in doubt of proper
wire size, use the next heavier gauge. Please note
that the smaller the gauge number, the heavier the
cord.
(1). When using the appliance, an extension cord of ade-
quate size must be used for safety and to prevent
loss of power and overheating.
(2). The extension cord must be specifically intended for
outdoor use and marked “SJ” or “SJT” and with the
suffix “WA”. In Canada, the extension cord must be
marked “SFTW”.
(3). Inspect extension power cord for loose or exposed
wires and damaged insulation. If damaged, replace
before using appliance.
DO NOT ABUSE CORD - Never carry appliance by
cord or pull cord to disconnect from outlet. Keep cord
clear of operator and obstacles at all times. Do not
expose cord to heated surfaces, oil or water. Do not
pull cord around sharp edges, corners or close door
on cord.
6. NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE - Your dou-
ble insulated appliance has no serviceable parts
inside. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. For serv-
ice information, contact the Yard Machines Product
Service Department.
7. RISK OF EYE INJURY - Always wear goggles or
other suitable eye protection when operating your
trimmer. Edging increases the risk of injury caused by
flying debris. Always keep bystanders at a safe dis-
tance.
8. KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY from rotating line.
Do not operate without debris shield attached.
9. DRESS PROPERLY - Always wear long pants, shoes
and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot.
10. KEEP AREA CLEAR - Keep everyone, especially
children and pets away from the area of operation 50
feet (15m). Turn off unit immediately if you are
approached. Never allow children to operate the
appliance to be used as a toy or to run unattended at
any time.
11. AVOID A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT - Do not
use in the presence of flammable liquids or gases,
smoking or burning materials to avoid creating a fire
or explosion. Never operate the trimmer in wet or
damp conditions or around swimming pools, hot tub,
etc. Do not use in rain. Do not handle plug, cord or
appliance with wet hands.
12. USE APPLIANCE CORRECTLY - Use this appliance
only for its intended use as described in this manual.
DO NOT SWEEP WITH TRIMMER - Sweeping refers
to tilting stringhead to sweep away debris from walk-
ways, etc. Your trimmer is a powerful tool and small
stones or other such debris may be hurled 50 feet or
more, causing injury or damage to nearby property
such as automobiles, homes and windows. Inspect
area before starting the appliance to remove debris
and other objects that can cause damage during
operation.
13. DO NOT USE ACCESSORIES or attachments
except as recommended and provided by Yard
Machines. Do not use any type of wire or metal cut-
ting line.
14. DO NOT OVERREACH - Keep firm footing and bal-
ance at all times.
15. AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING - Do not carry
plugged in trimmer with your finger on the switch.
16. DISCONNECT trimmer from power supply when not
in use and before servicing stringhead.
17. STORE idle trimmer indoors. Appliance should be
stored in a dry, high or locked up place - out of the
reach of children.
18. Don’t grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting
edges when picking up or holding the appliance.
19. Don’t force appliance - it will do the job better and
witth less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for
which it was designed.
EXPLANATION OF NOTE, WARNING, and
WARRANTY SYMBOL
1. A NOTE is used to convey additional information, or
highlight a particular explanation, or to expand a step
instruction.
2. A WARNING identifies a procedure which, if not
undertaken or if improperly done, can result in a seri-
ous personal injury or damage to the unit and/or
both.
3. ( WARRANTY SYMBOL ) serves notice that
unless instructions or procedures are followed,
any damage will void the warranty and repairs will be
at owner’s expense. Service other than user mainte-
nance should be performed by a Yard Machines
Authorized Service Center. Damage or conditions
caused by improper maintenance practices which
render this product inoperable will void the manufac-
turer’s warranty.
4. FOR WARRANTY OR SERVICE contact the nearest
Yard Machines Authorized Service Center by calling
800# on back cover.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATIOIN
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE RECOMMENDATIONS
VOLTS
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
WIRE SIZE
REQUIRED
120
25 feet / 7.5m 18 A.W.G.*
50 feet / 15m 16 A.W.G.*
100 feet / 30m 16 A.W.G.*
*American Wire Gauge
Table 1
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATIOIN