Additional Safety Rules

SWEEPING -- The fanning action of the rotat- ing line can be used to blow away loose debris from an area. Keep the line parallel to and above the area surface and swing the tool from side to side.

Sweeping

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH WEED BLADE

SBlade Thrust is a reaction that only occurs when using a bladed unit. This reaction can cause serious injury such as amputation. Carefully study this section. It is important that you understand what causes blade thrust, how you can reduce the chance of its

occurring, and how you can remain in control of unit if blade thrust occurs.

SWHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST --Blade Thrust can occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not cut. This contact causes the blade to stop for an instant and then suddenly move or “thrust” away from the object that was hit. The “thrusting” reaction can be violent enough to cause the

operator to be propelled in any direction and lose control of the unit. The uncontrolled unit can cause serious injury if the blade contacts the operator or others.

S WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS --Blade Thrust can occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut. By using the unit properly, the occurrence of blade thrust will be reduced and the operator will be less likely to lose control.

SKeep the blade sharp. A dull blade is more likely to snag and thrust.

SCut only at full throttle. The blade will have maximum cutting power and is less likely to

bind or stall.

S“Feed” the blade deliberately and not too rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed

too rapidly.

SCut only from your left to your right. Cutting on right side of the shield will throw debris away from the operator.

SUse the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip on the unit with both hands. A properly adjusted shoulder strap will support the weight of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to control and guide the cutting motion.

S Keep feet comfortably spread apart and braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and balance.

S Keep blade below waist level; it will be easier to maintain control of unit.

SDo not raise the engine above your waist as the blade can come dangerously close to

your body.

SDo not swing unit with such force that you are in danger of losing your balance.

Bring the engine to cutting speed before enter- ing the material to be cut.If the blade does not turn when you squeeze the throttle trigger, make sure shaft is fully inserted into the engine.

Always release the throttle trigger and allow engine to return to idle speed when not cut- ting. The blade should not turn while the en- gine is running at idle. If the blade turns at idle, do not use your unit. Refer to the CARBURE- TOR ADJUSTMENT section or contact your authorized service dealer.

SMaintain good firm footing while using the unit. Do this by planting feet firmly in a comfortable apart position.

SCut while swinging the upper part of your body from left to right.

SAs you move forward to the next area to cut, be sure to maintain your balance and footing.

RECOMMENDED CUTTING POSITION

	2 o’clock
Cut using the 2
o’clock to 4 o’clock	4 o’clock
position of the	4 o’clock
blade

SCut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up to 1/2 inch (1 cm) in diameter with the weed blade. Do not let the blade contact material it cannot cut such as stumps, rocks, fences, metal, etc., or clusters of hard, woody brush having a diameter greater than 1/2 inch (1 cm).

WARNING: The operator or others must not try to clear away cut material with the engine running or the blade turning to avoid serious injury. Stop engine and blade before removing materials wrapped around blade or shaft.

FOR OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS

WARNING: For each optional at- tachment used, read entire instruction manu- al before use and follow all warnings and in- structions in manual and on attachment.

WARNING: Ensure handlebar re- mains installed on upper shaft (engine end of unit) at all times.