2
Safe
Operation
Practices
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
This symbol points out important safety in- structions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to oper- ate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED ITS WARNING!
Training
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
•Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine.
•Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
•Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
•Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Preparation
•Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign objects which could be tripped over and cause personal injury.
•Wear sturdy,
•Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral (“N”) before starting the engine.
•Never leave this machine unattended with the engine running.
•Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator’s manual.
•To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
•Use only an approved gasoline container.
•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
•Never fuel machine indoors.
•Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running.
•Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling
•Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.
•Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
•If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait five minutes before starting the engine.
•Never store the machine or fuel container inside near an open flame, spark or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water or space heater, clothes dryer, etc.).
•Allow machine to cool five minutes before storing.
Operation
•Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
•Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
•Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
•Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward.
If this occurs, let go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
•Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
•Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
•Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
•Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or pulling machine towards you.
•Start the engine according to the instructions found in this manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.