Section
1Safety
Safety Alert Symbol
This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this manual and on the unit to alert you to
potential hazards. When you see this symbol, read and obey the message that follows it.
Failure to obey safety messages could result in personal injury or property damage.
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.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Training
1.Carefully read this Owner’s Manual, the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and any other literature you may receive. Be thor- oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the tiller and its engine. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2.Never allow children to operate the tiller. Never allow adults to operate the tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly children and pets.
4.Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property, and themselves.
Preparation
1.Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
2.Put the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL before starting the engine.
3.Do not operate the tiller without wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.
4.Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or wearing sandals, sneakers, or light footwear. Wear protective footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
5.Do not till near underground electric cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If in doubt, contact your telephone or utility company.
6.Warning: Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Be sure to take the following precautions:
a. Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
b. The gas cap shall never be removed or fuel added while the engine is running. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before adding fuel.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, open flames, and sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never fill fuel tank indoors. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
f.If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine, but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
7.Never make adjustments when engine is running (unless recommended by manufacturer).
Operation
1.Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Do not allow hands or any other part of the body or clothing near the rotating tines or near any other moving part. The tines begin to rotate forward
once the engine starts, the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever is in the ENGAGE position, the Forward Interlock Levers are squeezed closed and the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is shifted to FORWARD. The tines rotate in Reverse whether the Interlock Levers are closed or open.
2.Exercise extreme caution when on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire from the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnor- mally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug, and check imme- diately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
6. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the tines, or when making any repairs, adjust- ments or inspections.
7.Take all possible precautions when leaving machine unattended. Stop engine. Disconnect spark plug wire and move it away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric start models
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