Rules For Safe Operation - Cub Cadet ST426s Operator's Manual

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible
dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your careful
attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves
eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not
substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT:
Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal injury. May
be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
DANGER:
Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious
injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING:
Failure to obey a safety warning can result in injury
to yourself and others. Always follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION:
Failure to obey a safety warning may result in
property damage or personal injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation
or maintenance of the equipment.
Read the Operator's Manual and follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator
and/or bystanders.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-877-282-8684 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 in
CANADA
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
WARNING:
When using the unit, you must follow the safety
rules. Please read these instructions before operating the unit in
order to ensure the safety of the operator and any bystanders.
Please keep these instructions for later use.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING:
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and
certain finished components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
• 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 supervised by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before
operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

Indicates danger, warning or caution.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable, and 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 fuel 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. Do not smoke.
• 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 engine. Move the unit at
least 30 feet (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. Only operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
WHILE OPERATING
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-
1989 standards. Also wear ear/hearing protection when operating this
unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear long sleeve shirt, heavy long pants, boots and gloves. 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. 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 D-handle to your size 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. See Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on
both the front and rear handle 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 is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from
operation. They remain hot for a short time after you turn off the unit.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut, trim or
edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when you are 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.
• Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance, repair, or for changing
the cutting attachment or other attachments.
• 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 faulty muffler and spark arrestor, keep the
engine and muffler free from grass, leaves or other debri.