Operating Precautions; Operating The Trimmer - Shindaiwa AHS231/EVC Owner's/Operator's Manual

Operating Precautions

n Always make sure the cutter attach-
ment is properly installed and firmly
tightened before operation.
n Inspect for broken, missing or
improperly installed parts or attach-
ments.
n Never use a cracked or warped
cutter or cutter bar: replace it with
a serviceable one and make sure it
fits properly.
n Make sure there are no missing or
loose fasteners, and that the stop
switch and throttle controls are
working properly.
n Make sure there is always good
ventilation when operating the
articulated hedge trimmer. Fumes
from engine exhaust can cause
serious injury or death. Never run
the engine indoors!
Operating the Articulated Hedge Trimmer
Always wear a hard hat to reduce the
risk of head injuries during operation
of this machine.
Secure long hair so
it is above shoulder
level.
Wear non-slip heavy-duty
gloves to improve your grip
on the trimmer handle. Wear
snug-fitting clothes that also
permit freedom of movement.
NEVER wear shorts!
Figure 2
WARNING!
n Never smoke or light fires near the
hedge trimmer. Keep the trimmer
away from excessive heat. Engine
fuel is very flammable and fire could
lead to serious personal injury or
property damage.
n Make sure the cutters are correctly
adjusted before operating the articu-
lated hedge trimmer (see page 14
for cutter adjustment procedures).
Never attempt cutter adjustment
with the engine running!
n Before starting the engine, make
sure the cutter is not contacting
anything.
n Stop the machine immediately if it
suddenly begins to vibrate or shake.
Always wear eye and hearing protec-
tion. Shindaiwa recommends wearing
a face shield as additional face and eye
protection.
Always operate with both
hands firmly gripping the
machine.
Keep a proper footing and do not over-
reach—maintain your balance at all
times during operation.
Wear sturdy footwear with nonslip
soles to provide good footing. Steel-
toed safety boots are recommended.
Never operate machine bare-footed.
n Always stop the engine immediately
and check for damage if you strike a
foreign object or if the machine be-
comes tangled. Do not operate with
broken or damaged equipment.
n When cutting a branch that is under
tension, be alert for spring-back so
that you will not be struck by the
moving branch.
n If a cutter should bind fast in a cut,
shut off the engine immediately.
Push the branch or tree to ease the
bind and free the cutter.
n Always stop the engine and allow
it to cool before refueling. Avoid
overfilling and wipe off any fuel that
may have spilled.
Keep bystanders at least 50 feet (15
meters) away from the operating
trimmer to reduce the risk of being
struck by falling objects or thrown
debris.
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