5
Safety (continued) 
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before 
filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel 
tank, or add fuel, when the engine is hot. Never 
operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in 
place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any 
pressure in the tank.
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area outdoors 
where there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove 
the fuel cap only after stopping engine. Do not 
smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any 
spilled fuel from the unit immediately. 
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do 
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling 
source and site before starting the engine. Do not 
smoke, keep sparks and open flames from the area 
while adding fuel or operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or 
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate 
this unit only in a well ventilated area outdoors. 
• 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.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long 
sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, 
short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair 
above shoulder level.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in 
place while operating the unit. Do not operate unit 
without both trimming lines extended, and the proper 
line installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond 
the length of the shield.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment 
remains stationary when the engine is idling. If it 
does not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized 
service technician.
• Adjust the D-Handle to your size to provide the best 
grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with 
anything before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position 
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and 
unit must be in a stable position while starting. See
Section 5, Operation.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose 
intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and 
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all 
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting 
attachment when it is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. 
These parts get extremely hot from operation. When 
turned off they remain hot for a short time.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed 
needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at 
high speed when not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or 
when walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign 
object, stop the engine immediately and check for 
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. 
Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance, 
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or 
other attachments.
• Use only genuine manufacturer’s replacement parts 
and accessories for this unit. These are available 
from your authorized service dealer. Use of any parts 
or accessories not authorized by the manufacturer 
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to 
the unit, and void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. 
They may become lodged between the cutting 
attachment and shield.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and 
spark arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from 
grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a 
building where fumes may reach an open flame or 
spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high 
to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the 
reach of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other 
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. 
Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage 
instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use 
them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this 
unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS