•Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.

•Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects which may be thrown or become entangled in the cutting attachment. Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them outside a 50-foot

(15 m.) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.

•Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs before using the unit.

•This unit was not designed to be used as a brushcutter. Do not attach or operate this unit with any type of brushcutting blade or brushcutting attachment.

Safety Warnings for Gas Trimmers

WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:

•Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved for the storage of such materials.

•Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.

•Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. Remove the fuel cap slowly, and only after the engine stops. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately.

•Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

•Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke. Keep sparks and open flames away from the area while adding fuel or operating the unit.

While Operating

•Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal. Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

•Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

•Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.

•The cutting attachment shield must always be in place while operating the unit. Do not operate unit without both trimming lines extended, and the proper line installed. Do not extend the trimming line beyond the length of the shield.

•This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.

•Adjust the J-handle to your size in order to provide the best grip.

•Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with anything before starting the unit.

•Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

•Avoid accidental starting. Remain in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. Refer to Starting/Stopping Instructions.

•Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.

•Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.

•Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both handles or grips.

•Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting attachment when it rotates.

•Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.

•Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when not cutting.

•Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or when walking from one cutting location to another.

•If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

•Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the spark plug for maintenance or repair.

•Use only Genuine Factory Parts™ replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, damage to the unit, and a voided warranty.

•Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may become lodged between the cutting attachment and shield.

•To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.

Other Safety Warnings

•Never store a fueled unit inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

•Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

•Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach of children.

•Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.

•Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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