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3. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. This machine has been designed to perform one job: to cut
vegetation and grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
4. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14 and over
should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and
on the machine and should be trained and supervised by an adult.
5. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use this machine.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks,
wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects, which could be tripped over or picked up and
thrown by the string trimmer. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
7. Plan your trimming pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystand-
ers and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction, which may
cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
8. To help avoid trimmer line contact or a thrown object injury, stay in operator zone behind
handles and keep children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from string trimmer
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters area.
9. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
injury to the eyes.
10. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants
that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate this
machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light-weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
11. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge area at all
times as the rotating spindle and trimmer lines can cause injury.
12. Never operate the string trimmer without proper shields, guards, control lever or other
safety protective devices in place and working.
13. Never operate the string trimmer with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so, can result
in personal injury.
14. Many injuries occur as a result of the string trimmer being pulled over the foot during a fall
caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the string trimmer if you are falling; release
the handle immediately.
15. Never pull the string trimmer back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the
string trimmer away from a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping
and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from string trimmer to fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the string trimmer back slowly, no more than half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
16. Do not operate the string trimmer while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
17. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines so equipped while starting
engine.
18. The control lever is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in personal injury through contact with the
rotating trimmer line. The control lever must operate easily in both directions and automati-
cally return to the disengaged position when released.
19. Never operate the string trimmer in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall
can cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the
control lever immediately and the spindle will stop rotating within three seconds.
20. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never run.
21. Stop the spindle when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
22. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
