Troy-Bilt 258 manual Important Safe Operation Practices, General Operation

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This 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 this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2.This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to cut vegetation and grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

3.Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by an adult. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this machine.

4.Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be tripped over or picked up and thrown by the string trimmer mower in any direction which could cause serious personal injury to the operator or any others allowed in the area. Plan your trimming pattern to avoid discharge of material toward building, walls, roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. To help avoid trimmer line contact or a thrown object injury, keep children, bystanders, and helpers at least 75 feet from the string trimmer mower while it is in operation. Stop the string trimmer mower if anyone enters the area.

5.Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

6.Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

7.Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge area at all times as the rotating trimmer head and lines can cause injury.

8.Never pull the string trimmer mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the string trimmer mower away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and then follow these steps:

a.Step back from the string trimmer mower to fully extend your arms.

b.Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.

c.Pull the string trimmer mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you.

d.Repeat these steps as needed.

5.Do not operate the string trimmer mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

6.The trimmer head control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact with the rotating head or lines. The trimmer head control handle must operate easily in both directions and automatically return to the disengaged position when released.

7.Disengage the trimmer head before starting the engine.

8.Never operate the string trimmer mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the trimmer head control handle immediately and the trimmer head will stop rotating within a few seconds.

3