SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

This Symbol Points Out Important Safety Information 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 Operate Your Cultivator. Failure To Comply With These Instructions May Result In Personal Injury. When You See This Symbol–Heed Its Warning.

DANGER: Your cultivator 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 personal injury. This cultivator is capable of amputating hands and feet. Failure to observe the following instructions could result in serious injury or death.

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.

GENERAL OPERATION

•Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.

•Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

•Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.

•All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before operating the unit.

•Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.

•Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.

•Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum, keep all children, bystanders and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m) radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown objects. Bystanders should wear eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.

•Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs before using unit.

•Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a well ventilated area

outdoors.

•Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

•Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and long sleeve shirt. Do not wear, short pants, sandals or go barefoot.

•To reduce the risk of injury associated with objects being drawn into rotating parts, do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, scarves, etc. Secure hair above shoulder level.

•Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

•Keep outside surfaces free from oil and fuel.

•Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything before starting the unit.

•Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. See Operating Your Cultivator.

•Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.

•Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit towards you.

•Do not overreach, take extra care when working on steep slopes or inclines. Always keep proper foot- ing and balance.

•Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar grips.

•Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the tines when they are rotating. Do not operate without guards in place.

•Do not touch the engine, muffler or gearbox. These parts get extremely hot from operation. When turned off they remain hot for a short time.

•Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to do the job. Do not run the engine at high speed when not in use.

•Always stop the engine when operation is delayed or when walking from one location to another.

•Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.

CHILDREN

•Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of small children. Children are often attracted to the tilling activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

•Keep children out of the work area and under the watchful eye of a responsible adult other than the operator.

•Be alert and turn the unit off if a child enters the area.

•Never allow children under the age of 15 to operate the cultivator.

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