Craftsman 917.295651 manual Preparation, Operation, Maintenance and Storage

SAFETY RULES &

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

TRAiNiNG

•Read the Owner's Manual carefully, Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equiprnent.. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly

oNever allow children to operate the equipment. Never

allow adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction.

oKeep the area of operation clear of all persons, particu- larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

°Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove afl foreign objects.

oDisengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine (motor)..

=Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad- equate outer'garments° Wear footwear' that will im- prove footing on slippery surfaces°

o Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable. = Use an approved fuel container:

oNever add fuel to a running engine or hot engine. =Fitl fuel tank outdoors with extreme care Never fill

fue! tank indoors°

=Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel before restarting

oUse extension cords and receptacles as specified by the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors

or electric starting motors.

=Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except where specifically recommended by manufacturer).

OPERATION

oDo not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross- ing gravel drives, walks, or'roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

.	After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor'),
	remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly im
	spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage
	before restarting and operating the tiller_

=Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

oIf the unit should start to vibrate abnorrnally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble°

=Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position_

=Take all possible precautions when leaving the ma- chine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the engine.

oBefore cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the engine and make certain attmoving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental starting. Disconnect the cord on electric motors.

=Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are dangerous.

°Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates, or other'safety protective devices in place.

=Keep children and pets away°

oDo not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.

•Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery surfaces, Look behind and use care when backing..

•Never allow bystanders near the unit.

oUse ohly attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of the tiller'(such as wheel weights, counterweights, cabs, and the like).

•Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.

oBe 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 handlebars and do not restrain the machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

•Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition_

oCheck shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

°Never store the machine with fuel in the fue! tank inside

a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the

like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

•Always refer'to the operator's guide instructions for important details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.

IMPORTANT-

CAUTION, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITI_ CAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL°

CAUTION: Look for this symbol to point

out important safety precautions. It means --Attention!Become Alert! Your

safety is involved.

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A

POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to better

understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of instruc- lions.

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