RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator
and/or bystanders.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR
1-800-668-1238 in CANADA
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Carefully read and understand the operator's manual of the unit that
powers this add-on.
• Read this operating instruction manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults
unfamiliar with the instructions to use the unit. Never allow adults to
operate the equipment without proper instruction.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before
operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Ensure the rakes are installed correctly
and secure.
• Clear the area to be de-thatched before each use. Remove all objects
such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which can be
thrown or become entangled in the de-thatcher add-on.
SPECIAL SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS POWERHEADS AND DE-
THATCHERS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved for
the storage of such materials.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank.
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank, or add fuel, when the engine is
hot. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.
• Mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated area outdoors where there
are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel cap only after
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
stopping engine. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up
any spilled fuel from the unit immediately.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the
engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site
before starting the engine. Do not smoke. Keep sparks and open
flames away from the area while adding fuel or operating the unit.
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing
exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a well ventilated area
outdoors.
SPECIAL SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELECTRIC POWERHEADS
AND CULTIVATORS
• CORD SETS: Make sure your cord set is in good condition. When
using a cord set, be sure to use a cord that is heavy enough to carry
the current that your unit will draw. An undersized cord set will cause
a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. See
the operator’s manual for the unit that will power this add-on for the
recommended cord size.
• Inspect all extension cords and the unit power connection periodically.
Look closely for deterioration, cuts or cracks in the insulation. Also
inspect the connections for damage. Replace the cords if any defects
or damage appear.
• Prevent disconnection of the
powerhead from extension cord
during operation by using a plug-
receptacle retaining strap, connector,
or by making a knot as shown below:
• Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate your unit in damp or
wet conditions. Moisture is a shock hazard.
• Do not use the unit in the rain. Do not use in or around water.
• Do not handle the plug or unit with wet hands or standing on any wet
surfaces.
• Do not leave the unit plugged in when not in use, changing
attachments or add-ons, or while being serviced.
WHILE OPERATING
• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 ft (15 m) away.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI
Z87.1 standards, and use ear/hearing protection when operating this
unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot.
Secure hair above shoulder level.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
• Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of
injury at a rate for which it was designed.
• Do not overreach, take extra care when working on steep slopes or
inclines. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm
grip on both the front and rear handle or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do
not touch or try to stop the rakes when they are rotating. Do not
operate without guards in place.
• Do not operate the unit faster than the speed needed to do the job.
Do not run the unit at high speed when not in use.
• Always stop the engine/motor when operation is delayed or when
walking from one location to another.
• Stop the engine/motor for maintenance, repair, to install or remove
the rakes. The unit must be stopped and the rakes no longer turning
to avoid injury.
• The rakes become very sharp from use. Always wear heavy gloves
when handling, removing, installing or cleaning the rakes.
2
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible
dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your
careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they
give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL
MEANING
SAFETY ALERT:
Indicates danger, warning or caution.
Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal injury.
May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
NOTE:
Advises you of information or instructions vital to the
operation or maintenance of the equipment.
DANGER:
Failure to obey a safety warning will result in
serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.
WARNING:
Failure to obey a safety warning can result
in injury to yourself and others. Always follow the safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
CAUTION:
Failure to obey a safety warning may result in
property damage or personal injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING:
When using the unit, you must follow the safety
rules. Please read these instructions before operating the unit in
order to ensure the safety of the operator and any bystanders.
Please keep these instructions for later use.
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
Unit Cord
Extension Cord
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, use only
extension cords approved for outdoor use, such as an
extension cord of cord type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A,
SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-W or SJTOW-A. Extension cords are
available from your local retailer. Use only round-jacketed
extension cords approved for outdoor use.
