Operating Precautions■Always make sure the cutter
attachment is properly
installed and firmly tightened
before operation.
■Never use a cracked or
warped cutter or cutter bar:
replace it with a serviceable
one and make sure it fits
properly.
■Before starting the engine,
make sure the cutter is not
contacting anything.
■Always stop the engine
immediately and check for
damage if you strike a foreign
object or if the unit becomes
tangled. Do not operate with
broken or damaged equipment.
■When cutting a branch that is
under tension, be alert for
spring-back so that you will
not be struck by the moving
branch.
■Stop the unit immediately if it
suddenly begins to vibrate or
shake. Inspect for broken,
missing or improperly installed
parts or attachments.
■Do not operate the articulated
hedge trimmer with the muffler
removed.
■Make sure there is always good
ventilation when operating the
articulated hedge trimmer.
Fumes from engine exhaust can
cause serious injury or death.
Never run the engine indoors!
■Make sure there are no missing
or loose fasteners, and that the
stop switch and throttle controls
are working properly.
■If a cutter should bind fast in a
cut, shut off the engine immedi-
ately. Push the branch or tree to
ease the bind and free the
cutter.
■Make sure the cutters are
correctly adjusted before
operating the articulated hedge
trimmer (see page 24 for cutter
adjustment procedures). Never
attempt cutter adjustment with
the engine running!
5
WARNING!
Minimize the Risk of Fire
■NEVER smoke or light fires
near the unit.
■ALWAYS stop the engine and
allow it to cool before refuel-
ing. Avoid overfilling and wipe
off any fuel that may
have spilled.
■ALWAYS move the unit to a
place well away from a fuel
storage area or other readily
flammable materials before
starting the engine.
■ALWAYS inspect the unit for
fuel leaks before each use.
During each refill, check that no
fuel leaks from around the fuel
cap and/or fuel tank. If fuel leaks
are evident, stop using the unit
immediately. Fuel leaks must be
repaired before using the unit.
■NEVER place flammable material
close to the engine muffler.
■NEVER run the engine without
the spark arrester screen in place.
WARNING!
Use Good Judgement
SAFETY
Troubleshooting Guide (continued)
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
Excessive
vibration.
Warped or damaged
attachment.
Loose gearcase.
Bent main shaft/worn or
damaged bushings.
Inspect and replace
attachment as required.
Tighten gearcase securely.
Inspect and replace
as necessary.
Cutter will not
rotate.
Shaft not installed
in powerhead or
gearcase.
Broken shaft.
Damaged gearcase.
Inspect and reinstall
as required.
Consult your servicing
dealer.
Consult your servicing
dealer.
30
TROUBLESHOOTING