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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.
Safety Alert Symbol
This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this
manual and on the unit to alert you to potential haz-
ards. When you see this symbol, read and obey the
message that follows it. Failure to obey safety mes-
sages could result in personal injury or property damage.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemi-
cals known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
TRAINING
•
Read this Owner’s Manual and the sep-
arate Engine Owner’s Manual very care-
fully before operating this equipment. Be
completely familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly. A replacement Manual
is available by contacting your authorized
dealer or the Factory.
•
Never allow children or untrained
adults to use this equipment. Let adults
operate the unit only if instructed
properly.
•
Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and
pets. Keep bystanders at least 25 feet
from the area of operation.
•
Keep in mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people, their property
and themselves.
•
Familiarize yourself with all of the
safety and operating decals on this equip-
ment and on any of its attachments or
accessories.
•
Do not run engine in an enclosed area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Do not
operate this equipment near buildings,
windows, or air conditioning equipment.
•
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 is started and the Throttle/Tines
Control Lever is squeezed. The tines con-
tinue to rotate until the operator releases
the Throttle/Tines Control Lever.
•
Before inspecting or servicing any part
of the equipment, shut off engine, make
sure all moving parts have come to a
complete stop, then disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and move wire
away from the plug.
•
Do not operate this equipment if you are
under the influence of alcohol, medication,
or when you are tired or ill.
PREPARATION
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all
foreign objects.
•
Make sure that the Throttle/Tines Con-
trol Lever is disengaged and is in the neu-
tral position before you begin to start the
engine.
•
Do not operate the machine without
wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts of the machine or
its engine.
•
Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or when wearing sandals,
sneakers, or similar lightweight footwear.
Wear protective footwear that will protect
your feet and improve footing on all
surfaces.
•
Wear approved safety glasses when op-
erating this equipment. The operation of
any powered machine can result in for-
eign objects being thrown by high-speed
rotating parts.
•
Do not till near underground electric
cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses.
If in doubt, contact your utility or tele-
phone company to locate underground
services.
•
Handle fuel with care. It is highly
flammable and has explosive vapors.
Take these precautions:
a.
Use an approved fuel container.
b.
Add fuel before starting the engine.
Never remove the cap of the fuel
tank or add fuel while the engine is
running or when the engine is hot.
Operators shall not smoke.
c.
Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, open flames, and sparks
away from the fuel tank and fuel
container.
d.
Fill fuel tank outdoors and with ex-
treme caution. Never fill fuel tank
when indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage.
e.
Replace all fuel tank and fuel con-
tainer caps securely.
f.
If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to
start the engine, but move the ma-
chine away from the area of spillage
and avoid creating any source of ig-
nition until fuel vapors have
dissipated.
•
Never make adjustments to your equip-
ment when the engine is running or spark
plug wire is connected (unless specifically
recommended in Owner’s Manual).
OPERATION
•
The correct operator’s position is when
you are standing behind and gripping the
handlebar, facing forward toward the
engine. Do not leave this position while
using the engine Throttle/Tines lever.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
Safety
1
Section
3
LEFT and RIGHT sides of the tiller are
from the operator’s position behind the
handlebars (unless noted otherwise).
Operator’s Position
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE