RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
•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 Starting/Stopping Instructions.
•Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
•Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was designed.
•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 footing 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.
•Stop the engine for maintenance, repair, to install or remove the tines. The unit must be stopped and the tines no longer turning to avoid injury.
•The tines become very sharp from use. Always wear heavy gloves when handling, removing, installing or cleaning the tines.
•Use only genuine Ryobi replacement parts and acces- sories for this unit. These are available from
your authorized service dealer. Use of any non Ryobi parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
•Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may become lodged between the tines and gearbox or guard.
•To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
•Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
•Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
•Store the unit in a dry place, either locked up or up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
•Clean the tines with a hose and water. Wipe the tines with a light machine oil to prevent rust.
•Never douse or squirt the engine with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.
•Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOLMEANING
•SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
•FOR SERVICE INFORMATION, CALL:
USA:
CANADA:
•WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING: Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear protection when operating this unit.
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