Product Manual

Operate Safely
19
Walk-Behind Trowels
• Ensure that the operator is familiar with the trowel
and is trained on its operation.
•
Do not start or operate the trowel if the drive train will
not disengage. Centrifugal for
ce between the tr
owel
and surface when starting can cause uncontrolled
handle movement that can cause serious injury. The
handle must not move while pulling the engine recoil
starter
.
• Visually check to be sure that the blades are fr
ee of
obstructions and the ar
ea is clear for operation.
• For trowels that use this feature, ensur
e that the
emer
gency stop switch is in the ON position.
• Move the throttle to the idle position.
• Switch the engine ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
• Never place your foot on the ring guar
d when starting
the engine or severe injury can occur if your foot slips
thr
ough the ring guard as the blades start to spin.
•
While rmly holding the handle with one hand, start
the engine following the guidelines in the engine
manufactur
er’s instruction manual.
•
Hold the handle bar rmly with both hands while the
tr
owel is “throttled-up”.
• If control of the tr
owel is lost, stay clear and do not
attempt to r
egain control until the tr
owel has stopped
moving. Depending on the engine speed, the trowel
handle can swing ar
ound before it stops completely.
Ride-On Trowels
• Ensure that the operator is familiar with the trowel
and is trained on its operation.
•
Ensure the operator is well rested and not fatigued,
is alert, and not impaired in any way (medications,
drugs, alcohol, etc.).
•
Adjust the seating if necessary and get into
a comfortable position wher
e all controls ar
e
accessible.
•
Visually check to be sure that the blades are fr
ee of
obstructions and the ar
ea is clear for operation.
• Start the tr
owel following the instructions in the
engine manufactur
er’
s operation manual. For diesel
power
ed tr
owels, follow the instructions for glow plug
and cold start operation.
•
Observe any gauges and warning lights to ensur
e
they ar
e functioning and their readings ar
e within the
manufactur
er’s normal operating range.
• Check operation of contr
ols. Make certain they
operate pr
operly.
Electrical Equipment
Some walk-behind trowels are powered by electric
motors. Electric motors and components present
special hazards during operation. Read the operator’s
manual.
• Never operate a trowel with a damaged or wor
n
electrical cor
d. When using an extension cord, be
sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current
load. When trowel is used outdoors, use only
extension cords that are marked for outdoor use.
• Use only appr
opriate
extension cor
ds that have
grounding-type plugs and
receptacles that accept the
machine’s plug.
• Use an electrically power
ed
tr
owel that has been built
in accordance with the
requirements of the National
Electrical Code (NFPA-70)
and has been approved by a
Nationally Recognized Test
Lab.
• Keep all electrical cords away from r
otating
components, heat, oil, and sharp edges to avoid
damaging them.
•
Avoid body contact with gr
ounded surfaces such as
pipes, metal railings, radiators and metal ductwork.
•
Always check the power supply befor
e running the
tr
owel. Using the wr
ong voltage supply will damage
the motor
.
• Always make sur
e the motor switch is OFF or in the
stop position befor
e plugging the tr
owel into the
power supply
.
• Do not operate an electric powered tr
owel in the
rain or snow
. Keep the motor
, switch, and electrical
cor
ds dry.
• Never operate the trowel in ar
eas exposed to
ammable or explosive liquids or gases. Sparks
could ignite fumes.
Operate Safely
20