MTD Yard Machines MTD18K Operator's Manual page 4

PLEASE READ - SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions
should always be followed to assure maximum safety and
optimum performance. Read this manual before assem-
bling and operating this appliance. Failure to comply with
instructions may result in electrical shock, burns, fire, or
personal injury.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, BURNS, FIRE OR PERSONAL
INJURY:
1. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS listed in
this manual before/during operation of this trimmer.
2. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK this
equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized exten-
sion cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the extension cord, reverse the plug. Do not change
the plug in any way.
3. INSPECT UNIT FOR DAMAGE to the housing or
plug. Keep all fasteners tight. Do not use if the trigger
does not turn the unit off properly. Never use unit if
cord or plug has been damaged, the motor or unit
itself is not working as it should or has been dropped,
damaged, left outdoors or dropped in water. Never
operate with any air opening blocked. Keep air open-
ings free of debris that may reduce air flow. Replace
damaged parts that are chipped, cracked or dam-
aged in any way. Keep cutter knife sharp.
4. DOUBLE INSULATED to help protect against
electric shock. Double insulation construction
consists of 2 separate "layers" of electric insulation.
Appliances built with this insulation system are not
intended to be grounded. As a result, the extension
cord used with your unit can be plugged into any
conventional 120 volt electrical outlet. Normal safety
precautions must be observed when operating an
electrical appliance. The double insulation system is
only for added protection against injury resulting from
a possible internal electrical insulation failure.
5. EXTENSION CORD - Use only with an extension
cord intended for outdoor use. Match wire gauge to
the cord length. See table below. A 2-wire cord with-
out a ground connection may be used since this
appliance is double insulated. If in doubt of proper
wire size, use the next heavier gauge. Please note
that the smaller the gauge number, the heavier the
cord.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE RECOMMENDATIONS
EXTENSION CORD
VOLTS
25 feet / 7.5m
120 50 feet / 15m
100 feet / 30m
*American Wire Gauge
(1). When using the appliance, an extension cord of ade-
quate size must be used for safety and to prevent
loss of power and overheating.
(2). The extension cord must be specifically intended for
outdoor use and marked "SJ" or "SJT" and with the
suffix "WA". In Canada, the extension cord must be
marked "SFTW".
(3). Inspect extension power cord for loose or exposed
wires and damaged insulation. If damaged, replace
before using appliance.
DO NOT ABUSE CORD - Never carry appliance by
cord or pull cord to disconnect from outlet. Keep cord
clear of operator and obstacles at all times. Do not
expose cord to heated surfaces, oil or water. Do not
pull cord around sharp edges, corners or close door
on cord.
6. NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE - Your dou-
ble insulated appliance has no serviceable parts
inside. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. For serv-
ice information, contact the Yard Machines Product
Service Department listed on the back cover of this
User Manual.
7. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT - Do not use
appliance in damp or wet locations.
8. DON'T USE IN RAIN - Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
9. DO NOT ABUSE CORD - Never yank it to discon-
nect from receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil,
sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged
cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk
of electric shock.
10. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY - All visitors should be kept
at a distance from work area.
11. DRESS PROPERLY - Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of
rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recom-
mended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.
12. USE SAFETY GLASSES - Always use face or dust
mask if operation is dusty.
3
WIRE SIZE
LENGTH REQUIRED
18 A.W.G.*
16 A.W.G.*
16 A.W.G.*
Table 1