Troy-Bilt FLEX Chipper Shredder Operator's Manual page 3

Important Safe Operation Practices
WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet
and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions
on the machine and in the manual(s) before
attempting to assemble and operate.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine
and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 16 years of
age to operate this machine. Children 16
and over should read and understand the
instructions and safe operation practices
in this manual and on the machine and be
trained and supervised by an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine
without proper instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, pets, and children at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters
the area.
6. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas.
7. Do not put hands and feet near rotating
parts or in the feeding chambers and
discharge opening. Contact with the
rotating impeller can amputate fingers,
hands, and feet.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed
intake or discharge opening, remove
or empty bag, or inspect and repair the
machine while the engine is running. Shut
the engine off and wait until all moving
parts have come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used. Remove all rocks,
bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which
could be picked up or thrown and cause
personal injury or damage to the machine.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair, to protect your eyes.
Thrown objects which ricochet can cause
serious injury to the eyes.
3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting
clothes or jewelry can be caught in movable
parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals. Wear leather work gloves
when feeding material in the chipper chute.
4. Before starting, check all bolts and screws
for proper tightness to be sure the machine
is in safe working condition. Also, visually
inspect machine for any damage at frequent
intervals.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instructions
labels, as necessary.
Operation
1. Do not put hands and feet near rotating
parts or in the feeding chambers and
discharge opening. Contact with the
rotating impeller can amputate fingers,
hands, and feet.
2. Before starting the machine, make sure
the chipper chute, feed intake, and cutting
chamber are empty and free of all debris.
3. Thoroughly inspect all material to be
shredded and remove any metal, rocks,
bottles, cans, or other foreign objects which
could cause personal injury or damage to
the machine.
4. If it becomes necessary to push material
through the shredder hopper, use a small
diameter stick. Do not use your hands or
feet.
5. If the impeller strikes a foreign object or
if your machine should start making an
unusual noise or vibration, immediately
shut the engine off. Allow the impeller to
come to a complete stop. Disconnect the
FLEX™ Power Base from the attachment and
perform the following steps:
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged
parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and
tighten to assure continued safe
operation.
6. Do not allow an accumulation of processed
material to build up in the discharge area.
This can prevent proper discharge and
result in kickback of material through the
feed opening.
7. Do not attempt to shred or chip material
larger than specified on the machine or
in this manual. Personal injury or machine
damage could result.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed
intake or discharge opening while the
engine is running. Shut the engine off,
wait until all moving parts have stopped,
disconnect the FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment before clearing debris.
9. Never operate without the shredder hopper,
chipper chute, or chute deflector properly
attached to the machine. Never empty or
change discharge bag while the engine is
running.
10. Keep all guards, deflectors and safety
devices in place and operating properly.
11. Keep your face and body back and to the
side of the chipper chute while feeding
material into the machine to avoid
accidental kickback injuries.
12. Never operate this machine without good
visibility or light.
13. Do not operate this machine on a paved,
gravel or non-level surface.
14. Do not operate this machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Never pick up or carry machine while the
engine is running.
16. If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgement.
Contact Customer Support for assistance
and the name of the nearest service dealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
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