Troy-Bilt 657 - Manual (Page 3)

3
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in
this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER :
This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
General Operation
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before operation. Be completely
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Your leaf blower is a powerful tool, not a plaything.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. Your
unit has been designed to perform one job; to blow
leaves. Do not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 to operate the unit.
Children 14 years and older should only operate under
close parental supervision. Only responsible individuals
who are familiar with these rules of safe operation should
be allowed to use your unit.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop the engine
when they are in the vicinity of the unit.
5. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect eyes from debris or foreign objects that may be
thrown from machine.
6. Wear close fitting slacks and shirt. Shirt and slacks that
cover the arms and legs are recommended. Do not wear
loose fitting clothes or jewelry and secure hair so it is
above shoulder length. They can be caught in moving
parts.
7. Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
8. Never place your hands or any part of your body or
clothing near rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times. Never insert your hands, fingers,
feet, or any other part of your body or clothing into the
discharge or air intake openings as the rotating impeller
inside the housing can cause serious injury.
9. Never operate unit without directional discharge chute
and plastic impeller guard properly affixed to unit. These
devices shield the operator from accidental contact with
the rotating impeller.
10. Keep all guards and safety devices in place and
operating properly.
11. Exercise caution when operating blower. Do not allow the
discharge to point in the direction of bystanders or pets.
12. If your machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, immediately stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire and move the wire away from the spark
plug. Allow the machine to stop and take the following
steps:
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure
continued safe operation.
13. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
14. Do not allow leaves or other debris to build up on
engine’s muffler. The debris could ignite and cause a fire.
15. Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover over
carburetor air intake is removed, except for adjustment.
Removal of such parts could create a fire hazard.
16. Only use accessories approved for this machine by the
manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions provided with the approved accessory.
17. Only operate unit in good daylight. Do not operate unit at
night or in dark areas where your vision may be impaired.
18. If situations occur which are not covered by this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for
assistance.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of small children. Children are often attracted to the
blowing activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the work area and under the
watchful eye of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
2. Be alert and turn the unit off if a child enters the area.
3. Never allow children under the age of 14 to operate the
leaf blower.