Poulan 530164264 - Manual (Page 10)

10
Trimming
3 inches (8 cm)
above ground
SCALPING -- The scalping technique re-
moves unwanted vegetation down to the
ground. Hold the bottom of the trimmer head
about 3 inches (8 cm) above the ground and at
an angle. Allow the tip of the line to strike the
ground around trees, posts, monuments, etc.
This technique increases line wear.
Scalping
MOWING -- Your trimmer is ideal for mowing in
places conventional lawn mowers cannot
reach. In the mowing position, keep the line
parallel to the ground. Avoid pressing the head
into the ground as this can scalp the ground
and damage the tool.
Mowing
SWEEPING -- The fanning action of the rotat-
ing line can be used to blow away loose debris
from an area. Keep the line parallel to and
above the area surface and swing the tool
from side to side.
Sweeping
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
BRUSHCUTTER ATTACHMENT
S Blade Thrust is a reaction that only occurs
when using a bladed unit. This reaction can
cause serious injury such as amputation.
Carefully study this section. It is important that
you understand what causes blade thrust,
how you can reduce the chance of its occur-
ring, and how you can remain in control of unit
if blade thrust occurs.
S WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST -- Blade
Thrust can occur when spinning blade con-
tacts an object that it does not cut. This contact
causes blade to stop for an instant and then
suddenly move or “thrust” away from object
that was hit. The “thrusting” reaction can be
violent enough to cause operator to be pro-
pelled in any direction and lose control of unit.
The uncontrolled unit can cause serious injury
if blade contacts operator or others.
S WHEN BLADE THRUST OCCURS --
Blade Thrust can occur without warning if
the blade snags, stalls, or binds. This is
more likely to occur in areas where it is diffi-
cult to see the material being cut. By using
the unit properly, the occurrence of blade
thrust will be reduced and the operator will
be less likely to lose control.
S Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up to
1/2 inch (1 cm) in diameter with weed blade.
Do not let blade contact material it cannot cut
such as stumps, rocks, fences, metal, etc., or
clusters of hard, woody brush with a diameter
greater than 1/2 inch (1 cm).
S Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is more likely
to snag and thrust.
S Cut only at full throttle. The blade will have
maximum cutting power and is less likely to
bind or stall.
S “Feed” the blade deliberately and not too
rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed
too rapidly.
S Cut only from your left to your right. Cutting on
right side of the shield will throw debris away
from the operator.
S Use the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip
on the unit with both hands. A properly ad-
justed shoulder strap will support the weight
of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to
control and guide the cutting motion.
S Keep feet comfortably spread apart and
braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of
unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and
balance.
S Keep blade below waist level. It will be eas-
ier to maintain control of unit.
S Do not raise the engine above your waist as
the blade can come dangerously close to
your body.
S Do not swing the unit with such force that
you are in danger of losing your balance.