Safety Instructions - Yard-Man YM90BC Operator's Manual

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls
and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the
unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check
for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and
secure. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or
damaged in any way. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all
debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum,
keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m.)
radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown
objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye
protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
• Use only 0.105 inch (2.67 mm) diameter original equipment
manufacturer replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced
line, wire or rope. These can break off and become
dangerous projectiles.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved
for the storage of such materials.
I,_ WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable' and its I
vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions:
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not
start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the
fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank, or add fuel,
when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit without the
fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to
relieve any pressure in the tank.
• Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area
where there are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel
cap only after stopping engine. Do not smoke while fueling
or mixing fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit
immediately. Always wipe unit dry before using.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source
and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke or allow
sparks and open flames near the area while adding fuel or
operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building.
Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal. Operate this unit only
in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1
standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection
when operating this unit. Wear a face 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.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place while
operating the unit as a trimmer. Do not operate unit without
both trimming lines extended, and the proper line installed. Do
not extend the trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains
stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have the
unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.
• Adjust the J-handle to your size in order to provide the best grip.
• Be sure the cutting 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/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep
a firm grip on both handles or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do
not touch or try to stop the cutting attachment when it rotates.
• 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 engine faster than the speed needed to
cut, trim or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when
not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or when
walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop
the engine immediately and check for damage. Do not
operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit
with loose or damaged parts.
• Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the
spark plug for maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts
and accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or
accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or
damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may
become lodged between the cutting attachment and shield.
• 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.
WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE
• Read and understand all safety warnings before operating
this unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when using the brush
blade accessory.
• Keep the J-handle between the operator and cutting
attachment or blade at all times.
• NEVER cut when the cutting blade is 30 inches (76 cm) or
more above the ground level.
• 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.
• For operation with the brush blade, do not cut anything
thicker than 1/2 inch or a violent kickback could occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is rotating.