Stihl FS 460 C-EM Product Instruction Manual - Page 5

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques Because a clearing saw is a high-speed, fast-cutting power tool sometimes equipped with sharp cutting blades, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. It is important that you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Read the instruction manual and the safety precautions periodically. Careless or improper use may cause serious or fatal injury. The terminology utilized in this manual when referring to the power tool reflects the fact that different types of cutting attachments may be mounted on it. The term "trimmer" is used to designate an FS unit that is equipped with a nylon line head or a head with flexible plastic blades (i.e., the PolyCut head). A "brushcutter" designates a unit equipped with a rigid metal blade. Many FS models may be used as either a trimmer or a brushcutter - therefore, the power tool is referred in this manual as a "trimmer / brushcutter." Some smaller and / or lightweight FS models may only be used as a trimmer, i.e., they may not be used with metal blades. The term "clearing saw" indicates a high-powered trimmer / brushcutter that is particularly suited for use with a circular saw blade to clear saplings or small trees. Warning! As more fully explained later in these Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure your unit is equipped with the proper deflector, limit stop and harness for the type of cutting attachment you are using. Use only cutting attachments that are specifically authorized by STIHL for use on your FS model. Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your power tool. Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances. Warning! Do not lend or rent your power tool without the instruction manual. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in this manual. English Warning! The use of this machine may be hazardous. If the rotating line or blade comes in contact with your body, it will cut you. When it comes in contact with solid foreign objects such as rocks or bits of metal, it may fling them directly or by ricochet in the direction of bystanders or the operator. Striking such objects could damage the cutting attachment and may cause blades to crack, chip or break. Thrown objects, including broken heads or blades, may result in serious or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders. STIHL does not recommend the use of rigid blades when cutting in stony areas. Use your clearing saw equipped with the appropriate cutting attachment only for cutting grass, brush, wood and similar material. Warning! Do not use it for other purposes, since misuse may result in personal injury or property damage, including damage to the machine. Warning! Minors should never be allowed to use this power tool. Bystanders, especially children, and animals should not be allowed in the area where it is in use. FS 460 C-M, FS 460 C-M L 3