Section
1
3
Safety
Safety Alert Symbol
This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this manual and on the unit to alert you to potential hazards. When you see this symbol, read and obey the message that follows it. Failure to obey safety messages could result in personal injury or property damage.
This machine meets voluntary safety standard B71.8
–1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the American National Standards Institute.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
TRAINING
1. Carefully read this Owner’s Manual, the sepa- rate 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 controls are released and the Wheel Gear Lever is in ENGAGE 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 explo- sive. 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.
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 (and remove the ignition key on electric start models), disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug, carefully inspect the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the tiller.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnor- mally, stop the engine (and remove the ignition key on electric start models). Dis- connect 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 (and remove the igni- tion key on electric start models), discon- nect 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, adjustments or inspections.