Stihl FS-KM Instruction Manual - Page 5

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques Because a KombiEngine equipped with a trimmer / brushcutter / clearing saw KombiTool is a highspeed power tool, 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 manuals and the safety precautions of your KombiEngine and KombiTool periodically. Careless or improper use may cause serious or fatal injury. Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your power tool. Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances. 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 handle, harness and deflector for the type of cutting attachment you are using. Use only cutting attachments that are specifically authorized by STIHL for use on your KombiEngine model. WARNING Do not lend or rent your power tool without the instruction manuals of your KombiEngine and KombiTool. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in these manuals. 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. English STIHL does not recommend the use of rigid blades when cutting in stony areas. Use your KombiEngine equipped with the appropriate KombiTool 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. WARNING To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and damage to property, never let your power tool run unattended. When it is not in use (e.g. during a work break), shut it off and make sure that unauthorized persons do not use it. Most of these safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL power tools. Different models may have different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your KombiEngine and KombiTool instruction manuals for a description of the controls and the function of the parts of your model. Safe use of a power tool involves 1. the operator 2. the power tool 3. the use of the power tool. FS-KM 3