Section 1: Safety inspecting, stop the engine and make
certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug to
prevent accidental starting.
9. The flap on the tine hood must be
down when operating the tiller, unless
using the Hiller/Furrower attachment.
10. Never use the tiller unless proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices are in place.
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operate the tiller under engine
power if the Wheel Speed Lever is in the
FREEWHEEL position. In FREEWHEEL,
the wheels will not hold the tiller back and
the revolving tines could propel the tiller
rapidly, possibly causing loss of control.
Always engage the Wheel Speed Lever
in either FAST or SLOW position before
starting the engine or engaging the tines
with the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unex-
pectedly bounce upward or jump forward
if the tines should strike extremely hard
packed soil, frozen ground, or buried
obstacles like large stones, roots, or
stumps. If in doubt about the tilling
conditions, always use the following
operating precautions to assist you in
maintaining control of the tiller:
a. Walk behind and to one side of
the tiller, using one hand on the
handlebars. Relax your arm, but
use a secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator
settings, working gradually deeper
with each pass.
c. Use slower wheel, tine and engine
speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large
stones, roots and other debris.
e. Avoid using downward pressure on
handlebars. If need be, use slight
upward pressure to keep the tines
from digging too deeply.
f. Before contacting hard packed soil
at the end of a row, reduce engine
speed and lift handlebars to raise
tines out of the soil.
g. In an emergency, stop tines and
wheels by shifting the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever into
NEUTRAL. If you can not reach the
lever or have lost control of the
tiller, let go of the handlebars and
all controls. Do not attempt to
restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the tiller’s capacity
by attempting to till too deeply at too fast
a rate.
16. Never operate the tiller at high
transport speeds on hard or slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when
backing up.
17. Do not operate the tiller on a slope
that is too steep for safety. When on
slopes, slow down and make sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.
18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
19. Only use attachments and accessories
that are approved by the manufacturer of
the tiller.
20. Use tiller attachments and accesso-
ries when recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or light.
22. Never operate the tiller if you are
tired, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
23. Operators shall not tamper with the
engine-governor settings on the machine;
the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed to protect the engine and
all moving parts from damage caused by
overspeed. Authorized service shall be
sought if a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may
be hot from operation. Let parts cool
down sufficiently.
25. POISON/DANGER—CAUSES SEVERE
BURNS. The battery on electric start
models contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Keep
out of reach of children.
Antidotes:
External– Flush immediately with lots of
water.
Internal– Drink large quantities of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beaten eggs or vegetable oil. Call a
doctor immediately.
Eyes– Flush with water for 15 minutes.
Get prompt medical attention.
26. DANGER– BATTERIES PRODUCE
EXPLOSIVE GASES. Keep sparks, flame
or smoking materials away. Ventilate
when charging battery or using in an
enclosed space. Always wear safety
goggles when working near battery.
27. Please remember: You can always
stop the tines and wheels by releasing all
controls, or by moving the ignition switch
and/or throttle control lever on the engine
to OFF or STOP.
28. To load or unload the tiller, see the
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
29. Use extreme caution when backing or
pulling the machine towards you.
30. Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from
the tines.
31. Never pick up or carry a machine
while the engine is running.
32. When loading or unloading the tiller,
always disengage tines and use slower
wheel and engine throttle speeds. Use
sturdy ramps wide and strong enough to
easily support the tiller (280-to-325 lbs.,
depending on model) and operator. Never
go down ramps in FORWARD drive—the
tiller could tip forward, exposing you
to the tines (which should be disen-
gaged). Always use REVERSE drive and
back down ramps. To go up ramps, use
FORWARD drive and follow the tiller.
33. The Forward Interlock Safety System
should be tested for correct functioning
every time the tiller or PTO power unit is
used. See Section 4 in this Manual.
34. If using the optional Dozer Blade,
either remove the tine attachment, or
disengage the tines with the Tines/PTO
Clutch Lever. Revolving tines are
dangerous.
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