SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. Makita BCM2310CA, BCM2310, BCM3310CA, BCM3310, BCM2610, BCM3300, BCM2600, BCM2610CA

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General Instructions

- To ensure correct operation, user has to read this instruction manual to make himself familiar with the handling of the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer. Users insufficiently informed will risk danger to themselves as well as others due to improper handling.

- It is recommended only to lend the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer to people who have proven to be experienced with Brush Cutter/String Trimmer. Always hand over the instruction manual.

- First users should ask the dealer for basic instructions to familiarize oneself with the handling of an engine powered cutter.

- Children and young persons aged under 18 years must not be allowed to operate the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer. Persons over the age of 16 years may however use the device for the purpose of being trained only whilst under supervision of a qualified trainer.

- Use Brush Cutter/String Trimmer with the utmost care and attention.

- Operate the Brush Cutter/String Trimmers only if you are in good physical condition. Perform all work calmly and carefully. The user has to accept liability for others.

- Never use the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer after consumption of alcohol or drugs, or if feeling tired or ill.

Intended use of the machine

The Brush Cutter/String Trimmer is only intended for cutting grass, weeds, bushes, undergrowth. It should not be used for any other purpose such as edging or hedge cutting as this may cause injury.

Personal protective equipment

- The clothing worn should be functional and appropriate, i.e. it should be tight-fitting but not cause hindrance. Do not wear either jewelry or clothing which could become entangled with bushes or shrubs.

- In order to avoid either head-, eye-, hand-or foot injuries as well as to protect your hearing, the following protective equipment and protective clothing must be used during operation of the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer.

- Always wear a helmet where there is a risk of falling objects. The protective helmet (1) is to be checked at regular intervals for damage and is to be replaced at the latest after 5 years. Use only approved protective helmets.

- The visor (2) of the helmet ( or goggles ) protects the face from flying debris and stones. During operation of the

Brush Cutter/Sting Trimmer, always wear goggles, or a visor to protect eye injuries.

- Wear adequate noise protection equipment to avoid hearing impairment ( ear muffs (3), ear plugs etc. ).

- The work overalls (4) protect against flying stones and debris. Wearing work overalls is strongly recommended.

- Always wear special gloves (5) made of thick leather during operation of the Brush cutter/String Trimmer.

- When using the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer, always wear sturdy shoes (6) with a non-slip sole to protect against injuries and ensure a good footing.

Starting the brush cutter

- Make sure that there are no children or other people within a working range of 15 meters ( 50ft ), also pay attention to any animals in the working vicinity.

- Before use, always check that the Brush cutter/String Trimmer is safe for operation.

Check the security of the cutting tool, the control lever for easy action and check for proper functioning of the control lever lock.

- Rotation of the cutting tool during idling the engine is not allowed. Check with your dealer for adjustment.

Check for clean and dry handles and test the function of the start/stop switch.

- Start the Brush Cutter/String trimmer only in accordance with the instructions mentioned in this manual. Do not use any other methods for starting the engine.

- Use the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer and the tools only for such applications as specified.

- Only start the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer engine after the entire assembly is done. Operation of the machine is only permitted after all the appropriate accessories are attached.

- Before starting, make sure that the cutting tool has no contact with hard objects such as branches, stones etc. as the cutting tool will rotate when starting.

- The engine is to be switched off immediately in case of any engine problems.

- Should the cutting tool hit stones or other hard objects, immediately stop the engine and inspect the cutting tool.

- Inspect the cutting tool at short regular intervals for damage ( Detect hairline cracks by means of tapping-noise test ).

- Operate the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer only with the shoulder strap provided. It should be suitably adjusted before using the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer. Adjust the should strap according to the user’s size to prevent fatigue during operation. Never hold the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer with one hand during use.

- During operation always hold the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer with both hands. Always ensure a safe footing.

- Operate the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer in such a manner as to avoid inhalation of the exhaust gases. Never run the engine in enclosed rooms ( risk of gas poisoning ). Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas.

- Switch off the engine while not in use of the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer, and place it in a safe location to prevent danger to others or damage to the machine.

- Never put the hot Brush Cutter/String Trimmer on dry grass or on any combustible materials.

- The Brush Cutter/String Trimmer has to be always equipped with an appropriate guard.

- All protective installations and guards provided with the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer must be used during operation.

- Never run the engine with faulty exhaust muffler.

- Stop the engine during transport.

- During transport for long distances, the tool-protection must always be used.

- Make sure a safe position of the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer during car transportation to avoid fuel leakage.

- In transporting the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer, make sure that the fuel tank is completely empty.

- When unloading the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer from the truck, never drop the engine on the ground, which may severely damage the fuel tank.

- Always lift the entire unit of the machine from the ground when moving the machine. Dragging the fuel tank is highly dangerous and may cause damage of the tank and leakage of fuel, possibly causing fire.

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Diagrammatic figure

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6

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• Resting

• Transport

• Refuelling

• Maintenance

• Tool Replacement

Refueling

- Always stop the engine during refueling, keep away from open flames and do not smoke.

- Always wear protective gloves during refueling. Change and clean protective clothing at regular intervals.

- Be careful not to spill either fuel or oil for environmental protection. Clean the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer immediately if fuel is split.

- Avoid any fuel contact with your clothing. Change your clothing immediately if fuel is split on it to prevent clothing catching fire.

- Inspect the fuel cap regularly to make sure that it is securely fastened and does not leak.

- Always tighten the fuel tank cap securely. Change the location to start the engine (at least 3 meter away from the place of refueling).

- Never refuel in closed rooms. Fuel vapors accumulate, which may cause explosions.

- Only transport and store fuel in approved containers. Make sure the fuel stored is not accessible to children.

Method of operation

- Only use the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer in good light and visibility. During the winter season, always be aware of slippery or wet area, ice and snow. Ensure a safe footing.

- Never cut above waist height.

- Never operate the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer standing on a ladder.

- Never use the Brush Cutter/String Trimmer climbing up into trees.

- Never work on unstable surfaces.

- Remove sand, stones, nails etc. within the working range. Foreign materials may damage the cutting tool and cause dangerous kick-back.

- The cutting tool must have reached full working speed before contact with the grass.

Kickback

- When operating the brush cutter, uncontrollable kickback may occur.

- This is particularly the case when attempting to cut within a blade segment between 12 and 2 o’clock.

- Never use the brush cutter within a segment between 12 and 2 o’clock.

- Never apply the blade of brush cutter to solids, such as bushes and trees, etc., having a diameter in excess of

3 cm or the brush cutter will be deflected at great force with the risk of injuries.

Kickback prevention

To avoid kickback, ensure the following :

- Operation within a blade segment between 12 and 2 o’clock presents positive hazards, especially in using metal cutting tools.

- Cutting operations within a blade segment between 11 and 12 o’clock, and between 2 and 5 o’clock, must only be performed by trained and experienced operators, and then only at their own risk.

Easy cutting with almost no kickback is possible within a blade segment between 8 and 11 o’clock.

Cutting Tools

Use only the correct cutting tool.

Caution:

Kickback

Diagrammatic figure

Diagrammatic figure

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