11
into the ground as this can scalp the ground
and damage the tool.
SWEEPING
-- The fanning action of the rotating
line can be used to blow away loose debris from
an area. Keep the line parallel to and above the
area surface and swing the tool from side to side.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USE WITH BRUSH BLADE
S
Blade Thrust
is a reaction that only occurs
when using a bladed unit. This reaction can
cause serious injury such as amputation.
Carefully study this section. It is important that
you understand what causes blade thrust,
how you can reduce the chance of its occur-
ring, and how you can remain in control of unit
if blade thrust occurs.
S
WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -- Blade
Thrust
can occur when the spinning blade
contacts an object that it does not cut. This
contact causes the blade to stop for an instant
and then suddenly move or “thrust” away from
the object that was hit. The “thrusting” reaction
can be violent enough to cause the operator to
be propelled in any direction and lose control
of the unit. The uncontrolled unit can cause
serious injury if the blade contacts the operator
or others.
S
WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS --
Blade Thrust
can occur without warning if
the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is
more likely to occur in areas where it is diffi-
cult to see the material being cut. By using
the unit properly, the occurrence of blade
thrust will be reduced and the operator will
be less likely to lose control.
S
Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up
to 2 inches in diameter with the brush blade.
Do not let the blade contact material it can-
not cut such as stumps, rocks, fences,
metal, etc., or clusters of hard, woody brush
having a diameter greater than 2 inches.
S
Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade is more
likely to snag and thrust.
S
Cut only at full throttle. The blade will have
maximum cutting power and is less likely to
bind or stall.
S
“Feed” the blade deliberately and not too
rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed
too rapidly.
S
Cut only from your left to your right. Cutting
on the right side of the shield will throw de-
bris away from the operator.
S
Use the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip
on the unit with both hands. A properly ad-
justed shoulder strap will support the weight
of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to
control and guide the cutting motion.
S
Keep feet comfortably spread apart and
braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of
unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and
balance.
S
Keep blade below waist level; it will be eas-
ier to maintain control of unit.
S
Do not raise the engine above your waist as
the blade can come dangerously close to
your body.
S
Do not swing unit with such force that you
are in danger of losing your balance.
Bring the engine to cutting speed before enter-
ing the material to be cut.
If the blade does not turn when you squeeze
the throttle trigger, make sure tube is fully in-
serted into the engine.
Always release the throttle trigger and allow
engine to return to idle speed when not cutting.
The blade should not turn while the engine is
running at idle. If the blade turns at idle, do not
use your unit. Refer to the Carburetor adjust-
ment section or contact your authorized ser-
vice dealer.
S
Maintain good firm footing while using the
unit. Do this by planting feet firmly in a com-
fortable apart position.
S
Cut while swinging the upper part of your
body from left to right.
S
As you move forward to the next area to cut,
be sure to maintain your balance and foot-
ing.
Cut using the 2
o’clock to 4 o’clock
position of the
blade
2 o’clock
4 o’clock
RECOMMENDED CUTTING POSITION
WARNING:
The operator or others
must not try to clear away cut material with the
engine running or the blade turning to avoid
serious injury. Stop engine and blade before
removing materials wrapped around blade or
tube.
