Section
1
Safety
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
•Read this Owner’s Manual and the sep- arate Engine Owner’s Manual very care- fully before operating this equipment. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly. A replacement Manual is available by contacting your authorized dealer or the Factory.
•Never allow children or untrained adults to use this equipment. Let adults operate the unit only if instructed properly.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Keep bystanders at least 25 feet from the area of operation.
•Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property and themselves.
•Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and operating decals on this equip- ment and on any of its attachments or accessories.
•Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Do not operate this equipment near buildings, windows, or air conditioning equipment.
•Do not allow hands or any other part of the body or clothing near the rotating tines or near any other moving part. The tines begin to rotate forward once the engine is started and the Throttle/Tines Lever is squeezed. The tines continue to rotate until the operator releases the Throttle/Tines Lever.
•Before inspecting or servicing any part of the equipment, shut off engine, make sure all moving parts have come to a complete stop, then disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and move wire away from the plug.
•Do not operate this equipment if you are under the influence of alcohol, medication, or when you are tired or ill.
PREPARATION
•Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
•Make sure that the Throttle/Tines Lever is released and is in the neutral position before you begin to start the engine.
•Do not operate the machine without wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of the machine or its engine.
•Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or when wearing sandals, sneakers, or similar lightweight footwear. Wear protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve footing on all surfaces.
•Wear approved safety glasses when op- erating this equipment. The operation of any powered machine can result in for- eign objects being thrown by
•Do not till near underground electric cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses. If in doubt, contact your utility or tele- phone company to locate underground services.
•Handle fuel with care. It is highly flammable and has explosive vapors. Take these precautions:
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine is running or when the engine is hot. Operators shall not smoke.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, open flames, and sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors and with ex- treme caution. Never fill fuel tank when indoors. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and fuel 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 cre- ating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
•Never make adjustments to your equip- ment when the engine is running or spark plug wire is connected (unless specifically recommended in Owner’s Manual).
Operator’s Position
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
LEFT and RIGHT sides of the tiller are from the operator’s position behind the handlebar (unless noted otherwise).
OPERATION
•The correct operator’s position is when you are standing behind and gripping handlebar, facing forward toward the engine. Do not leave this position while using the Throttle/Tines Lever.
3