POWER PRUNERTM
OPERATOR'S MANUAL 5
EXTENDED OPERATION/EXTREME CONDITIONSVibration and Cold
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which
affects the fingers of certain individuals, may be brought about by
exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may
cause tingling and burning sensations, followed by loss of color and
numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly
recommended, because the minimum exposure which might trigger the
ailment is unknown.
• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles, hands,
and wrists.
• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm
exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking.
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where
operating the trimmer or other hand-held power equipment is not
required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the fingers
followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician
before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers,
hands, arms, and shoulders may cause soreness, swelling, numbness,
weakness, and extreme pain in those areas. Certain repetitive hand
activities may put you at a high risk for developing a Repetitive Stress
Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
(CTS), which could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital
nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged exposure
to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain for
months or even years.
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the
following:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, ex-
tended, or twisted position. Instead, try to
maintain a straight wrist position. Also,
when grasping, use your whole hand, not
just the thumb and index finger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition
and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with which
you do the repetitive movement.
• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and
arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equip-
ment and consult a doctor if you feel
tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers,
hands, wrists, or arms. The sooner RSI/
CTS is diagnosed, the more likely perma-
nent nerve and muscle damage can be
prevented.
EQUIPMENTWARNING DANGER
Serious injury may result from the use of non-approved guide bar and saw chain combinations. ECHO, INC. will not
be responsible for the failure of cutting devices or accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHO
for use with this unit. Read and comply with all safety instructions listed in this manual.
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable
debris. Avoid contact during and immedi-
ately after operation.
• Check unit for loose/missing nuts, bolts, and screws. Tighten
and/or replace as needed.
• Inspect fuel lines, tank, and area around carburetor for fuel leaks. DO
NOT operate unit if leaks are found.
Guide Bar and Saw Chain
• Check that the cutting attachment, guide bar, and saw chain is firmly
attached and in safe operating condition.
• Use only one Echo-approved extension on the pruner.
• Do not hit rocks, stones, tree stumps, and other foreign objects with
the saw chain.
• Do not cut into the ground with the saw chain.
• If cutting attachment end strikes an obstruction, stop engine immedi-
ately and inspect saw chain for damage.
• Do not operate with a dull, fractured, or discolored saw chain.
• Remove all foreign objects from work area.
• Always cover the guide bar and saw chain with guide bar cover
during transportation and for storage.