Homelite UT44175 Operator's Manual page 12

LOCK-OUT BUTTON
See Figure 3.
The lock-out button reduces the possibility of accidental
starting. It is located on the handle above the switch trigger
and must be depressed before you pull the switch trigger.
The lock-out button resets each time the trigger is released.
SWITCH TRIGGER
See Figure 3.
The switch trigger activates the motor and blades when it is
depressed and the lock-out button is pushed.
STARTING AND STOPPING
See Figure 3.
To start:
 Press the lock-out button.
 Depress the switch trigger.
To stop:
 Release the switch trigger.
CUTTING TIPS
See Figure 4.
DANGER:
Never cut near electric cords or lines. If blade jams on
any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE!
IT CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND VERY
DANGEROUS. Continue to hold the shrubber by the
handle or lay it down and away from you in a safe manner.
Disconnect the electrical service to the damaged line or
cord before attempting to free the blade from the line or
cord. Contact with the blade, other conductive parts of
the shrubber, or live electric cords or lines will result in
death by electrocution or serious injury.
WARNING:
Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove all
objects such as cords, lights, wire, or loose string which
can become entangled in the cutting blade and create a
risk of serious personal injury.
OPERATION
 Do not force the shrubber through heavy shrubbery. This
can cause the blades to bind and slow down. If the blades
slow down, reduce the pace.
 Do not attempt to cut stems or twigs that are larger than
5/16 in. thick, or those obviously too large to feed into the
cutting blade. Use a non-powered hand saw or pruning
saw to trim large stems.
 If desired, you can use a string to help cut your hedge
level. Decide how high you want the hedge. Stretch a
piece of string along the hedge at the desired height.
Trim the hedge just above the guide line of string. Trim
the side of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at
the top. More of the hedge will be exposed when shaped
this way, and it will be more uniform.
 Wear gloves when trimming thorny or prickly growth.
When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action,
so that the stems are fed directly into the cutting blade.
Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed
easiest by using a sawing movement.
OPERATING THE SHRUBBER
WARNING:
Read the safety information for safe operation using the
blade. Extreme care must be taken when using blades
to ensure safe operation. Refer to Important Safety
Instructions and Specific Safety Rules.
 Use a firm grip on the handle. The unit is used for cutting
in either direction in a slow, sweeping action from side to
side.
 Stand so that you are stable and balanced on both feet.
 Inspect and clear the area of any hidden objects.
 Never use the shrubber near power lines, fencing, posts,
buildings, or other immovable objects.
 Never use a blade after hitting a hard object without first
inspecting it for damage. Do not use if any damage is
detected.
Page 10 — English