Yard Machines YGBV Operator's Manual page 2

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT handle the unit with wet hands.
• DO NOT over reach.
• DO NOT operate the unit on unstable surfaces, such as trees, ladders, slopes or rooftops. Be very
careful when using the unit on stairs.
• DO NOT use the unit in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
• DO NOT operate a unit that is damaged, improperly adjusted or not completely and securely assembled.
Be sure that the unit stops when the switch is set to OFF. Do not use the unit if the switch does not turn
the unit on and off properly. Have defective switches replaced by an authorized service center.
• DO NOT attempt operations beyond the operator's capacity or experience.
• DO NOT operate the unit with one hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers or bystanders may
result from one-handed operation. This unit is intended for two-handed use. Grip the unit firmly with
both hands when the engine is running. Keep the left hand on the front handle and the right hand
on the rear handle. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the handles.
• DO NOT force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at the intended rate.
• DO NOT operate the engine faster than the speed needed to do the job. Do not run the engine at
high speed when not in use.
• DO NOT touch the engine or muffler. These parts can become extremely hot during operation and
remain hot for a short time after the unit is turned off.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all other body parts away from openings and moving parts.
Do not touch or try to stop the impeller when it is rotating.
• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• To reduce the risk of fire, keep the engine and muffler free from debris, excessive grease and
carbon build up.
• Always stop the engine when operation is delayed, before setting down the unit or when walking
from one location to another. Make sure the unit comes to a complete stop. Do not leave the unit
unattended while the engine is running. Always stop the engine when not in use.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with fingers on the throttle control. Only pull the starter
rope when in the starting position. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting the
engine. Refer to Starting and Stopping Instructions.
• This unit is intended for infrequent use by homeowners. It is not intended for prolonged use.
SPECIAL NOTE: Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use of gasoline powered hand tools could
cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands and joints of people prone to
circulation disorders or abnormal swelling. Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked
to blood vessel damage in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur such as numbness,
pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands
or joints, discontinue use of this tool and seek medical attention. An anti-vibration system
does not guarantee avoidance of these problems. Users who operate power tools on a
regular basis must closely monitor their physical condition and the condition of this tool.
GASOLINE SAFETY
WARNING:
Use caution when handling fuel. Gasoline is highly flammable,
and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
• DO NOT smoke while handling fuel or while operating the unit.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby while operating the unit.
• Only store fuel in containers specifically designed and approved for the storage of such materials.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel 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. Do not smoke.
• Always mix and 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 engine. Move the unit at least 30 feet (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. Only
operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
• Always store the unit and fuel in a cool, dry and well-ventilated space where fuel vapors cannot reach
sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc. Never store the
unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
BLOWER / VACUUM SPECIFIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT insert anything into the air openings, blower tube or nozzle.
• DO NOT operate the unit if any of the air openings or tubes are blocked.
• DO NOT operate the unit without the blower tubes or vacuum tubes and vacuum bag attached.
Make sure the vacuum bag is completely zipped closed.
• DO NOT use the unit to pick up or spray liquids, especially flammable or combustible liquids, such
as gasoline. Do not use the unit in areas where such liquids are present.
• Keep the air openings free from dust, lint, hair and anything else that may reduce airflow.
• Inspect the work area before using the unit. Remove any hard and/or sharp objects, such as metal,
glass, wire, etc. If blown, such objects could cause property damage or injury to the operator or
bystanders. If vacuumed, these objects can damage the unit.
While Operating the Unit as a Blower
• DO NOT use the unit for spreading chemicals, fertilizer or any other substance that may contain
toxic materials.
• DO NOT set the unit down on any surface while the engine is running. Debris can be picked up by
the air intake and thrown out the discharge opening, resulting in damage to the unit or property or
causing serious injury to bystanders or the operator.
• During operation, never point the unit in the direction of people, pets or windows. Always direct
blowing debris away from people, pets and windows.
• Use extra caution when blowing debris near solid objects, such trees, automobiles, walls, fences,
etc. When possible, blow away from such objects, not toward them.
• Take care when working near valuable plants. The force of the blown air could damage tender plants.
While Operating the Unit as a Vacuum
• DO NOT vacuum wet debris or water. Doing so can damage the unit and cause serious injury to the
operator. The unit is designed to pick up dry material, such as leaves, grass, small twigs or bits of
paper. To avoid severe damage to the impeller, do not vacuum metal, broken glass, etc.
• Avoid situations that could cause the vacuum bag to catch fire. Do not operate the unit near an open
flame. Do not use the unit to pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches
or hot ashes. Do not vacuum discarded cigars or cigarettes unless the cinders are completely cool.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE SAFETY
• If the unit is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into
water, do not use the unit. Have the unit serviced by an authorized service center.
• All service, other than the maintenance procedures described in this manual, should be performed
by an authorized service center.
• Follow all maintenance instructions in this manual.
• Before inspecting, servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting or replacing any parts on the unit:
1. Stop the engine.
2. Make sure all moving parts have stopped.
Allow the unit to cool.
3.
Disconnect the spark plug.
4.
• Never remove, modify or make inoperative any safety device furnished with the unit.
• Frequently inspect the unit for damage. Before further use, any damaged part should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, fuel leaks and any other
conditions that may affect its operation. Damaged parts should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorized service center, unless otherwise indicated in this manual.
• Use only original manufacturer replacement parts and accessories, which are designed specifically
to enhance the performance and maximize the safe operation of the product. Failure to do so may
cause poor performance and possible injury.
• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• When not in use, store the unit in a locked-up and dry, or high and dry, place to prevent
unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep the handles dry, clean and free from debris, oil, fuel and grease. Clean the unit after each use.
Never douse or spray the unit with water or any other liquid. Do not use solvents or strong detergents.
2
SAFETY INFORMATION
• SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS •
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear
on this product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating, maintenance
and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols
or pictographs.
• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
WARNING:
safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or
bystanders.
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING:
and hearing loss. Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear
protection when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING:
feet (15 m) from the operating area. If anyone enters the work area, stop the unit!
• UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel
• OIL
Refer to operator's manual for the proper type of oil.
• DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT
WARNING:
ethanol will likely damage this engine and void the warranty.
• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:
the blower. Never point the blower at anyone. Do not operate the unit without proper
attachments and guards in place.
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF or STOP
• HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler or cylinder. You may get burned. These parts get extremely
hot from operation. When turned off, they remain hot for a short time.
• BLOWERS – ROTATING IMPELLER BLADES CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:
opening the vacuum door, installing or changing tubes or bag, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance.
• BLOWER/VACUUM MODE CHANGE-OVER LEVER
A - Vacuum mode
B - Blower mode
• THROTTLE CONTROL
Indicates "HIGH" or "FASTEST" speed.
• THROTTLE CONTROL
Indicates "IDLE", "LOW" or "SLOWEST" speed.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Read the operator's manual(s) and follow all warnings and
Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury
Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50
It has been proven that fuel containing greater than 15%
Keep clear of the blower outlet. Objects can be thrown by
Stop the engine and allow the impeller to stop before