11 ENGLISH
8. Do not operate the tool in bad weather or if
there is a risk of lightning.
9. During operation always hold the tool with
both hands. Never hold the tool with one hand
during use.
10. During operation, use the shoulder harness.
Keep the tool on your right side rmly.
11.
Do not touch the gear case during and immedi-
ately after the operation. The gear case becomes
hotduringoperationandcancauseburninjury.
12. Take a rest to prevent loss of control caused
by fatigue. We recommend taking a 10 to 20-min-
ute rest every hour.
13. When you use the tool on muddy ground, wet
slope, or slippery place, pay attention to your
footing.
14. Avoid working in poor environment where
increased user fatigue is expected.
15. Do not use the tool in bad weather where visi-
bility is limited. Failure to do so may cause fall or
incorrect operation due to low visibility.
16. Do not submerge the tool into a puddle.
17. Do not leave the tool unattended outdoors in
the rain.
18. When wet leaves or dirt adhere to the suc-
tion mouth (ventilation window) due to rain,
remove them.
19. Do not use the tool in the snow.
Cutting tools
1. When using cutting blades, avoid kickback
and always prepare for an accidental kickback.
See the section for Kickback.
2. When not in use, attach the blade cover onto
the blade. Remove the cover before operation.
Kickback (Blade thrust)
1. Kickback (blade thrust) is a sudden reaction
to a caught or bound cutting blade. Once it
occurs, the tool is thrown sideway or toward
the operator at great force and it may cause
serious injury.
2. Kickback occurs particularly when applying
the blade segment between 12 and 2 o'clock
to solids, bushes and trees with 3 cm or larger
diameter.
►Fig.2
3. To avoid kickback:
1. Apply the segment between 8 and 11
o'clock.
2. Never apply the segment between 12 and
2 o'clock.
3.
Never apply the segment between 11 and 12
o'clock and between 2 and 5 o'clock, unless
the operator is well trained and experienced
and does it at his/her own risk.
4. Never use cutting blades close to solids,
such as fences, walls, tree trunks and
stones.
5. Never use cutting blades vertically, for
such operations as edging and trimming
hedges.
►Fig.3
Vibration
1. People with poor circulation who are exposed
to excessive vibration may experience injury
to blood vessels or the nervous system.
Vibration may cause the following symptoms
tooccurinthengers,handsorwrists:"Falling
asleep" (numbness), tingling, pain, stabbing sen-
sation, alteration of skin color or of the skin. If any
of these symptoms occur, see a physician!
2. To reduce the risk of "white nger disease",
keep your hands warm during operation and
well maintain the tool and accessories.
Transport
1. Before transporting the tool, turn it o and
remove the battery cartridge. Attach the cover
to the cutting blade.
Maintenance
1. Before doing any maintenance or repair work
or cleaning the tool, always turn it o and
remove the battery cartridge.
2. When handling a cutter blade, always wear
gloves and put the blade cover on the blade.
3. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease. Keep all cooling air inlets clear of
debris.
4. Do not wash the tool with high pressure water.
5. When washing the tool, do not let water enter
the electrical mechanism such as battery,
motor, and terminals.
6. Perform inspection or maintenance in a place
where rain can be avoided.
7. After using the tool, remove the adhered dirt
and dry the tool completely before storing.
Depending on the season or the area, there is a
risk of malfunction due to freezing.
Storage
1. Before storing the tool, perform full cleaning
and maintenance. Remove the battery car-
tridge. Attach the cover to the cutting blade.
2. Store the tool in a dry and high or locked loca-
tion out of reach of children.
3. When storing the tool, avoid direct sunlight
and rain, and store it in a place where it does
not get hot or humid.
Important safety instructions for
battery cartridge
1. Before using battery cartridge, read all instruc-
tions and cautionary markings on (1) battery
charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using
battery.
2. Do not disassemble or tamper the battery
cartridge.Itmayresultinare,excessiveheat,
or explosion.
3. If operating time has become excessively
shorter, stop operating immediately. It may
result in a risk of overheating, possible burns
and even an explosion.