3
SAlways wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves,
boots, and gloves.
SAlways wear foot protection. Do not go bare-
foot or wear sandals.
SSecure hair above shoulder length. Secure
orremovelooseclothingorclothingwith
loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc.
They can be caught in moving parts.
SBeing fully covered also helps protect you
from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown
by spinning blade.
SStay alert. Do not operate when you are tired,
ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or medication. Watch what you are do-
ing; use common sense.
SWear hearing protection.
SNever start or run inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
SKeep hands and feet away from cutting area.
SNever direct discharge of material toward by-
standers nor allow anyone near the area of
operation. Use care in directing discharge to
avoid glass enclosures, automobiles, and the
like.
FUEL SAFETY (for gas powerheads)
SMix and pour fuel outdoors.
SKeep away from sparks or flames.
SUse a container approved for fuel.
SDo not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or
the powerhead.
SAvoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills
before starting the powerhead.
SMove at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fueling site before starting powerhead engine.
SStop engine and allow to cool before remov-
ing fuel cap.
SRemove fuel cap slowly.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (for electric
powerheads)
WARNING: Avoid a dangerous envi-
ronment. To reduce the risk of electrical shock,
do not use in rain, in damp or wet locations, or
around swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not
expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid the pos-
sibility of electrical shock. Do not use on wet
surfaces. Do not handle extension cord plug or
unit with wet hands.
SUse only a voltage supply as shown on the
nameplate of the unit.
SAvoid dangerous situations. Do not use in
presence of flammable liquids or gases to
avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or
causing damage to unit.
SAvoid dangerous environments. Do not use
in unventilated areas or where dust or ex-
plosive vapors can build up.
STo reduce the risk of electric shock, the
powerhead may have a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other); if so, it will re-
quire the use of a polarized extension cord.
The appliance plug will fit into a polarized
extension cord only one way. If the plug
does not fit fully into the extension cord, re-
verse the plug. If the plug still does not fit,
obtain a correct polarized extension cord.
A polarized extension cord will require the
use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will
fit into the polarized wall outlet only one
way. If plug does not fit fully into the wall
outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper wall outlet. Do not change the equip-
ment plug, extension cord receptacle, or
extension cord plug in any way.
STo reduce risk of electrical shock, use ex-
tension cords specifically marked as suit-
able for outdoor appliances having electri-
cal rating not less than the rating of unit.
Cord must be marked with suffix “W--A” (in
Canada “W”). Make sure your extension
cord is in good condition. Inspect extension
cord before use and replace if damaged. Do
not use a damaged cord. Cord insulation
must be intact with no cracks or deteriora-
tion. Plug connectors must be undamaged.
The extension cord used to reach the pow-
er source must be heavy enough to carry
current from the power source the full length
of the extension cord to the unit. An under-
sized extension cord will cause a drop in
line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. If in doubt, use the next heavi-
er gauge. The lower the gauge number, the
heavier the cord.
SDo not use multiple cords.
SDo not abuse cord. Never carry the unit by
the extension cord or yank extension cord
to disconnect unit. To unplug, grasp the
plug, not the cord. Do not use cord as a han-
dle, close a door on cord, or pull cord
around sharp edges or corners. Do not ex-
pose cords to heat, oil, or water.
SKeep the extension cord clear of operator and
obstacles at all times. Tie cord to cord retain-
er and connect to recessed plug as shown
in this manual to prevent damage to unit
and/or extension cord and to reduce the
possibility of the extension cord discon-
necting from the unit during operation.
SDo not attempt to repair unit. Inspect the insu-
lation and connectors on the powerhead and
extension cord before each use. If there is
any damage, do not use until damage is re-
paired by your authorized service dealer.
SDo not use the powerhead if the switch
does not turn the unit on and off properly.
Have the unit repaired by your authorized
service dealer.
SDo not use with damaged cord or plug. If
powerhead is not working as it should, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or
dropped into water, return it to your autho-
rized service dealer for repair.
SAvoid unintentional starting of the unit. Nev-
er carry unit with your finger on the switch.
Be sure the switch is in the OFF position
and never touch the switch when connect-
ing extension cord.
SUnplug the unit from the power source when
not in use, before servicing, and when chang-
ing accessories and/or attachments.
SAvoid any body contact with any grounded
conductor, such as metal fences, or pipes,
to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
