Makita GVU01SM Instruction Manual page 5

Training
1. This machine is capable of amputating hands
and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
2. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with the instruction, to operate the machine.
Preparation
1. Keep Children Away - All visitors should be kept
a safe distance from work area. Be alert and
turn the machine off if a child enters the area.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child.
2. Dress Properly - Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use
of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is rec-
ommended when working outdoors. Do not oper-
ate the machine when barefoot or wearing open
sandals.
3. Use Safety Glasses- Always use face or dust
mask if operation is dusty.
Objects struck by the scarifier blades can cause
4.
severe injuries to persons. The lawn should
always be carefully examined and cleared of all
objects prior to each operation. Stay behind the
handle when the motor is running.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters
the area.
6. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip
and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
7. Check the blades or blade bolts carefully for
cracks or damage before operation. Replace
cracked or damaged blades or blade bolts
immediately.
8. Before operation, inspect the machine or scar-
ifier blades for any damage.
Operation
1. Avoid Dangerous Environment - Never operate
the machine in damp or wet locations. Always be
sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the han-
dle and walk; never run.
2. Don't Use In Rain.
Use Right Appliance - Do not use the machine
3.
for any job except that for which it is intended.
4. Don't Force Machine - It will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.
5. Don't Overreach - Keep proper footing and bal-
ance at all times. Do not operating the machine
near drop offs, ditches, or embankments. You
could lose your footing or balance.
6. Stay Alert - Watch what you are doing. Use com-
mon sense. Do not operate the machine when you
are tired. Do not operate machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. A moment of inat-
tention while operating the machine may result in
serious personal injury.
Remove Battery From Machine - Remove
7.
the battery when not in use, before servicing,
cleaning, removing material from the machine, or
changing accessories such as scarifier blades,
and the like.
8. Keep hands and feet away from cutting area.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
9. If the machine strikes a foreign object, follow
these steps:
• Stop the machine. Release the switch. Wait
until the blade comes to a complete stop.
• Remove the battery cartridge.
• Inspect the machine for any damage.
• Repair any damage before restarting and
operating the machine. Replace the scarifier
blades if they are damaged in any way.
10. Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material against a
wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back
toward the operator. Stop the scarifier blades
when crossing gravel surfaces.
11. Do not pull the machine backwards unless
absolutely necessary. When you are compelled
to back the machine from a fence or other similar
obstruction, look down and behind before and
while moving backwards.
12. Release switch lever and wait for blade rota-
tion to stop before crossing driveways, walks,
roads and any gravel-covered areas. Also turn
off the machine if you leave the machine, reach
to pick up or remove something out of your way,
or for any other reason that may distract you from
what you are doing.
13. Do not operate machine without the entire
grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or
other safety protective devices in place and
working.
14. Stop the machine and remove the batteries
whenever you leave the machine, before clean-
ing the machine, or unclogging the chute, or
making any repairs or inspections.
15. Shut the motor off and wait until the scarifier
blades come to a complete stop before remov-
ing the grass catcher. Beware that the blades
coast after turn off.
16. Operate the machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
17. If the machine starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately)
- inspect for damage,
- replace or repair any damaged parts,
- check for and tighten any loose parts.
18. Don't grasp the exposed scarifier blades or
cutting edges when picking up or holding the
appliance.
19. Never attempt to make working depth adjust-
ments while the machine is running.
20. Operate the machine across the face of slopes,
never up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes. Do not
operate the machine excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
21. Avoid operating the machine in wet grass.
22. Stop operation immediately if you notice any-
thing unusual. Switch off the machine. Then
inspect the machine.
5 ENGLISH