Husqvarna Soft-Cut 150 Walk-behind Saw 966844811, W/ Dust Port, 5.5 HP, Push

Safety Information

Husqvarna Soft-Cut 150 Walk-behind Saw

Safety definitions

Warnings, cautions and notes are used to point out specially important parts of the manual.

WARNING: Used if there is a risk of injury or death for the operator or bystanders if the instructions in the manual are not obeyed.

CAUTION: Used if there is a risk of damage to the product, other materials or the
adjacent area if the instructions in the manual are not obeyed.

Note: Used to give more information that is necessary in a given situation.

Reservations of the manufacturer

Subsequent to publishing this manual Husqvarna may issue additional information for safe operation of this product. It is the owner’s obligation to keep up with the
safest methods of operation.
Husqvarna AB has a policy of continuous product development and therefore reserves the right to modify the design and appearance of products without prior notice.

General safety instructions

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.

• This product is dangerous if used incorrectly or if you are not careful. Injury or death can occur if you do not obey the safety instructions.
• This product produces an electromagnetic field during operation. This field may under some circumstances interfere with active or passive medical implants. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury we recommend persons with medical implants to consult their physician and the medical implant manufacturer before operating this product.
• Always be careful and use your common sense. If you are not sure how to operate the product in a special situation, stop and speak to your Husqvarna dealer before you continue.
• Keep in mind that the operator will be held responsible for accidents that involve other persons or their property.
• Keep the product clean. Make sure that you can clearly read signs and decals.
• Do not let a person use the product unless you make sure that they read and understand the contents of the operator's manual.
• Do not let a child operate the product.
• Do not let a person, without knowledge of the instructions, operate the product.
• Always monitor a person, with decreased physical
capacity or mental capacity, that uses the product. A responsible adult must be there at all times.
• Do not use the product if you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicine. This has a negative effect on your vision, alertness, coordination and judgment.
• Do not use the product if it is defective.
• Do not change this product or use it if it is possible that it has been changed by others.

Work area safety

WARNING: Keep unauthorized persons at a distance. You are responsible to make sure
that animals and bystanders are not within the working area.

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas increases the risk of accidents.
• People and animals can distract you causing you to lose control of the product. For this reason, always remain concentrated and focused on the task.
• Do not use the product in bad weather, such as dense fog, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc.
• Never start to work with the product before the working area is clear and you have a firm foothold.

Personal safety

WARNING: Cutting, especially when DRY cutting, generates dust that comes from the
material being cut, which frequently contains silica. Silica is a basic component of sand, quartz, brick clay, granite and numerous other minerals and rocks. Exposure to
excessive amount of such dust can cause these health risks:

• Respiratory disease (affecting your ability to breath), including chronic
bronchitis, silicosis and pulmonary fibrosis from exposure to silica. These
diseases may be fatal.
• Skin irritation and rash.
• Cancer according to NTP (National Toxicology Program) and IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer).
To prevent these health risks, do these precautionary steps:
• Avoid inhalation of and skin contact with dust, mist and fumes.
• Wear and ensure that all bystanders wear appropriate respiratory protection
such as dust masks designed to filter out microscopic particles. (See OSHA 29
CFR Part 1910.1200)
• Wet cut when feasible, to minimize dust.
• Do not use the product unless you are able to call for help in the event of an accident.
• Listen out for warning signals or shouts when you are wearing hearing protection. Always remove your hearing protection as soon as the engine stops
• Prevent unintentional start. Make sure that the switch is in the OFF position.
• Check that no tools or other objects are placed on the product.
• Always shut off the product during longer work breaks.
• Never work alone, always ensure there is another person close at hand.
• Learn how to use the product and its controls safely and learn how to stop quickly. Also learn to recognize the safety decals.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

Safety instructions for operation

Personal protective equipment

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.
• Always use correct personal protective equipment when you operate the product. The personal protective equipment does not erase the risk of injury. The personal protective equipment decreases the grade of injury if an accident occurs. Let your
dealer help you select the right equipment.
• Use approved eye protection while you operate the product.
• Use heavy-duty slip-resistant boots with steel toecaps.
• Use tight-fitting, heavy-duty and comfortable clothing that permits full freedom of movement.
• Use approved heavy-duty protective gloves with a firm grip.
• Use rubber protective gloves to prevent skin irritation from wet concrete.
• Use an approved protective helmet.
• Always use approved hearing protection while you operate the product. Noise for a long period can cause noise-induced hearing loss.
• The product generates dust and fumes that contain dangerous chemicals. Use an approved breathing mask.
• Make sure that you have a first aid kit near.
• Sparks can occur when you operate the product.
Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher near.
• Do not use loose clothes, jewelry or other items that can get caught in moving parts. Put your hair up safely above shoulder level.

Use and care

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.

• The product is intended for use in industrial applications by experienced operators.
• Experience is very important when operating the product. A skilled worker is highly recommended.
• Local regulations could restrict the use of this machine. Find out what regulations are applicable where you work before you start using the machine.
• Running an engine in a confined or badly ventilated area can result in death due to asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Use fans to ensure proper air circulation when working in trenches or ditches deeper than 1 m (3 ft).
• The exhaust fumes from the engine are hot and may contain sparks which can start a fire. Never start the machine indoors or near combustible material.
• Only operate the product from behind with both hands on the handle.
• Use caution when loading, unloading and when maneuvering the product on ramps.
• Do not use the product as vehicle for transporting personnel or equipment.
• Keep tools sharp and clean in order to enable safer work.
• Never leave the machine unsupervised with the motor running.
• Avoid getting in direct line with the blade or contacting the blade while it is rotating.
• Never stand on the product.

CAUTION: Read the caution instructions that follow before you use the product.
• Always perform daily maintenance before starting the engine.
• Do not overload the product. Overloading can damage the product.
• Keep all parts in good working order and ensure that all fixtures are properly tightened.
• Make sure the blade does not make contact with the ground or any other surface when maneuvering the product.

Safety devices on the product

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.
• Do not use a product with defective safety devices. Do a check of the safety devices regularly. If the safety devices are defective, speak to your Husqvarna service agent.
• Do not make modifications on safety devices. Do not use the product if protective plates, protective covers, safety switches or other protective devices are not attached or are defective.
To do a check of the ON/OFF switch
• Make sure that the engine starts and the blade starts to rotate when you put the switch in the ON position.
• Make sure that the engine stops immediately when you put the switch in the OFF position.
Blade block guard and lexan cover

The blade block guard gives protection from the rotating blade and keeps dust away from the operator.

The primary function of the lexan cover is to keep dust away from the operator, but it also prevents particle ejection. Make sure that the lexan cover moves freely up
and down.

Roll cage

The roll cage prevents damage to the equipment and the engine, and prevents injury to the operator.

Belt guard

The belt guard protects the operator from the rotating sheaves and the belt.

Sheave guard

The sheave guard protects the operator from rotating bladeshaft sheave

Muffler guard

The muffler guard prevents burn injury from the hot muffler

To do a check of the protective guards

The blade block guard, the lexan cover, the roll cage, the belt guard, the sheave guard and the muffler must be examined before you operate the product.
• Make sure that the guard is undamaged and not cracked. Replace the guard if it has been exposed to impact or is cracked.
• Make sure that the guard is correctly attached before you start the product.

Fuel safety

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.

• Do not start the product if there is fuel or engine oil on the product. Remove the unwanted fuel/oil and let the product dry.
• If you spill fuel on your clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Do not get fuel on your body, it can cause injury. If you get fuel on your body, use soap and water to remove the fuel.
• Do not start the product if the engine has a leak.
Examine the engine for leaks regularly.
• Be careful with fuel. Fuel is flammable and the fumes are explosive and can cause injuries or death.
• Do not breathe in the fuel fumes, it can cause injury. Make sure that there is a sufficient airflow.
• Do not smoke near the fuel or the engine.
• Do not put warm objects near the fuel or the engine.
• Do not add the fuel when the engine is on.
• Make sure that the engine is cool before you refuel.
• Before you refuel, open the fuel tank cap slowly and release the pressure carefully.
• Do not add fuel to the engine in an indoor area. Not sufficient airflow can cause injury or death because of asphyxiation or carbon monoxide.
• Tighten the fuel tank cap fully. If the fuel tank cap is not tightened, there is a risk of fire.
• Move the product a minimum of 3 m (10 ft) from the position where you filled the tank before a start.
• Do not put too much fuel in the fuel tank.

Safety instructions for maintenance

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.

• The exhaust fumes from the engine contain carbon monoxide, an odorless, poisonous and very dangerous gas. Do not start the engine indoors or in closed spaces.
• Before you do the maintenance on the product, stop the engine and remove the ignition cable from the spark plug.
• Use protective gloves when you do maintenance on the cutting equipment. The blade is very sharp and cuts can easily occur.
• Accessories and changes to the product that are not approved by the manufacturer, can cause serious injury or death. Do not change the product. Always use accessories that are approved by the manufacturer.
• If the maintenance is not done correctly and regularly, the risk of injury and damage to the product increases.
• Only do the maintenance as given in this owner's manual. All other servicing must be done by an approved Husqvarna service agent.
• Let an approved Husqvarna service agent do servicing on the product regularly.
• Replace damaged, worn or broken parts.