Shindaiwa C344 - Manual (Page 15)

15
Using a blade
WARNING!
Before working with a blade-
■
equipped unit, always inspect and
clear the area of objects that could
interfere with or damage the blade.
Never use a blade near sidewalks,
■
fence posts, buildings or other
objects that could cause injury or
damage.
Never use a blade for purposes
■
other than those for which it was
designed.
Whenever you strike a hard object
■
with a blade, always stop the
brushcutter and carefully inspect
the blade for damage. NEVER
OPERATE THE BRUSHCUTTER
WITH A DAMAGED BLADE!
A blade-equipped unit must be
■
equipped with a bicycle-type
handlebar or barrier bar as well
as a harness or shoulder strap.
Always make sure the cutting
■
attachment shield is properly
installed before operating this
unit.
Blade Thrust
“Blade thrust” is a sudden sideways or
backward motion of the brushcutter.
Such motion may occur when the blade
jams or catches on an object such
as a sapling tree or tree stump. BE
CONSTANTLY ALERT FOR BLADE
THRUST AND GUARD AGAINST ITS
EFFECTS!
WARNING!
Blade thrust can occur with-
out warning if the blade snags,
stalls or binds.
WARNING!
Blade thrust is more likely to
occur in areas where it is difficult to
see the material being cut.
Brushcutter Handlebar
A brushcutter handlebar or barrier bar
helps prevent the operator from mov-
ing forward, or the unit moving rear-
ward, thus preventing inadvertent
bodily contact with the blade. ALWAYS
KEEP THE HANDLEBAR OR BAR-
RIER BAR SECURELY IN PLACE ON
THE UNIT!
Brushcutter Shoulder Strap
A shoulder strap provides additional pro-
tection against blade thrust. In addition,
a shoulder strap gives significant support
and comfort to help ensure safe and effi-
cient operation. When operating a unit
with a blade, make sure both the handle
and shoulder strap are adjusted to the
size of the operator using the unit.
Engine Operating Speeds
Operate the unit at full throttle while cut-
ting. Best fuel efficiency is obtained by
releasing the throttle when swinging
back after a cut.
To prevent possible engine damage,
■
do not allow the brushcutter to run
at high speeds without a load.
Avoid operating the engine at low
■
speeds. Doing so can lead to rapid
clutch wear. In addition, slow-speed
operation tends to cause grass and
debris to wrap around the cutting
head.
DO N
OT
C
U
T
The blade rotates counter-clockwise. For best performance and to minimize
being stuck by debris, move the blade from right to left while advancing on your
work. Position the blade so cuts are made between the blade’s 8 o’clock and 10
o’clock positions (as viewed from above). DO NOT cut between the 10 o’clock
and 5 o’clock positions.
WARNING!
When cutting wood with a blade, feed the blade slowly—never strike
or “slam” a spinning blade against the wood.
WARNING!
DO NOT use 2-tooth or non-Shindaiwa approved 4-tooth cutting
blades with Shindaiwa trimmers and brushcutters.
Using a blade
Ten
O'clock
OK To Cut
Eight
O'clock
Five
O'clock
Blade
Rotation