7.Takeall possible precautions when leavingthe machineunattended. Stop the engine. Removeignition key on electric start models. Disconnect spark plug wire and move it awayfrom the spark plug. MoveWheel Gear Leverto ENGAGE.
8.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect- ing, stop the engine, remove the ignition keyon electric start models, and make certain all moving parts havestopped. Disconnectthe spark plug wire and preventit from touching the spark plug to preventaccidental starting. Onelectric start models, always removethe cable from the negativeside
9.Always keepthe tiller tine hood flap down, unless using the hiller/furrower attachment.
10.Never usethe tiller unless proper guards, plates,or other safetyprotective devicesarein place.
11.Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Engineexhaust contains carbon monoxide gas,a deadly poison that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12.Keepchildren and pets away.
13.Never operatethe tiller under engine powerif the Wheel Gear Lever is
in DISENGAGE(FREEWHEEL). In this position,the wheels will not hold the tiller backand the revolvingtines could propelthe tiller rapidly, possibly causing loss of control. Always movethe Wheel GearLever to ENGAGEbefore starting the engine or engagingthe tines/wheels with the ForwardClutch Control or the ReverseClutch Control.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unex-
pectedlybounceupward or jump forward if the tines shouldstrike
extremely hard packedsoil, frozen ground,or buried obstacleslike large stones, roots, or stumps.If in doubt aboutthe tilling conditions,always use the following operatingprecautionsto
assistyou in maintainingcontrolof the tiller:
a.Walk behindand to one side of the tiller, using one handon the han- dlebars. Relax your arm, but use a secure hand grip.
b.Use shallowerdepth regulatorset- tings, working graduallydeeper with each pass.
c.Use slower engine speeds.
d.Clearthe tilling area of all large stones, rootsand other debris.
e.Avoid using downwardpressure on handlebars.If need be, use slight upward pressureto keep the tines from diggingtoo deeply.
f.Beforecontactinghard packedsoil at the end of a row, reduceengine speed and lift handlebarsto raise tines out of the soil.
g.In an emergency,stop tines and wheels by releasing whichever ClutchLever is engaged. Do not attemptto restrain the tiller.
15.Do not overload the tiller'scapacity by attempting to till too deeply at too fast a rate.
16.Neveroperate the tiller at high trans- port speeds on hard or slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing
up.
17.Do not operatethe tiller on a slope that is too steepfor safety. When on slopes, slow down and makesure you have good footing. Never permit the tiller to freewheel down slopes.
18.Neverallow bystanders nearthe unit.
19.Only use attachments and acces- sories that areapproved by the tiller manufacturer.
20.Usetiller attachments and acces- sories when recommended.
21.Neveroperatethe tiller without good visibility or light.
22.Neveroperatethe tiller if you aretired, or underthe influenceof alcohol,drugs or medication.
23.Operatorsshall not tamperwith the
24.Do not touch enginepartswhich may be hotfrom operation. Letpartscool down sufficiently.
25.The batteryon electricstart modeltillers contains sulfuric acid.Avoid contactwith
skin, eyes,or clothing. Keepout of the reachof children.
attention.
26.Batteriesproduceexplosivegases.Keep sparks,flame,andsmoking materialsaway. Ventilatewhencharging batteriesor when usinga battery inanenclosedspace. ALWAYSwearsafetygoggleswhen working nearbatteries.
27.Pleaseremember:Youcan alwaysstop the tines andwheelsby releasingthe ForwardClutchControlLeverorthe ReverseClutchControlknob (whichever control you haveengaged),or by moving the EngineThrottle ControlLever(located onengine)to STOPon recoil start models or by turning the ignition keyto OFFon electric start models.
28.To loador unloadthe tiller, seethe instructions inSection4 of this Manual.
29.Useextremecautionwhen reversingor pullingthe machinetowardsyou.
30.Starttheenginecarefullyaccordingto instructionsandwith feetwell awayfrom the tines.
31.Neverpick up or carrya machinewhile the engineis running.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
1.Keepthe tiller, attachments and acces- sories in safe working condition.
2.Checkall nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to besure the equipment is in safeworking condition.
3.Neverstorethe tiller with fuel inthe fuel tank insidea buildingwhere ignition sourcesare presentsuchas hot waterand spaceheaters,furnaces,clothes dryers, stoves,electric motors,etc. Allow engineto cool beforestoring in anyenclosure.