2. Warnings and safety instructions
Operator safety
IMPORTANT: A dust filter mask should
be worn during operation.
Always wear a safety face shield or
goggles.
Always wear heavy, long pants, boots
and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing,
jewelry, short pants, sandals or go
barefoot. Secure hair so it is above
shoulder length.
Do not operate this tool when you are
tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
Never let a child or inexperienced person
operate the machine.
Wear hearing protection.
Never start or run the engine inside a
closed room or building. Breathing
exhaust fumes can kill.
Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
Keep hands away from moving part or
heated area.
Do not grab or hold the unit by the blow
pipe.
When the unit is turned off make sure the
engine has stopped before the unit is set
down.
When operation is prolonged, take a
break from time to time so that you may
avoid possible whitefinger disease which
is caused by vibration.
Unit / machine safety
Inspect the entire unit/machine before
each use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel leaks and make sure all
fasteners are in place and securely
tightened.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped
or damaged in any way before using the
unit/machine.
Make sure the safety guard is properly
attached.
Keep others away when making
carburetor adjustments.
Use only accessories as recommended
for this unit/machine by the manufacturer.
WARNING!
Never modify the unit/machine in any
way. Do not use your unit/machine for
any job except that for which it is
intended.
Fuel safety
NOTE!
Empty the fuel tank before storing the
tool. Especially, in case of over three
month storage, it is a must otherwise fuel
may corrode causing carburetor damage.
It is recommended that the fuel be
emptied after each use. If fuel Is left In
the tank, store so fuel will not leak.
Mix and pour fuel outdoors and where
there are no sparks or flames.
Use a container approved for fuel.
Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel
or the unit/machine or while using the
unit/machine.
Wipe up all fuel spills before starting
engine.
Move at least 3 m away from fueling site
before starting engine.
Stop engine before removing fuel cap.
Store unit/machine and fuel in area
where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or
open flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces. etc.
WARNING!
Antivibration systems do not guarantee
that you will not sustain whitefinger
dis-ease or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Therefore, continual and regular users
should monitor closely the condition of
their hands and fingers. If any of the
above symptoms appear, seek medical
advice immediately.
Blowing safety
Operate power equipment only at
reasonable hours-not early in the
morning or late at night when people
might be disturbed. Comply with times
listed in local ordinances. Usual
recommendations are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., Monday through Saturday,
Never direct discharge of air toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the
area of operation. Use care in directing
discharge to avoid glass enclosures,
automobiles, etc.
Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, holes in
terrain or other unstable condition when
using the tool.
Take all possible precautions when
leaving the tool unattended such as
stopping the engine.
Never operate the tool without guards,
blow pipes or other protective device in
place. (If so equipped.)
Keep others including children, animals,
bystanders and helpers outside the 15 m
hazard zone. Stop the engine
immediately if you are approached.
Always keep the engine on the right side
of your body. (Hand held blower only)
Keep firm footing and balance. Do not
over-reach.
Keep all parts of your body away from
the muffler.
Maintenance safety
Maintain the unit/machine according to
rec-ommended procedures.
Disconnect the spark plug before
performing maintenance except for
carburetor adjustments.
Keep others away when making
carburetor adjustments.
Use only genuine HITACHI replacement
parts as recommended by the
manufacturer.
Transport and storage
Carry the unit/machine by hand with the
engine stopped and the muffler away
from your body.
Allow the engine to cool, empty the fuel
tank, and secure the unit/machine before
storing or transporting in a vehicle.
Empty the fuel tank before storing the
unit/machine, It is recommended that the
fuel be emptied after each use. If fuel is
left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak.
Store unit/machine out of the reach of
children.
Clean and maintenance the unit carefully
and store it in a dry place
Make sure engine switch is off when
trans-porting or storing.
If situations occur which are not covered
in this manual, take care and use common
sense. Contact HITACHI dealer if you
need assistance. Pay special attention to
statements preceded by the following
words:
WARNING!
Indicates a strong possibility of severe
personal injury or loss of life, if
instructions are not followed.
CAUTION!
Indicates a possibility of personal injury or
equipment damage, if instructions are not
followed.
NOTE!
Helpful information for correct function and
use.
G
B
GB-5