11exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and could givethe operator an electric shock.Cutting attachments1. Use an applicable cutting attachment for the job inhand.– Nylon cutting heads (string trimmer heads) aresuitable for trimming lawn grass.– Metal blades are suitable for cutting weeds, highgrasses, bushes, shrubs, underwood, thicket, andthe like.– Never use other blades including metal multi-piecepivoting chains and flail blades. It may result inserious injury.2. Always use the cutting attachment guard properlysuited for the cutting attachment used.3. When using metal blades, avoid “kickback” andalways prepare for an accidental kickback. See thesection “Kickback.”4. When not in use, attach the blade cover onto theblade. Remove the cover before operation.Kickback (Blade thrust)1. Kickback (blade thrust) is a sudden reaction to acaught or bound cutting blade. Once it occurs, the toolis thrown sideway or toward the operator at great forceand it may cause serious injury.2. Kickback occurs particularly when applying the bladesegment between 12 and 2 o’clock to solids, bushesand trees with 3 cm or larger diameter. (Fig. 2)3. To avoid kickback: (Fig. 3)– Apply the segment between 8 and 11 o’clock.– Never apply the segment between 12 and 2o’clock.– Never apply the segment between 11 and 12o’clock and between 2 and 5 o’clock, unless theoperator is well trained and experienced and does itat his/her own risk.– Never use cutting blades close to solids, such asfences, walls, tree trunks and stones.– Never use cutting blades vertically, for suchoperations as edging and trimming hedges.Vibration1. People with poor circulation who are exposed toexcessive vibration may experience injury to bloodvessels or the nervous system. Vibration may causethe following symptoms to occur in the fingers, handsor wrists: “Falling asleep” (numbness), tingling, pain,stabbing sensation, alteration of skin color or of theskin. If any of these symptoms occur, see a physician!2. To reduce the risk of “white finger disease”, keep yourhands warm during operation and well maintain thetool and accessories.Transport1. Before transporting the tool, turn it off and remove thebattery cartridge. Attach the cover to the cutting blade.2. When transporting the tool, carry it in a horizontalposition by holding the shaft.3. When transporting the tool in a vehicle, properlysecure it to avoid turnover. Otherwise damage to thetool and other baggage may result.Maintenance1. Have your tool serviced by our authorized servicecenter, always using only genuine replacement parts.Incorrect repair and poor maintenance can shorten thelife of the tool and increase the risk of accidents.2. Before doing any maintenance or repair work orcleaning the tool, always turn it off and remove thebattery cartridge.3. Always wear protective gloves when handling thecutting blade.4. Always clean dust and dirt off the tool. Never usegasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like for thepurpose. Discoloration, deformation or cracks of theplastic components may result.5. After each use, tighten all screws and nuts.6. Do not attempt any maintenance or repair notdescribed in the instruction manual. Ask ourauthorized service center for such work.7. Always use our genuine spare parts and accessoriesonly. Using parts or accessories supplied by a thirdparty may result in the tool breakdown, propertydamage and/or serious injury.8. Request our authorized service center to inspect andmaintain the tool at regular interval.Storage1. Before storing the tool, perform full cleaning andmaintenance. Remove the battery cartridge. Attachthe cover to the cutting blade.2. Store the tool in a dry and high or locked location outof reach of children.3. Do not prop the tool against something, such as awall. Otherwise it may fall suddenly and cause aninjury.First aid1. Always have a first-aid kit close by. Immediatelyreplace any item taken from the first aid kit.2. When asking for help, give the following information:– Place of the accident– What happened– Number of injured persons– Nature of the injury– Your nameSAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.WARNING:DO NOT let comfort or familiarity with product (gainedfrom repeated use) replace strict adherence to safetyrules for the subject product. MISUSE or failure tofollow the safety rules stated in this instructionmanual may cause serious personal injury.IMPORTANT SAFETYINSTRUCTIONS ENC007-8FOR BATTERY CARTRIDGE1. Before using battery cartridge, read allinstructions and cautionary markings on (1)battery charger, (2) battery, and (3) product usingbattery.