IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY: Before any use be sure everyone using this product reads and understands all
safety instructions and other information contained in this manual.
CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and duration of
use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
WARNING: When using electric or cordless gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
GENERAL SAFETY
STAY ALERT
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication that could affect
your ability to use it properly. Do not use this machine when you are tired or distracted from the job at hand.
Be aware of what you are doing at all times. Use common sense.
USERS
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the machine. Local regulations can
restrict the age of the operator.
AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
Work in daylight or in good artificial light; always be sure of your footing on slopes; walk, never run with the
machine; exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes; do not work on excessively steep
slopes; use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you; do not put hands or feet near
or under rotating parts.
INSPECT YOUR MACHINE
Check all bolts, nuts, and screws for tightness before each use, especially those securing guards and drive
mechanisms. Vibration during use, may cause these to loosen.
Form a habit of checking to see that all other tools/equipment are removed from the working area before
turning it on.
Replace damaged, missing or failed parts before using it. Warning labels carry important information. Replace
any missing or damaged warning labels.
DRESS PROPERLY
Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, scarfs, neckties or jewellery (rings, wrist watches), which can be caught in
moving parts. Always wear long trousers. Always wear substantial non slip, substantial or heavy-duty safety
footwear are highly recommended when working. Never operate barefoot or when wearing sandals. Wear a
face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Always wear safety glasses/goggles and/or face shields. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact resistant lenses; they are not safety glasses/goggles. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair, preventing it from getting caught in machinery.
AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Do not operate near underground electrical cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses.
ALWAYS SWITCH THE MACHINE OFF
Always switch off the machine, disconnect the plug and wait for the tines to stop turning before carrying out
any inspection or maintenance. The tines will not stop immediately after switching off.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
The mains voltage must correspond to the one marked on the technical data plate (230V-50Hz). Do not use
any other source of power. The use of a circuit breaker is recommended for an intervention range of 10 to 30
rated mA.
Do NOT use the machine in the rain and do NOT leave it outside overnight. Try to prevent it getting wet or
being exposed to humidity. Check the power cable regularly to ensure it is not damaged.
KEEP BYSTANDERS AND CHILDREN AWAY
Keep unauthorised persons a safe distance away from the machine. If approached, stop the machine
immediately. Do not allow children to handle, climb on or use the machine. Keep in mind the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.