WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must al- ways be followed to reduce the risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all instructions.
This power unit can be dangerous! Operator is responsible for following instructions and warnings on unit and in manual. Read entire instruction manual before using unit! Be thor- oughly familiar with the controls and the prop- er use of the unit. Restrict the use of this unit to persons who have read, understand and will follow the instructions and warnings on the unit and in the manual. Never allow chil- dren to operate this unit.
SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT
OPERATOR SAFETY
DANGER: RISK OF CUT. KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM BLADE AND CUTTING AREA. Do not attempt to clear away cut material or hold material to be cut when the blade is in motion. Make sure powerhead is stopped and spark plug wire is disconnected (or powerhead is disconnected from power source) when removing jammed material from the cutting blade. Do not grab or hold attachment by the cutting blade.
SDress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing maintenance on your unit (safety
glasses are available). Eye protection should be marked Z87.
SAlways wear face or dust mask if operation is dusty.
SAlways wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves,
boots, and gloves.
SAlways wear foot protection. Do not go bare- foot or wear sandals.
SSecure hair above shoulder length. Secure or remove loose clothing or clothing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc.
They can be caught in moving parts.
S Being fully covered also helps protect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by spinning blade.
SStay alert. Do not operate when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Watch what you are do-
ing; use common sense.
SWear hearing protection.
S Never start or run inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
SOnly operate unit with handlebar installed.
SKeep hands and feet away from cutting area. S Never direct discharge of material toward by- standers nor allow anyone near the area of operation. Use care in directing discharge to avoid glass enclosures, automobiles, and the
like.
2
FUEL SAFETY (for gas powerheads)
SMix and pour fuel outdoors.
SKeep away from sparks or flames. S Use a container approved for fuel.
S Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the powerhead.
S Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting the powerhead.
S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting powerhead engine.
S Stop engine and allow to cool before remov- ing fuel cap.
S Remove fuel cap slowly.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (for electric powerheads)
WARNING: Avoid a dangerous envi- ronment. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use in rain, in damp or wet loca- tions, or around swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid the possibility of electrical shock. Do not handle extension cord plug or unit with wet hands.
SUse only a voltage supply as shown on the
nameplate of the unit.
S Avoid dangerous situations. Do not use in presence of flammable liquids or gases to avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or caus- ing damage to unit.
SAvoid dangerous environments. Do not use in unventilated areas or where dust or explo- sive vapors can build up.
STo reduce the risk of electrical shock, use ex- tension cords specifically marked as suitable for outdoor appliances. The electrical rating of the cord must not be less than the rating of the unit. The cord must be marked with the suffix “W-A” (in Canada, “W”). Make sure your ex- tension cord is in good condition. Inspect ex- tension cord before use and replace if dam- aged. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
SDo not use multiple cords.
SThe powerhead may have a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other); if so, it will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug will fit into a polarized ex- tension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a cor- rect polarized extension cord. A polarized ex- tension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord recep-
tacle, or extension cord plug in any way.
SDo not attempt to repair unit. Inspect the insu- lation and connectors on the powerhead and
