Poulan PE550 instruction manual Operator Safety, Unit Safety, Edging Safety, Justments

WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must al- ways be followed to reduce the risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all instructions.

This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is responsible for following instructions and warnings on unit and in manual. Read entire instruction manual before using unit! Be thor- oughly familiar with the controls and the prop- er use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to persons who have read, understand and will follow the instructions and warnings on the unit and in the manual. Never allow chil- dren to operate this unit. Close attention is necessary when used near children.

INSTRUCTION	SAFETY INFORMATION
MANUAL	ON THE UNIT

OPERATOR SAFETY

S Dress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when op- erating, or performing maintenance on your unit (safety glasses are available). Eye protection should be marked Z87.

SAlways wear face or dust mask if operation is dusty.

S Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not go bare- foot or wear sandals.

S Secure hair above shoulder length. Se- cure or remove loose clothing or clothing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc. They can be caught in moving parts.

SBeing fully covered also helps protect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants

thrown by spinning blade.

S Stay alert. Do not operate when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of al- cohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are doing; use common sense.

SWear hearing protection.

S Never start or run inside a closed room, building or other unventilated area. Breath- ing exhaust fumes can kill.

SKeep handles free of oil and fuel. S Always use the handle.

S Keep hands and feet away from cutting area.

S Do not attempt to remove cut material nor hold material to be cut when engine is run- ning or when cutting member is moving.

S Make sure spark plug is disconnected when cleaning jammed material from cut- ting member.

S Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the area of operation. Use care in directing dis-

charge to avoid glass enclosures, automo- biles, and the like.

SDon’t overreach or stand on unstable sup- port. Keep good footing and balance at all times.

UNIT SAFETY

S Inspect entire unit before each use. Re- place damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and se- curely fastened.

S Maintain the unit according to recom- mended procedures.

SThrow away blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged before using the unit.

S Use only recommended Weed Eater! parts and accessories. Never use wire, wire rope, string, flailing devices, etc.

SDisconnect the spark plug before performing

maintenance except carburetor adjustments. S Be sure the blade stops turning when the engine idles (see CARBURETOR AD-

JUSTMENTS).

SRemove the blade before making carbure- tor adjustments. Hold the unit by hand. Do not make carburetor adjustments from the

blade side of the unit.

SKeep others away when making carburetor

adjustments.

S Never start the unit with the gearbox re- moved. The clutch can fly off and cause se- rious injury.

SHave all maintenance and service not ex- plained in this manual performed by an au- thorized authorized service dealer.

EDGING SAFETY

WARNING: Inspect the area to be edged before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown by the blade or can wrap around the shaft.

S Keep others including children, animals, bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop the unit immediately if you are approached.

SHold the unit firmly with both hands.

SKeep firm footing and balance. Do not over- reach or stand on unstable support.

SDo not attempt to remove cut material nor hold material to be cut when the engine is

running or when cutting member is moving.

SAlways keep the wheels and skid in contact with the ground.

SKeep all parts of your body away from the blade and muffler.

S Always push the unit slowly over the ground. Stay alert for uneven sidewalks, holes in the terrain, large roots, etc.

S Use only for jobs explained in this manual.

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