RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety 
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the 
operator and/or bystanders.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR 
1-800-668-1238 in CANADA
SYMBOL MEANING
WARNING:
Failure to obey a safety warning can 
result in injury to yourself and others. Always follow the 
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric 
shock and personal injury.
CAUTION:
Failure to obey a safety warning may result 
in property damage or personal injury to yourself or to 
others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce 
the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and 
proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of 
alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit, 
except for teens guided by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly 
before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for 
fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. 
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. 
Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all 
debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, 
keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m.) 
radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown 
objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye 
protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
• Use only 0.105 inch, 2.667 mm diameter original equipment 
manufacturer replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire 
or rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles. 
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to 
the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs before using unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved 
for the storage of such materials.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start 
the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel 
tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap 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 outdoor area where there are 
no sparks or flames. Remove the fuel cap slowly, and only after 
the engine stops. Do not smoke while fueling. 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.
WARNING:
When using the unit, you must follow the 
safety rules. Please read these instructions before 
operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of the 
operator and any bystanders. Please keep these 
instructions for later use.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
• 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 away 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 be fatal. Operate this unit only in a 
well-ventilated outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards and 
are marked as such. Wear 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 as a trimmer. 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 does not have a clutch. The cutting attachment 
continues rotating when the engine is idling. If it does not, have 
the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.
• Adjust the handle to your size in order 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. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a 
firm grip on both handles 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 rotates.
• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get 
extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
• 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 the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the spark 
plug for maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and 
accessories for this unit. These are available from your authorized 
service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories 
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 a 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 a fueled unit 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
WARNING: 
Gasoline is highly flammable, and its 
vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following 
precautions:
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