Makita BC231UD Instruction Manual page 11

– Metal blades are suitable for cutting weeds, high
grasses, bushes, shrubs, underwood, thicket, and
the like.
– Never use other blades including metal multi-piece
pivoting chains and flail blades. It may result in
serious injury.
2. Always use the cutting attachment guard properly
suited for the cutting attachment used.
3. When using metal blades, avoid "kickback" and
always prepare for an accidental kickback. See the
section "Kickback".
Kickback (Blade thrust)
1. Kickback (blade thrust) is a sudden reaction to a
caught or bound cutting blade. Once it occurs, the tool
is thrown sideway or toward the operator at great force
and it may cause serious injury.
2. Kickback occurs particularly when applying the blade
segment between 12 and 2 o'clock to solids, bushes
and trees with 3 cm or larger diameter. (Fig. 2)
3. To avoid kickback:
– Apply the segment between 8 and 11 o'clock.
– Never apply the segment between 12 and 2 o'clock.
– Never apply the segment between 11 and
12 o'clock and between 2 and 5 o'clock, unless the
operator is well trained and experienced and does it
at his/her own risk.
– Never use cutting blades close to solids, such as
fences, walls, tree trunks and stones.
– Never use cutting blades vertically, for such
operations as edging and trimming hedges. (Fig. 3)
Vibration
1. People with poor circulation who are exposed to
excessive vibration may experience injury to blood
vessels or the nervous system. Vibration may cause
the following symptoms to occur in the fingers, hands
or wrists: "Falling asleep" (numbness), tingling, pain,
stabbing sensation, alteration of skin color or of the
skin. If any of these symptoms occur, see a physician!
2. To reduce the risk of "white finger disease", keep your
hands warm during operation and well maintain the
tool and accessories.
Transport
1. Before transporting the tool, turn it off and remove the
battery cartridge. Attach the cover to the cutting blade.
2. When transporting the tool, carry it in a horizontal
position by holding the shaft.
3. When transporting the tool in a vehicle, properly
secure it to avoid turnover. Otherwise damage to the
tool and other baggage may result.
Maintenance
1. Have your tool serviced by our authorized service
center, always using only genuine replacement parts.
Incorrect repair and poor maintenance can shorten the
life of the tool and increase the risk of accidents.
2. Before doing any maintenance or repair work or
cleaning the tool, always turn it off and remove the
battery cartridge.
3. Always wear protective gloves when handling the
cutting blade.
4. Always clean dust and dirt off the tool. Never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like for the
purpose. Discoloration, deformation or cracks of the
plastic components may result.
5. After each use, tighten all screws and nuts.
6. Do not attempt any maintenance or repair not
described in the instruction manual. Ask our
authorized service center for such work.
7. Always use our genuine spare parts and accessories
only. Using parts or accessories supplied by a third
party may result in the tool breakdown, property
damage and/or serious injury.
8. Request our authorized service center to inspect and
maintain the tool at regular interval.
Storage
1. Before storing the tool, perform full cleaning and
maintenance. Remove the battery cartridge. Attach
the cover to the cutting blade.
2. Store the tool in a dry and high or locked location out
of reach of children.
3. Do not prop the tool against something, such as a
wall. Otherwise it may fall suddenly and cause an
injury.
First aid
1. Always have a first-aid kit close by. Immediately
replace any item taken from the first aid kit.
2. When asking for help, give the following information:
– Place of the accident
– What happened
– Number of injured persons
– Nature of the injury
– Your name
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING:
DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product (gained
from repeated use) replace strict adherence to safety
rules for the subject product. MISUSE or failure to
follow the safety rules stated in this instruction
manual may cause serious personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BATTERY CARTRIDGE
1. Before using battery cartridge, read all
instructions and cautionary markings on (1)
battery charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using
battery.
2. Do not disassemble battery cartridge.
3. If operating time has become excessively shorter,
stop operating immediately. It may result in a risk
of overheating, possible burns and even an
explosion.
4. If electrolyte gets into your eyes, rinse them out
with clear water and seek medical attention right
away. It may result in loss of your eyesight.
5. Do not short the battery cartridge:
(1) Do not touch the terminals with any
conductive material.
(2) Avoid storing battery cartridge in a container
with other metal objects such as nails, coins,
etc.
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