Operator`s manual

WHILE OPERATING
• 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 area outdoors.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing
protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or
dust mask if the operation is dusty. Long sleeve shirts
are recommended.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals, or
go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• Adjust the assist handle to your size to provide the
best grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place
while operating the unit as a trimmer. Do not operate
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 attachment remains
stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have
the unit adjusted by any nonroad engine repair
establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.
• 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. See
Stopping/Starting Instructions in the Operation section.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on both the front and rear handle or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
attachment when it is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation. When turned off they
remain hot for a short time.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cut, trim, or edge. Do not run the engine at
high speed when not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or
when walking from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do
not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts. Do
not operate unit with a bent, cracked, or dull blade.
Discard blades that are bent, warped, cracked or
broken.
• Stop and switch the engine to OFF for maintenance,
repair, or for changing the cutting attachment or other
attachments.
• Use only genuine Craftsman® replacement parts when
servicing this unit. These parts are available from your
authorized service dealer. Do not use parts,
accessories or attachments not authorized by
Craftsman for this unit. Doing so could lead to serious
injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and void your
warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the cutting
attachment and shield.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark
arrestor and keep the engine and muffler free from
grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE(S)
• Read and understand all safety warnings before
operating this unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when using the
brush blade accessories.
• Keep the assist handle between the operator and
cutting attachment or blade at all times.
• NEVER cut with the cutting blade(s) located over 30
inches (76 cm) or more above the ground level.
• Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade
contacts an object that it does not immediately cut.
Blade thrust can be violent enough to cause the unit
and/or operator to be propelled in any direction, and
possibly lose control of the unit. 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.
• Do not cut anything thicker than 1/2 inch with the
Craftsman 4-tooth blade, or thicker than 2 inches with
the 44-tooth saw blade, or a violent kickback could
occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade while it is
rotating.
• A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to
spin after the engine is stopped or the throttle trigger
is released. Maintain proper control until the blade has
completely stopped rotating.
• Do not sharpen the cutting blade(s). Sharpening a
blade can cause the blade tip to break off while in use.
This can result in severe personal injury. Replace dull
blade(s).
• Stop the engine IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive
vibration. Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect
thoroughly for loose nuts, bolts, or damage before
continuing. Repair or replace affected parts as
necessary.
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