MTD LT31CS - Manual (Page 4)

• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or
go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• The cutting guard 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 guard.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting head remains
stationary when the engine is idling. If it does not, have
the unit adjusted by an authorized service technician.
• Adjust the J-Handle to your size to provide the best grip.
• Be sure the cutting head is not in contact with
anything before starting the unit.
• Before each use, check that the cutting head is in good
condition and correctly installed, that the trigger returns
automatically to the idle position.
• 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
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use the 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 handles or grips.
• Always use the shoulder harness when using this unit.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the cutting
head 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.
• Stop and switch the engine off for maintenance, repair
or for changing the cutting head and cutting blade.
• Use only original equipment replacement parts when servicing
this unit. These parts are available from your authorized
service dealer. Do not use parts, accessories, or attachments
not authorized 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 head and guard.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty mufflers and
spark arrestors, keep the engine and muffler free of
grass, leaves, excessive grease, or carbon build-up.
WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE
• Read and understand all safety warnings before
operating this unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when using the
brush blade accessory.
• Keep the handle between the operator and cutting
head or cutting blade at all times.
• NEVER cut with the cutting blade located over 76
cm (30 in.) or more above the ground level.
• Kick back may occur when the spinning brush blade
contacts an object that it does not immediately cut. Kick
back can be violent enough to cause the unit and/or
operator to be propelled in any direction, and possibly lose
control of the unit. Kick back 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.
• For operation with the cutting blade, do not cut
anything thicker than 12.7mm (1/2-in.) or a violent
kick back could occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the cutting blade
when it is rotating.
• A coasting cutting 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 run unit at high speed when not cutting.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object,
stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Have
any damage repaired before attempting further operations.
Do not operate with a bent, cracked, or dull cutting blade.
Discard blades that are bent, warped, cracked, or broken.
• Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the
blade can cause the blade tip to break off while in
use. This can result in severe personal injury.
Replace the cutting blade.
• 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.
AFTER USE
• Clean cutting blades with a household cleaner to remove
any gum build-up. Oil the blade with machine oil to
prevent rust.
• Lock up and store the cutting blade in an appropriate area
to protect the blade from unauthorized use or damage.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store the unit with fuel in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting. Drain fuel
before transporting unit.
• Store the unit in a locked up and dry, or high and
dry place to prevent unauthorized use or damage.
Keep out of the reach of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any
other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from
debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and
Storage Instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use
them to instruct other users. If you loan someone
this unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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