Reaction Forces - Echo 99944200418 Instruction Sheet

• Do not scythe back and forth as the grass may
scatter and kickback may occur easily.
• Tilt blade left by 5 to 10 degrees so that cut
grasses will push left, making progress easier.
• Move forward with each arc to cut a swath.
• Width of cutting swath depends on arc. Use a
larger arc for a wider swath, or a smaller arc
for a narrow swath. Suggested cutting width is
about 1.5 m (4.9 ft).
• When scything large brush up to 12.7 mm
(0.5 in.) diameter from right to left, avoid cutting
with highlighted section.
X7672230407

Reaction Forces

• The cutting attachment will continue to
rotate even after the throttle is released,
maintain control of the unit until it has
come to a complete stop.
• Blade thrust may occur when the spinning
blade contacts an object that it does not
immediately cut. Following proper cutting
techniques will prevent blade thrust.
• Blade thrust can be violent enough to
cause the unit and/or operator to be pro-
pelled in any direction, and possibly lose
control of the unit.
• Blade thrust can occur without warning if
the blade snags, stalls or binds.
• Blade thrust is more likely to occur in ar-
eas where it is difficult to see the material
being cut.
Push or Pull - Kickout
During normal use, operating a brushcutter with a
circular metal blade can produce sudden strong
reaction forces that are difficult to control. Strong re-
action forces can cause a loss of balance or loss of
control of the equipment, resulting in serious injury
to operator and bystanders
Understanding what causes these reactive forces
may help you to avoid them, and can help you to
maintain control of the equipment if you experience
a sudden reaction during cutting. Reactive forces
occur when the force being applied by the cutting
teeth of a blade meet resistance, and some of the
cutting force is directed back toward the equipment.
The greater the cutting force or the amount of resis-
tance, the greater the reactive force.
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