Before Operation; Working With Your Machine - Stihl RME 443 Gebrauchsanleitung

4.4 Before operation

Make sure that only persons who are
familiar with the instruction manual are
permitted to use the machine.
Observe the local regulations regarding
permitted operating times for gardening
power tools with combustion engines or
electric motors.
Carefully inspect the complete area on
which the machine is to be used and
remove any stones, sticks, wires, bones
and other foreign objects which could be
thrown up by the machine. Obstacles (e.g.
tree stumps, roots) can be easily
overlooked in long grass.
For this reason, mark all foreign objects
(obstacles) which are hidden in the lawn
and cannot be removed before
commencing work with the machine.
All faulty, worn or damaged parts must be
replaced before using the machine.
Replace any illegible or damaged danger
signs and warnings on the machine. Your
STIHL specialist has a supply of
replacement stickers and all the other
spare parts.
The machine must only be used in good
operating condition. Before each use,
check whether:
– The machine is properly assembled.
– The cutting tool and the entire cutting
unit (mowing blade, fastening elements,
mowing deck housing) are in good
condition. In particular check for secure
fastening, damage (notches or cracks)
and wear.
0478 121 9921 A - EN
– The safety devices (e.g. discharge flap,
housing, handlebar, motorstop lever)
are in good condition and working
properly.
– The grass catcher box is undamaged
and correctly installed; a damaged
grass catcher box must not be used.
– The run-down brake of the electric
motor is functioning.
Carry out any necessary work or consult a
specialist dealer. STIHL recommends
STIHL specialist dealers.
Observe the instructions in section
"Dangers caused by electrical current"
( 4.8).
Never switch the motor on without a
correctly installed blade. Risk of motor
overheating.

4.5 Working with your machine

Never work when animals or
persons, particularly children,
are in the danger area.
The switch and safety devices installed in
the machine must not be removed or
bypassed. In particular, never secure the
motorstop lever to the handlebar (e.g. by
tying it).
Caution – risk of injury!
Never put hands or feet on or
underneath rotating parts.
Never touch the rotating blade.
Always keep away from the discharge
opening.
Always observe the safety distance
provided by the handlebar. The handlebar
must always be installed correctly and
must not be modified. Never operate the
machine with the handlebar folded down.
Never attach any objects to the handlebar
(e.g. work clothing). Extension cables
must never be wrapped around the
handlebar.
Only work during the day or with good
artificial light.
Do not work at ambient temperatures
below +5°C (41°F).
Do not operate the machine in the rain or
during thunder storms, particularly when
there is a risk of lightning strike.
The risk of accidents is higher if the ground
is damp due to increased danger of
slipping.
Particular caution should be exercised
during working in order to prevent slipping.
If possible, avoid using the machine when
the ground is damp.
Do not leave the machine in the rain.
Switching on the machine:
Exercise care when switching on the
machine and observe the instructions in
the section "Initial operation of the
machine". ( 11.)
Keep your feet a safe distance from the
cutting tool.
Place the machine on an even surface
before switching it on.
The machine must not be tilted before it is
switched on or during switching-on.
Do not switch on the motor if the discharge
chute is not covered by the discharge flap
or the grass catcher box.
Avoid switching the machine on repeatedly
within a short period of time; in particular
avoid "playing" with the ON button. Risk of
motor overheating.
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