Craftsman 154.58973 Operator's Manual page 3

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
WARNING:
safety instructions must be followed. Please read these
instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure
the safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please
keep these instructions for later use.
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls
and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence
of alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Never allow children to operate the unit. Teens must be
trained, accompanied and supervised by an adult. Never
allow adults to operate the unit without proper instruction.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check
for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and
secure. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged
in any way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged
parts.
• Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects that
may be thrown or become entangled with the unit.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep
them outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even
then, they are still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage
bystanders to wear eye protection. If you are approached,
stop the unit immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using the unit.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine.
• This unit is intended for occasional, household
use only.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
WARNING:
flammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take
the following precautions:
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling
the tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when
the engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to
relieve any pressure in the tank
before fueling.
• Always add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area
where there are no sparks or flames. DO NOT smoke.
• Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely
in place.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up
any spilled fuel from the unit immediately, before starting
the unit. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling
source and site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke.
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building.
Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a
wellventilated outdoor area.
When using the unit, all
Gasoline is highly
WHILE OPERATING
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSI /
ISEA Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/
hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face
mask or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve
shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants,
sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position
whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must
be in a stable position while starting. Refer to Starting and
Stopping.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its
intended purpose.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on both handles or grips.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
Take extra care when working on stairs, steep slopes or
inclines. To avoid serious injury, do not operate the unit while
on a ladder or a roof.
• Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do
not touch or try to stop moving parts.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely
hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
• Do not operate the unit faster than the speed needed to do
the job. Do not run the unit at high speed when not in use.
• Do not force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used
at the intended rate.
• Always stop the unit when operation is delayed or when
walking from one location to another.
• Before setting the unit down, always make sure the engine is
off and all moving parts have stopped.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop
the unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate
the unit before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit
with loose or damaged parts.
• Turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug for
maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
replacement parts and accessories for this unit. Use of any
other parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the
user, or damage to the unit, and void the warranty.
• Keep the unit clean. Carefully remove vegetation and other
debris that could block moving parts.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark
arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves,
excessive grease or carbon build up.
• If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the
unit immediately. Inspect the unit for the cause of the
vibration. Vibration is generally an indicator of trouble.
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