[. . . ] Important: Read this instruction manual thoroughly before using the Pole Hedge Trimmer and follow the safety regulations carefully. We are pleased to offer you a product that is the result of an extensive development program and many years of knowledge and experience. To safely obtain the best possible results from your MAKITA Pole Hedge Trimmer, please read this manual thoroughly before using the machine, and follow all instructions given herein to assure proper operation of the MAKITA Pole Hedge Trimmer. Table of Contents Symbols Safety instructions Specifications Parts Breakdown Connecting the trimmer unit to the pole Attaching the handle Using the shoulder strap Fuel/refueling Precautions before starting the engine Starting the engine Stopping the engine Checking and adjusting the idling speed Operating the Pole Hedge Trimmer Maintenance Storage Maintenance schedule Troubleshooting Page 2 3~6 7 8 9 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13~14 14~16 17 17 17 Please note the following symbols when reading this instruction manual Before usage, carefully read and fully understand the instructions in this manual Beware of electrical lines, risk of electrical shock Wear protective shoes ON/START Keep working area clear of persons and pets OFF/STOP Wear a protective helmet and eye and ear protection General Instructions - Before usage, carefully read this manual and thoroughly familiarize yourself with how to correctly handle the pole hedge trimmer. [. . . ] Handling of petroleum products Always handle fuel with the utmost care and attention. Since fuel contains substances similar to solvents, refueling must be done outdoors or in wellventilated areas. Do not inhale gasoline fumes and avoid any skin contact with gasoline or oil. Human skin will dry out if in contact with petroleum over an extended period of time. Gasoline or oil coming into contact with the eyes can cause severe eye irritation. Should gasoline or oil come into contact with your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with large amounts of clean water. - Thoroughly clean the area around the fuel filler cap (2), to prevent dirt from getting into the fuel tank (1). fuel storage - Fuel deteriorates if stored over an extended period of time. - At all times allow a 15-meter diameter safety zone around the working area. Make sure that all persons (in particular children) and/or animals remain outside this zone. - Before using the pole hedge trimmer, make sure that the machine is in safe operational condition. Make sure that the cutter blades are not damaged, and check the throttle lever for easy action. Confirm that the cutter blades are not in motion when the engine is idling. If the machine is not operating normally, contact your dealer to have the machine adjusted. Make sure that the handles are clean and dry, and test whether the I-O switch is functioning properly. Start the engine only in accordance with the instructions given in this manual. Do not use any other methods to start the pole hedge trimmer (see , "Starting the Engine"). - Start the engine of the pole hedge trimmer only after having read and fully understood the instructions. Never attempt to start a pole hedge trimmer that has not been fully assembled. - Before starting the engine, always make sure that the cutter blades are not obstructed by stones, branches or any other solid objects. - Check the working area for wires, cord, glass or other foreign objects that could get caught in the cutter blades. Check the entire work area for the presence of power lines and electrical fences before starting to work. [. . . ] Checking the spark plug - Every 8 hours (daily) - Only use the universal wrench provided to remove and replace the spark plug. Clean or replace the spark plug if contaminated and/or clogged with carbon residue. Adding grease and lubricant - The gearbox of the pole hedge trimmer should be greased every 20 working hours. (Some grease will emerge from the head of the gearbox (located at the base of the blade) when the pole hedge trimmer is set in motion the first time after greasing. [. . . ]