Stihl FH Attachment Instruction Manual - Page 7

It may be carried only in a horizontal position. Grip the shaft in a manner that the machine is balanced horizontally. Keep the hot muffler away from your body and the cutting attachment behind you. WARNING To reduce the risk of burn injury, do not touch hot parts of the machine and the gear housing when they are hot. WARNING When transporting it in a vehicle, properly secure it to prevent turnover, fuel spillage and damage to the unit. On machines with an adjustable cutter bar: Make sure the cutter bar is secured in position. See chapter in this instruction manual entitled "Adjusting the Cutter Bar." On machines with a transport position: Move cutter bar to transport position and secure. Before Starting WARNING Always check your power tool for proper condition and operation before starting. Never attempt to modify the controls or safety devices. FH 002BA254 KN WARNING Never operate your power tool if it is damaged, improperly adjusted or maintained, or not completely or securely assembled. WARNING The cutting attachment must be properly tightened and in safe operating condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts, screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent, warped or damaged blades. Regularly check the condition of the cutting blades - with the engine stopped! Replace damaged cutting blades before using the power tool. Always keep blades sharp. Keep the handles clean and dry at all times; it is particularly important to keep them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix, grease or resin in order for you to maintain a firm grip and properly control your power tool. STIHL recommends that you always spray the cutting blades with STIHL resin solvent before starting work - with the engine stopped! You can obtain this protective spray from your dealer. Apply generously. Adjust harness and hand grip to suit your size before starting work. To be better prepared in case of an emergency, practice releasing the unit from the harness as quickly as possible. Starting On machines with an adjustable cutter bar: Secure the cutter bar in the starting position as described in the chapter "Starting / Stopping the Engine." If this English starting position is not the desired cutting position, you will then need to carefully adjust the machine to the desired position once the engine has returned to idle and the blades are no longer moving. On machines with a defined transport position (cutter bar folded against the drive tube): Never start the machine in the transport position, since the blades are not engaged in that position and you therefore cannot visually check to see that they will be stopped at idle when you start to adjust the cutter bar to the desired cutting position (where the blades are engaged). Start the engine at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling spot, outdoors only. For specific starting instructions, see the appropriate section of your basic power tool and your power scythe attachment manuals. Place the power tool on firm ground or other solid surface in an open area. Maintain good balance and secure footing. WARNING To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control, do not attempt to "drop start" your power tool. WARNING To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control, be absolutely sure that the cutting tool is clear of you and all other obstructions and objects, including the ground, because when the engine starts at starting-throttle, engine speed will be fast enough for the clutch to engage and move the blades on the cutting tool. 5