Bolens 12228 owner manual Safety, Training, Preparation, Operation

TRAINING

•Read this Owner’s Manual and the sepa- rate Engine Owner’s Manual very carefully before operating this equipment. Be com- pletely 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 equipment and on any attachments or accessories.

•Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, col- orless, 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 Control Lever is squeezed. The tines continue to rotate until the operator releases the Throttle/Tines Control Lever.

•Before inspecting or servicing any part of the equipment, shut off engine, make sure all moving parts have come to a com- plete 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.

Section1	Safety	3
• Make sure that the Throttle/Tines Con-
trol Lever is disengaged and is in the neu-		A
tral position before you begin to start the		C
engine.
		B
• 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.		D
• Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or when wearing sandals,		E
sneakers, or similar lightweight footwear.
Wear protective footwear that will protect		F
your feet and improve footing on all
surfaces.
• Wear approved safety glasses when		G
operating this equipment. The operation
of any powered machine can result in for-		H
eign objects being thrown by high-speed
rotating parts.		A - Handlebar
• Do not till near underground electric		B - Throttle/Tines Control Lever
cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses. If		C - Engine On/Off Switch
in doubt, contact your utility or telephone		D - Carrying Handle
		E - Handlebar Height Adjust Knob
company to locate underground services.
		F - Tilling Depth Adjust Knob
• Handle fuel with care. It is highly
		G - Tine Cover
flammable and has explosive vapors. Take		H - Tines
these precautions:
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Add fuel before starting the engine.		OPERATION

Never remove the cap of the fuel	•	The correct operator’s position is when
tank or add fuel while the engine is
	you are standing behind and gripping the
running or when the engine is hot.
	handlebar, facing forward toward the
Operators shall not smoke.
	engine. Do not leave this position while
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,
	using the engine Throttle/Tines lever.
pipes, open flames, and sparks away
from the fuel tank and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors and with
extreme caution. Never fill fuel tank
when indoors. Use a funnel or spout
to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and fuel con-		RIGHT SIDE
tainer caps securely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to
start the engine, but move the		LEFT SIDE
machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any		LEFT and RIGHT sides of the tiller are
source of ignition until fuel vapors
		from the operator’s position behind the
have dissipated.
		handlebars (unless noted otherwise).
• Never make adjustments to your equip-
ment when the engine is running or spark	•	Do not put hands or feet near or under
plug wire is connected (unless specifically
	rotating parts.
recommended in Owner’s Manual).