Stihl BT 130 Earth Ice Auger Product Instruction Manual - Page 10

English inhalation of dust cannot be substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or near the ambient (background) level, the operator and any bystanders should wear a respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA for the type of dust encountered. Striking something hard in the earth, such as a rock or gravel, may cause the drilling tool to slow down suddenly or stop. In such a situation, some or all of the rotational force (reactive force) is transferred to the powerhead and handle frame of the earth auger which can cause the auger powerhead and handles to rotate suddenly in a counterclockwise direction. WARNING Work carefully in rocky ground or where other solid objects may be present. Keep throttle feed pressure to a minimum. If you feel or hear the drilling tool strike a solid object, release the throttle trigger immediately and remove the object before drilling is continued. When drilling in heavy clay soil, bore about 1/3 way and remove the auger from the hole. Clean off auger drilling tool then continue in slow steps frequently clearing tool. WARNING You should hold your earth auger firmly to control sudden jolts and reactive forces. Be prepared to release the throttle completely if the forces become too great. If reactive forces are not controlled, rotation of the handles may result in severe jerking and loss of control and may cause the handle frame to strike you or throw you to the ground. Your earth auger model is equipped with an auger brake. If the auger hits something it cannot drill through and the powerhead begins to rotate so that the auger brake activating lever strikes the operator's thigh and engages, the brake is designed to stop the rotation of the powerhead. WARNING In order to reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury from reactive forces, never operate your earth auger without a properly functioning auger brake. If the auger becomes trapped in the drillhole, turn off the engine immediately and remove as described in the chapter entitled "Releasing a Trapped Auger." DANGER Contact with electrical cables or wires can cause serious injury or death as a result of electrical shock. This unit is not insulated. WARNING To reduce the risk of electrocution and damage to property, always be alert for underground pipes and cables and for overhead wires. Before drilling, obtain the necessary plans and permits. Contact your local utility company or your locator service, such as "Miss Utility" or "One Call," for information as to cable and pipe locations. Where necessary, confirm actual location by use of devices such as cable detectors and/or by carefully dug trenches. Stay clear of overhead electrical wires when backing the drilling tool out of the hole. If any portion of the machine strikes a wire, it will cause electrical shock and serious injury or death. WARNING Before working with an ice auger attachment on frozen ponds, lakes or streams, check with local authorities and take all necessary precautions to ensure safe ice thickness. WARNING Thrown objects may ricochet and strike the operator. Operating Instructions WARNING Do not operate your power tool using the starting throttle lock, as you do not have control of the engine speed. In the event of an emergency, switch off the engine immediately - move the slide control to 0 or STOP. WARNING When taking the drilling tool out of the hole, lift the machine vertically so that the tool comes out straight without canting. To minimize splashing when drilling ice holes, back off the throttle when the drilling tool breaks through the 8 BT 130