RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

•Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.

•Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Remove the fuel cap slowly, and only after the engine stops. Do not smoke while fueling. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately.

•Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

•Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke. Keep sparks and open flames away from the area while adding fuel or operating the unit.

WHILE OPERATING

•Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal. Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

•Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

•Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.

•The cutting attachment shield must always be in place while operating the unit as a trimmer. Do not operate unit without both trimming lines extended, and the proper line installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond the length of the shield.

•This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.

•Adjust the J-handle to your size in order to provide the best grip.

•Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with anything before starting the unit.

•Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

•Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions.

•Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.

•Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.

•Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both handles or grips.

•Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting attachment when it rotates.

•Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.

•Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when not cutting.

•Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or when walking from one cutting location to another.

•If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

•Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the spark plug for maintenance or repair.

•Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.

•Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may become lodged between the cutting attachment and shield.

•To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.

YM26BC ONLY: WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE

•Read and understand all safety warnings before operating this unit.

•Always use the shoulder harness when using the brush blade accessory.

•Keep the J-handle between the operator and cutting attachment or blade at all times.

•NEVER cut when the cutting blade is 30 inches (76 cm) or more above the ground level.

•Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not immediately cut. Blade thrust can be violent enough to propel the unit and/or operator in any direction, possibly causing a loss of control. Blade thrust can occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the material being cut.

•For operation with the brush blade, do not cut anything thicker than 1/2 inch or a violent kickback could occur.

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