Pruning operation
All over head electrical conductors and communications wires can have electricity flow with high voltages. This unit
is not insulated against electrical current. Never touch wires directly or indirectly when pruning, otherwise serious
injury or death may result.
The area within a 15 m radius of the product is a danger zone. Be careful to observe the following precautions while
working with the product.
Do not allow children and other people or pets to enter the danger zone.
Do not start or operate unit unless all guards and protective covers are properly assembled to unit.
Never reach into any opening while the engine is running. Moving parts may not be visible through openings.
Moving parts can amputate fingers or cause severe injuries. Keep hands, clothing and loose objects away from all
openings.
Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and make sure all moving parts have come to a complete stop before
removing obstructions, clearing debris, or servicing unit.
Keep a solid stance
Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery, uneven or unstable surfac-
es. Do not work in odd positions or on ladders. Do not overreach.
Operate the product only from the ground or out of an approved bucket lift.
Always evaluate the branches to be pruned for hazards such as loose dead branches which
may fall and strike the operator or helpers. Remove hazards before pruning.
Plan retreat path from falling objects.
Cut branches bounce when striking ground.
Check that shoulder harness is adjusted for safe, comfortable operation.
Turn the product off when moving from tree to tree.
Avoid any contact with saw chain.
Failure to observe these precautions could cause serious injury.
When transporting the unit, empty the fuel tank, install the guide bar cover, put the unit in an upright position, and
secure it firmly.
Failure to do so could result in damage or injury.
Never attempt to operate the product with one hand.
Ensure that you hook your thumbs around the grips, wrapping them in your
thumb and remaining fingers.
Kickback
Kickback can lead to dangerous loss of control of the product and result in serious in-
jury to the operator or any one standing close by. Hold the product firmly with both
hands with thumbs and fingers encircling the front and rear handles. Be aware of the
down and outward path the pruner will take after the cut is made.
Kickback may occur when the moving saw chain at the nose or tip of the guide bar touches
an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. In some cases
this may cause a lightning-fast reverse action, kicking the guide bar and saw chain up and
back or down and back towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause the oper-
ator to lose control of the product which could result in serious personal injury.
With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise
which contributes to accidents.
Avoid contact of the guide bar tip with any object while the saw chain is moving.
Cut only wood. Avoid striking concrete, metal, wire, or other obstructions which could cause kickback or damage to the
saw chain.
If the saw chain does strike a foreign object, immediately stop the engine, inspect and repair the product if necessary.
Pruning operation
DANGER
WARNING
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