EN
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Warning: Read the manual carefully before use. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in damage to the unit and
physical injury. Store the manual in a safe place for future reference.
General safety instruction
• Keep all safety decals on the unit clean and readable. Make sure to replace any decal that is worn to the point it is no longer readable.
• Always keep a firm grip on both handles while the tines are moving and / or the engine is running. Be aware: The tines may coast after the throttle trigger is
released. Make sure the tines have come to a complete stop and the engine is off before letting go of the machine.
• Always maintain a firm footing and good balance. Do not overreach while operating the machine. Before operating the unit, check the work area for
obstacles that might cause you to lose your footing, balance or control of the machine.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects that can be thrown by the machine.
• Always keep the area clear of children, pets, and bystanders.
• Always stay alert. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not operate the unit when fatigued.
• Always dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they might get caught in the moving parts. Use sturdy gloves. Gloves reduce the transmission
of vibration to your hands. Prolonged exposure to vibration can cause numbness and other ailments.
• While working, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Always wear hearing and eye protection.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and petrol / gas storage area free of vegetative material and excessive grease.
• Start the engine carefully, according to the manufacturer's instructions and with feet well away from the moving parts.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you.
• Work only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Always keep a safe distance between two or more people when working together.
• Always inspect the unit before each use and ensure that all handles, guards and fasteners are in place, in good condition and secure. Opearate the machine
with care. Follow maintenance instructions given in the manual.
• Walk when operating the machine. Don't run.
• Don't work on excessively steep slopes.
• Don't attempt to clear the tines while they are moving. Never try to remove jammed material before switching the engine off and making sure the tines have
stopped completely.
• Don't allow children or persons with disabilities to operate the machine.
• Don't operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Don't attempt to repair the unit on your own. Make sure that repairs are carried out only by technicians of the authorized service department of the
manufacturer.
Engine / fuel
Warning: Fuel is extremely flammable. Handle it with care and keep it away from ignition sources. Do not smoke while fueling the
equipment.
• Always use fresh gasoline. Stale gasoline can cause damage.
• Always store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
• Always pull the starter cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull the cord rapidly to avoid kickback and prevent arm or hand injury. Stop the engine
whenever you leave the machine.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing the unit in any enclosure.
• If the fuel tank needs to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
• Don't drain fuel, refuel or check fuel while smoking, or if a flame or other ignition source is nearby. Stop the engine and be sure it is cool before refueling.
• Don't leave the machine running unattended. Always stop the engine before leaving the machine and before transporting it from one place to another.
• Don't refuel, start or run the machine indoors or in an improperly ventilated area.
• Don't run the engine in case the electrical system is creating sparks outside the cylinder. During periodic checks of the spark plug, keep the spark plug at a
safe distance from the cylinder to avoid burning of evaporated fuel from the cylinder.
• Don't check for spark with the spark plug or spark plug wire removed. Use an approved tester.
• Don't crank the engine with the spark plug removed. Sparks can ignite fumes.
• Don't run the engine when the odour of gasoline is present or other explosive conditions exist.
• Don't operate the machine if there is an accumulation of debris around the muffler and cooling fins.
• Don't touch hot mufflers, cylinders or cooling fins as contact may cause serious burns.
• Don't change the engine governor setting or over speed the engine.
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