Martha Stewart MTS-DTS13, Operator'S Manual

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WARNING!
Foreign objects in the work area can be
picked up by the sca dethatcher and launched into your
eyes, which can result in severe personal injury. In addition
to surveying the area and removing foreign objects before
beginning work, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields and, when necessary, a full face shield.
• Use the electric sca dethatcher only in daylight or
good artificial light.
• Do not operate the equipment without wearing adequate
outer garments. Wear protective footwear that will improve
footing on slippery surfaces.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by the
manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors or
electric starting motors (see extension cord chart on
page 2).
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the motor is
running.
• Never operate the sca dethatcher in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing; walk, never run, with the
machine.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards
or traffic.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• Stop the motor and disconnect the power supply when
leaving the operating position, before unclogging the tines
and when repairing, adjusting, inspecting or performing
any other maintenance on the machine.
• Take all necessary precautions when leaving the machine
unattended. Stop the motor and remove the power cord.
• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting the unit, shut off
the motor, disconnect the power supply and wait until all
moving parts have come to a complete stop.
• Never operate the machine without proper guards, plates
or other safety protective devices in place and in proper
working order.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to
dethatch too deep at too fast a rate.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on
hard or slippery surfaces.
• Never allow bystanders near the unit when operating.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer of the machine.
• Never operate the machine without good visibility or light.
• Be careful when cultivating in hard ground. The tines may
catch in the ground and propel the machine forward. If
this occurs, let go of the handlebars and the starting lever
and do not restrain the machine.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
machine towards you.
• Stop the tines if the machine has to be tilted for
transportation. Do not operate the tines when crossing
surfaces other than grass, and when transporting the
product to and from the working area.
• Do not tilt the machine when switching on the motor,
except if the product has to be tilted for starting. In this
case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and lift
only the part which is away from the operator.
• Do not start the motor when standing in front of the
discharge opening.
• Switch on the motor carefully according to the instructions
and keep your feet clear of the rotating tines.
• Never pick up or carry the machine while the motor is
running.
• Stop the motor and disconnect the machine from the
power supply:
– before clearing blockages or unclogging the discharge
opening;
– before checking, cleaning or working on the machine;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the machine for
damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the machine;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
– whenever you leave the machine.
• Never use the sca dethatcher without the thatch
collection bag securely fitted.
• WARNING! Beware of sharp tines. Tines continue to
rotate after the motor is switched off.
Slope Operation
Slopes are major factors related to slip and fall accidents,
which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
dethatch it.
• Dethatch across the face of slopes; never dethatch slopes
following an up and down traverse. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on a slope.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. These may cause an unexpected slip or fall.
• Do not dethatch on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
• Do not dethatch near drop offs, ditches or embankments.
You could lose your footing or balance.