4
Safety Rules & Information
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control
of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.
This unit is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text
signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
PREPARATION
1. Do not operate the equipment without wearing
adequate outer garments and safety goggles. Avoid
loose-fitting clothes and use protective footwear that
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
TRAINING
1. Read the operating and service instructions carefully.
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the
unit and disengage the control quickly.
2. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children, and pets.
GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
3. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the unit (local regulations
can restrict operator age).
4. Be sure the area is clear of other people before
operating. Stop the unit if anyone enters the area.
5. Never direct discharge material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the
operator.
6. Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
7. Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
8. Always wear eye and hearing protection when
operating this unit.
9. Keep in mind the operator is responsible for accidents
occurring to other people or property.
10. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code
Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on or near
any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered
land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting any applicable local or state
laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar
laws.
11. Always operate the chipper/shredder outdoors, on a
firm, level, earthen or grassy surface where the unit
will be stable and stay in position. Never attempt to
operate the unit on a slope, or on a wet or slippery
surface where you could slip and fall toward the
chipper cone or hopper openings.
12. Never operate the chipper/shredder on asphalt,
concrete, or other hard surfaces as material being
ejected out of the discharge chute could ricochet,
causing injury to you or bystanders.
13. Always obey the size limitations for tree limbs and
branches stated in the Waste Materials Guide portion
of this manual.
14. Never leave the machine running unattended. Always
turn off the engine, wait for the rotor to come to a
complete stop, and disconnect the spark plug before
leaving the area. Always move the unit to a safe
storage area when not in use.
15. Always maintain secure footing and solid balance
while starting or operating the chipper/shredder.
Never lean directly over the machine.
16. Always stand to the side of the chipper cone when
feeding tree limbs and branches into the unit, as tree
limbs, branches, and harder woods may kick back
while being chipped.
17. Always keep hands out of the chipper cone and
shredder hopper when feeding materials. Never wrap
fingers tightly around branches as you are feeding
them into the unit, as a sudden inward surge could
pull your hands and arms into the unit.
18. Never allow material to build up in the discharge area
or shredding chamber, as this may cause new
material being fed into the machine to kickback with
sufficient force to injure you or other bystanders.
19. Never allow material to build up around the engine
during chipper/shredder operation. This could result
in a fire, or overheating of the engine.
20. Never attempt to reposition or move the
chipper/shredder unit while it is running. Doing so
could cause the machine to tip over, and reaching to
steady the unit could result in accidental insertion of
your hands into the chipper cone or shredder hopper
areas.
21. Never continue to operate the machine if it starts
making unusual noise or vibration. Shut the engine off
immediately, allow the rotor to stop, disconnect the
spark plug wire and secure the wire away from the
spark plug. Inspect the unit for any signs of damage
or foreign material in the chipping or shredding areas.
Remove any solid material that may be preventing
the unit from operating properly.
22. Never attempt to clear clogs from the chipper cone,
shredder hopper or discharge chute while the unit is
running. Always shut the engine off, allow the rotor to
come to a complete stop, and remove the spark plug
wire from the spark plug before removing excess
materials.
23. Never attempt to perform any maintenance, repairs,
or attachment of accessories while the unit is running.
Always shut the unit off, allow the rotor to come to a
complete stop, and remove the spark plug wire from
the spark plug before beginning these activities.
24. Always make sure that the shredding chamber,
shredder hopper, and chipper cone are empty before
starting the unit after it has been idle. Attempting to
start the unit with material in these areas could cause
the engine starting cord to stop suddenly, injuring
your hand and fingers, or toppling the unit over.
Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble.
25. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine and make certain that all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug
wire and secure the wire away from the spark plug to
prevent accidental starting.
26. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
27. Never operate the machine without proper guards,
plates, or other safety protective devices in place.