Makita EE400MP Original Instruction Manual page 4

Starting motor
• Wear the personal equipments before starting the motor.
• Start the engine at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from the fueling
spot.
• Before starting the motor, make sure that there is no person or
animal in the work area.
• When starting the engine or inserting a battery cartridge, keep
the cutting tool clear of your body and other object, including
the ground. It may rotate when starting and may cause injury or
damage to the equipment and/or property.
• Place the equipment on firm ground. Maintain good balance and
secure footing.
• When pulling the starter knob, hold the power unit firmly against
the ground by your left hand. Never step on the drive shaft of the
power unit.
• Follow the instruction manual of the power unit for starting the
motor.
• If the cutting tool rotates at idle, stop the engine and adjust the
idle speed down.
Operation
• In the event of an emergency, switch off the motor immediately.
• If you feel any unusual condition (e.g. noise, vibration) during
operation, switch off the motor. Do not use the equipment until
the cause is recognized and solved.
• The cutting tool continues to rotate for a short period after
releasing the throttle trigger or switch off the motor. Don't rush to
contact the cutting tool.
• With the engine running only at idle, attach the shoulder harness.
• During operation, use the shoulder harness. Keep the equipment
on your right side firmly.
• Hold the front handle with the left hand and the rear grip with the
right hand, no matter you are right-hander or left-hander. Wrap
your finger and thumbs around the handles.
• Never attempt to operate the equipment with one hand. Loss of
control may result in serious or fatal injury. To reduce the risk of
injury, keep your hands and feet away from the cutting tool.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Watch for hidden obstacles such as tree stumps, roots and
ditches to avoid stumbling.
• Never work on a ladder or tree to avoid loss of control.
• If the equipment gets heavy impact or fall, check the condition
before continuing work. Check the fuel system for fuel leakage
and the controls and safety devices for malfunction. If there is
any damage or doubt, ask Makita authorized service center for
the inspection and repair.
• Do not touch the gear case. The gear case becomes hot during
operation.
• Take a rest to prevent loss of control caused by fatigue. We
recommend taking a 10 to 20-minute rest every hour.
• When you leave the equipment, even if it is a short time, always
switch off the engine or remove the battery cartridge. The
equipment unattended with the engine running may be used by
unauthorized person and cause serious accident.
• Follow the instruction manual of the power unit for proper use of
the control lever and switch.
• During or after operation, do not put the hot equipment onto dry
grass or combustible materials.
• If grass or branches get caught between the cutting tool and
guard, always stop the motor and remove the spark plug cap or
the battery cartridge before cleaning. Otherwise unintentional
blade rotation may cause serious injury.
• If the cutting tool hits stones or other hard objects, immediately
switch off the motor and inspect the cutting tool.
• Check the cutting tool frequently during operation for cracks or
damages. Before the inspection, switch off the motor and wait
until the cutting tool stops completely. Replace damaged cutting
tool immediately, even if it has only superficial cracks.
• Never cut above waist height.
• Before starting the cutting operation, wait until the cutting tool
reaches a constant speed after pulling the trigger.
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
• Walk, never run.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the edger toward
you.
• Make sure the blade has stopped before crossing surfaces other
than grass and when transporting the edger to and from the area
to be edged.
• Stop the engine whenever you leave the edger.
Cutting tools
• Never use inappropriate blades including metal multi-piece
pivoting chains and flail blades. It may result in serious injury.
• Always use the cutting tool guard properly suited for the cutting
tool used.
Vibration
• People with poor circulation who are exposed to excessive
vibration may experience injury to blood vessels or the nervous
system. Vibration may cause the following symptoms to occur in
the fingers, hands or wrists: "Falling asleep" (numbness), tingling,
pain, stabbing sensation, alteration of skin color or of the skin. If
any 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 and
accessories.
Transport
• Before transporting the equipment, switch off the motor and
remove the spark plug cap or battery cartridge. Remove the
cutting tool.
• 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 the
equipment and other baggage may result.
Maintenance
• Have your equipment serviced by our authorized service center,
always using only genuine replacement parts. Incorrect repair
and poor maintenance can shorten the life of the equipment and
increase the risk of accidents.
• Before doing any maintenance or repair work or cleaning the
equipment, always switch off the motor and remove the spark
plug 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.
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