OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT operate earth auger powerhead under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
• NEVER operate earth auger powerhead without guards,
covers, and hoods in place.
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts.
• Keep clear of earth auger blade at all times.
• The earth auger blade rotates when powerhead is engaged;
the earth auger blade rotates when the throttle control lever
is pulled up. Releasing the throttle control lever to neutral
stops the earth auger blade.
• Use extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the
wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the earth auger
and powerhead for any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the earth auger powerhead.
• If vegetation clogs the earth auger blade, stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug wire before removing vegetation
by hand.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
• DO NOT run engine indoors; exhaust fumes are deadly.
• DO NOT overload the unit capacity by attempting to drill
too deep at too fast of a rate.
• NEVER operate the earth auger powerhead without good
visibility or light.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit unat-
tended. Disengage throttle control, stop the engine, wait
for all moving parts to stop, and make certain guards and
shields are in place.
• When leaving the operating position for any reason:
- shut off the engine.
- wait for all moving parts to stop.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE PRECAUTIONS
• Keep unit, attachments and accessories in safe working
condition.
• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts and other bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.
• To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and secure
the spark plug wire from the spark plug before performing
powerhead maintenance.
• Always allow muffler to cool before filling the fuel tank.
• NEVER store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside
a closed building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any building.
• Always refer to the Operator's Manual for important details
if the powerhead is to be stored for an extended period.
BURNS AND FIRES
PREVENTION OF BURNS AND FIRES
• NEVER remove the muffler guard from the engine.
• NEVER touch the muffler guard because it is extremely hot
and will cause severe burns.
• NEVER touch parts of the engine that become hot after
operation.
• Always keep materials and debris away from muffler guard
and other hot parts of the engine to avoid fires.
CAUTION
THE MUFFLER, MUFFLER GUARD AND OTHER PARTS
OF THE ENGINE BECOME EXTREMELY HOT DURING
THE OPERATION OF THE ENGINE. THESE PARTS
REMAIN EXTREMELY HOT AFTER THE ENGINE HAS
STOPPED.
TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEARBY AREAS
MAY EXCEED 150° F (65° C). ALLOW MUFFLER AND
ENGINE AREAS TO COOL BEFORE TOUCHING.
HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BY-PRODUCT OF A
FUNCTIONING CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FOLLOW
ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS TO PREVENT BURNS
AND FIRES.
AUGER SAFETY RULES
• Carry unit by handlebars only, NOT by auger.
• Keep all body extremities, loose clothing and foreign objects
clear of rotating auger.
• Be sure auger is securely attached to powerhead during use.
• This auger is not designed to be utilized as an anchoring
device.
SERVICE
• Always stop the engine whenever you leave the equipment,
before cleaning, repairing or inspecting the unit. Engine
should be turned off and cool. NEVER make adjustments or
repairs with the engine (motor) running. Flip the ON/OFF
switch to the OFF position to prevent accidental starting.
• Always wear eye protection when you make adjustments
or repairs.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight and keep equipment in good
condition.
• NEVER tamper with safety devices. Check their proper opera-
tion regularly.
• When servicing or repairing the unit, DO NOT tip the unit over
or up unless specifically instructed to do so in this manual.
6
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 8-4:30 CST
