Poulan BC2400P User Manual - Page 8

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH WEED BLADE S Blade Thrust is a reaction that only occurs when using a bladed unit. 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 unit if blade thrust occurs. S 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 unit. The uncontrolled unit can cause serious injury if the blade contacts the operator or others. S 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 unit properly, the occurrence of blade thrust will be reduced and the operator will be less likely to lose control. S Do not swing unit with such force that you are in danger of losing your balance. Bring the engine to cutting speed before entering the material to be cut. If the blade does not turn when you squeeze the throttle trigger, make sure tube is fully inserted into the engine. Always release the throttle trigger and allow engine to return to idle speed when not cutting. The blade should not turn while the engine is running at idle. If the blade turns at idle, do not use your unit. Refer to the Carburetor adjustment section or contact your Authorized Service Dealer. S Maintain good firm footing while using the unit. Do this by planting feet firmly in a comfortable apart position. S Cut while swinging the upper part of your body from right to left. S As you move forward to the next area to cut, be sure to maintain your balance and footing. 10 o'clock Cut using the 8 o'clock to 10 o'clock position of the blade 8 o'clock WARNING: The operator or others must not try to clear away cut material with the engine running or the blade turning to avoid serious injury. Stop engine and blade before removing materials wrapped around blade or tube. S Cut only grass, weeds, and woody brush up to 1/2 inch in diameter with the weed blade. 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. S Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade is more likely to snag and thrust. S Cut only at full throttle. The blade will have maximum cutting power and is less likely to bind or stall. S "Feed" the blade deliberately and not too rapidly. The blade can thrust away if it is fed too rapidly. S Cut only from your right to your left. Swinging the unit in the same direction as the blade spins increases the cutting action. S Use the shoulder strap and keep a firm grip on the unit with both hands. A properly adjusted shoulder strap will support the weight of the unit, freeing your arms and hands to control and guide the cutting motion. S Keep feet comfortably spread apart and braced for a possible sudden, rapid thrust of unit. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and balance. S Keep blade below waist level; it will be easier to maintain control of unit. S Do not raise the engine above your waist as the blade can come dangerously close to your body. REPLACING THE LINE S Move the ON/OFF switch to the OFF posi- tion and ensure trimmer head has fully stopped. S Remove the spool by firmly pulling on the tap button. S Clean entire surface of hub and spool. S Replace with a pre-wound spool, or cut two lengths of 12-1/2 feet of 0.080" (2 mm) diameter Poulan/Weed EaterR brand line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc., which can break off and become a dangerous missile. S Insert ends of line about 1/2 inch (1 cm) into the small holes on the inside of the spool. Spool Small Holes Line exit holes Line in Notch Line in Notch Hub 8