G
B
7
This contact causes the blade to stop for
an instant and then suddenly move or
”bounce” away from the object that was
hit. The operator can lose control of the
unit and the blade can cause serious
personal injury to the operator or any
person nearby if the blade contacts any
part of the body.
2. How you can reduce the chance of
blade thrust:
(1) Recognize that blade thrust can
happen. By understanding and
knowing about bounce, you can help
eliminate the element of surprise.
(2) Cut fibrous weeds and grass only. Do
not let the blade contact materials it
cannot cut such as hard, woody vines
and brush or rocks, fences, metal, etc
(3) Be extra prepared for blade thrust if
you must cut where you cannot see
the blade making contact such as in
areas of dense growth.
(4) Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade
increase the chance of blade thrust.
(5) Avoid feeding the blade too rapidly.
The blade can bounce away from
material being cut if the blade is fed
faster than its cutting capability.
(6) Cut only from your right to your left.
(7) Keep your path of advance clear of
material that has been cut and other
debris.
3. How you can maintain the best
control:
(1) Keep a good, firm grip on the unit with
both hands. A firm grip can help
neutralize bounce. Keep your right
and left hands completely around the
respective handles.
(2) Keep both feet spread apart in a
comfortable stance and yet braced for
the possibility that the unit could
bounce. Do not overreach. Keep firm
footing and balance.
4. Safety precautions
