chapter “Starting/Stopping the Engine.” If this starting
position is not the desired cutting position, you will then
need to carefully adjust the machine to the desired posi-
tion once the engine has returned to idle and the blades
are no longer moving.
On machines with a defined transport position (cutter bar-
folded against the drive tube): Never start the machine in
the transport position, since the blades are not engaged
in that position and you therefore cannot visually check
to see that they will be stopped at idle when you startto
adjust the cutter bar to the desired cutting position (where
the blades are engaged).
Start the engine at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the fue-
ling spot, outdoors only.
For specific starting instructions, see the appropriate sec-
tion of your power tool and attachment manuals. Place
the power tool on firm ground or other solid surface in
an open area. Maintain good balance and secure footing.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from blade contact, be abso-
lutely sure that the cutting tool is clear of you and all other
obstructions and objects, including the ground.
Once the engine has started, immediately blip the throttle
trigger, which should release the starting throttle and al-
low the engine to slow down to idle.
With the engine running only at idle, attach the power
tool to the spring hook of your harness (see appropriate
chapter of this manual).
See also the Safety Precautions on Starting in the inst-
ruction manual of the power tool.
Important Adjustments
See “Important Adjustments” of ENGINE as well.
During Operation
See “Important Adjustments” of ENGINE as well.
Warning!
Never attempt to operate your power tool with
one hand. Loss of control of the power tool re-
sulting in serious or fatal injury may result. To
reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep hands and
feet away from the cutting tool. Never touch a
moving cutting tool with your hand orany other
part of your body.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Special care must be taken in slippery conditions
(wet ground, snow) and in difficult, overgrown terrain.
Watch for hidden obstacles such as tree stumps, roots
and ditches to avoid stumbling. For better footing, clea-
raway fallen branches, scrub and cuttings. Be extremely
cautious when working on slopes or uneven ground.To
reduce the risk of injury from loss of control, never work
on a ladder, in a tree or any other insecure support. Never
hold the machine above shoulder height.
Working conditions
Operate and start your power tool only outdoors in a well
ventilated area. Operate it under good visibility and day-
light conditions only. Work carefully.
Warning!
If the vegetation being cut or the surrounding ground is
coated with a chemical substance (such as an active pes-
ticide or herbicide), read and follow the instructions and
warnings that accompanied the substance at issue.
As soon as the engine is running, this prod-
uct generates toxic exhaust fumes containing
chemicals, such as unburned hydrocarbons
(including benzene) and carbon monoxide, that
are known to cause respiratory problems, can-
cer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Some of the gases (e.g. carbon monoxide) may be col-
ourless and odourless. To reduce the risk of serious or
fatal injury/illness from inhaling toxic fumes, never run
the machine indoors or in poorly ventilated locations. If
exhaust fumes become concentrated due to insufficient
ventilation, clear obstructions from work area to permit
proper ventilation before proceeding and/or take frequent
breaks to allow fumes to dissipate before they become
concentrated. Inhalation of certain dust, especially or-
ganic duxts can cause susceptible persons to have an al-
lergic reaction. Substantial or repeated inhalation of dust
and other airborne contaminants, in particular those with
a smaller particle size, may cause respiratory or other ill-
nesses. Control dust at the source where possible.
Use good work practices, such as operating the unit so
that the wind or operating process directs any dust raised
by the power tool away from the operator. When the inha-
lation of dust cannot be substantially controlled, i.e., kept
at or near the ambient (background) level, the operator
and any bystanders should wear a respirator for the type
of dust encountered. Breathing asbestos dust is danger-
ous and can cause severe or fatal injury, respiratory ill-
ness or cancer. The use and disposal of asbestos-con-
taining products have been strictly regulated by OSHA
and the Environmental Protection Agency. If you have
any reason to believe that you might be cutting asbes-
tos, immediately contact your employer or a local OSHA
representative.
Operating instructions
Warning!
The cutter blades continue to move fo ra short period af-
ter the throttle trigger is released (flywheel effect).
Accelerating the engine while the blades are blocked
increases the load and will cause the clutch to slipcon-
tinuously. This may resultin overheating and damage to
important components (e.g. clutch, polymerhousing com-
ponents)- which can then increase the riskof injury from
the blades moving while the engine is idling.
On units with an adjustable cutter bar: Carefully adjust
the cutter bar to the desired cutting position. To reduce
the risk of injury, never touch the blades while making
adjustments.
Only adjust the cutter bar when the blade are no
longer moving and the engine is turned off.
GB-6
