8
DR
®
PRO XL-DRT
Tilling Safety
Thoroughly inspect the area to be tilled, and remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as stones, sticks, glass, wire,
bones, etc. Do not operate tiller in soil with large rocks and foreign objects which can damage the machine.
Do not till above underground electric cables, telephone lines, water lines, gas lines, pipes, or hoses. If in doubt, contact your
utility or telephone company to locate underground services.
Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 75 feet (23m) away. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
This unit has a clutch. Squeeze the drive control handle lever and check that it returns automatically to the neutral position. If
it does not, have unit adjusted by qualified repair personnel.
Disengage drive control handle lever before starting the engine.
Start the engine carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the tines.
The tines remain stationary when the clutch is disengaged. If it does not, have unit adjusted by qualified repair personnel.
Always operate the machine from behind, never pass or stand in front of the machine when the engine is running.
Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on the grips. Be aware that the machine may
unexpectedly bounce upward or jump forward if the tines should strike buried obstacles such as large stones, roots, or
stumps.
If the unit strikes a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.
Use extreme caution when in reverse or pulling the machine towards you.
Do not overload the machine capacity by tilling too deep in a single pass or at too fast a rate.
Never operate the tiller at high transport speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let go of
the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.
Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage or
personal injury.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
Do not carry passengers.
Never leave the operating position when the engine is running.
Always stop the engine when tilling is delayed or when walking from one tilling location to another.
Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may become lodged between the tines. Stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug before unclogging the tines.
To reduce exposure to vibration, limit the hours of operation and take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your
hands. Reduce the speed and force in which you do the repetitive movement. Try to fill each day with jobs where operating
hand- held power equipment is not required.
