11
Trimming
3inc hes (8 cm)
above ground
SCALPING --The scalping tec hnique removes
unwanted vegetation down to the ground. H old
the bottom of the trimmer head about 3 inches
(8c m) above the ground and at an angle. Allow
the tip of the line to strike the ground around
trees,pos ts, monuments, etc. This t echnique in-
creases line wear.
Scalping
MOWING --Your trimmer is ideal for mowing
in places conventional lawn mowers cannot
reach. In the mowing position, keep the line
parallel to the ground. Avoid pressing the
head into the ground as this can scalp the
ground and damage the tool.
Mowing
SWEEPING-- The fanning action of the rotat-
ingline can be used to blow away loose debris
from an area. Keep the line parallel to and
above the area surface and swing the tool
from side to side.
Sweeping
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS FORUSE WITH WEED BLADE
SBlade Thrustis a reaction that only oc curs
when using a bladed unit. This reacti on can
cause serious injury such as amputation.
Carefully study this section. It is important that
you understand what causes blade th rust,
how you can reduce the chance of its
occurring, and how you can remain in c ontrol
of unit if blade thrust occurs.
SWHATCAUSES BLADE THRUST -- Blade
Thrust can occur when the spinning blade
contacts an object that it does not cut. Thi s
contact causes the blade to s top for an instant
and then suddenly move or “thrust” away
from the object that was hit. The “thrusting”
reaction can be violent enough to cause the
operator to be propelled in any direc tion and
lose control of the unit. The uncontrolled unit
can cause serious injury if the blade c ontacts
the operator or others.
SWHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS --
BladeThrust can oc cur 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. By
using the unit properly, the occurrence of
blade thrust will be reduced and the
operator will be less likely to lose control.
SCutonly grass, weeds , and woody brush up
to1/2 inch (1 c m)in diameter with the weed
blade.Do not let the blade contac tmater ial
it cannot cut such as stumps, rocks,
fences, metal, etc., or clusters of hard,
woody brush having a diameter greater
than 1/2 inch (1 cm).
SKeep theblade s harp. A dullblade is mor e
likely to snag and thrust.
SCut only at full throttle. The blade will have
maximumcutting power and is less li kely to
bindor stall.
S“Feed” the blade deliberately and not too
rapidly.The blade can thrust away if it is fed
too rapidly.
SCutonly f rom your left to your right. Cutting on
right side of the shield will throw debris away
from the operator.
SUse the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip
on the unit with both hands. A properly
adjusted shoulder strap will s upport the
weight of the unit, freeing your arms and
handsto c ontrol and guide the cutting motion .
SKeep feet comfortably spread apar t and
braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrus t of
unit. Do not overreach. K eep firm footing and
balance.
SKeep blade below waist level; it will be
easier to maintain control of unit.
SDonot raise the engine above your waist as
the blade can come dangerously close to
your body.