Always remove the power tool from your back
and put it on the ground before refueling. Fuel
the machine only when it is standing on the
ground.
Open the fuel cap carefully to allow any pressure
build-up in the tank to release slowly and avoid
fuel spillage.
Fuel your power tool only in well-ventilated
areas. If you spill fuel, wipe the machine immedi‐
ately – if fuel gets on your clothing, change
immediately.
Check for leakage. To reduce the risk
of serious of fatal burn injuries, do not
start or run the engine until leak is
fixed.
Screw-type fuel cap
After fueling, tighten down the screw-
type fuel cap as securely as possible.
This reduces the risk of unit vibrations causing
the fuel cap to loosen or come off and spill quan‐
tities of fuel.
2.7
Before Starting
Check that your power tool is properly assem‐
bled and in good condition – refer to appropriate
chapters in the instruction manual.
–
Check the fuel system for leaks, paying spe‐
cial attention to visible parts such as the tank
cap, hose connections and the manual fuel
pump (on machines so equipped). If there are
any leaks or damage, do not start the engine –
risk of fire. Have your machine repaired by a
servicing dealer before using it again.
–
Throttle trigger must move freely and spring
back to the idle position when released.
–
The setting lever must move easily to STOP or
0
–
The blower tubes must be properly assem‐
bled.
–
Keep the handles dry and clean – free from oil
and dirt – for safe control of the power tool.
–
Check that the spark plug boot is secure – a
loose boot may cause arcing that could ignite
leaking fuel-air mixture and cause a fire.
–
Never attempt to modify the controls or the
safety devices in any way.
–
Check condition of blower housing.
–
Check condition of harness straps and back‐
pack – replace damaged or worn straps.
A worn blower housing (cracks, nicks, chips)
may result in an increased risk of injury from
thrown foreign objects. If the blower housing is
damaged, consult your dealer – STIHL recom‐
mends you contact a STIHL servicing dealer.
To reduce the risk of accidents, do not operate
your power tool if it is not in a safe condition.
For emergencies: Practice quickly opening the
fastener on the waist belt, loosening the shoulder
straps and setting down the unit.
2.8
Start the engine.
Start the engine at least 3 meters from the fuel‐
ing spot, outdoors only.
Your power tool is designed to be operated by
one person only. Do not allow other persons in
the work area – even when starting.
Do not drop start the power tool – start the
engine as described in the instruction manual.
Place the power tool on level ground, make sure
you have secure footing, hold the power tool
securely.
As soon as the engine starts, the air flow may
throw small objects (e.g. stones) in your direc‐
tion.
2.9
During Operation
In the event of impending danger or in an emer‐
gency, switch off the engine immediately by mov‐
ing the setting lever to STOP or 0.
To reduce the risk of injury from thrown objects,
do not allow any other persons within 15 meters
of your own position.
To reduce the risk of damage to property, also
maintain this distance from other objects (vehi‐
cles, windows).
Do not direct the air blast towards
bystanders or animals since the air
flow can blow small objects at great
speed – risk of injury.
When blow-sweeping (in open ground and gar‐
dens), watch out for small animals to avoid harm‐
ing them.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Take special care in slippery conditions – damp,
snow, ice,
on slopes and uneven ground.
Watch out for obstacles: Be careful of refuse,
tree stumps, roots and ditches which could
cause you to trip or stumble.
English
2 Safety Precautions and Working Techniques
4
0458-456-8321-E
