SAFETY INFORMATION
2
• SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS •
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear
on this product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating, maintenance
and repair information.
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols
or pictographs.
• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
WARNING:
Read the operator’s manual(s) and follow all warnings and
safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or
bystanders.
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING:
Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury
and hearing loss. Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear
protection when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING:
Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50
feet (15 m) from the operating area. If anyone enters the work area, stop the unit!
SYMBOL
MEANING
• DO NOT USE IN THE RAIN
WARNING:
Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate your unit in
the rain, or in damp or wet conditions. Moisture is a shock hazard.
•
DO NOT
force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at the intended rate.
•
DO NOT
leave the unit unattended while the unit is connected to the power source. Unplug the unit
from the power source when not in use.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all other body parts away from openings and moving parts.
• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Always stop the motor when operation is delayed, before setting down the unit or when walking
from one location to another. Make sure the unit comes to a complete stop.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with fingers on the switch.
• Always make sure the switch is in the OFF position before connecting or disconnecting the unit
from the power source.
• Always carry the unit by the central / main handle with the unit disconnected from the power source and
finger off the switch.
• This unit is intended for infrequent use by homeowners. It is not intended for prolonged use.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•
DO NOT
abuse the extension cord or the power cord on the unit. Never pull or carry the unit by the
cord(s), use the cord(s) as a handle, close a door on a cord, pull the cord(s) around sharp edges or
corners or yank the cord(s) to disconnect the unit. Grasp the plug(s), not the cord(s), to disconnect
the unit.
•
DO NOT
modify the power cord, extension cord, power cord plug, extension cord plug or wall
outlet in any way.
•
DO NOT
use multiple extension cords.
• Keep the cords away from oil, water, sharp objects and heated surfaces.
• Keep the cords away from the cutting area and position the cords so that they will not be caught on
branches or other obstacles that may bind or entangle the cords during operation.
• Keep the cords away from the operator’s feet to prevent tripping.
• Make sure the cords are in good condition. Inspect the power cord and extension cord periodically.
Look closely for deterioration, cuts or cracks in the insulation. If the power cord is damaged, have it
repaired by an authorized service center. If the extension cord is damaged, replace it. Do not use a
damaged cord or plug.
• If the extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged in, disconnect the extension cord
from the receptacle.
• Since the unit is double-insulated, a 2-wire extension cord (one without a ground) may be used.
However, a 3-wire extension cord (one with a ground) that uses a NEMA-type connector (parallel
blade, U ground) is recommended. Extension cords are available from local retailers. Use only
round-jacketed extension cords approved for outdoor use.
• Make sure the extension cord is heavy enough to carry the current drawn by the unit. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. If in
doubt, use the next heavier gauge cord. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
*Cord lengths of 100 or 150 feet are not recommended for units using 12 to 16 amps.
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this unit has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The power cord plug will fit into a
polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse
the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain another polarized extension cord. A polarized extension
cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not
fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet.
• A nameplate on your unit indicates the voltage used. Never connect the unit to an AC voltage that
differs from this voltage.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) that
will be used with the unit. For an extra measure of safety, use receptacles with built-in GFCI protection.
• To reduce the likelihood of disconnecting the extension cord from the unit, be sure to use the cord
retainer provided.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, avoid body contact with grounded conductors, such as metal
pipes or wire fences.
SERVICING A DOUBLE-INSULATED UNIT
• This is a double-insulated unit. Two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. There is
no grounding provided and no means of grounding should be added to the unit. Servicing a double-
insulated unit requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should only be done by
qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated unit must be identical to the
parts they replace. Failure to have a double-insulated unit repaired by an authorized service
technician with identical replacement parts could result in serious injury.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE SAFETY
• If the unit is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into
water, do not use the unit. Have the unit serviced by an authorized service center.
• All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in this manual, should be performed
by an authorized service center. Do not attempt to repair; there are no user serviceable parts inside.
• Follow all maintenance instructions in this manual.
• Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or replacing any parts on the unit:
1. Make sure the switch is in the OFF position.
2. Make sure all moving parts have stopped.
3. Disconnect the unit from the power source.
4. Allow the unit to cool.
• Never remove, modify or make inoperative any safety device furnished with the unit.
• Frequently inspect the unit for damage. Before further use, any damaged part should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. Damaged parts should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center, unless otherwise indicated in this manual.
• Use only original manufacturer replacement parts and accessories, which are designed specifically
to enhance the performance and maximize the safe operation of the product. Failure to do so may
cause poor performance and possible injury.
• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• When not in use, store the unit indoors in a locked-up and dry, or high and dry, place to prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep the handles dry, clean and free from debris, oil and grease. Clean the unit after each use. Never
douse or spray the unit with water or any other liquid. Do not use solvents or strong detergents.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
• THROWN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:
Keep clear of the blower outlet. Objects can be thrown by
the blower. Never point the blower at anyone.
• WEAR SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this equipment.
• WEAR SAFETY GLOVES
Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective gloves when handling the unit.
• DOUBLE INSULATED
Two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. There is no grounding
provided and no means of grounding should be added to the unit.
SAFETY INFORMATION
MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 12-16 AMPS
CORD LENGTH (FEET)
25
50
100
150
WIRE SIZE (AWG)
14
12
*
*
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, only use extension cords
suitable for outdoor use, such as SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A,
SJTW-A or SJTOW-A cord types.
• ROTATING IMPELLER BLADES CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:
Stop the motor and allow the impeller to stop before
opening the vacuum door, installing or changing the tubes or bag, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance.
