Important Safety Instructions; Safety Warning For Gas Units; While Operating - Craftsman Speed start 316.715860 Operator's Manual

• iMPORTANT SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS
READ ALL iNSTRUCTiONS BEFORE OPERATING
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WARNING:
When using the unit, all safety rules must be
followed. Please read these instructions before operating
the unit in order to ensure the safety of the operator and any
bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and
proper use of the unit.
Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs or medication.
Children must not operate the unit. Teens must be accompanied
and guided by an adult.
Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for
fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.
All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, string and other objects that may be thrown or
become entangled with the unit. Clear the area of children,
bystanders and pets; keep them outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius,
at a minimum. Even then, they are still at risk from thrown
objects. Encourage bystanders to wear eye protection. If you are
approached, stop the unit immediately.
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using the unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved
for the storage of such materials.
Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the
tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the
engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve
any pressure in the tank before fueling.
Always mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area
where there are no sparks or flames. DO NOT smoke.
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any
spilled fuel from the unit immediately, before starting the unit.
Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke.
Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building.
Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a well
ventilated outdoor area.
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WHILE OPERATING
Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet current ANSi
standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection
when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty.
Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do
not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go
barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
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The blade shield must always be in place while operating the unit.
This unit has a clutch. The blade remains stationary when the
engine is idling. If it does not, take the unit to a Sears or other
qualified service dealer for an adjustment.
The blade may spin during idle speed adjustments. Wear
protective clothing and observe all safety instructions to prevent
serious personal injury.
Adjust the handle to provide the best grip.
Be sure the blade is not in contact with anything before starting
the unit.
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever
pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable
position while starting. Refer to Starting and Stopping.
Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on both handles or grips.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take
extra care when working on steep slopes or inclines.
Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not
touch or try to stop moving parts.
Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut. Do
not run the engine at high speed when not cutting.
Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or when walking
from one cutting location to another.
If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate
before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
Turn the engine to off and disconnect the spark plug for
maintenance or repair.
Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement
parts and accessories for this unit, as listed in the Parts List
section of this manual. Use of any other parts or accessories
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit,
and void the warranty.
Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials that may
become lodged between the blade and blade shield.
If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit immediately.
Inspect the unit for the cause of the vibration. Vibration is
generally an indicator of trouble.
To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor.
Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.
Always use the shoulder harness when operating the brushcutter.
Keep the handle between the operator and blade at all times.
NEVER cut when the blade is 30 inches (76 cm) or more above
ground level.
Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an
object that it does not immediately cut. Blade thrust can be
violent enough to propel the unit and/or operator in any
direction, possibly causing a loss of control. Blade thrust can
occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds. This is
more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to see the
material being cut.
Do not cut anything thicker than 1/2 inch or a violent kickback
could occur.
A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to spin after
the engine is stopped or the throttle control is released. Maintain
proper control until the blade has completely stopped rotating.
Do not operate the unit with a bent, cracked or dull blade.
Discard blades that are bent, warped, cracked or broken.