4
ing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels,
etc. They can be caught in moving parts.
SBeing fully covered also helps protect you
from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning line/blade.
SStay alert. Do not operate unit when you are
tired, ill, upset or under influence of alcohol,
drugs, or medication. Watch what you are do-
ing; use common sense.
SNever start or run the engine inside a
closed room or building. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
SAlways use the handlebar and a properly
adjusted shoulder strap with a blade (see
ASSEMBLY).
UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY
WARNING:Stop unit and disconnect
the spark plug before performing mainte-
nance (except idle speed adjustments).
SLook for and replace damaged or loose
parts before each use. Look for and repair
fuel leaks before use. Keep unit in good
working condition.
SThrow away blades that are bent, warped,
cracked, broken, or damaged in any other
way. Replace trimmer head parts that are
cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in
any other way before using the unit.
SMaintain unit according to recommended
procedures. Keep blade sharp. Keep cut-
ting line at the proper length.
SUse only specified replacement line. Never
use wire, rope, string, etc.
SInstall required shield properly before using
the unit.
SUse only specified blade or trimmer head;
make sure it is properly installed and se-
curely fastened.
SNever start engine with clutch shroud re-
moved. The clutch can fly off and cause se-
rious injury.
SBe sure blade or trimmer head stops turning
when engine idles.
SMake idle speed adjustments with the lower
end supported to prevent blade or trimmer line
from contacting any object. Hold unit by hand;
do not use the shoulder strap for support.
SKeep others away when making idle speed
adjustments.
SUse only recommended accessories and
replacement parts.
SHave all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual performed by your au-
thorized service dealer.
FUEL SAFETY
SMix and pour fuel outdoors.
SKeep away from sparks or flames.
SUse a container approved for fuel.
SDo not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit or while using the unit.
SAvoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting engine.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fueling site before starting engine.
SStop engine and allow it to cool before re-
moving fuel cap.
SEmpty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the car-
buretor by starting the engine and letting it
run until it stops.
SStore unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
SAlways store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING:Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and hard ob-
jects such as rocks, glass, wire, etc., that can
ricochet, be thrown, or otherwise cause injury
or damage during operation.
SKeep others including children, animals, by-
standers, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 me-
ters) away. Bystanders should be encour-
aged to wear safety glasses. Stop engine
immediately if you are approached.
SAlways keep engine on the right--hand side
of your body.
SHold the unit firmly with both hands.
SKeep firm footing and balance. Do not over-
reach.
SKeep blade or trimmer head below waist
level. Do not raise engine above your waist.
SKeep all parts of your body away from blade,
trimmer head, and muffler when engine is run-
ning. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
SCut from your left to your right. Cutting on
right side of the shield will throw debris
away from the operator.
SUse only in daylight or good artificial light.
SUse only for jobs explained in this manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
SStop the unit before carrying.
SKeep muffler away from your body.
SAllow the engine to cool and secure the unit
before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.
SEmpty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carbu-
retor by starting the engine and letting it run
until it stops.
SStore unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
SStore unit so the blade or line limiter blade
cannot accidentally cause injury. The unit
can be hung by the shaft.
SStore unit out of reach of children.
SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations
through prolonged use of gasoline powered
hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve
damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of
people prone to circulation disorders or ab-
normal swellings. Prolonged use in cold
weather has been linked to blood vessel dam-
age in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms
occur such as numbness, pain, loss of
strength, change in skin color or texture, or
loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,
discontinue the use of this tool and seek med-
ical attention. An anti--vibration system does
not guarantee the avoidance of these prob-