Operating instructions

5
SAFETY RULES
OPERATING SAFETY
• Always obey the size limitations for tree limbs and
branches stated in the Waste Materials Guide portion
of this manual.
• Never leave the machine running unattended.
Always turn off the engine, wait for the rotor to come
to a complete stop, and disconnect and secure the
spark plug wire before leaving the area. Always
move the unit to a safe storage area when not in use.
• Always maintain secure footing and solid balance
while starting or operating the chipper/shredder.
Never lean directly over the machine.
• Always stand to the side of the chipper cone when
feeding tree limbs and branches into the unit, as tree
limbs, branches, and harder woods may whip around
while being chipped.
• Always keep hands out of the chipper cone and
shredder hopper when feeding materials. Never wrap
fingers tightly around branches as you are feeding
them into the unit, as a sudden inward surge could
pull your hands and arms into the unit.
• Always stand clear of the discharge area to avoid
being struck by ricochets or material being ejected
from the machine.
• Never allow material to build up in the discharge area
or shredding chamber, as this may cause new
material being fed into the machine to kick back with
sufficient force to injure you or other bystanders.
• Never allow material to build up around the engine
during chipper/shredder operation. This could result
in a fire or overheating of the engine.
• Never attempt to reposition or move the chipper/
shredder unit while it is running. Doing so could
cause the machine to tip over, and reaching to
steady the unit could result in accidental insertion of
your hands into the chipper cone or shredder hopper
areas.
• Never continue to operate the machine if it starts
making unusual noise or vibration. Shut the engine
off immediately, allow the rotor to stop, disconnect
the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and do the
following:
- Inspect the unit for any signs of damage or foreign
material in the chipping or shredding areas.
Remove any solid material that may be preventing
the unit from operating properly.
- Check for loose parts, and loose or missing
hardware, and repair or replace as required.
- Check the oil level in the engine crankcase. See
the engine service manual shipped with your chipper/
shredder for additional information.
• Never attempt to clear clogs from the chipper cone,
shredder hopper or discharge chute while the unit is
running. Always shut the engine off, allow the rotor
to come to a complete stop, and remove the spark
plug wire from the spark plug before removing
excess materials.
• Never fill the fuel tank while the machine is running
or while the engine is hot. An unexpected spill of fuel
could contact a hot surface and ignite, causing fire or
explosion. Turn off the engine, and allow the engine to
cool before attempting refilling.
• Never attempt to perform any maintenance, repairs,
or attachment of accessories while the unit is
running. Always shut the unit off, allow the rotor to
come to a complete stop, and disconnect and secure
the spark plug wire from the spark plug before
beginning these activities.
• Never remove guards, deflectors, or warning labels
from the unit. If any of these are found to be
missing, take the unit out of service until the
appropriate repairs can be made. Tag the machine so
others do not mistakenly attempt to use it while
awaiting parts or repairs.
• Always make sure that the shredding chamber,
shredder hopper, and chipper cone are empty before
restarting the unit after it has been idle. Attempting
to start the unit with material in these areas could
cause the engine starting cord to stop suddenly,
injuring your hand and fingers, or toppling the unit
over.
• Never tamper with any engine controls to alter or
increase maximum unit running speed. An over
speeding condition could cause the engine to
overheat, resulting in risk of fire, permanent engine
damage, and voiding of your product warranty.
• Always comply with the engine manual instructions
for operating and periodic maintenance requirements.
Make sure the oil level is always in the safe zone,
and keep the air filter element clean.
• Never allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate it without proper instruction.