3
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
Maintenance & Storage
1.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
2.
Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage and repair, if needed.
3.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, stop the engine and make certain the impeller and
all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.
4.
Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in place and operating properly.
5.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
6.
Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting and storage of this machine.
7.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot
light such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, etc.
8.
Allow machine to cool at least five (5) minutes before storing.
9.
Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions on off-season storage.
10.
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
11.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
12.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an
Average Useful Life
of seven (7) years, or 60
hours of operation. At the end of the
Average Useful Life
have the machine inspected annually
by an authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are working
properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Do Not Modify Engine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor
setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with
factory setting of engine governor.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for
SORE (Small Off-Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may
include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC),
Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC), if so equipped.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING
This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be
used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered
land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In
the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or
contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
WARNING
Your Responsibility — Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol
Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate.
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades inside.
BYSTANDERS
Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
WARNING— THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw objects which can ricochet.
EYE PROTECTION
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when operating this machine.