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Safe Operation Practices Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which, if
not followed, could
endanger the personal
safety and/or property
of yourself and others.
Read and follow all
instructions in this man-
ual before attempting to
operate this machine.
Failure to comply with
these instructions
may result in personal
injury. When you see
this symbol, HEED ITS
WARNING!
This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
1. Read, understa nd, and follow all instructions on the machi ne
and in the manual(s) before attemptin g to assemble and
operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement par ts.
2. Be familiar wit h all controls and their proper operatio n. Know
how to stop the machine.
3. Never allow childre n under 14 years old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instruction s and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and supervi sed by a
parent.
4. Never allow adults to o perate this machine without proper
instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, h elpers, pets and children at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop mach ine if
anyone enters the area.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly in spect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause per sonal
injury.
2 Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes o r jewelry can be
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.
3. Disengage c lutch levers and shift (if provided ) into neutral
(“N”) before starting t he engine.
4. Never leave this machine u nattended with the engine
running.
5. Never attempt to make any adj ustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recomme nded in the
operator’s manual.
6. To avoid personal injury or pro perty damage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremel y flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injur y can
occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your c lothes
which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes
immediately.
7. Use only an approved g asoline container.
8. Extingu ish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes an d other sources of
ignition.
9. Never fuel machine in doors.
10. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or
running.
11. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling
12. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch
below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel
expansion.
13. Replace gas oline cap and tighten securely.
14. If gasoline i s spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equip ment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes b efore starting the engine.
15. Never store the mach ine or fuel container inside near an
open fl ame, spark or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water or
space h eater, clothes dryer, etc.).
16. Allow machin e to cool 5 minutes before storing.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or fe et near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. Do not operate mac hine while under the influence of alcoh ol
or drugs.
3. Never operate this mac hine without good visibility o r light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles.
4. Keep bystanders, h elpers, pets, and children at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the mac hine if
anyone enters the area.
5. Be careful when t illing in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If thi s occurs, let
go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
6. Exercise extr eme caution when operating on or crossi ng
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or t raffic.
7. Never operate the mach ine at high transport speeds on hard
or slippery surfaces.
8. Exercise caut ion to avoid slipping or falling.
9. Look down and beh ind and use care when in reverse or
pulling machine towards you.
10. Start the engine according to the instructio ns found in this
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
11. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, dis connect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Rep air the
damage before starting and operating.
12. Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop e ngine before
you leave the operating position (behind the hand les). Wait
until the tines come to a complete stop before unclo gging
the tines, making any adjustments, or inspecti ons.
13. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorl ess and
deadly gas.
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
15. Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can c ause property
damage or personal injury.