5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
■ Using only an approved combination of cutting
attachment and deflector is extremely impor‐
tant to maximize cutting performance and
reduce the risk of personal injury from thrown
objects or contact with the cutting attachment:
► To reduce the risk of serious injury, never
use wire or metal-reinforced line or other
material in place of the recommended nylon
cutting line. Pieces of wire could break off
and be thrown at high speed toward the
operator or bystanders.
■ To reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
► Check fuel system for leaks, especially the
visible parts, (e.g., filler cap, hose connec‐
tions).
► Securely mount the spark plug boot on the
spark plug.
► Do not start the engine if the fuel system
has leaks or the trimmer / brushcutter is
otherwise damaged. Have the trimmer /
brushcutter repaired by an authorized
STIHL servicing dealer before using it.
■ Using a trimmer / brushcutter that is modified,
damaged, improperly adjusted or maintained,
or not completely and securely assembled can
lead to a malfunction and increase the risk of
serious personal injury or death.
► Never operate a trimmer / brushcutter that
is modified, damaged, improperly main‐
tained or not completely and securely
assembled.
► Always check your unit for proper condition
and operation before starting work, particu‐
larly the throttle trigger, throttle trigger lock‐
out, stop switch, deflector, harness and cut‐
ting attachment.
► Ensure that the throttle trigger, throttle trig‐
ger lockout and stop switch move freely and
spring back into place when released. The
throttle trigger must not engage until the
throttle trigger lockout is depressed.
► Never attempt to modify or override the
controls or safety devices in any way.
► If your trimmer / brushcutter or any part is
damaged or does not function properly,
take it to your authorized STIHL servicing
dealer. Do not use the unit until the problem
has been corrected.
■ Before starting the engine, take the following
steps to reduce the risk of personal injury from
thrown objects, loss of control or inadvertent
contact with the cutting attachment:
► Be sure that the cutting attachment is clear
of you and all other obstructions and
objects, including the ground.
0458-853-8201-A
► Read and follow the instructions on starting
the trimmer / brushcutter,
5.7.2
Starting
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of burns and other personal
injury from escaping gas vapor and fumes:
► Move at least 10 ft. (3 m) from the fueling
spot before starting the engine.
► Start your trimmer / brushcutter only out‐
doors.
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to
the operator or bystanders from loss of con‐
trol:
► Start the trimmer / brushcutter only as
described in the "Starting" chapter in this
manual,
11.
► Do not drop start. Drop starting means
pushing the trimmer / brushcutter away
from the operator, or allowing it to drop
toward the ground, while pulling on the
starter grip. This method is very dangerous
because you may lose control of the trim‐
mer / brushcutter.
► When you pull the starter grip, do not wrap
the starter rope around your hand.
► Do not let the grip snap back. Guide the
starter rope to rewind it properly.
► Be sure that the cutting attachment is clear
of you and all other obstructions and
objects, including the ground.
► When the engine is started, the engine
speed with the starting throttle lock
engaged will be fast enough for the clutch
to engage and move the cutting attach‐
ment.
► Once the engine has started, immediately
blip the throttle trigger, which should cause
the choke lever to move to the run position
and allow the engine to slow down to idle.
5.7.3
Holding and Controlling the Trimmer /
Brushcutter
WARNING
■ To maintain a firm grip and properly control
your trimmer / brushcutter:
► Keep the handles clean and dry at all times.
Keep them free of moisture, pitch, oil,
grease and resin.
■ Operating the trimmer / brushcutter with one
hand may lead to loss of control and is
extremely dangerous. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury to the operator or
bystanders from loss of control:
English
11.1.
11