Cub Cadet BC490 Operator's Manual page 3

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
WARNING:
its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions:
• 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 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.
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.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting head / blade remains
stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, take the unit
to an authorized service dealer for an adjustment.
• The cutting head / blade may spin during idle speed
adjustments. Wear protective clothing and observe all safety
instructions to prevent serious personal injury.
• Adjust the handle to provide the best grip, if applicable.
• Make sure the attachment is not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
• 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.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on both handles or grips.
• 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, gear housing 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 stop the unit when operation is delayed or when walking
from one location to another.
Gasoline is highly flammable and
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate the unit
before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
• Turn the engine to off and disconnect the spark plug for
maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement
parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any other parts or accessories
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit,
and void the warranty.
• Keep the unit clean. Carefully remove vegetation and other
debris that could block moving parts.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor.
Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.
• If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit immediately.
Inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is
generally an indicator of trouble.
TRIMMER SAFETY
• Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section
of this manual. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or
rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
• Do not replace the cutting head with rigid or metal blades. Doing
so could result in serious injury.
• The cutting head shield must always be in place while operating
the unit. Do not operate the unit without both trimming lines
extended and the proper line installed. Do not extend the
trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
BRUSHCUTTER SAFETY
• The blade shield must always be in place while operating the unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when operating a brushcutter.
• Always keep the handle between the operator and the blade
during operation.
• Never operate the unit with the blade above waist level.
• To avoid violent kickback, do not attempt to cut material larger
than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in diameter.
• Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an
object that it does not immediately cut. Blade thrust can be
violent enough to propel the unit and/or operator in any
direction, possibly causing a loss of control. Blade thrust can
occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds. This is
more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the
material being cut.
• The blade will continue to spin after the unit is turned off. A
coasting blade can cause serious injury. Maintain control of the
unit until all moving parts have stopped.
• Do not sharpen the blade. Sharpening the blade can cause the
tip of the blade to break off while in use. This can result in severe
personal injury. Replace the blade if it is dull.
• Do not operate the unit with a bent, cracked or dull blade.
Replace bent, cracked or dull blades.
• Do not use the blade for edging; severe personal injury to
yourself or others may occur.
• The blade may become very sharp from use. Always wear heavy
gloves when handling, replacing or cleaning the blade.
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