4

MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT IN GOOD

WORKING ORDER

SDisconnect the spark plug before
performingmaintenance exc ept carburetor
adjustments.
SLook for and replace damaged or loose
parts before each use. Look for and repair
fuelleaks before us e. Keep in good working
condition.
SMakec ertain the chain stops moving w hen
the throttle trigger is released. For
correction, refer to CARBURETOR
ADJUSTMENTS.
SReplace trimmer head parts that are
chipped, cracked, broken, or damaged in
any other way before using the unit.
SNever modify your unit in any way.
SKeepthe handles dr y,c lean, and free of oil
or fuel mixture.
SKeep fuel and oil caps, screws, and
fasteners securely tightened.
SMaintain unit according to recommended
procedures. Keep cutting line at proper
length.
SUse only 0.080″(2 mm) diameter Poulan
PRObr and line. Nev er use wire, rope, st ring,
etc.
SInstallrequired shield pr operly before using
the unit. Useonly specified trimmer head;
make sure it is properly installed and
securely fastened.
SMake sure unit is assembled correctly as
shown in this manual.
SMake carburetor adjustments with low er
end supported to prevent line from
contacting any object.
SKeepothers away when making c arburetor
adjustments.
SUse only recommended Poulan PRO
accessories and replacement parts.
SHave all service performed by a qualified
service dealer with the exception of the
items listed in the maintenance section of
this manual.

HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

SDo not smoke while handling fuel or while
operating the unit.
SEliminate all sources of spark s or flame in
the areas where fuel is mixed or poured.
Theres houldbe no s moking, open flames,
or work that could cause sparks . Allow
engineto c ool before refueling.
SMixand pour fuel in an outdoor area on bare
ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well
ventilated place; and use an approved,
marked container for all fuel purposes.
Wipeup all fuel spills before star ting engine.
SMoveat least 10 feet (3 meters) from fueling
site before starting engine.
STurn the engine off and let unit cool in a
non-combustible area, not on dry leaves,
straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap
andr efuel unit.
SStorethe unit and fuel in an area where fuel
vaporscannot reach spar ks or open flames
from water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.
SStop engine and allow to cool before
removing fuel cap.
SAlways store gasoline in a container
approved for flammable liquids.

KICKBACK

WARNING : Avoid kickback which
can result in serious injury. Kickback ist he
backward, upward or sudden f orward motion
of the guide bar occurring when the chain
near the upper tip of the guide bar contacts
any object such as a log or branch, or when
the wood closes in and pinches the chain in
the cut. Contacting a foreign objec t in the
wood can also result in loss of control.
SRotational Kickback can occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the upper
tip of the guide bar. This contact can cause
the chain to dig into the object, which stops
the chain for an instant. The result is a
lightningfast, r everse reaction whic h kicks the
guide bar up and back toward the operator.
SPinch-Kickbackcan oc cur when the wood
closes in and pinches the moving chain in
thecut along the top of the guide bar and the
chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden
stoppingof the chain res ults in a reversal of
the chain force used to cut w ood and
causes the pruner to move in the opposite
directionof the chain rot ation. The pruner is
driven straight back toward the operator.
SPull-In can occur when the movin g chain
contacts a foreign object in the wood in the cut
along the bottom of the guide bar and the
chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden
stopping pulls the pruner forward and away
from the operator and could easily cause the
operator to lose control of the pruner.

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF

KICKBACK

SRecognizethat k ickback can happen. With
abasic understanding of k ickback, you c an
reduce the element of surprise which
contributes to accidents.
SNever let the moving chain contact any
object at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeep the working area free from
obstructionssuc has other trees, branches,
rocks, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoidany
obstruction that your chain could hit while
youare cut ting. When cutting a br anch, do
notlet the guide bar contact branch or other
objects around it.
SKeep your chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can
increaset he chance of kickback occ urring.
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening
and maintenance instructions. Check
tension at regular intervals with the engine
stopped, never with the engine running.
Make sure the bar clamp nut is securely
tightened after tensioning the chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If
thechain is moving at a slower speed, there
is greater chance of kickback occurring.
SCut one branch at a time.
SUse extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
SDo not attempt cuts starting with the tip of
the bar (plunge cuts).