Using A Brushcutter Blade - Shindaiwa T350 Owner's Manual

Using A Brushcutter Blade (C350)
WARNING!
■ Before working with a blade-
equipped unit, always inspect
and clean the area of objects that
could interfere with or damage the
blade.
■ Never use a blade near sidewalks,
fence posts, buildings or other
objects that could cause injury or
damage.
■ Never use a blade for purposes
other than those for which it was
designed.
■ Whenever you strike a hard object
with a blade, always stop the
brushcutter and carefully inspect
the blade for damage. NEVER
OPERATE THE BRUSHCUTTER
WITH A DAMAGED BLADE!
■ A blade-equipped unit must be
equipped with a bicycle-type
handlebar as well as a harness or
strap.
■ Always make sure the cutting
attachment shield is properly
installed before operating the unit.
The blade rotates counter-clockwise.
For best performance and to minimize
being struck by debris, move the blade
from right to left while advancing on
your work.
Position the blade so cuts are made
between the blade's 7 o'clock and
10 o'clock positions (as viewed from
above). DO NOT cut between the
10 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions
(shaded area). See Figure 31.
Ten
O'clock
OK To Cut
Eight
O'clock
Figure 31
16
When cutting wood with a blade,
feed the blade slowly. Never strike or
"slam" a spinning blade against the
wood.
DO NOT use 2-tooth or NON-
Shindaiwa approved 4-tooth cutting
blades with Shindaiwa brushcutters.
Vertical cuts
Hold the brushcutter with the blade at a
90° angle to the ground so the blade's
bottom edge rotates toward the opera-
tor. Move the blade from top to bottom
through the cut, and cut only with the
bottom edge of the blade. See Figure
32.
When making vertical cuts, never al-
low the blade to exceed waist height.
Blade
Rotation
Figure 32
Five
O'clock
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
Cut on the left side of the
blade. KEEP YOUR BODY
OUTSIDE THE PATH OF
BLADE ROTATION
C35015
Blade Thrust
'Blade thrust' is a sudden sideways or
backward motion of the brushcutter.
Such motion may occur when the blade
jams or catches on an object such
as a sapling tree or tree stump. BE
CONSTANTLY ALERT FOR BLADE
THRUST AND GUARD AGAINST ITS
EFFECTS!
Brushcutter Handlebar
A brushcutter's handlebar helps prevent
the operator from moving forward, or
the unit moving rearward, thus prevent-
ing inadvertent bodily contact with the
blade. ALWAYS KEEP THE HANDLE-
BAR SECURELY IN PLACE ON THE
UNIT!
Brushcutter Harness
A harness provides additional protec-
tion against blade thrust. In addition, a
harness gives signifi cant support and
comfort to help ensure safe and ef-
fi cient operation.
When operating a brushcutter, make
sure both the handle and harness are
adjusted to the size of the operator us-
ing the unit.
Engine Operating Speeds
Operate the engine at full throttle while
cutting. Best fuel effi ciency is obtained
by releasing the throttle when swinging
back after a cut.
■ To prevent possible engine damage,
do not allow the brushcutter to run at
high speeds without a load.
■ Avoid operating the attachment at
low speeds. Doing so can lead to
rapid clutch wear. In addition, slow-
speed operation tends to cause
grass and debris to wrap around the
cutting head.