Owner's Information; Safe Operation Practices - Murray 1695797 Operator's Manual

OWNER'S INFORMATION

Know your product: If you understand the
unit and how the unit operates, you will get the
best performance. As you read this manual,
compare the illustrations to the unit. Learn
the location and the function of the controls.
It is important that you read and understand
these original instructions thoroughly before
attempting to start or operate this equipment.
WARNING: Look for this symbol
to indicate important safety
precautions. This symbol indicates:
"Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is At
Risk."
Responsibility Of The Owner
WARNING: This cutting machine is
capable of throwing objects. Failure
to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury to
the operator or bystanders.
The responsibility of the owner is to
follow the instructions below.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

For Pedestrian Controlled Rotary
Weed Trimmers
I. General Operation
1. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s). Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the trimmer
before starting.
2. Familiarize yourself with all of the safety
and operating decals on this equipment
and on any of its attachments or
accessories.
3. Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
4. Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to
operate the trimmer.
5. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
machine is to be used and remove all
foreign objects. Your equipment can
propel small objects at high speed
causing personal injury or property
damage. Stay away from breakable
objects, such as house windows,
automobiles, greenhouses, etc.
6. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children, and
pets.
7. Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-
sleeved shirt or jacket. Also wear long
trousers or slacks. Do not wear shorts.
8. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
They can be caught in moving parts.
9. Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
trimmer to protect your eyes from foreign
objects which can be thrown from the unit.
10. Always wear work gloves and sturdy
footwear. Wear footwear that will improve
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footing on slippery surfaces. Do not
operate product when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Leather work shoes or
short boots work well for most people.
These will protect the operator's ankles
and shins from small sticks, splinters, and
other debris.
11. It is advisable to wear protective headgear
to prevent the possibility of being struck
by small flying particles, or being struck
by low hanging branches, twigs, or other
objects which may be unnoticed by the
operator.
12. Do not operate the trimmer without proper
guards or other safety protective devices
in place.
13. Use this equipment for its intended
purpose only.
14. See manufacturer's instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories.
Only use accessories approved by the
manufacturer.
15. Operate only in daylight or good artificial
light.
16. Do not operate product when fatigued
or under the influence of alcohol, drugs
or other medication which can cause
drowsiness or affect your ability to operate
this machine safely.
17. Never operate trimmer in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing; keep a
firm hold on the handle and walk; never
run.
18. Before each use, inspect the throttle
control lever and cable. Make sure that
the cable is free and that the lever is not
damaged. Also check the cable linkage
running to the carburetor for kinks, loose
fittings, and obstructions. Verify that the
control bail is working properly.
19. Stop the rotating trimmer head when
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Wait for the cutting lines to stop rotating.
20. Watch for traffic when operating near, or
when crossing roads.
21. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment. Before cleaning,
repairing or inspecting the unit, be sure
the trimmer head and all moving parts
have stopped. Let the engine cool,
disconnect the spark plug wire and move
it away from the spark plug.
22. If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor),
disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark
plug. Check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
23. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine (motor). Remove the wire from
the spark plug. Inspect the trimmer for
damage. If damaged, repair before
starting and operating the trimmer.
24. Never leave the trimmer unattended when
the engine is running. Remove the wire
from the spark plug.
25. Regularly inspect the trimmer. Make sure
parts are not bent, damaged or loose.
26. Allow muffler and engine areas to cool
before touching. Never pick up or carry
the trimmer while the engine is running.
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27. Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration
from petrol engine powered equipment
should be avoided. Take intermittant
breaks and/or wear ear protection from
engine noise as well as heavy work
gloves to reduce vibration in the hands.
II. Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. All
slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy
on a slope, do not trim it.
Do trim across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Do not trim excessively steep slopes
(maximum 15 degrees) or areas where the
ground is very rough. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
Do remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc.
Do watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass
can hide obstacles.
Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The operator could lose footing
or balance.
Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
Do not trim on wet grass. Reduced footing
could cause slipping.
III. Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the trimmer and the trimming
activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the trimming
area and under the watchful care of a
responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn trimmer off if children
enter the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look
behind and down for small children.
4. Never allow children to operate the
trimmer.
5. Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. Service
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are flammable and
vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
c. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never fill fuel tank indoors or
near appliances with pilot lights,
heaters, or other ignition sources.
Replace fuel tank cap securely. If
fuel is spilled, do not start the engine
but move product and fuel container
from area. Clean up spilled fuel and
allow to evaporate.
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