Safety
This machine meets voluntary safety standard B71.8
- 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power
Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the
American National Standards Institute.
SafetyAlert Symbol
This isasafety alert symbol. It is usedin this
manualand onthe unit to alertyou to potential
hazards.When you see this symbol, read and
obeythe messagethat follows it. Failure to
obeysafety messagescould result in personal
injuryor property damage.

WARNING

The engine exhaustfrom this product contains
chemicalsknowntothe Stateof Californiato cause
cancer,birthdefectsorother reproductiveharm.

TRAINING

1. Carefullyread this
Owner'sManual, the sepa-
rateEngineOwner's
Manual,and any other literatureyou may
receive.Bethoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper useof the tiller
and itsengine.Know how to stop the unit
anddisengagethe controls quickly.
2. Neverallow children to operate the
tiller. Neverallow adults to operate the
tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keepthearea of operationclear of all
persons,particularly children and pets.
4. Keepin mind thatthe operatoror user
is responsiblefor accidentsor hazards
occurring to other people, their property
andthemselves.

PREPARATION

1. Thoroughly inspectthe area wherethe
tiller is to be usedand remove all foreign
objects.
2. Be sure all controls arereleasedand
theWheel GearLever is in ENGAGE
beforestarting the engine.
3. Do not operatethe tiller without
wearingadequate outer garments. Avoid
loosegarments or jewelry that couldget
caught in moving parts.
4. Donot operatethe tiller whenbarefoot
orwearing sandals,sneakers,or light
footwear.Wearprotectivefootwear thatwill
improvefooting on slipperysurfaces.
5. Donot till nearundergroundelectric
cables,telephonelines,pipesor hoses. If in
doubt,contact yourtelephone or utility
company.
6.Warning: Handlefuel with care; it is
highlyflammableand its vapors areexplo-
sive.Takethe following precautions:
a. Storefuel in containersspecifically
designedfor this purpose.
b. Thegas cap shall never be removed
or fuel added while the engine is
running. Allow the engineto cool
for severalminutes before adding
fuel.
c. Keepmatches,cigarettes, cigars,
pipes,open flames, and sparks
awayfrom the fueltank andfuel
container.
d. Fillfuel tankoutdoors with extreme
care.Neverfill fuel tank indoors.
Usea funnel or spout to prevent
spillage.
e. Replaceall fuel tank and container
capssecurely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do notattempt to
startthe engine, but move the
machineaway from the areaof
spillageand avoid creating any
sourceof ignition until fuelvapors
havedissipated.
7. Never makeadjustments when engine
is running (unlessrecommended by
manufacturer).

OPERATION

1.Do not put handsor feet near or under
rotating parts.
2. Exerciseextreme caution when on or
crossinggravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stayalert for hiddenhazards or traffic. Do
notcarry passengers.
3.After striking a foreign object,stop the
engine(and remove the ignition keyon
electricstart models), disconnect the
sparkplug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug, carefully inspect
thetiller for anydamage,and repair the
damagebefore restarting and operating
thetiller.
4. Exercisecautionto avoidslipping or
falling.
5.If the unit shouldstart to vibrateabnor-
mally,stop the engine(and removethe
ignition key onelectric start models). Dis-
connectthespark plug wire andprevent it
from touching the spark plug,and check
immediatelyforthe cause.Vibration is
generallyawarning of trouble.
6.Stop the engine (and removethe igni-
tion keyon electric start models),discon-
nectthe spark plug wire and prevent it
from touching the spark plug whenever
you leavethe operating position, before
uncloggingthe tines, orwhen making any
repairs,adjustments or inspections.