SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
SAlways use the handlebar and a properly adjusted shoulder strap with a blade (see ASSEMBLY).
UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY
WARNING: Stop unit and disconnect the spark plug before performing mainte- nance (except carburetor adjustments).
S Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before each use. Look for and repair fuel leaks before use. Keep unit in good working condition.
SThrow away blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Replace trimmer head parts that are cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in any other way before using the unit.
S Maintain unit according to recommended procedures. Keep blade sharp. Keep cut- ting line at the proper length.
S Use only 0.080″ (2 mm) diameter Weed Eater→ brand replacement line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc.
SInstall required shield properly before using the unit. Use the metal shield for all metal blade use. Use the plastic shield for all line
trimmer use.
SUse only specified blade or trimmer head; make sure it is properly installed and se-
curely fastened.
SNever start engine with clutch shroud re-
moved. The clutch can fly off and cause se- rious injury.
SBe sure blade or trimmer head stops turning
when engine idles.
SMake carburetor adjustments with the low- er end supported to prevent blade or trim- mer line from contacting any object. Hold unit by hand; do not use the shoulder strap for support.
SKeep others away when making carburetor adjustments.
SUse only recommended Weed Eaterr ac- cessories and replacement parts.
SHave all maintenance and service not ex- plained in this manual performed by your authorized service dealer.
FUEL SAFETY
SMix and pour fuel outdoors.
SKeep away from sparks or flames. S Use a container approved for fuel.
S Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit or while using the unit.
S Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.
S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the fueling site before starting engine.
S Stop engine and allow it to cool before re- moving fuel cap.
S Empty the fuel tank before storing or trans- porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the car- buretor by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops.
S Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
S Always store gasoline in a container ap- proved for flammable liquids.
CUTTING SAFETY
WARNING: Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or become entangled in the blade or trimmer head.
S Keep others including children, animals, bystanders, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 meters) away. Stop engine immediately if you are approached.
SAlways keep engine on the
of your body.
SHold the unit firmly with both hands.
S Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
SKeep blade or trimmer head below waist level. Do not raise engine above your waist.
S Keep all parts of your body away from blade, trimmer head, and muffler when en- gine is running. Keep all of your body away from the muffler when it is hot. A hot muffler can cause serious burns.
SCut from your left to your right. Cutting on right side of the shield will throw debris away from the operator.
SUse only in daylight or good artificial light. S Use only for jobs explained in this manual.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
SStop the unit before carrying.
SKeep muffer away from your body.
SAllow the engine to cool and secure the unit before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.
SEmpty the fuel tank before storing or trans- porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carbu- retor by starting the engine and letting it run
until it stops.
SStore unit so the blade or line limiter blade
cannot accidentally cause injury. The unit can be hung by the tube.
SStore unit out of reach of children. SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use of gasoline powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders or abnor- mal swellings. Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel damage in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the use of this tool and seek medical attention. An
SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and spark arresting screen which meets the require- ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ore- gon, and Washington require by law that many internal combustion engines be equipped with a spark arresting screen. If you
3