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.
S Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up
to 1/2 inch (1 cm) in diameter with the weed
blade. Do not let the blade contact material
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).
S Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade is more
likely to snag and thrust.
S Cut 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.
S Cut only from your left to your right. Cutting on
right side of the shield will throw debris away
from the operator.
S Use the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip
on the unit with both hands. A properly
adjusted 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.
S Keep blade below waist level; it will be
easier to maintain control of unit.
WARNING:
plug before performing maintenance except
for idle speed adjustments.
HELPFUL TIP
IMPORTANT:
repairs other than the rec-
ommended
described in the instruction
manual performed by an
authorized service dealer.
If any dealer other than an authorized
service dealer performs work on the
product, the manufacturer may not pay
for repairs under warranty. It is your re-
sponsibility to maintain and perform
general maintenance.
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
S Spark Plug Boot
S Air Filter
S Housing Screws
S Assist Handle Screw
S Debris Shield
MAINTENANCE
Disconnect the spark
Have all
maintenance
S Do not raise the engine above your waist as
the blade can come dangerously close to
your body.
S Do 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 shaft is fully inserted into the engine.
Always release the throttle trigger and allow
engine to return to idle speed when not cut-
ting. The blade should not turn while the en-
gine is running at idle. If the blade turns at idle,
do not use your unit. Refer to IDLE SPEED
ADJUSTMENT or contact your authorized
service dealer.
S Maintain good firm footing while using the
unit. Do this by planting feet firmly in a
comfortable apart position.
S Cut while swinging the upper part of your
body from left to right.
S As you move forward to the next area to cut,
be sure to maintain your balance and footing.
RECOMMENDED CUTTING POSITION
Cut using the 2
o'clock to 4 o'clock
position of the
blade
WARNING:
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
shaft.
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR
WORN PARTS
Contact an authorized service dealer for re-
placement of damaged or worn parts.
S ON/STOP Switch - - Ensure ON/STOP
switch functions properly by pushing and
releasing the switch. Make sure engine
stops. Wait 5 seconds before attempting to
restart unit to allow switch to reset. Restart
engine and continue.
S Fuel Tank - - Discontinue use of unit if fuel
tank shows signs of damage or leaks.
S Debris Shield - - Discontinue use of unit if
debris shield is damaged.
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND DE-
CALS
S After each use, inspect complete unit for
loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and
decals using a damp cloth with a mild deter-
gent.
S Wipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
13
2 o'clock
4 o'clock
The operator or others