MTD PS720 - Manual (Page 2)

2
• Use only genuine factory replacement parts and accessories for this
unit. These are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of
any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to
the user or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate
the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
• Grip trimmer firmly. Hold the pole saw/ trimmer unit firmly with
both hands when the motor is running. Keep one hand on the
grip and the other hand on the handle.
• Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch,
ground or other obstruction.
• Always cut with the engine running at full speed. Fully squeeze
the throttle trigger and maintain a steady cutting speed.
• Do not over reach.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain.
• Use only replacement bars and chains specified by the
manufacturer or the equivalent.
OTHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT operate a pole saw with one hand! Serious injury to the
operator, helpers, or bystanders may result from one-handed
operation. A pole saw is intended for two-handed use.
• Do not operate a pole saw if you are fatigued.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, as they can get caught in
moving parts. Non-skid footwear is recommended when working
outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
• Use safety glasses, safety footwear, snug fitting clothing,
protective gloves, and protective hearing and head gear.
• Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries. Do not
start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and
a planned retreat path from the falling branches.
• Stay Alert. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate the pole saw when you are tired. Keep all parts of your body
away from the saw chain when the motor is operating. Before you
start the saw, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything.
• Disconnect the pole saw when not in use, before servicing, and when
changing accessories and attachments such as saw chain and guard.
• Check damaged parts. Before further use of the pole saw, a guard or
other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine
that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting, and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center, unless otherwise indicated in
this instruction manual.
• Use extreme caution when cutting small sized brush and sapling,
as slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped
toward you or pull you off balance.
• Do not operate a pole saw in a tree unless you are specifically
trained to do so. When cutting a limb that is under tension, be
alert for spring back so that you will not be struck when the
tension in the wood fibers is released.
• Do not expose the pole saw to rain. Do not use the pole saw in
damp or wet locations.
• Do not use the pole saw in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Carefully read and understand the operator's manual of the unit
that powers this attachment.
• Read this operating instruction manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow
adults unfamiliar with the instructions to use the unit. Never allow
adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before
operating the unit.
POLE SAW OPERATING PROCEDURES
• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 ft (15 m) away.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI
Z87.1-1989 standards, and ear/hearing protection when operating
this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do
not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go
barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
• Always stop the engine/motor when operation is delayed or when
walking from one location to another.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator
and/or bystanders.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 in
CANADA
SYMBOL MEANING
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result
in injury to yourself and others. Always follow the safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in
property damage or personal injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock and personal injury.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible
dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your
careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they
give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
SAFETY ALERT: Indicates danger, warning or caution.
Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal
injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the
operation or maintenance of the equipment.
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in
serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.
WARNING: When using the unit, you must follow the
safety rules. Please read these instructions before operating
the unit in order to ensure the safety of the operator and any
bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.
WARNING: Kickback may occur when 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. Tip contact in some cases may
cause a lightning-fast reverse action, kicking the guide bar rapidly
back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top
of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the
operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control
of the saw, which could result in serious injury to the user.
Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw.
As a pole saw user, you should take several steps to keep your
cutting jobs free from accident or injury.