Karcher STH 953 manual For your safety

Operating Manual – Snowthrower English

Information on the identification plate

This information is very important for later identification of the machine when ordering spare parts and when using the Customer Service.

You will find the identification plate in the vicinity of the engine.

Copy all the information on this identification plate into the following space.

Various models are described in these operating instructions. These models are designated as STH 953, STH 5.56, STH 8.66, STH 10.66 C (see general survey on the fold-out page).

For your safety

Use the machine properly

This machine is intended only for use

–as a snow-clearing machine to remove snow from hard-surfaced paths and flat ground

–in accordance with the specifications and safety instructions given in these operating instructions.

All other usages are considered to be contrary to the intended purpose of the machine.

Usage of the machine contrary to its intended purpose or the making of unauthorized changes to the machine rule out any liability on the part of the manufacturer.

The user is liable for damage to third persons and their property which occurs as a result of use of the machine.

General notes on safety

As user of this machine, read these operating instructions through carefully before using the machine for the first time. Follow these instructions and keep them safe for later use or in case of a change of ownership.

Do not allow any person under the age of 16 to handle this machine (it is possible that local regulations define the minimum age of the user). Keep other people, especially children, and domestic animals away from the danger area.

Pay attention to national regulations in force if you are in charge of the machine on public roads or paths. Never use the machine to transport someone.

When you are working with the machine, wear gloves, protective goggles, closely fitting winter clothing and robust footwear with non-slip soles.

Never refuel the machine in an enclosed space or when the engine is running or hot.

Never allow parts of the body or clothing to come close to rotating or hot parts of the machine.

Turn off the engine, remove the ignition key and the spark-plug connector whenever

–you are not working with the machine

–you leave it for a time or

–you make adjustments to it or undertake maintenance or repair work.

Let the engine cool down before you park the machine in an enclosed space.

Store the machine and fuel in a safe place

–away from sources of fire (sparks, flames)

–inaccessible to children

Have the machine repaired only by a professional workshop.

Safety features

Figure 1

Safety devices are provided for your protection and must always function properly. You may not remove, change or circumvent them.

Coupling lever for the drive system (2)

The drive system switches off if the user releases his hold on this coupling lever.

Coupling lever for the worm drive (1)

This lever can be locked into the pressed-down position if the user presses the coupling lever for the drive system (2) and keeps it down. As soon as the user lets go of the lever (2), both levers jump back; worm drive and drive system are simultaneously switched off.

Coupling bar (1) (STH 953)

When the user releases hold of this bar, the worm drive switches off and the machine comes to a halt.

Protective grid in the throw-out chute

The protective grid stops you from reaching into the throw-out chute.

Symbols on the machine

At various places on the machine you will find safety and warning notices represented by symbols or pictograms. The symbols have the following precise meanings:

Risk of injury or damage to property.

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