4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
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If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move
unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
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To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any
fuel soaked debris.
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Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an
open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
OPERATION
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Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
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Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
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Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always
be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
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Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in operation.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
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Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the
ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let go of the
handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
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Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
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Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or
slippery surfaces.
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Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
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Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or pulling
machine towards you.
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Start the engine according to the instructions found in this manual
and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
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After striking a foreign object or if your machine should start mak-
ing an unusual noise or vibration, immediately shut the engine off.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine and
perform the following steps:
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continued
safe operation.
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Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait until
the tines come to a complete stop before unclogging the tines,
making any adjustments, or inspections.
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Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
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Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
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Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and underground
utilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage or personal
injury.
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Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil too
deep at too fast of a rate.
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If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration,
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any
damage before starting and operating.
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Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and operat-
ing properly.
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Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.
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Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manu-
facturer as listed in the Parts List pages of this operator’s manual.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
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If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care
and good judgement. Contact Customer Support at 1-800-4MY-
HOME for assistance and the name of the nearest service dealer
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
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Keep the machine, attachments and accessories in safe working
order.
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Allow the machine to cool at least five minutes before storing.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
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Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals
to keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visually
inspect machine for any damage.
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Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and
make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
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Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the
engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed
of engine.
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Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
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Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting, and
storage of this machine.
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Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details if the
machine is to be stored for an extended period.
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If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
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Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to
protect the environment.
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According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product
has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 130 hours of
operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life have the machine
inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that
all mechanical and safety systems are working properly and not
worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries
or death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way.
Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and
cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting
of engine governor.