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• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING 
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and 
proper use of the unit. Know how to stop the unit and disengage 
the controls quickly. 
• Stay alert. Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the 
influence of alcohol, drugs or medication. 
• Never allow children to operate the unit. Teens must be trained, 
accompanied and supervised by an adult. Never allow adults to 
operate the unit without proper instruction. 
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly 
before operating the unit. 
• Inspect the unit before use. Check for damaged parts. Check for 
fuel leaks. Make sure all parts operate properly. Make sure all 
fasteners are in place and secure. Make sure all moving parts are 
properly aligned and are not bound. Replace parts that are cracked, 
chipped, or damaged in any way. Have all damaged or improperly 
working parts repaired or replaced by an authorized service 
center. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts. 
• Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet. 
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove 
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects that 
may be thrown or become entangled with the unit. 
• Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them 
outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are 
still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear 
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately. 
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns 
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or 
repairs before using the unit. 
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the 
engine. 
• This unit is intended for occasional, household use only.
WARNING:When using the unit, all safety 
instructions must be followed. Please read these 
instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the 
safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please keep 
these instructions for later use.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS 
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved 
for the storage of such materials. 
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the 
tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the 
engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve 
any pressure in the tank before fueling. 
• Always mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area 
where there are no sparks or flames. DO NOT smoke. 
• Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place. 
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any 
spilled fuel from the unit immediately, before starting the unit. 
Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and 
site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke. 
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. 
Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a well-
ventilated outdoor area.
WARNING:Gasoline is highly flammable and 
its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following 
precautions:
WHILE OPERATING 
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSI / ISEA 
Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing 
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face mask or dust 
mask if the operation is dusty. 
• Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do 
not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go 
barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level. 
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light. 
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever 
pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a 
stable position while starting. Refer to Starting and Stopping. 
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose. 
Only use the unit as described in this manual. 
• Always hold the unit with a firm grip when operating. 
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take 
extra care when working on stairs, steep slopes or inclines. To 
avoid serious injury, do not operate the unit while on a ladder or 
a roof. 
• Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not 
touch or try to stop moving parts. 
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely 
hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off. 
• Do not operate the unit faster than the speed needed to do the 
job. Do not run the unit at high speed when not in use. 
• Do not force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at 
the intended rate. 
• Always turn the unit off when operation is delayed or when 
carrying the unit from one location to another. Make sure all 
moving parts come to a complete stop. 
• Before setting the unit down, always make sure the engine is off 
and all moving parts have stopped. 
• If the unit strikes or becomes entangled with a foreign object, 
stop the unit immediately. Check for damage. If damaged, do 
not restart or operate the unit until it is repaired. Do not operate 
the unit with loose or damaged parts.