NOTE: STRING TRIMMERS ARE FOR USE WITH NYLON CUTTING HEADS ONLY. NEVER INSTALL OR USE ANY METAL CUTTER BLADE OR METALLIC CUTTING LINE. SERIOUS LACERATIONS COULD RESULT. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Thank you very much for purchasing your MAKITA STRING TRIMMER. We are proud of and very confident in recommending our MAKITA STRING TRIMMER as a result of our extensive development and substantial knowledge and experience. Please read and understand this booklet thoroughly before operating your MAKITA STRING TRIMMER in order to take advantage of its outstanding performance. STRING TRIMMERS are designed for trimming grass, weeds and low growth, non-wood ground cover. Always use the proper machine for the job. SAFETY RULES AND PRECAUTIONS Proper safety precautions must be observed. Like all power equipment this unit must be handled carefully. DO NOT EXPOSE YOURSELF OR OTHERS TO DANGER. Follow these general rules. Do not permit others to use this machine unless they are thoroughly responsible and have read and understood the machine manual and are trained in its operation. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 . 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Always wear safety goggles for eye protection. Dress appropriately; d o not wear loose clothing or jewelry that could become caught in moving parts of the unit. Safe, sturdy, nonskid footwear should always be worn. Long hair should be tied back. It is recommended that legs and feet be covered to protect them from flying debris during operation. Inspect the entire machine for loose parts (nuts, bolts, screws, etc.) and any damage. Repair or replace as necessary before using the machine. DO NOT U S € any attachment with this power head other than one recommended by MAKITA. Serious injury to the user or bystanders or damage to the engine could result. Keep the handles free of oil and fuel. Always use the proper handle and shoulder strap when cutting. Do not smoke while mixing fuel or filling tank. Do not mix fuel in a n enclosed room or near open flames. Assure adequate ventilation. Always mix and store the fuel in a properly marked container that is approved by local codes and ordinances for such usage. Never remove the fuel tank cap while the engine is running. Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Fumes from the exhaust contain dangerous carbon monoxide. Never attempt to make engine adjustments while the unit is running and strapped to the operator. Always make engine adjustments with the unit resting on a flat, clear surface. Do not use the unit if it is damaged or poorly adjusted. Never remove the machine's guard. Inspect the area to be cut and remove all debris that could become entangled in the nylon cutting head. Also remove any objects that the unit may throw during cutting. Keep children away. Onlookers should be kept at a safe distance from the work area, at least 50 feet. Never leave the machine unattended. Do no use this unit for any jobs other than those for which it is intended as described in the manual. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not run the unit while standing on a ladder or any other unstable footing location. Keep hands and feet clear of the nylon cutting head while the unit is in use. Do not use this type of machine for sweeping away debris. Do not use the unit when you are tired or under the influence of medication, drugs or alcohol. Do not use a damaged cutting head. If a stone or any other obstacle is hit, stop the engine and check the nylon cutting head. A broken or unbalanced nylon cutting head must never be used. Follow instructions for changing accessories. Do not store in a closed area where fuel vapors can reach an open flame from hot water heaters, - . furnaces, etc. Store in a locked, well ventilated area only. 2 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. Use only replacement parts that are identical to original equipment parts when servicing the unit: these parts are available from your dealer. The use of any other accessory or attachment may create a potential hazard, injury to the user and damage to the machine. Clean the machine completely, especially t h e fuel tank cap, its surroundings, and the air cleaner. When refueling, be sure to stop the engine and confirm that it has cooled down. Never refuel when the engine is running or hot. When gasoline spills, be sure to completely wipe it away and properly dispose of those materials before starting the engine. Stay clear of other workers or bystanders. When approaching an operator of the machine, carefully call his attention and confirm that the operator stops the engine. Be careful not to startle or distract the operator causing an unsafe situation. Never touch the nylon cutting head while the engine is running. If it is necessary to adjust the protector or nylon cutting head, be sure to stop the engine and confirm that the nylon cutting head has ...