you can reduce the chance of its oc-
curring, and how you can remain in
control of unit if blade thrust occurs.
• WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -
Blade Thrust can occur when spin-
ning blade contacts an object that it
does not cut. This contact causes
blade to stop for an instant and then
suddenly move or "thrust" away from
object that was hit. The "thrusting" re-
action can be violent enough to cause
operator to be propelled in any direc-
tion and lose control of unit, The un-
controlled unit can cause serious injury
if blade contacts operator or others,
• WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS
- Blade Thrust can occur without
warning if the blade snags, stalls, or
binds. This is more likely to occur in
areas where it is difficult to see the
material being cut. By using the unit
properly, the occurrence of blade
thrust will be reduced and the opera-
tor will be less likely to lose control.
• Cut only grass, weeds, and weedy
brush up to 1/2 inch in diameter with
weed blade. Do not let blade contact
material it cannot cut such as stumps,
rocks, fences, metal, etc., or clusters
of hard, woody brush with a diameter
greater than 1/2 inch.
• Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is
more likely to snag and thrust.
• Cut only at full throttle. The blade will
have maximum cutting power and is
less likely to bind or stall.
• "Feed" the blade deliberately and not
too rapidly. The blade can thrust
away if it is fed too rapidly.
• Cut only from your right to your left.
Swinging unit in the same direction as
blade spin increases cutting action.
• Use the shoulder strap and keep a
firm grip on the unit with both hands.
A properly adjusted shoulder strap
will support the weight of the unit,
freeing your arms and hands to con-
trol and guide the cutting motion.
• Keep feet comfortably spread apart
and braced for a possible sudden,
rapid thrust of unit. Do not overreach.
Keep firm footing and balance.
• Keep blade below waist level. It will
be easier to maintain control of unit.