Poulan 1994-04 User Manual - Page 13

A. BLADE SAFETY 1. OPERATOR SAFETY a. Always wear a safety face shield or goggles. See "Accessories. b. Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, gloves and safety leg guards. See "Accessories." Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, short sleeves, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder length. c. Do not operate this tool when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication. d. Always use the handlebar and a properly adjusted shoulder strap. See "Assembly" e. Do not swing the tool with such force that you are in danger of losing your balance. f. Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. g. Keep handles free of oil and fuel. 2. TOOL SAFETY a. Inspect the entire tool before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks and make sure all fasteners are in place and securely fastened. b. Be sure the metal shield is properly attached. The metal shield must be installed for all blade usage. c. Make sure the blade is properly installed and securely fastened. Refer to "Assembly" d. Be sure the blade stops turning when the engine idles. See "Trouble Shooting Chart." e. Make carburetor adjustments with the lower end supported to prevent the blade from contacting any object. Hold tool by hand; do not use shoulder strap for support. f. Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments. 3. CUTTING SAFETY a. Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or become entangled in the blade. b. Always keep the engine on the right side of your body. Hold the tool firmly with both hands. c. Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over -reach. d. Keep blade below waist level. e. Do not raise the engine above your waist. The blade can come dangerously close to your body. f. Cut at full throttle . g. Cut from your right to your left. h. Use only for jobs explained in this manual. Do not use the blade as an edger. The shield does not provide adequate protection. B. GUARD AGAINST BLADE THRUST • Blade Thrust is a reaction that only occurs when using a bladed tool. 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 occurring, and how you can remain in control of the tool if blade thrust occurs. • The forward tip on the shield helps to reduce the occurrence of blade thrust but cannot prevent the occurrence. The operator must follow the warnings and safety instructions in this section to lessen the chance of blade thrust occurring and to maintain control of the tool if the reaction does occur. 1. WHAT CAUSES BLADE THRUST. Blade Thrust can occur when the spinning blade contacts an object that it does not cut. This contact causes the blade to stop for an instant and then suddenly move or "thrust" away from the object that was hit. The "thrusting" reaction can be violent enough to cause the operator to be propelled in any direction and lose control of the tool. The uncontrolled tool can cause serious injury if the blade contacts the operator or others. Figure 11 . 2. 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 difficult to see the material being cut. By using the tool properly, the occurrence of blade thrust will be reduced and the operator will be less likely to lose control. : -- BLADE THRUST Figure 11 3. REDUCE THE CHANCE OF BLADE THRUST a. Cut only grass, weeds and woody brush up to 1/2 inch diameter. Do not let the blade contact material it cannot cut such as stumps, rocks, fences, metal, etc., or clusters of hard, woody brush having a diameter greater than 1/2 inch. b. Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade is more likely to snag. c. Cut only a full throttle. The blade has maximum cutting power at full throttle and is less likely to bind or stall. d. "Feed" the blade deliberately and not too rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed too rapidly. e. Cut only from your right to left. Swinging the tool in the same direction as the blade spins increases the cutting action. - 13 -