Ryobi RY70105 - Manual (Page 3)

3
SAFETY
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel
leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The string head or blade will rotate during carburetor
adjustments.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syn-
drome in certain individuals. Symptoms may include
tingling, numbness and blanching of the fingers, usually
apparent upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors,
exposure to cold and dampness, diet, smoking and work
practices are all thought to contribute to the develop-
ment of these symptoms. It is presently unknown what,
if any, vibrations or extent of exposure may contribute to
the condition. There are measures that can be taken by
the operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:
a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operat-
ing the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major
factor contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.
b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.
d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened
and worn parts replaced.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your physician
about these symptoms.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 9 m (30 ft. ) away from
refueling site before starting engine.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or
storing the unit.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure
the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER USE
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in
any way. Be sure the string head or blade is properly
installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can
cause serious injury.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and handles are
properly and securely attached.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Use only the manufacturer's replacement string in the
cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place
and in good condition.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming. Keep
string head below waist level. Never cut with the string
head located over 76 cm (30 in.) or more above the
ground.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR BRUSHCUTTER AND
BLADE USE
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ After engine stops, keep rotating blade in heavy grass
or pulpy weeks until it stops.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Do not operate the brushcutter unless the blade guard is
firmly secured in place and in good condition.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Use heavy gloves while installing or removing blades.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
before attempting to remove any obstruction caught or
jammed in the blade or before removing and installing
the blade.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is
rotating.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to
spin after the engine is stopped or throttle trigger re-
leased. Maintain proper control until the blade has
completely stopped rotating.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Replace any blade that has been damaged. Always
make sure blade is installed correctly and securely
fastened before each use. Failure to do so can cause
serious injury.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Use only the manufacturer's replacement TRI-ARC blade
intended for use on this brushcutter. Do not use any other
blade.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The TRI-ARC blade is suited for cutting pulpy weeds and
vines only. Do not use for any other purpose. Never use
the TRI-ARC blade to cut woody brush.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Exercise extreme caution when using the blade with this
unit. Blade thrust is the reaction that may occur when
the spinning blade contacts anything it cannot cut. This
contact may cause the blade to stop for an instant, and
suddenly “thrust” the unit away from the object that was
hit. This reaction can be violent enough to cause the
operator to lose control of the unit. Blade thrust can
occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls, or binds.
This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to
see the material being cut. For cutting ease and safety,
approach the weeds being cut from the right to the left. In
the event an unexpected object or woody stock is
encountered, this could minimize the blade thrust
reaction.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Never cut any material over 13 mm (1/2 in.) diameter.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Always wear the shoulder strap when using the
brushcutter and adjust to a comfortable operating
position. Maintain a firm grip on both handles while
cutting with a blade. Keep the blade away from body and
below waist. Never use the brushcutter with the blade
located 76 cm (30 in.) or more above the ground level.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Cover the blade with the blade protector before storing
the unit, or during transportation. Always remove the
blade protector before using the unit. If not removed, the
blade protector could become a thrown object as the
blade begins to turn.