MTD 12211, 12212 Safety

TRAINING

1. Carefully read this

Owner’s Manual, the sepa-

rate Engine Owner’s

Manual, and any other literature you may

receive. Be thoroughly familiar with the

controls and the proper use of the tiller

and its engine. Know how to stop the unit

and disengage the controls quickly.

2. Never allow children to operate the

tiller. Never allow adults to operate the

tiller without proper instruction.

3. Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, particularly children and pets.

4. Keep in mind that the operator or user

is responsible for accidents or hazards

occurring to other people, their property

and themselves.

PREPARATION

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the

tiller is to be used and remove all foreign

objects.

2. Be sure all controls are released and

the Wheel Gear Lever is in ENGAGE

before starting the engine.

3. Do not operate the tiller without

wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid

loose garments or jewelry that could get

caught in moving parts.

4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot

or wearing sandals, sneakers, or light

footwear. Wear protective footwear that will

improve footing on slippery surfaces.

5. Do not till near underground electric

cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If in

doubt, contact your telephone or utility

company.

6. Warning: Handle fuel with care; it is

highly flammable and its vapors are explo-

sive. Take the following precautions:

a. Store fuel in containers specifically

designed for this purpose.

b. The gas cap shall never be removed

or fuel added while the engine is

running. Allow the engine to cool

for several minutes before adding

fuel.

c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,

pipes, open flames, and sparks

away from the fuel tank and fuel

container.

d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme

care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.

Use a funnel or spout to prevent

spillage.

e. Replace all fuel tank and 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.

7. Never make adjustments when engine

is running (unless recommended by

manufacturer).

OPERATION

1. Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts.

2. Exercise extreme caution when on or

crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do

not carry passengers.

3. After striking a foreign object, stop the

engine (and remove the ignition key on

electric start models), disconnect the

spark plug wire and prevent it from

touching the spark plug, carefully inspect

the tiller for any damage, and repair the

damage before restarting and operating

the tiller.

4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or

falling.

5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-

mally, stop the engine (and remove the

ignition key on electric start models). Dis-

connect the spark plug wire and prevent it

from touching the spark plug, and check

immediately for the cause. Vibration is

generally a warning of trouble.

6. Stop the engine (and remove the igni-

tion key on electric start models), discon-

nect the spark plug wire and prevent it

from touching the spark plug whenever

you leave the operating position, before

unclogging the tines, or when making any

repairs, adjustments or inspections.

Section

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.