Section
1Safety
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an 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 engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equipped with a spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the unit to comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about which regulations apply in your area.
Training
1. Carefully read this Owner’s Manual, the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual, and any other literature you may receive. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the tiller and its engine. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2.Never allow children to operate the tiller. Never allow adults to operate the tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly children and pets.
4.Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property, and themselves.
Preparation
1.Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
2.Be sure all tiller controls are released and both wheels are in the Wheel Drive position before starting the engine.
3.Do not operate the tiller without wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.
4.Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or wearing sandals, sneakers, or light footwear. Wear protective footwear 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: Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Be sure to take the following precautions:
a. Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
b. The gas cap shall never be removed or fuel added while the engine is running. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before adding fuel.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, open flames, and sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never fill fuel tank indoors. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
f.If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine, but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
7.Never make adjustments when engine is running (unless recommended by manufacturer).
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. The tines begin to rotate once the engine starts and the Forward Clutch Bail (or Reverse Clutch Control) is engaged.
2.Exercise extreme caution when on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or 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 machine for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.
4. Exercise caution 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 whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the tines, or when making any repairs, adjust-
ments or inspections.
3