WARNING! PROPER MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition.
• Check engine mounting bolts and other hardware before each use for proper tightness.
Never operate your equipment in poor mechanical condition or when in need of repair.
Be sure all safety guards and shields are in proper position. These safety devices are
for your protection.
• Never store the equipment with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers and the like.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• If the fuel tank is to be drained, do this outdoors.
• If it is necessary for any reason to unclog the feed chute or discharge openings or to
inspect or repair the equipment where a moving part can come in contact with your
body or clothing, shut the machine off, allow all moving parts to come to a complete
stop, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and allow the engine to cool before attempting
to unclog, inspect, or repair.
• Check the blade mounting screws before each use for proper tightness. Also visually
inspect the blade for wear and damage. Replace the blade with parts that meet original
equipment specifications.
• Blades should be checked for sharpness and the bolts attaching them to the flywheel
for tightness before each operation.
• Replace the nylock nuts securing the blade every time you replace the blade.
• Check the gap between the blade and the wear plate every time you replace the blade.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Inspect the belt each time you use the equipment. Look for damage, worn areas or
tears. Do not use the unit if this condition exists.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and
certain product components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING! OPERATION
• Never place your hands, feet, or any part of your body in the chipper
chute, discharge opening, or near or under any moving part while the
engine is running. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. If it
becomes necessary to push material into the chipper chute, use a small
diameter stick, NOT YOUR HANDS.
• Keep your face and body back from the chipper chute to avoid accidental
bounce back of any material.
• If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object or if your machine should
start making an unusual noise or vibration, immediately stop the engine.
After the machine has come to a complete stop proceed as follows:
• Remove the spark plug wire(s) and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
• Inspect for any damage.
• Repair or replace any damaged parts before restarting and operating the machine.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, immediately stop the engine, and wait
for all moving parts to come to a complete stop and inspect for the cause. Vibration is
12 | OPC525(D) man.