READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
•
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and
proper use of the unit.
•
Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, or medication.
•
Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit,
except for teens guided by an adult.
•
All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
•
Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for
fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
•
Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all
debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.
•
Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
•
Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum,
keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m)
radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown
objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye
protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
•
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or
repairs before using unit.
3
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
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Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure
to secure the unit while transporting.
•
Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to prevent
unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach of children.
•
Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each
use. See the
Cleaning and Storage
instructions.
•
Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to
instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also loan
them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
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.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
•
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 fuel tank cap or add fuel when the
engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve
any pressure in the tank before fueling. Do not smoke.
•
Always mix and add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area
where there are no sparks or flames. Do not smoke.
•
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
•
Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any
spilled fuel from the unit immediately before starting the unit.
Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and
site before starting the engine. Do not smoke.
•
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 outdoor area.
WHILE OPERATING
•
Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting
ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards. Also wear ear/hearing protection
when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Long sleeve shirts are recommended.
•
Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not wear loose
clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure
hair above shoulder level.
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Take the following precautions:
•
This unit has a clutch. The tines remains stationary when the
engine is idling. If it does not, have the unit adjusted by an
authorized service technician.
•
Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything before starting
the unit.
•
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
Avoid accidental starting. The operator and unit must be in a stable
position while starting. See
Starting and Stopping Instructions
.
•
Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit towards you.
•
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take
extra care when working on steep slopes or inclines.
•
Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a
firm grip on the grips.
•
Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts.
Do not touch or try to stop the tines when they are rotating.
•
Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely
hot from operation. They remain hot for a short time after you
turn off the unit.
•
Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cultivate.
Do not run the engine at high speed when you are not cultivating.
•
Always stop the engine when cultivating is delayed or when
walking from one location to another.
•
If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate
before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
•
Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance, repair, or to
install or remove the tines.
•
Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts
and accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or
accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage
to the unit, and void your warranty.
•
Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may
become lodged between the tines.
•
To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark arrestor,
keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.
