Columbia 260 series, Operator'S Manual

Important Safe Operation Practices

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General Operation

1. 

Read this operator’s manual  carefully in its entirety before 

attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, 

and follow all instructions on the machine and in the 

manual(s)  before operation. Keep this manual in a safe 

place for future and regular reference and for ordering 

replacement parts.

2. 

Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use 

of this machine before operating it.

3. 

This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, 

not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all 

times. This machine has been designed to perform one 

job: to cut vegetation and grass. Do not use it for any other 

purpose.

4. 

Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this 

machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand 

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual 

and on the machine and should be trained and supervised 

by an adult.

5. 

Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these 

rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this 

machine.

6. 

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be 

used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other 

foreign objects, which could be tripped over or picked 

up and thrown by the string trimmer. Thrown objects can 

cause serious personal injury.

7. 

Plan your trimming pattern to avoid discharge of material 

toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, 

avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction, 

which may cause discharged material to ricochet back 

toward the operator. 

8. 

To help avoid trimmer line contact or a thrown object 

injury, stay in operator zone behind handles and keep 

children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from 

string trimmer while it is in operation. Stop machine if 

anyone enters area. 

9. 

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during 

operation and while performing an adjustment or repair 

to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can 

cause serious injury to the eyes.

10.  Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting 

slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms 

and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never 

operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-

weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

WARNING: 

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, 

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow 

all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply 

with these instructions may result in personal injury. 

When you see this symbol. 

HEED ITS WARNING!

DANGER: 

This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in 

this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the 

operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, 

toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could 

result in serious injury or death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: 

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components 

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects 

or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: 

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead 

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive 

harm. 

Wash hands after handling.