YARDMAX YF1565 Operator's Manual page 8

Identify hazards and take preventive steps to avoid accidents
and minimize risk. Possible hazards include, but are not limited
to, moving parts, thrown objects, weight of the machine and
components, and the operating environment.
PRIOR TO STARTING
Thoroughly inspect the area in which you are working. Do not
operate the blower in standing water, puddles, mud, gravel,
stones or sand.
Before starting your blower: make sure the shields, guards, and
safety devices are properly affixed to machine, check the oil level,
and make sure all nuts and bolts are tight.
Move the machine at least 10 feet away from the refueling point
before starting engine.
OPERATION SAFETY
Never operate the blower without good visibility or light.
Always make sure you have secure footing. If you slip of fall, stop
immediately.
Never place any part of your body where it would be in danger if
movement should occur during assembly, installation, operation,
maintenance, repair, or moving.
Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 feet (15m)
away. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
Blower will propel debris at high speed and can cause damage.
Avoid pushing your leaf blower over any areas with loose stones
or gravel as they may become projectiles. Before use, check that
area is free from breakable objects, such as house windows, auto
glass, greenhouses, etc.
Do not stand or put your hands, or any part of your body in front
of the discharge opening. Always pay attention to the direction
of the discharge opening. Never allow discharge opening to point
towards bystanders, pets, or valuable property. Wind can also
change discharge direction, so be aware.
There are rotating blades inside the blower which can cause
serious injury. Please keep your hands, feet or tools out of intake
and discharge opening while machine is running.
Never operate machine without directional discharge chute and
plastic impeller guard properly affixed to machine, These devices
shield the operator from accidental contact with the rotating
impeller.
Keep combustible substance away from the engine when it is hot.
Do not tilt the machine while the engine is running.
Never operate the blower at high transport speeds on slippery
surfaces.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
I Unpacking the Container
7
SPECIFIC SA.FETY RULES
Never leave the operating position when the engine is running.
Always shut down the engine, and ensure the engine is switched
to "off" to prevent accidental starting and wait for all moving
parts to come to a complete stop before leaving.
To reduce exposure to vibration, limit the hours of operation
and take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your
hands. Reduce the speed and force in which you do the repetitive
movement. Try to fill each day with jobs where operating hand­
held power equipment is not required.
MACHINE USE AND CARE
Do not force the machine. Use the correct machine for your
application. The correct machine will do the job better and safer
at the rate for which it is designed. This equipment was designed
specifically for the purpose of blowing leaves and debris. Do not
use this equipment for any other purpose.
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the
engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed
of the engine.
Do not run the engine at high speed when you are not working.
Avoid contact with hot fuel, oil exhaust fumes and hot surfaces.
Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely hot
from operation. They remain hot for a short time after you turn
off the unit. Allow the engine to cool before doing maintenance or
making adjustments.
If the machine should start to make an unusual noise or vibration,
immediately shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire,
and check for the cause. Unusual noise or vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
Keep the engine and muffler free of grass, leaves, excessive
grease of carbon build up to reduce the chance of a fire hazard.
Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each
use.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to
protect the environment.
When storing machine out of the reach of the children and do not
allow persons unfamiliar with the machine or these instructions
to operate it. This machine can be dangerous when used by an
untrained user.
MAINTAINING YOUR MACHINE
Some parts of this machine are made of plastic or rubber and
should be kept away from chemicals.
Never cover the machine while the muffler is still hot.
Do not alter or adjust any part of the blower or its engine that is