4Section 1: Safety
7. Take all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended. Stop the
engine. Remove ignition key on electric
start models. Disconnect spark plug wire
and move it away from the spark plug.
Move Wheel Gear Lever to ENGAGE.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, stop the engine, remove the ignition
key on electric start models, 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. On electric
start models, always remove the cable
from the negative side (–) of the battery.
9. Always keep the tiller tine hood flap
down, 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 Gear Lever is
in DISENGAGE (FREEWHEEL). In this
position, the wheels will not hold the
tiller back and the revolving tines could
propel the tiller rapidly, possibly
causing loss of control. Always move the
Wheel Gear Lever to ENGAGE before
starting the engine or engaging the
tines/wheels with the Forward Clutch
Control or the Reverse Clutch Control.
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 han-
dlebars. Relax your arm, but use a
secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator set-
tings, working gradually deeper
with each pass.
c. Use slower 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 releasing whichever
Clutch Lever is engaged. 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 trans-
port 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 acces-
sories that are approved by the tiller
manufacturer.
20. Use tiller attachments and acces-
sories 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.The battery on electric start model tillers
contains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with
skin, eyes, or clothing. Keep out of the
reach of children.
Antidote–External Contact:Flush imme-
diately with lots of water.
Antidote–Internal:Drink large quantities
of water ormilk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil.
Call a doctor immediately.
Antidote–Eye Contact:Flush with water
for 15 minutes. Get prompt medical
attention.
26.Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, and smoking materials away.
Ventilate when charging batteries or when
using a battery in an enclosed space.
ALWAYS wear safety goggles when
working near batteries.
27.Please remember: You can always stop
the tines and wheels by releasing the
Forward Clutch Control Lever or the
Reverse Clutch Control knob (whichever
control you have engaged), or by moving
the Engine Throttle Control Lever (located
on engine) to STOP on recoil start models
or by turning the ignition key to OFF on
electric start models.
28.To load or unload the tiller, see the
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
29.Use extreme caution when reversing 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.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep the tiller, attachments and acces-
sories in safe working condition.
2. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
3.Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel
tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present such as hot water and
space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers,
stoves, electric motors, etc. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.