5To avoid kickback:•apply the segment between 8 and 11 o’clock;–never apply the segment between 12 and 2 o’clock;–never apply the segment between 11 and 12 o’clock and–between 2 and 5 o’clock, unless the operator is well trained andexperienced and does it at his/her own risk;never use cutting blades close to solids, such as fences, walls,–tree trunks and stones;never use cutting blades vertically, for such operations as–edging and trimming hedges.VibrationPeople with poor circulation who are exposed to excessive•vibration may experience injury to blood vessels or the nervoussystem. Vibration may cause the following symptoms to occur inthe fingers, hands or wrists: “Falling asleep” (numbness), tingling,pain, stabbing sensation, alteration of skin color or of the skin. Ifany of these symptoms occur, see a physician!To reduce the risk of “white finger disease”, keep your hands•warm during operation and well maintain the equipment andaccessories.TransportBefore transporting the equipment, switch off the motor and•remove the spark plug cap or battery cartridge. Attach the coverto the cutting blade.When transporting the equipment, carry it in a horizontal position•by holding the shaft. Keep the hot muffler away from your body.When transporting the equipment in a vehicle, properly secure•it to avoid turnover. Otherwise fuel spillage and damage to theequipment and other baggage may result.MaintenanceHave your equipment serviced by our authorized service center,•always using only genuine replacement parts. Incorrect repairand poor maintenance can shorten the life of the equipment andincrease the risk of accidents.Before doing any maintenance or repair work or cleaning the•equipment, always switch off the motor and remove the sparkplug cap or the battery cartridge. Wait until the motor gets cold.To reduce the risk of fire, never service the equipment in the•vicinity of fire.Always wear protective gloves when handling the cutting blade.•Always clean dust and dirt off the equipment. Never use gasoline,•benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like for the purpose. Discoloration,deformation or cracks of the plastic components may result.After each use, tighten all screws and nuts, except for the•carburetor adjustment screws.Do not attempt any maintenance or repair not described in this•booklet or the instruction manual of the power unit. Ask Makitaauthorized service center for such work.Always use Makita genuine spare parts and accessories only.•Using parts or accessories supplied by a third party may resultin the equipment breakdown, property damage and/or seriousinjury.Request Makita authorized service center to inspect and maintain•the equipment at regular interval.StorageBefore storing the equipment, perform full cleaning and•maintenance. Remove the spark plug cap or the battery cartridge.Drain the fuel after the engine gets cold. Attach the cover to thecutting blade.Store the equipment in a dry and high or locked location out of•reach of children.Do not prop the equipment against something, such as a wall.•Otherwise it may fall suddenly and cause an injury.First aid• Always have a first-aid kit close by. Immediately replaceany item taken from the first aid kit.When asking for help, give the following information:•Place of the accident–What happened–Number of injured persons–Nature of the injury–Your name–Assembly and adjustmentWARNING:Before assembling or adjusting the equipment, switch off the•motor and remove the spark plug cap or battery cartridge.Otherwise the cutting tool or other parts may move and result inserious injury.Before handling cutting blade, wear protective gloves. During the•assembly or adjustment, your fingers may contact with the cuttingblade and it may cause serious injury.When assembling or adjusting the equipment, always put it down.•Assembling or adjusting the equipment in an upright position mayresult in serious injury.Follow the warnings and precautions in the chapter “Safety•precautions” and the instruction manual of the power unit.Installing the protectorWARNING:Never use the tool without the protector illustrated in place. Failureto do so can cause serious personal injury.1 21. Cutter blade2. Protector