Shindaiwa AH254 - Manual (Page 3)

3
This product conducts elec-
tricity. Keep the product and/
or operator a minimum dis-
tance of 33 feet (10 meters)
away from electrical sources
and power lines.
Be aware of the danger of
falling debris.
33 ft
10 M
Always wear a hard hat to
reduce the risk of head inju-
ries during operation of this
machine. In addition, always
wear eye and hearing protec-
tion. Shindaiwa recommends
wearing a face shield as addi-
tional face and eye protection.
DAnGER!
THE ARTICULATED
HEDGE TRIMMER IS NOT INSU-
LATED AGAINST ELECTRICAL
SHOCK!
Approaching or contacting electri-
cal lines with the trimmer could
cause death or serious injury.
Keep the trimmer at least 10
meters away from electrical lines
or branches that contact electrical
lines.
Safety
An articulated hedge trimmer has the
potential to cause serious personal
injury to the operator or bystanders
if misused, abused or mishandled.
To reduce the risk of injury, you must
maintain control at all times, and
observe all safety precautions dur-
ing operation. Never permit a person
without training or instruction to oper-
ate this trimmer!
wARnInG!
Do not make unauthor-
ized modifications or alterations to
your articulated hedge trimmer or its
components.
Never operate this tool or any other
power equipment if you are tired,
ill, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or any substance that could
affect your ability or judgement.
wARnInG!
Operating Precautions
wARnInG!
Never transport the articulated
■
hedge trimmer or leave it unat-
tended with the engine running.
An engine that’s running could be
accidently accelerated causing the
blades to oscillate.
Make sure that the blade cover is in
■
place when transporting or storing
the articulated hedge trimmer.
Always make sure that the cut-
■
ter attachment and all handles and
guards are properly installed and
firmly tightened before operation.
Inspect for broken, missing or
■
improperly installed parts or
attachments.
Never use a cracked or warped cut-
■
ter or cutter bar: replace it with a
serviceable one and make sure it
fits properly.
Make sure there are no missing or
■
loose fasteners, and that the stop
switch and throttle controls are work-
ing properly.
Make sure there is always good
■
ventilation when operating the artic-
ulated hedge trimmer. Fumes from
engine exhaust can cause seri-
ous injury or death. Never run the
engine indoors!
Never smoke or light fires near the
■
hedge trimmer. Keep the unit away
from excessive heat. Engine fuel is
very flammable and fire could lead
to serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
Make sure the cutters are cor-
■
rectly adjusted before operating the
articulated hedge trimmer (see the
section ”Cutter Adjustment” for cut-
ter adjustment procedures). Never
attempt cutter adjustment with the
engine running!
Before starting the engine, make
■
sure the cutter is not contacting
anything.
Always confirm safe operation
■
when using the machine.
Immediately stop the engine with
■
the stop switch if the machine sud-
denly begins to vibrate or shake.
Always stop the engine imme-
■
diately and check for damage if
you strike a foreign object or if the
machine becomes tangled. Do not
operate with broken or damaged
equipment.
When cutting a branch that is
■
under tension, be alert for spring-
back so that you will not be struck
by the moving branch.
If a cutter should bind fast in a cut,
■
shut off the engine immediately.
Push the branch or tree to ease
the bind and free the cutter.
Always stop the engine and allow
■
it to cool before refueling. Avoid
overfilling and wipe off any fuel
that may have spilled.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the
■
engine and muffler free of debris,
leaves, or excessive grease
Keep a Solid Stance. Maintain
■
footing and balance at all times.
Do not stand on slippery, uneven
or unstable surfaces. Do not work
in odd positions or on ladders. Do
not over reach.