4
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 J-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.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
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.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in
place and secure. Replace cutting attachment parts
that are cracked, chipped or damaged in any way.
Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed
and securely fastened. Be sure the cutting attachment
shield is properly attached, and positioned as
recommended. Failure to do so can result in personal
injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as
damage to the unit.
• Use only 0.080 inch (
2.03 mm) diameter Genuine
Factory Parts™ replacement line. Never use metal-
reinforced line, wire or rope. These can break off and
become dangerous projectiles.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and
feet.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire or
string. They can be thrown or become entangled in the
cutting attachment. Clear the area of children,
bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children,
bystanders and pets outside a 50-foot (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 engine
and cutting attachment immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments
or repairs before using unit.
• This unit was not designed to be used as a
brushcutter. Do not attach or operate this unit with any
type of brushcutting blade or brushcutting attachment.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS TRIMMERS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• 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 outdoor area where
there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel
cap only after stopping engine. 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.
• 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.
