Section 1: Safety
d.) Fill fuel tank outdoors using extreme caution. Never add fuel 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 dissipate.
7.Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running or the spark plug wire is connected, except when so instructed.
Operation
1.Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
2.Use extreme caution when on or crossing gravel driveways, walks or roadways. Be alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
3.If you hit a foreign object, stop the engine, let all moving parts come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from the spark plug, and inspect for dam- age. Repair damage before restarting.
4.Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5.If abnormal tiller vibration occurs, stop engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug wire, and move wire away from spark plug. Check for the cause. Carefully inspect for any dam- age. Fix the problem before using the tiller again. Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble.
6.Stop the engine, let all moving parts stop completely, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the plug before leaving the operating position, unclogging tines, or making repairs, adjustments or inspections.
7.Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Let go of all controls. Stop engine, allow all moving parts to stop completely, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from plug to prevent the possibility of accidental starting.
8.Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, stop the engine, let all moving parts stop completely, disconnect the spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug to prevent the possibility of accidental starting.
9.The Operational Interlock System should be tested for correct function
every time prior to using this equip- ment. See Section 4 in this Manual.
10.Never use equipment unless safety guards and safety devices are in place and working properly.
11.Do not remove the hood flap or in any way alter its performance. Doing so may allow stones to be thrown in the operator’s direction, increase the risk of accidentally coming into con- tact with the tines, or increasing the possibility that the unit may unexpec- tedly be propelled backward.
12.Do not run the engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
13.Keep children and pets away.
14.Never operate the equipment in the rear tine tiller mode (operator standing behind the tines) unless the tine hood is properly installed over the tines. Refer to illustrations on Page 4. The tine hood may only be
removed after the handlebar is swung around 180o to the front tine tiller/cultivator mode (handlebar is positioned over the engine). Never till or cultivate in front tine tiller/ cultivator mode with the tine hood installed— in this mode the tine hood should always be off. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious personal injury or damage to the tine hood. A special safety interlock switch pre- vents the engine from running if the tine hood is removed when the handle- bar is in the rear tine tiller mode (handlebars over hood and tines). See illustration on Page 4.
15.When in rear tine tiller mode, the tiller could unexpectedly jump backward if the tines dig in too deeply and the wheels lose traction. To minimize the possibility of the machine jumping backwards, do not push down on the handlebar when in rear tine tilling mode.
16.If in doubt about tilling conditions, use the following precautions to help you in maintaining tiller control:
a.) Walk on the left side of the handlebar when in the rear tine tilling mode. When front tine tilling or cultivating, walk behind the handlebar.
b.) Use slower engine throttle speeds.
c.) When tilling, work gradually deeper with each tilling pass.
d.) Clear the tilling area of big stones, roots and other debris.
e.) When in rear tine tilling mode, avoid putting downward pressure on the handlebar which would cause the wheels to lose traction. If necessary, apply upward pressure to increase wheel traction and to prevent the tines from digging too deeply. When in the cultivating mode, do the
f.) In an emergency, release the con- trol lever to stop tines and wheels.
17.Do not overload the capacity of the machine by trying to till or cultivate too deeply at too fast a rate.
18.Never use the tiller at high speed on hard or slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing up (there is no powered “reverse”).
19.Do not use this unit on steep slopes. On modest slopes, slow down. Obtain good footing. Don’t let unit “freewheel” down slopes. When possible, operate unit under power with wheels engaged.
20.Clear the area of bystanders before tilling or cultivating.
21.Use only attachments and access- ories approved by Garden Way Inc.
22.Use tiller attachments and access- ories when recommended.
23.Never operate this equipment with- out good visibility or light.
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