Safety instructions. Honda UMK435E, UMK425E

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

All the parts of your machine are potentially hazardous if it is used incorrectly or if it is not properly maintained. Special attention should be paid to sections preceded by the following words.

Warns against a risk of serious bodily injury or fatal accident if instructions are not complied with.

CAUTION:

• Warns against a risk of bodily injury or equipment damage if instructions are not complied with.

NOTE:

Indicates a source of useful information.

SAFETY

This symbol warns you to be especially careful when performing specific operations. See the safety instructions on the following pages with reference to the point or points indicated in the box.

TRAINING

A1.

Carefully read the instructions in this manual. Before using your brushcutter, familiarize yourself with how to use it correctly and with its controls. Make sure you know how to stop the engine quickly.

A2.

Use the brushcutter for its intended purpose, i.e.:

- Cutting grass with the nylon line attachment along flower beds, shrubberies, walls, fences or lawns and to finish borders after mowing with a lawnmower.

- For cutting tall weeds and brush the 3-tooth blade.

- Using it for any other purpose could be dangerous or result in damage to the machine.

A3.

Do not allow children or anyone unfamiliar with the instructions to use the brushcutter. Local legislation may stipulate operator age restrictions.

A4.

Do not use the brushcutter in the following circumstances:

- When there are people, especially children, or pets nearby. Comply with the safety perimeter of at least 15 metres between the machine and anyone who may be in the vicinity. The brushcutter is to be operated by one person only.

- If you have taken any medicine or substance which may affect your reactions and judgement.

- If a nylon line cutting head is used, make sure that the guard extension and the line cutter blade are correctly in place in order to ensure correct line length.

- If safety devices such as the cutting attachment guard are missing or if the guard is damaged.

A5.

Do not make alterations to your brushcutter. By doing so, you could compromise your safety and expose yourself to serious accident or injury.

A6.

Remember that the owner or operator is responsible for any accidents or risks to third parties and their property.

PREPARATION

B1.

Do not use this equipment when barefoot or wearing sandals or when wearing loose-fitting clothing that may become snagged on plants.Long trousers, boots or protective footwear with anti-skid soles, goggles or a protective visor, gloves

(preferably leather) and ear defenders must be worn when operating the machine.A hard hat should be worn in areas where falling objects may be encountered (such as branches or stones).

B2.

Make a thorough inspection of the area to be cleared and remove any objects which could be thrown up by the machine (stones, pieces of wood, wire, bones, etc.).

B3. WARNING: DANGER!

Petrol is extremely flammable.

Store fuel in specially designed containers.

- Refuel the machine outdoors only, with the engine switched off. Do not smoke during refuelling or while handling fuel.

- Never remove the fuel filler cap or fill up the fuel tank when the engine is running or while it is still hot.

- Do not start the engine in the presence of spilled fuel. Move the brushcutter away from the area and avoid creating any source of ignition until the fuel has evaporated and vapours have dispersed.

- Make sure that the caps are securely fitted on the fuel tank and on the fuel can.

B4.

Replace faulty exhaust mufflers.

B5.

Each time the machine is used, before starting, perform a general inspection and check, in particular, all attachments, cutting assemblies, deflectors and mounting bolts to make sure that they are not worn, damaged or loose. Always check that the gas throttle trigger and the Stop button operate correctly.

B6.

Check that the handles and harness attachment point are correctly positioned and that the machine is properly balanced.

The correct positions and adjustments are specified in the section on "Preliminary preparation and checks" in this manual.

B7.

Adjust the idle speed so that the cutting attachment stops turning when the throttle control is released.

B8.

Install the blade cover on the blade type cutter during removal and installation operations.

- Turn the engine switch to the Stop position and remove the spark plug cap.

- Wear gloves during this operation.

OPERATION

C1.

Do not run the engine in a confined space where toxic carbon monoxide fumes may accumulate.

C2.

Work by daylight only.

C3.

As far as possible, avoid using the machine on wet ground.

C4.

When operating the machine, ensure compliance with the safety clearance of the nylon line cutting head with respect to the harness attachment point.

C5.

Walk when you use the machine, never run, and stay in a stable position. Beware of obstacles such as stones and tree stumps which could trip you.

C6.

Tread carefully on slopes. When working on slopes, always proceed crosswise: never straight up and down.

C7.

Do not use the machine on slopes that are too steep. It is the operator's responsibility to assess the potential hazards of the terrain and to take every necessary precaution for his or her own safety. This is especially important when working on slopes or rough, slippery or loose ground.

C8.

Never modify the engine settings in such a way that it runs at excessive speeds.

C9.

Before starting the engine, make sure there is no-one within 15 metres of the machine, that the cutting attachment is not touching the ground and that the machine is in a stable position.

C10.

Take care when starting the engine. Comply with the safety instructions and stay clear of the cutting attachment.

C11.

The engine must be stopped and the spark plug cap removed in the following cases:

- Before performing any servicing action on the cutting system.

- Before cleaning, checking, adjusting or repairing the brushcutter.

- The only adjustments to be carried out with the engine running are carburettor and idle speed adjustments.

- During this operation, make sure the cutting attachment does not strike any object and that the machine is in a stable position.

- If the cutting attachment strikes an object, inspect the cutting system and the transmission shaft to make sure they have not been damaged. Make any necessary repairs before resuming work with the machine.

- If the brushcutter starts vibrating abnormally, look for the cause of the vibrations immediately and take the necessary corrective action.

C12.

Stop the engine in the following cases:

- Whenever the brushcutter is left unattended.

- Before refilling the fuel tank.

- When moving the machine from one area to another.

C13.

Risk of "kickout" (blade thrust) with all rigid cutting blades.

C14.

Using any attachments other than those recommended by Honda may cause damage to your brushcutter, and such damage will not be covered by your guarantee.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

D1.

Keep all nuts and bolts securely tightened to ensure safe operation. Regular maintenance is required to ensure safety and optimal performance.

D2.

Do not use the machine with damaged or worn parts. Parts must be replaced, not repaired. Use genuine Honda parts. The cutting attachments must always be marked with the manufacturer's brand, the reference and the maximum operating speed. Parts of inferior quality may damage the machine and compromise operator safety.

D3.

Wear heavy gloves when removing and installing the cutting device.

D4.

Never store the brushcutter with fuel in the fuel tank in a room where fuel vapour could be ignited by a flame, a spark or a source of intense heat.

D5.

Store in a clean dry room, out of the reach of children.

D6.

Let the engine cool down before putting away the machine in any room.

D7.

To reduce fire hazards, remove leaves, grass cuttings and excess oil from the brushcutter, particularly from the cooling fins, the exhaust system and the fuel storage area.

D8.

When the machine is stored or carried, the cutting blade must always be covered by its transport guard to avoid any accidental injury.

D9.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, this operation must be performed outdoors when the engine is cold.

D10.

To protect the environment, do not dispose of old engine oil or fuel by pouring it down the drain, in the gutter or on the ground.

Your local service station can have oil and fuel safely recycled.

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