
3
Important Safe Operation Practices 2
WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of 
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these 
instructions may result in personal injury. 
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, 
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet 
and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California 
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. 
 
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions 
on the machine and in the manual(s) before 
attempting to assemble and operate. 
Keep this manual in a safe place for future 
and regular reference and for ordering 
replacement parts. 
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper 
operation. Know how to stop the machine 
and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 16 years of 
age to operate this machine. Children 16 
and over should read and understand the 
instructions and safe operation practices 
in this manual and on the machine and be 
trained and supervised by an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine 
without proper instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, pets, and children at 
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in 
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters 
the area.
6. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly 
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains 
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly 
gas.
7. Do not put hands and feet near rotating 
parts or in the feeding chambers and 
discharge opening. Contact with the 
rotating impeller can amputate fingers, 
hands, and feet.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed 
intake or discharge opening, remove 
or empty bag, or inspect and repair the 
machine while the engine is running. Shut 
the engine off and wait until all moving 
parts have come to a complete stop. 
Disconnect the FLEX™ Power Base from the 
attachment.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the 
equipment is to be used. Remove all rocks, 
bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which 
could be picked up or thrown and cause 
personal injury or damage to the machine. 
2. 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.
3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and 
close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting 
clothes or jewelry can be caught in movable 
parts. Never operate this machine in bare 
feet or sandals. Wear leather work gloves 
when feeding material in the chipper chute.
4. Before starting, check all bolts and screws 
for proper tightness to be sure the machine 
is in safe working condition. Also, visually 
inspect machine for any damage at frequent 
intervals.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instructions 
labels, as necessary.
Operation
1. Do not put hands and feet near rotating 
parts or in the feeding chambers and 
discharge opening. Contact with the 
rotating impeller can amputate fingers, 
hands, and feet.
2. Before starting the machine, make sure 
the chipper chute, feed intake, and cutting 
chamber are empty and free of all debris.
3. Thoroughly inspect all material to be 
shredded and remove any metal, rocks, 
bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which 
could cause personal injury or damage to 
the machine.
4. If it becomes necessary to push material 
through the shredder hopper, use a small 
diameter stick. Do not use your hands or 
feet.
5. If the impeller strikes a foreign object or 
if your machine should start making an 
unusual noise or vibration, immediately 
shut the engine off. Allow the impeller to 
come to a complete stop. Disconnect the 
FLEX™ Power Base from the attachment and 
perform the following steps:
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged 
parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and 
tighten to assure continued safe 
operation.
6. Do not allow an accumulation of processed 
material to build up in the discharge area. 
This can prevent proper discharge and 
result in kickback of material through the 
feed opening.
7. Do not attempt to shred or chip material 
larger than specified on the machine or 
in this manual. Personal injury or machine 
damage could result.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed 
intake or discharge opening while the 
engine is running. Shut the engine off, 
wait until all moving parts have stopped, 
disconnect the FLEX™ Power Base from the 
attachment before clearing debris. 
9. Never operate without the shredder hopper, 
chipper chute, or chute deflector properly 
attached to the machine. Never empty or 
change discharge bag while the engine is 
running. 
10. Keep all guards, deflectors and safety 
devices in place and operating properly.
11. Keep your face and body back and to the 
side of the chipper chute while feeding 
material into the machine to avoid 
accidental kickback injuries.
12. Never operate this machine without good 
visibility or light. 
13. Do not operate this machine on a paved, 
gravel or non-level surface.
14. Do not operate this machine while under 
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Never pick up or carry machine while the 
engine is running.
16. If situations occur which are not covered in 
this manual, use care and good judgement. 
Contact Customer Support for assistance 
and the name of the nearest service dealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check 
their proper operation regularly.