Shindaiwa C344 Using a blade, Blade Thrust, Brushcutter Handlebar, Brushcutter Shoulder Strap

Using a blade

WARNING!

■■Before working with a blade- equipped unit, always inspect and clear the area of objects that could interfere with or damage the blade.

■■Never use a blade near sidewalks, fence posts, buildings or other objects that could cause injury or damage.

■■Never use a blade for purposes other than those for which it was designed.

■■Whenever you strike a hard object with a blade, always stop the brushcutter and carefully inspect the blade for damage. NEVER OPERATE THE BRUSHCUTTER WITH A DAMAGED BLADE!

■■A blade-equipped unit must be equipped with a bicycle-type handlebar or barrier bar as well as a harness or shoulder strap.

■■Always make sure the cutting attachment shield is properly installed before operating this unit.

Blade Thrust

“Blade thrust” is a sudden sideways or backward motion of the brushcutter. Such motion may occur when the blade jams or catches on an object such

as a sapling tree or tree stump. BE CONSTANTLY ALERT FOR BLADE THRUST AND GUARD AGAINST ITS EFFECTS!

WARNING!

Blade thrust can occur with- out warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds.

WARNING!

Blade thrust is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut.

Brushcutter Handlebar

A brushcutter handlebar or barrier bar helps prevent the operator from mov- ing forward, or the unit moving rear- ward, thus preventing inadvertent bodily contact with the blade. ALWAYS KEEP THE HANDLEBAR OR BAR- RIER BAR SECURELY IN PLACE ON THE UNIT!

Brushcutter Shoulder Strap

A shoulder strap provides additional pro- tection against blade thrust. In addition, a shoulder strap gives significant support and comfort to help ensure safe and effi- cient operation. When operating a unit with a blade, make sure both the handle and shoulder strap are adjusted to the size of the operator using the unit.

Engine Operating Speeds

Operate the unit at full throttle while cut- ting. Best fuel efficiency is obtained by releasing the throttle when swinging back after a cut.

■■To prevent possible engine damage, do not allow the brushcutter to run at high speeds without a load.

■■Avoid operating the engine at low speeds. Doing so can lead to rapid clutch wear. In addition, slow-speed operation tends to cause grass and debris to wrap around the cutting head.

Using a blade

The blade rotates counter-clockwise. For best performance and to minimize being stuck by debris, move the blade from right to left while advancing on your work. Position the blade so cuts are made between the blade’s 8 o’clock and 10 o’clock positions (as viewed from above). DO NOT cut between the 10 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions.

WARNING!

When cutting wood with a blade, feed the blade slowly—never strike or “slam” a spinning blade against the wood.

WARNING!

DO NOT use 2-tooth or non-Shindaiwa approved 4-tooth cutting blades with Shindaiwa trimmers and brushcutters.

Ten	D
O'clock
	O
	N
	Blade	O
	Rotation	T
OK To Cut		C
		U
Eight		T
O'clock
		Five
		O'clock

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