14
Figure 27
The blade rotates counter-clockwise. For
best performance and to minimize being
struck by debris, move the blade from
right to left while advancing on your work.
Position the blade so cuts are made
between the blade’s 8 o’clock and 10
o’clock positions (as viewed from above).
DO NOT cut between the 10 o’clock and
5 o’clock positions (shaded area). See
Figure 27.
WARNING!
When making vertical cuts, never allow
the blade to exceed waist height.
WARNING!
DO NOT use 2-tooth or NON-
Shindaiwa approved 4-tooth cutting
blades with Shindaiwa brushcutters.
Vertical cuts
Hold the brushcutter with the blade at a
90° angle to the ground so the blade’s
bottom edge rotates toward the opera-
tor. Move the blade from top to bottom
through the cut, and cut only with the
bottom edge of the blade.
WARNING!
When cutting wood with a blade, feed
the blade slowly.
Never strike or “slam”
a spinning blade against the wood.
Cut on the left side of the blade.
KEEP YOUR BODY OUTSIDE THE
PATH OF BLADE ROTATION
Figure 28
WARNING!
■
Before working with a blade-
equipped unit, always inspect and
clean the area of objects that could
interfere with or damage the blade.
■
Never use a blade near sidewalks,
fence posts, buildings or other
objects that could cause injury or
damage.
■
Never use a blade for purposes
other than those for which it was
designed.
■
Whenever you strike a hard ob-
ject with a blade, always stop the
brushcutter and carefully inspect the
blade for damage. NEVER OPER-
ATE THE BRUSHCUTTER WITH A
DAMAGED BLADE!
■
A blade-equipped unit
must
be
equipped with a bicycle-type handle-
bar or barrier bar as well as a har-
ness or strap.
■
Always make sure the cutting at-
tachment shield is properly installed
before operating the unit.
Blade Thrust
‘Blade thrust’ is a sudden sideways or
backward motion of the brushcutter. Such
motion may occur when the blade jams
or catches on an object such as a sapling
tree or tree stump. BE CONSTANTLY
ALERT FOR BLADE THRUST AND
GUARD AGAINST ITS EFFECTS!
Brushcutter Handlebar
A brushcutter’s handlebar or barrier bar
helps prevent the operator from moving
forward, or the unit moving rearward, thus
preventing inadvertent bodily contact with
the blade. ALWAYS KEEP THE HANDLE-
BAR SECURELY IN PLACE ON THE
UNIT!
Brushcutter Harness
A harness provides additional protection
against blade thrust. In addition, a harness
gives signi
fi
cant support and comfort to
help ensure safe and ef
fi
cient operation.
When operating a brushcutter, make sure
both the handle and harness are adjusted
to the size of the operator using the unit.
Using A Brushcutter with a Blade
Engine Operating Speeds
Operate the engine at full throttle while
cutting. Best fuel ef
fi
ciency is obtained by
releasing the throttle when swinging back
after a cut.
■
To prevent possible engine damage, do
not allow the brushcutter to run at high
speeds without a load.
■
Avoid operating the attachment at low
speeds. Doing so can lead to rapid
clutch wear. In addition, slow-speed op-
eration tends to cause grass and debris
to wrap around the cutting head.
DO
N
O
T C
U
T
Ten
O'clock
OK To Cut
Eight
O'clock
Five
O'clock
Blade
Rotation
