E -BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOU READY TO OPERATE THE TRIMMER?

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will

significantly reduce your risk of injury.

Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and

how to operate them.

Familiarize yourself with the trimmer and its operation before you

begin to use it. Know what to do in case of emergencies.

You must be alert and in good physical condition to operate the

trimmer. Do not operate the trimmer if you are tired, ill, or under the

influence of alcohol, medication, or any substance that might impair

your vision, dexterity, or judgment.

If you have any physical problem that may be aggravated by

strenuous work, consult your physician before operating the trimmer.

Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury. Do not wear

loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure

hair so it is above shoulder level.

Always wear safety glasses or goggles that comply with ANSI

standard Z87.1 to protect your eyes from thrown objects. Prescription

glasses may be worn under the safety glasses or goggles.

A helmet with a face shield is recommended for further protection.

However, safety glasses or goggles should always be worn under the

face shield. Do not rely on a face shield alone to protect your eyes.

Wearing a dust mask will help to reduce the amount of pollen and dust

inhaled.

Hearing protectors will help to protect your ears from noise.

Earmuff-style hearing protectors can also protect your ears from

thrown objects.

Wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants made of heavy

material. Clothing should fit closely but allow freedom of movement,

and should have no strings, straps, etc. that could catch on brush or

the trimmer. Keep clothing fastened.

Wear sturdy work boots with good toe protection and nonslip soles.

IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?

Objects thrown by the trimmer can cause serious injury. Before

operating the trimmer, carefully inspect the area and remove all

objects that could be thrown by, or entangled in, the cutting

attachment, such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string.

Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. Keep all children,

bystanders, and pets at least 50 feet (15 meters) away from where the

trimmer is being operated.

Even outside a 50-foot (15-meter) radius of the trimmer, there may be

a risk of injury from thrown objects, so bystanders should be

encouraged to wear eye protection.

If anyone approaches you while you are operating the trimmer,

release the throttle trigger and stop the engine.

IS YOUR TRIMMER READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it

is very important to take a few moments before you operate the

trimmer to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem

you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate

the trimmer.

WARNING

Improperly maintaining this trimmer, or failing to

correct a problem before operation, could cause a

malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.

Always perform a pre-operation inspection before

each operation, and correct any problem.

Safety Inspection

• Look around the engine for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. Wipe up

any spills before starting the engine.

• Replace any damaged parts.

• Check that all fasteners are in place and secure. Tighten as

necessary.

Cutting Attachment Inspection

• Look for signs of damage to the cutting attachment.

Replace any cutting attachment and parts that are

worn out, bent, cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.

• If using a metal blade, be sure it is sharp. A dull blade is more likely

to snag and thrust.

• If using a metal blade on a trimmer equipped with a loop handle, be

sure the barrier bar (optional part) is installed beneath the loop

handle.

• Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed and securely

fastened .

• Check that the debris shield is the correct shield for the cutting

attachment , and that it is securely installed and in

good condition.

Maintenance Inspection

• Check the air filter . A dirty air filter will restrict air flow

to the carburetor, reducing engine and trimmer performance.

• Check throttle cable free play. The cable must be

correctly adjusted and operate smoothly for good throttle control.

• Check the fuel level . Starting with a full tank will help

to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

ARE YOUR SHOULDER HARNESS AND

TRIMMER CORRECTLY ADJUSTED?

Balancing the Trimmer on the Shoulder Harness

Hang the trimmer on the harness hook, and see how it balances.

Adjust the shoulder harness, the harness hanger on the frame pipe,

and the loop handle or U-type handlebar, so the handle or handlebars

are in a comfortable operating position, and the trimmer hangs with its

cutting attachment a few inches above the ground.