Operating Precautions - Shindaiwa AH231 Owner's/Operator's Manual

Operating Precautions

WARNING!
Use Good Judgement
 ALWAYS make sure the cutter at-
tachment is properly installed and
firmly tightened before operation.
 NEVER use a cracked or warped
cutter or cutter bar; replace it with
a serviceable one and make sure it
fits properly.
 Before starting the engine, make
sure the cutter is not contacting
anything.
 ALWAYS stop the engine immediate-
ly and check for damage if you strike
a foreign object or if the unit becomes
tangled. Do not operate with broken
or damaged equipment.
 When cutting a branch that is under
tension, be alert for spring-back so
that you will not be struck by the
moving branch.
 Stop the unit immediately if it sud-
denly begins to vibrate or shake.
Inspect for broken, missing or
improperly installed parts or
attachments.
WARNING!
Minimize the Risk of Fire!
 NEVER smoke or light fires near
the unit.
 ALWAYS stop the engine and
allow it to cool before refueling.
Avoid overfilling and wipe off
any fuel that may have spilled.
 ALWAYS move the unit to a place
well away from a fuel storage
area or other readily flammable
materials before starting the
engine.
WARNING!
 NEVER transport the articulated
hedge trimmer nor set it down with
the engine running. An engine that's
running could be accidently acceler-
ated causing the blades to oscillate.
 Make sure the cover is in place
when transporting the articulated
hedge trimmer.
 When carrying the articulated hedge
trimmer by hand, the cutter attach-
ment should be pointing backward
with the cutter blade in the retracted
 DO NOT operate the articulated
hedge trimmer with the muffler
removed.
 Make sure there is always good
ventilation when operating the
articulated hedge trimmer. Fumes
from engine exhaust can cause seri-
ous injury or death. Never run the
engine indoors!
 Make sure there are no missing or
loose fasteners, and that the stop
switch and throttle controls are
working properly.
 If a cutter should bind fast in a cut,
shut off the engine immediately.
Push the branch or tree to ease the
bind and free the cutter.
 Make sure the cutters are cor-
rectly adjusted before operating the
articulated hedge trimmer (see page
7 for cutter adjustment procedures).
Never attempt cutter adjustment
with the engine running!
 ALWAYS inspect the unit for fuel
leaks before each use. During each
refill, check that no fuel leaks from
around the fuel cap and/or fuel tank.
If fuel leaks are evident, stop using
the unit immediately. Fuel leaks
must be repaired before using the
unit.
 NEVER place flammable material
close to the engine muffler.
 NEVER run the engine without
the spark arrester screen in place.
Figure 1
or transporting position (see page 7
for articulating adjustment
procedures). See Figure 1.
CAUTION!
 ALWAYS maintain the articulated
hedge trimmer according to this
owner's manual and follow the rec-
ommended scheduled maintenance.
 NEVER modify or disable any of the
hedge trimmer's safety devices.
 ALWAYS use genuine Shindaiwa
parts and accessories when repair-
ing or maintaining this unit.
 DO NOT make unauthorized
modifications to the articulated
hedge trimmer.
 NEVER allow the engine to run at
high RPM without a load. Doing so
could damage the engine.
 When transporting the hedge trim-
mer in a vehicle, tie it down securely
to prevent fuel spillage or damage to
the unit.
 ALWAYS clear your work area of
trash or hidden debris to help ensure
good footing.
 Keep the cutters sharp and properly
adjusted.
 Keep the articulated hedge trimmer
as clean as possible. Keep it free of
loose vegetation, mud, etc.
3