• Check that there is nobody within 15
metres of the machine's range of action
or within 30 metres for heavier cutting;
• Where possible, avoid working on
wet, slippery ground or in any case on
uneven or steep ground that does not
guarantee stability for the operator;
• Pay particular attention to uneven
ground (humps, hollows), slopes, hidden
hazards, or the presence of obstacles
that could compromise visibility.
• Be very careful near ravines,
ditches or embankments.
• Always work across the face of the slope
and never up and down it, being very careful
when changing direction, making sure the
cutting means is always downstream.
• Look out for traffic when using
the machine near the road.
Behaviour
• When working, the machine must always
be firmly held in both hands, keeping the
power unit on the right of the body and the
cutting group below the line of the belt.
• Always use caution and take on a
firm and well-balanced position.
• Never run, always walk.
• Always keep the machine connected
to the harness when working.
• Always keep hands and feet away
from the cutting means, when starting
and when using the machine.
• Warning: the cutting means continues
to rotate a few seconds even after
it has been disengaged or the
engine has been switched off.
• Be careful of flying debris coming
from the cutting means.
• Take care not to hit the cutting means
against foreign objects/obstacles. Kickback
can occur if the cutting means contacts an
obstacle/object. This contact can cause
a rapid backward motion, pushing the
cutting means up and towards the operator.
Kickback can cause the operator to lose
control of the machine, leading to serious
consequences. Kickback can be avoided
by taking proper precautions as given below:
– Hold the machine firmly in both hands
and position your body and arms so that
you can resist the force of a kickback;
– Do not overreach and do not cut
above the line of the belt;
– Only use replacement cutting means
specified by the manufacturer;
– Follow the manufacturer's maintenance
instructions for the cutting means.
• Beware of injuries caused by devices
used to cut the line length.
• Do not touch the engine parts, which
heat up during use. Burns hazard.
• To avoid the risk of fire, do not leave the
machine with the engine hot on leaves,
dry grass or other flammable material.
•
If something breaks or an accident
occurs during work, turn off the engine
immediately and move the machine away
to prevent further damage; if an accident
occurs with injuries or third parties are
injured, carry out the first aid measures
most suitable for the situation immediately
and contact the medical authorities for any
necessary health care. Carefully remove
any debris which could cause damage or
injury to persons or animals if ignored.
•
The noise and vibration levels shown
in these instructions are the maximum
levels for use of the machine. The use of an
unbalanced cutting means, excessive speed
of movement, the absence of maintenance
have a significant influence on noise
emissions and vibrations. Consequently,
it is necessary to take preventive steps to
eliminate possible damage due to high levels
of noise and stress from vibration. Maintain
the machine well, wear ear protection
devices, and take breaks while working.
•
Prolonged exposure to vibrations can
cause injuries and neurovascular disorders
(also called "Raynaud's syndrome" or
"white hand"), especially to people suffering
from circulation disorders. The symptoms
can regard the hands, wrists and fingers
and are shown through loss of sensitivity,
torpor, itching, pain and discolouring of
or structural changes to the skin. These
effects can be worsened by low ambient
temperatures and/or by gripping the
handgrips excessively tightly. If the symptoms
occur, the length of time the machine is used
must be reduced and a doctor consulted.
Use limitations
• Do not use the machine if you are unable
to hold it with both hands or keep it
steady on your legs while working.
• Never use the machine with damaged,
missing or not correctly positioned guards.
• Do not alter the engine adjustments, nor
over-run it. If the engine is forced to work
with an excessive number of rotations,
the risk of personal injury increases.
• Do not strain the machine too much and
do not use a small machine for heavy-
duty work. If you use the right machine,
you will reduce the risk of hazards and
improve the quality of your work.
EN - 3