The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible
dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your
careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they
give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL
MEANING
SAFETY ALERT:
Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the
operation or maintenance of the equipment.
DANGER:
Failure to obey a safety warning will result in
serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.
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 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 1-800-828-5500 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238
in CANADA
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
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.
• 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 0.095 inch (2.41 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
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
2
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
Indicates danger, warning or caution.
• 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 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.
• Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area 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. Always wipe unit dry before using.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine. Do not smoke or allow sparks and
open flames near 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
outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI
Z87.1-1989 standards. Also wear ear/hearing protection when
operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is
dusty. Long sleeve shirts are recommended.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. 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 Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• 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 or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from
operation. They remain hot for a short time after you turn off the unit.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut, trim or
edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when you are 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 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 faulty muffler and spark arrestor,
keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.