5
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
•
All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in
this manual, should be performed by a qualified service dealer.
•
Before inspecting, maintaining, 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. For gas-powered units, disconnect the spark plug wire. For
electric-powered units, disconnect the unit from the power
source. For battery-powered units, remove the battery.
•
The tines become very sharp from use. Always wear heavy
gloves when handling, replacing or cleaning the tines.
•
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.).
•
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
•
Store the unit in a dry place, secured or at a height to prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
•
Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each
use, see
Cleaning and Storage
instructions.
•
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 Z87.1
standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection
when operating this unit. Wear a face 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.
•
Make sure the attachment is not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
•
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
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 steep slopes or inclines.
•
Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not
touch or try to stop moving parts.
•
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.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit towards you.
•
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.
•
If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before
repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
•
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.
•
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.
