Important Safety Instructions; Safety Warnings For Gas Units; While Operating - Craftsman 316.731971 Operator's Manual

• iMPORTANT SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS •
READ ALL iNSTRUCTiONS BEFORE OPERATING
m
WAR N ING.
When using the unit, all safety
rules must be followed. Please read these instructions
before operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of
the operator and any bystanders. Please keep these
instructions for later use.
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and
proper use of the unit.
Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs or medication.
Children must not operate the unit. Teens must be accompanied
and guided by an adult.
All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for
fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
Only use the trimming line described in the Specifications section
of this manual. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain or
rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles.
Do not replace the cutting head with rigid or metal blades. Doing
so could result in serious injury.
Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string and other objects that
may be thrown or become entangled with the unit.
Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them
outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are
still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using the unit.
This unit is intended for occasional, household use only.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
WARNI NG:
Gasoline is highly flammable and
its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions:
Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved
for the storage of such materials.
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the
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.
Always 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 unit.
Move the unit at least 30 ft. (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. Operate this unit only in a well
ventilated outdoor area.
3
WHILE OPERATING
Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSI / ISEA
Z87.1 standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face mask or dust
mask if the operation is dusty.
Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do
not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go
barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
The cutting head shield must always be in place while operating
the unit. Do not operate the unit without both trimming lines
extended and the proper line installed. Do not extend the
trimming line beyond the length of the shield.
This unit has a clutch. The cutting head remains stationary when
the engine is idling. If it does not, take the unit to a Sears or
other qualified service dealer for an adjustment.
Adjust the handle to provide the best grip, if applicable.
Make sure the attachment is not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever
pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable
position while starting. Refer to Starting and Stopping.
Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on both handles or grips.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take
extra care when working on stairs, steep slopes or inclines. To
avoid serious injury, do not operate the unit while on a ladder or
a roof.
Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not
touch or try to stop moving parts.
Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
Do not operate the unit faster than the speed needed to do the job.
Do not run the unit at high speed when not in use.
Do not force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at
the intended rate.
Always stop the unit when operation is delayed or when walking
from one location to another.
If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
unit immediately and check for damage. Do not operate the unit
before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
Turn the engine to off and disconnect the spark plug for
maintenance or repair.
Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement
parts and accessories for this unit. Use of any other parts or
accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage
to the unit, and void the warranty.
Keep the unit clean. Carefully remove vegetation and other
debris that could block moving parts.
To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor.
Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.
If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit immediately.
Inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is
generally an indicator of trouble.