Safety Equipment and Labels

Shaft Safety Label

Cutter Guard

Stop

Switch

Throttle
Interlock	Handle

Figure 1

Cutter Blade

Scabbard

IMPORTANT!

Caution, Danger, Warning, and Operation Information Labels: Make sure all information labels are undamaged and readable. Imme- diately replace damaged or missing information labels. New labels are available from your local authorized Shindaiwa dealer.

Operating Precautions

WARNING!

nNever transport the articulated hedge trimmer or leave it unat- tended with the engine running.

An engine that’s running could be accidently accelerated causing the blades to oscillate.

nMake sure the cover is in place when transporting the articulated hedge trimmer.

nAlways make sure the cutter attach- ment is properly installed and firmly tightened before operation.

nInspect for broken, missing or improperly installed parts or attach- ments.

nNever use a cracked or warped cutter or cutter bar: replace it with a serviceable one and make sure it fits properly.

nMake sure there are no missing or loose fasteners, and that the stop switch and throttle controls are working properly.

nMake sure there is always good ventilation when operating the articulated hedge trimmer. Fumes from engine exhaust can cause seri- ous injury or death. Never run the engine indoors!

nNever smoke or light fires near the hedge trimmer. Keep the trimmer away from excessive heat. Engine fuel is very flammable and fire could lead to serious personal injury or property damage.

nMake sure the cutters are correctly adjusted before operating the articu- lated hedge trimmer (see page 13 for cutter adjustment procedures). Never attempt cutter adjustment with the engine running!

nBefore starting the engine, make sure the cutter is not contacting anything.

nStop the machine immediately if it suddenly begins to vibrate or shake.

nAlways stop the engine immediately and check for damage if you strike a foreign object or if the machine becomes tangled. Do not operate with broken or damaged equipment.

nWhen cutting a branch that is under tension, be alert for spring-back so that you will not be struck by the moving branch.

nIf a cutter should bind fast in a cut, shut off the engine immediately. Push the branch or tree to ease the bind and free the cutter.

nAlways stop the engine and allow it to cool before refueling. Avoid overfilling and wipe off any fuel that may have spilled.