SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS.
TRAINING
•Read this Owner’s Manual and the separate Engine Owner’s Manual very carefully 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 con- trols quickly. A replacement Manual is available by contacting your authorized dealer or the Factory.
•Never allow children or untrained adults to use this equip- ment. 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 acci- dents 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 of its attachments or accessories.
•Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust con- tains 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 throt- tle control lever is squeezed. The tines continue to rotate until the operator releases the throttle control 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 control lever is disengaged 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 wear- ing sandals, sneakers, or similar lightweight footwear. Wear protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve foot- ing on all surfaces.
•Wear approved safety glasses when operating this equip- ment. 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 telephone company to locate underground services.
•Handle fuel with care. It is highly flammable and has explo- sive 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 extreme 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 creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
•Never make adjustments to your equipment when the engine is running or spark plug wire is connected (unless specifically recommended in Owner’s Manual).
OPERATION
•The correct operator’s position is when you are standing behind the handlebars, hands on handlebar grips, facing for- ward toward the engine. Do not leave this position while using the engine throttle lever.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
•Exercise extreme caution when on or crossing gravel drives, walks or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
•After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, let all moving parts come to a complete stop, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug, then carefully inspect the machine for damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.
•Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
•If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the plug. Check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. Fix the problem before using the equipment again.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS– ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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