Stihl FS 500 Instruction Manual page 9

English / USA
Keep the deflector (and the skirt where
appropriate) adjusted properly at all
times (see chapter on mounting the
various cutting tools of your owner's
manual).
Starting
!
Warning!
Your clearing saw is a one-person
machine. Once started, it may fling
foreign objects for a great distance.
15m (50ft)
To reduce the risk of eye and other injury
insure that bystanders are at least
50 feet (15 m) away. Bystanders should
be encouraged to wear eye protection.
Stop the engine and cutting tool
immediately if you are approached. Start
and operate your clearing saw without
assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of your manual. Place the clearing saw
on firm ground or other solid surface in
an open area. Maintain a good balance
and secure footing.
8
!
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, be absolutely sure that the
cutting tool is clear of you and all other
obstructions and objects, including the
ground, because when the engine starts
at starting-throttle, engine speed will be
fast enough for the clutch to engage and
turn the cutting tool.
!
Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, don't
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not allow the grip to snap back, but
guide the starter rope to rewind it
properly. Failure to follow this procedure
may result in injury to hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
mechanism.
With the engine running but at idle,
attach the clearing saw to the spring
hook of your harness (see appropriate
chapter of this manual).
Catalytic converter
!
Warning!
Some STIHL clearing saw
models are equipped with
a catalytic converter,
which is designed to
reduce the exhaust
emissions of the engine
by a chemical process in the muffler.
Due to this process, the muffler does not
cool down as rapidly as conventional
mufflers when the engine returns to idle
or is shut off. To reduce the risk of fire
and burn injuries, the following specific
safety precautions must be observed.
!
Warning!
Since a muffler with a catalytic converter
cools down less rapidly than conven-
tional mufflers, always set your clearing
saw down in the upright position and
never locate it where the muffler is near
dry brush, grass, wood chips or other
combustible materials while it is still hot.
FS 500, FS 550