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 operat-
ing decals on this equipment and on any of its attach-
ments 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 instruc-
tion.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to
be used and remove all foreign objects. Your equip-
ment can propel small objects at high speed causing
personal injury or property damage. Stay away from
breakable objects, such as house windows, automo-
bile, 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 hearing protection. Engine produces
load noise that can damage hearing.
•
Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slippery sur-
faces. 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 opera-
tor.
•
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.
•
Watch for traffic when operating near, or when
crossing roads.
•
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor), disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug.
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 en-
gine is running.
•
Regularly inspect the machine. Make sure parts are
not bent, damaged or loose. Keep all screws, nuts and
bolts tight.
•
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.
•
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 drill above underground utilities, including
water lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not
operate the auger in soil with large rocks and foreign
objects which can damage the equipment.
•
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove
the wire from the spark plug. Inspect the auger for dam-
age. If damaged, repair before starting and operating
the auger.
•
The blades of the auger should not rotate when the
engine is idling. If it does rotate when engine is idling,
contact customer service for instructions.
•
If an object becomes lodged in the auger, turn
engine off, remove the wire from the spark plug and
secure, allow to cool before attempting to remove
the foreign object.
•
The earth blade is very sharp. Use extreme caution
when drilling a hole or replacing the blade.
•
Do not carry the earth auger unit between holes with
the engine running.
4
Operator's Manual
Two-Man Earth Auger Powerhead 9800 Series
Check for parts online at
www.getearthquake.com
or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5