Safety
Work Safely
A hedge trimmer has the potential to cause serious personal injury to the operator or bystanders if misused, abused or mishandled. To reduce the risk of injury, you must maintain control at all times, and observe all safety precautions during operation. Never permit a person without training or instruction to operate this machine!
Stay Alert
You must be physically and mentally fit to operate this unit safely.
WARNING!
Never make unauthorized attachment installations. Always use genuine Shindaiwa parts and accessories when repairing or maintaining this unit.
WARNING!
Never operate power equipment of
any kind if you are tired or if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or any other substance that could affect your ability or judgement.
Operating Precautions
WARNING!
Use Good Judgement
■■Never transport the hedge trimmer or leave it unattended with the engine running. An engine that’s running could be accidently accelerated causing the blades to oscillate.
■■Make sure that the blade cover is in place when transporting or storing the hedge trimmer.
■■Always make sure that the cutter attachment and all handles and guards are properly installed and firmly tightened before operation.
■■Inspect for broken, missing or improperly installed parts or attachments.
■■Never use a cracked or warped cutter or cutter bar: replace it with a serviceable one and make sure it fits properly.
■■Make sure there are no missing or loose fasteners, and that the stop switch and throttle controls are working properly.
■■ Make sure there is always good ventilation when operating the hedge trimmer. Fumes from engine exhaust can cause serious injury or death. Never run the engine indoors!
■■Never smoke or light fires near the hedge trimmer. Keep the unit away from excessive heat. Engine fuel is very flammable and fire could lead to serious personal injury or property damage.
■■Make sure the cutters are correctly adjusted before operating the hedge trimmer (see the section ”Cutter Blade Adjustment” for cutter adjustment procedures). Never attempt cutter adjustment with the engine running!
■■Before starting the engine, make sure the cutter is not contacting anything.
■■Always confirm safe operation when using the machine.
■■Immediately stop the engine with the stop switch if the machine suddenly begins to vibrate or shake.
■■Always stop the engine immediately and check for damage if you strike a foreign object or if the machine 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.
■■If a cutter should bind fast in a cut, shut off the engine immediately. Push the branch or tree to ease the bind and free the cutter.
■■Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before refueling. Avoid overfilling and wipe off any fuel that may have spilled.
■■To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and muffler free of debris, leaves, or excessive grease.
■■Keep a solid stance. Maintain foot-
ing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions or on ladders. Do not over reach.
WARNING!
Hedge Clipper blades are very sharp. Touching them may lead to severe personal injury. Avoid touching blades whenever possible, and always wear gloves to protect hands
3