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4
Operator’s Manual
20970 Front Tine Tiller
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s). Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the machine
before starting.
•
Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
•
Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and
operating decals on this equipment and on any of its
attachments or accessories.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
•
Only allow responsible individuals who are familiar
with the instructions to operate the machine. Do
not allow children to operate this machine. Do not
allow adults to operate the machine without proper
instruction.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine
is to be used and remove all foreign objects. Your
equipment can propel small objects at high speed
causing personal injury or property damage. Stay
away from breakable objects, such as house windows,
automobiles, greenhouses, etc.
•
Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved
shirt or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do
not wear shorts. Never wear sandals, sneakers or
open shoes, and never operate the machine with bare
feet.
•
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get
caught in moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair
and loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and machine.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating the machine to protect your
eyes from foreign objects which can be thrown from
the unit. Always wear a protective hearing device.
•
Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slippery
surfaces. Leather work shoes or short boots work well
for most people. These will protect the operator’s
ankles and shins from small sticks, splinters, and other
debris.
•
It is advisable to wear protective headgear to prevent
the possibility of being struck by small flying particles,
or being struck by low hanging branches, twigs,
or other objects which may be unnoticed by the
operator.
•
Do not operate the machine without proper guards or
other safety protective devices in place.
•
See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
•
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
Do not operate product when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or other medication which
can cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate
this machine safely.
•
Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and
walk; never run.
•
Watch for traffic when operating machine near, or
when
crossing roads.
•
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor), flip the ON/OFF switch to the
OFF
position. Check immediately for cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble. If the noise or
vibrations of the machine increase, stop immediately
and perform an inspection.
•
Never leave the machine unattended when the
engine is running. Flip the ON/OFF switch to the
OFF
position.
•
Regularly inspect the machine. Make sure parts are
not bent, damaged or loose.
•
Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed
150° F (65° C). Allow muffler and engine areas to cool
before touching. Never pick up or carry the machine
while the engine is running.
•
Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration from gasoline
engine-powered equipment should be avoided. Take
intermittent breaks and/or wear ear protection from
engine noise as well as heavy work gloves to reduce
vibration in the hands.
•
Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight.
•
Do not transport the machine from one place to
another with the engine running.
•
When moving the packaged machine, always do so
with a partner.
•
Check local regulations for age restrictions on use of
this machine.
Product-Specific Safety Rules
•
Do not till above underground utilities, including
water lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do
not operate the machine on terrain/soil with large
rocks and foreign objects which can damage the
equipment.
•
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Flip
the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. Inspect
the machine for damage. If damaged, repair before
starting and operating the machine.
•
The tines of the tiller should not rotate when the drive
control lever is released into the neutral position. If
it does rotate when in neutral, contact Earthquake®
Customer Service for instruction.
•
If an object becomes lodged in the tines, flip the ON/
OFF switch to the OFF position, allow to cool before
attempting to remove the foreign object.
•
Pulleys and belts should be kept free of oil or other
moisture for efficient operation.
•
Disengage all clutches and leave control lever in the
neutral position before starting the engine.
