Safety

SPARK ARRESTERWARNING TO RESIDENTSOF CALIFORNIAAND SEVERALOTHERSTATES

Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operatean internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest, brush, hay, grain, or grass covered land; or land covered by any flammable agricultural crop without an engine spark arrester in continuous effective working order.

The engineon the unit is an internal combustion engine which burns gasoline,a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equippedwith a spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark attester must beattached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heatfrom the system will not ignite flammable material. Failureof the owner/operator of the unit to comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) and may also bea violation of other state and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinancesor codes. Contactyour local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about which regulationsapply in your area.

Training

1.Carefully readthis Owner'sManual,the separateEngineOwner's Manual,and any other literature you may receive. Bethoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the tiller and its engine. Know how to stop the unit and disengagethe controls quickly.

2.Neverallow children to operate the tiller. Neverallow adults to operatethe tiller without proper instruction.

3.Keepthe area of operation clear of all persons, particularly children and pets.

4.Keepin mind that the operator or user is responsiblefor accidents or hazards occurring to other people,their property, andthemselves.

Preparation

1.Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to be used and removeall foreign objects.

2.Besure all tiller controls are released and both wheelsare in the Wheel Drive position before starting the engine.

3.Do not operatethe tiller without wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.

4.Do not operatethe tiller when barefoot or wearing sandals, sneakers,or light footwear. Wear protectivefootwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

5.Do not till near underground electric cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If in doubt, contact your telephone or utility company.

6.Warning: Handlefuel with care; it is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Besure to takethe following precautions:

a.Store fuel in containers specifically designedfor this purpose.

b.The gas cap shall never be removed or fuel addedwhile the engine is running. Allow the engineto cool for several minutes before adding fuel.

c.Keepmatches,cigarettes, cigars, pipes, openflames, and sparks awayfrom the fuel tank and fuel container.

d.Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Neverfill fuel tank indoors. Useafunnel or spout to prevent spillage.

e.Replaceall fuel tank and container caps securely.

I.If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine, but movethe machineawayfrom the areaof spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors havedissipated.

7.Nevermakeadjustments when engine is running (unless recommended by manufacturer).

Operation

1.Do not put hands or feet nearor under rotating parts. The tines begin to rotate once the engine starts and the Forward Clutch Bail (or ReverseClutch Control) is engaged.

2.Exerciseextreme caution when on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazardsor traffic. Do not carry passengers.

3.After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire from the spark plug and prevent it from touching the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the machinefor any damage,and repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.

4.Exercisecaution to avoid slipping or falling.

5.If the unit should start to vibrate abnor- mally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug, and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

6.Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug wheneveryou leavethe operating position, before unclogging the tines, or when making any repairs,adjust- ments or inspections.