Safety
Understanding The Machine Safety Labels
The machine safety labels shown in this section are placed in important areas on your machine to draw attention to potential safety hazards.
On your machine safety labels, the words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION are used with this safety-alert symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious hazards.
The operator's manual also explains any potential safety hazards whenever necessary in special safety messages that are identified with the word, CAUTION, and the safety-alert symbol.
DANGER/WARNING/CAUTION
A - Indicates Warning, Danger and Caution
B - Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety concerns, machine damage as well as helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all the information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.
C - Maximum RPM at gearhead is 10,000.
D - Keep all bystanders at least 15 m (50 ft) away.
F - Wear eye and hearing protection when operating this equipment.
G - Wear non-slip safety footwear when using this equipment.
H - Wear gloves for hand protection.
CAUTION: HOT SURFACE
Canadian Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance
This spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002.
Spark Arrestor Requirements
Your string trimmer is equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and a spark arresting screen in order to comply with the requirements of SAE Recommended Practice J355 and California Codes 4442 and 4443. All national forest land and land managed by the states of California, Maine, Washington and Oregon require internal combustion engines to be equipped with a spark arrester screen by law. Other states and federal agencies are enacting similar regulations.
If you operate a string trimmer in a state or locale where such regulations exist, you are legally responsible for maintaining the operating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a violation of a law.
Operating Safely
· Read the operator's manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the machine and disengage the controls quickly.
· Do not let children or an untrained person operate machine.
· Keep all bystanders, children and pets 15 m (50 ft) away.
· Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
· Inspect machine before you operate and at frequent intervals while operating. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn or missing parts.
· Always wear a properly adjusted carrying strap. Maintain a grip on both handles.
· Make any necessary adjustments before you operate. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running.
· Keep handles dry, clean and free of oil or fuel mixture.
· Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
· Before starting the engine, make sure the blade is not contacting any object.
· Shut off the engine and make sure the cutting attachment has stopped rotating before setting the unit down or checking the string/blade.
· Do not operate machine when you are tired or ill or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
· Do not leave machine unattended where it could be started by an untrained person or minor.
· Do not let any body part contact the hot muffler or muffler cover. It becomes hot while the unit is running and remains hot for a period of time after shutdown.
· To avoid possible electric shock, do not touch the spark plug cap while the engine is running.
· Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for possible hazards that you might not hear due to machine noise.
· Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects which could be thrown or become entangled in the string.
· Keep a firm grip on handles at all times.
· Always keep trimmer below waist level.
· Use only for operations described in this manual.
· Keep all body parts away from moving parts. Do not attempt to touch or stop the blades when they are moving.
· Always set the trimmer on a flat surface and slide the ignition switch to the off position before attempting to remove any obstruction.
· Observe all local and national regulations for use of this unit.
· Product users on United States Forest Service Land, and in some states, must comply with fire prevention regulations. This product is equipped with a spark arrestor; However, other user requirements may apply. Check with your federal, state or local authorities.
· Always hold the string trimmer firmly with both hands when the engine is running.
· Keep all body parts away from the cutting attachment and hot surfaces.
· Always cut at full throttle.
· Always refer to the Storage section of the operator's manual for important details if storing this product for a period of time.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Vibrations
· Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use of gasoline powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands and wrists of people prone to circulation disorders or abnormal swellings. 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 wrists, discontinue the use of this tool and seek medical attention.
· Wear gloves, keep hands warm and take frequent breaks while using this unit.
Handling Fuel Safely
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable:
· Do not refuel machine while you smoke, when machine is near an open flame or sparks, or when engine is running. Stop engine and allow to cool before filling.
· Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
· Never fill fuel tank or drain fuel from a machine in an enclosed area. Fill fuel tank outdoors.
· Prevent fires. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
· Do not store fuel in container or machine with fuel in tank in a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
· Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric discharge. Use only non-metal, portable fuel containers approved by the Underwriter's Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). If using a funnel, make sure it is plastic and has no screen or filter.
· Static electric discharge can ignite gasoline vapors in an ungrounded fuel container. Remove the fuel container from the bed of a vehicle or the trunk of a car and place on the ground away from the vehicle before filling. Keep nozzle in contact with container opening while filling. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
· When practical, remove equipment from trailers or truck beds and refuel them on the ground. If this is not possible, use a portable, plastic fuel container to refuel equipment on a truck bed or trailer.
· For gasoline engines, do not use gas with methanol. Methanol is harmful to your health and to the environment.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
· Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating the machine.
· Wear long pants, gloves and adequate footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
· Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs. Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
Practice Safe Maintenance
· Only qualified, trained adults should service this machine.
· Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep area clean and dry.
· Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
· Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is running. Keep safety devices in place and in working condition. Keep hardware tight.
· Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from any moving parts, to prevent them from getting caught.
· Never operate a unit that is damaged, improperly adjusted or is not completely and securely assembled. Be sure that the blade stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released. If the blade moves at idle speed, the carburetor may need adjusting. If the blade still moves at idle speed after adjustment has been made, contact a John Deere Service Dealer for adjustment Discontinue use until the repair is made.
· Stop engine and remove spark plug wire before making any adjustments or repairs except carburetor adjustments.
· Make sure all handles are properly and securely attached.
· Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. Replace all worn or damaged safety and instruction decals.
· Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized modifications may impair its function and safety.
· If blade hits a foreign object or vibrates abnormally, stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Inspect the unit for damaged or missing parts. Repair if necessary. Vibration could also be an indication of a missing or loose fastener.
· If muffler is clogged, replace it. Excessive engine speed in this condition is hazardous.