3
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING:
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING:
The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER
:
This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
1.
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2.
Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.
3.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4.
Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5.
Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at
least 50 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
PREPARATION
1.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and
other foreign objects which could be tripped over
and cause personal injury.
2.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
3.
Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask if the operation is dusty.
4.
This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary
when the engine is idling. If they do not, have the
unit adjusted by an authorized service dealer.
5.
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it
returns automatically to the idle position.
6.
Never leave this machine unattended with the
engine running.
7.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running, except where specifically
recommended in the operator’s manual.
8.
To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
c.
Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add while the
engine is hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
f.
Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more
than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to
provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move machine to another
area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the
engine.
i.
Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, spark,
or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.)
j.
Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
OPERATION
1.
Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts.
Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
fingers, hands, and feet.
2.
Do not operate machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
3.
Never operate this machine without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a
firm hold on the handles.