Section
1
1
Safety
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest, brush, hay, grain, or grass covered land; or land covered by any flammable agricultural crop without an engine spark arrester in continuous effective working order.
Trimmer Head Control Bail 
Engine Throttle Control Lever |
Keyswitch
(Electric Start Model)
The engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equipped with a spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/oper- ator of the unit to comply with this regulation is a mis- demeanor under California law (and other states) and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal
Debris Shield
Handlebar
Height Adjuster
regulations, laws, ordinances or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific informa- tion about which regulations apply in your area.
Trimmer Head | Debris Flap |
Figure 1-1 - Electric start model shown.
IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION
1.Read, understand, and follow
all instructions on the machine 
and in the manuals. Be thor- oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the rotating trimmer head and line at all times.
3.Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the unit. Never let children or untrained adults operate this equipment.
4.Inspect area where machine is to be used. The machine can propel small objects at high speed, causing personal injury or property damage.
Clear area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by trimmer line.
5.Be sure
the area is 
clear of other 
people (particularly small children and pets) before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Keep bystanders at least 50 feet from the area of operation.
6.Do not operate the machine when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
7.Wear appropriate clothing such as a
8.Do not wear loose clothing– it could catch in the equipment.
9.Do not mow in reverse unless abso- lutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.
10.Do not operate the unit without proper guards, plates, or other protective safety devices in place.
11.Refer to provided instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use
12.Stop trimmer head when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Wait for trimmer lines to stop.
13.Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug whenever you leave the unit, clean the equipment, or replace trimmer line. Remove key on elec- tric start model.
14.Wait until the trimmer head comes to a complete stop, shut the engine off, and disconnect the spark plug wire before installing or removing trimmer line. Be sure trimmer head is securely attached before operating equipment.
15.Mow only during daylight hours or when good artificial light is available.
16.Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when tired or ill.