4
ing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels,
etc. They can be caught in moving parts.
S Being fully covered also helps protect you
from debris and pieces of toxic plants
thrown by spinning line/blade.
S Stay alert. Do not operate unit when you are
tired, ill, upset or under influence of alcohol,
drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use common sense.
S Never start or run the engine inside a
closed room or building. Breathing exhaust
fumes can kill.
S Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
S Always use the handlebar and a properly
adjusted shoulder strap with a blade (see
ASSEMBLY).
UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY
WARNING: Stop unit anddisconnect
the spark plug before performing maintenance (except idle speed adjustments).
S Look for and replace damaged or loose
parts before each use. Look for and repair
fuel leaks before use. Keep unit in good
working condition.
S Throw 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.
S Maintain unit according to recommended
procedures. Keep blade sharp. Keep cutting line at the proper length.
S Use only specified replacement line. Never
use wire, rope, string, etc.
S Install required shield properly before using
the unit.
S Use only specified blade or trimmer head;
make sure it is properly installed and securely fastened.
S Never start engine with clutch shroud re-
moved. The clutch can fly off and cause serious injury.
S Be surebladeor trimmer head stops turning
when engine idles.
S Make idle speed adjustments with the lower
end supported to preventbladeor trimmer line
from contacting any object. Hold unit by hand;
do not use the shoulder strap for support.
S Keep others away when making idle speed
adjustments.
S Use only recommended accessories and
replacement parts.
S Have all maintenance and service not ex-
plained in this manual performed by your authorized service dealer.
FUEL SAFETY
S Mix and pour fuel outdoors.
S Keep away from sparks or flames.
S Use a container approved for fuel.
S Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the unit or while using the unit.
S Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel
spills before starting engine.
S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fueling site before starting engine.
S Stop engine and allow it to cool before re-
moving fuel cap.
S Empty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carburetor by starting the engine and letting it
run until it stops.
S Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
S Always store gasoline in a container ap-
proved for flammable liquids.
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING: Inspect area before
starting unit. Remove all debris and hard objects such as rocks, glass, wire, etc., that can
ricochet, bethrown, or otherwise cause injury
or damage during operation.
S Keep others including children, animals, by-
standers, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear safety glasses. Stop engine
immediately if you are approached.
S Always keep engine on the right--hand side
of your body.
S Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
S Keep firm footingand balance. Do not over-
reach.
S Keep blade or trimmer head below waist
level. Do not raise engine above your waist.
S Keep all parts of your body away from blade,
trimmer head, and muffler when engineis running. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
S Cut from your left to your right. Cutting on
right side of the shield will throw debris
away from the operator.
S Use only in daylight or good artificial light.
S Use only for jobs explained in this manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
S Stop the unit before carrying.
S Keep muffler away from your body.
S Allow the engine to cool and secure the unit
before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.
S Empty the fuel tank before storing or trans-
portingthe unit.Use up fuel leftin thecarburetor by starting the engine andletting it run
until it stops.
S Storeunit and fuel inarea where fuelvapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from
water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
S Store unit so the blade or line limiter blade
cannot accidentally cause injury. The unit
can be hung by the shaft.
S Store 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 abnormal swellings. Prolonged use in cold
weatherhas beenlinked to blood vessel damage 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 useof this tool and seek medical attention. An anti--vibration system does
not guarantee the avoidance of these prob-