into the ground as this can scalp the ground and damage the tool.
SWEEPING
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH BRUSH BLADE
SBlade Thrust is a reaction that only occurs when using a bladed unit. This reaction can cause serious injury such as amputation. Carefully study this section. It is important that you understand what causes blade thrust, how you can reduce the chance of its occur- ring, and how you can remain in control of unit
if blade thrust occurs.
SWHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST - Blade Thrust can occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not cut. This contact causes the blade to stop 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 direction and lose control of the unit. The uncontrolled unit can cause serious injury if the blade contacts the operator
or others.
S WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS - Blade Thrust can occur without warning if
the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is diffi- cult 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.
SCut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up to 2 inches in diameter with the brush blade. Do not let the blade contact material it can- not cut such as stumps, rocks, fences, metal, etc., or clusters of hard, woody brush
having a diameter greater than 2 inches.
SKeep the blade sharp. A dull blade is more
likely to snag and thrust.
SCut only at full throttle. The blade will have
maximum cutting power and is less likely to bind or stall.
S “Feed” the blade deliberately and not too rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed too rapidly.
SCut only from your left to your right. Cutting on the right side of the shield will throw de- bris away from the operator.
SUse the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip on the unit with both hands. A properly ad- justed shoulder strap will support the weight of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to
control and guide the cutting motion.
S Keep feet comfortably spread apart and braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and balance.
SKeep blade below waist level; it will be eas- ier to maintain control of unit.
SDo not raise the engine above your waist as the blade can come dangerously close to your body.
SDo not swing unit with such force that you
are in danger of losing your balance.
Bring the engine to cutting speed before enter- ing the material to be cut.
If the blade does not turn when you squeeze the throttle trigger, make sure tube is fully in- serted into the engine.
Always release the throttle trigger and allow engine to return to idle speed when not cutting. The blade should not turn while the engine is running at idle. If the blade turns at idle, do not use your unit. Refer to the Carburetor adjust- ment section or contact your authorized ser- vice dealer.
S Maintain good firm footing while using the unit. Do this by planting feet firmly in a com- fortable apart position.
S Cut while swinging the upper part of your body from left to right.
SAs you move forward to the next area to cut, be sure to maintain your balance and foot- ing.
RECOMMENDED CUTTING POSITION
| 2 o’clock |
Cut using the 2 |
|
o’clock to 4 o’clock | 4 o’clock |
position of the | |
blade |
|
WARNING: The operator or others must not try to clear away cut material with the engine running or the blade turning to avoid serious injury. Stop engine and blade before removing materials wrapped around blade or tube.
11
