SAFETY. Ariens String Trimmer, Precision Edge 986101

Before Attempting To Operate Your

Unit:

1. Make sure all assembly has been properly completed.

2. Understand all Safety Precautions provided in the manuals.

3. Review control functions and operation of the unit. Do not operate the unit unless all controls function as described in this manual.

4. Review recommended lubrication, maintenance and adjustments.

5. Review Limited Warranty Policy.

6. Fill out a product registration card and return the card to the Ariens Company or go to www.ariens.com.

DISCLAIMER

Ariens reserves the right to discontinue, change, and improve its products at any time without notice or obligation to the purchaser.

The descriptions and specifications contained in this manual were in effect at printing.

Equipment described within this manual may be optional. Some illustrations may not be applicable to your unit.

SAFETY

SAFETY ALERTS

WARNING: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

Failure to observe the safety instructions in the manuals and on decals could result in serious injury or death.

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive, handle with care.

Disengage attachment, stop unit and engine, remove key, engage parking brake, and allow moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s position.

Look for these symbols to point out important safety precautions. They mean:

• Attention!

• Personal Safety Is

Involved!

• Become Alert!

• Obey The Message!

The safety alert symbol is used in decals and with this manual. Understand the safety message. It contains important information about personal safety.

DANGER: IMMINENTLY

HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not avoided, WILL RESULT in death or serious injury.

WARNING: POTENTIALLY

HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not avoided, COULD RESULT in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: POTENTIALLY

HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not avoided, MAY RESULT in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

NOTATIONS

NOTE: General reference information for proper operation and maintenance practices.

IMPORTANT: Specific procedures or information required to prevent damage to unit or attachment.

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SAFETY DECALS AND

LOCATIONS

ALWAYS replace missing or damaged Safety

Decals. Refer to figure 2 for Safety Decal

locations.

1

2

1. Danger!

2. Danger!

Figure 2

AVOID INJURY. Stay clear of rotating parts.

Read owner/operator’s manual.

Always keep feet away from rotating parts.

Emission Control System

Certification Label

Tampering with emission controls and components by unauthorized personnel may result in severe fines or penalties. Emission controls and components can only be adjusted by EPA and/or CARB authorized service centers. Contact your Ariens

Equipment Retailer concerning emission controls and component questions.

SAFETY RULES

Training

Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.

Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the edger. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

Never edge while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.

Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

Preparation

While edging, always wear eye and ear protection, substantial foot wear, and long trousers.

Thoroughly inspect the surface where the equipment is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones and other foreign objects.

Always wear eye and hearing protection.

Keep children and others away from unit while operating.

Never direct discharge toward other people. Thrown objects can cause injury.

Always keep hands away from rotating parts.

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WARNING: Fuel is highly flammable. Take the following precautions:

1. Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.

2. Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling.

3. Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.

4. Avoid spillage: if petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapors have dissipated.

5. Tighten all fuel tank and container caps securely.

Replace faulty silencers.

Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.

Use only manufacturer-recommended replacement parts and accessories.

Operation

Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect. Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal.

Edge only in daylight or in good artificial light.

Always be sure of your footing on slopes.

Walk, never run.

Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the edger toward you.

Make sure the blade has stopped before crossing surfaces other than grass and when transporting the edger to and from the area to be edged.

Never operate the edger with defective, missing or incorrectly fitted guards.

Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.

Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the blade(s).

Do not tilt when starting the engine or switching on the motor, unless the edger has to be tilted for starting. In this case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and lift only the part which is away from the operator.

Do not start the engine when a bystander is standing in front of the blade(s).

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

Always switch off the electric motor and disconnect from main or stop the fuel powered engine:

• before clearing blockages;

• before checking, cleaning or working on the blade(s);

• after striking a foreign object: inspect the blade(s) for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the edger;

• if edger starts to vibrate abnormally

(check immediately).

Stop the engine:

• whenever you leave the edger;

• before refuelling.

Reduce the throttle setting during engine runout and, if the engine is provided with a shutoff valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of edging.

Maintenance and storage

a. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working conditions.

b. Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

c. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

d. To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment, and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.

e. Replace worn or damaged parts.

f. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

g. Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you are competent to do so.

h. Use only manufacturer-recommended replacement parts and accessories.

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