7.Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Stop the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug. Move Wheel Gear Lever to ENGAGE.
8.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect- ing, stop the engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug to prevent acci- dental starting.
9.Always keep the tiller tine hood flap down, unless using the hiller/furrower attachment.
10.Never use the tiller unless proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices are in place.
11.Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, col- orless, and tasteless.
12.Keep children and pets away.
13.Never operate the tiller under engine power if the Wheel Gear Lever is in DIS- ENGAGE (FREEWHEEL). In this position, the wheels will not hold the tiller back and the revolving tines could propel the tiller rapidly, possibly causing loss of control. Always move the Wheel Gear Lever to ENGAGE before starting the engine or engaging the tines/wheels with Forward Clutch Control or Reverse Clutch Control.
14.Be aware that the tiller may unexpect- edly bounce upward or jump forward if the tines should strike extremely hard packed soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles like large stones, roots, or stumps. If in doubt about the tilling conditions, always use the following operating precautions to assist you in maintaining control of the tiller:
a.Walk behind and to one side of the tiller, using one hand on the han- dlebars. Relax your arm, but use a secure hand grip.
b.Use shallower depth regulator set- tings, working gradually deeper with each pass.
c.Use slower engine speeds.
d.Clear the tilling area of all large stones, roots and other debris.
e.Avoid using downward pressure on handlebars. If need be, use slight upward pressure to keep the tines from digging too deeply.
f.Before contacting hard packed soil at the end of a row, reduce engine speed and lift handlebars to raise tines out of the soil.
g.In an emergency, stop tines and wheels by releasing whichever Clutch Lever is engaged. Do not attempt to restrain the tiller.
15.Do not overload the tiller’s capacity by attempting to till too deeply at too fast a rate.
16.Never operate tiller at high transport speeds on hard or slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing up.
17.Do not operate the tiller on a slope that is too steep for safety. When on slopes, slow down and make sure you have good footing. Never permit the tiller to freewheel down slopes.
18.Never allow bystanders near the unit.
19.Only use attachments and accessories that are approved by the tiller manufacturer.
20.Use tiller attachments and accessories when recommended.
21.Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
22.Never operate the tiller if you are tired, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
23.Operators shall not tamper with the engine-governor settings on the machine; the governor controls the maximum safe operating speed to protect the engine and all moving parts from damage caused by over- speed. Authorized service shall be sought if a problem exists.
24.Do not touch engine parts which may be hot from operation. Let parts cool down suf- ficiently.
25.The battery on electric start model tillers (if so equipped) contains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Keep out of the reach of children.
Antidote–External Contact: Flush imme- diately with lots of water.
Antidote–Internal:Drink large quantities of water or milk. Follow with milk of mag- nesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
Antidote–Eye Contact: Flush with water for 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention.
26.Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame, and smoking materials away. Ventilate when charging batteries or when using a battery in an enclosed space. ALWAYS wear safety goggles when working near batteries.
27.Please remember: You can always stop the tines and wheels by releasing the Forward Clutch Control Lever or the Reverse Clutch Control knob (whichever control you have engaged), or by moving the engine switch (located on engine) to the OFF position.
28.To load or unload the tiller, see the instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
29.Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you.
30.Start engine carefully according to instructions and with feet away from tines.
31.Never pick up or carry a machine while the engine is running.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1.Keep the tiller, attachments and acces- sories in safe working condition.
2.Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at fre- quent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working con- dition.
3.Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present such as hot water and space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
4.To reduce the chances of a fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5.Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area, safely away from any spark- or flame- producing equipment. Store gasoline in an approved container, safely away from the reach of children.
6.Refer to the storage instructions in the Maintenance section of this Manual and in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for instructions if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.
7.Never perform maintenance while the engine is running or the spark plug wire is connected, except when specifically instructed to do so.
8.If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
