Manual

Safety
Safety AlertSymbol
,_ This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this
manual and on the unit to alert you to potential haz-
ards. Whenyou seethis symbol, readand obeythe
messagethat follows it. Failureto obey safety mes-
sages could result in personal injury or property damage.
This machine meets voluntary safety standard
B71.8 - 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by
the American National Standards Institute.
• ILWARNING
Theengineexhaustfromthis productcontainschemi-
calsknowntothe State ofCaliforniatocausecancer,
birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
TRAINING
• Readthis Owner's Manualand the sep-
arate EngineOwner's Manual very care-
fully beforeoperating this equipment. Be
completely familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengagethe
controls quickly. A replacement Manual
is available by contacting your authorized
dealer or the Factory.
• Neverallow children or untrained
adults to use this equipment. Let adults
operate the unit only if instructed
properly.
• Keepthe area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and
pets. Keepbystandersat least 25 feet
from thearea of operation.
• Keepin mind that the operator or user
is responsiblefor accidents or hazards
occurring to other people,their property
and themselves.
• Familiarizeyourself with all of the
safety and operating decals onthis equip-
ment and on any of its attachments or
accessories.
• Do not run engine in an enclosed area.
Engineexhaustcontains carbon
monoxide gas,a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, andtasteless. Do not
operate this equipment nearbuildings,
windows, or air conditioning equipment.
• Do not allow hands or any other part of
the body or clothing near the rotating
tines or nearany other moving part. The
tines begin to rotateforward oncethe
engine is started and theThrottle/Tines
Control Lever is squeezed. The tines con-
tinue to rotate until the operator releases
the Throttle/Tines Control Lever.
• Before inspecting or servicing any part
of the equipment, shut off engine, make
sure all moving parts have come to a
complete stop, then disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and movewire
away from the plug.
• Do not operatethis equipment if you are
underthe influence of alcohol, medication,
or when you aretired or ill.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be usedand remove all
foreign objects.
• Makesure that the Throttle/Tines Con-
trol Lever is disengagedand is in the neu-
tral position beforeyou beginto start the
engine.
• Do not operate the machinewithout
wearing adequateouter garments. Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts of the machine or
its engine.
• Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or when wearing sandals,
sneakers, or similar lightweight footwear.
Wear protectivefootwear that will protect
your feet and improve footing on all
surfaces.
• Wear approved safety glasses when op-
erating this equipment. The operation of
any powered machine can result in for-
eign objects beingthrown by high-speed
rotating parts.
• Do not till nearunderground electric
cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses.
If in doubt, contact your utility or tele-
phonecompany to locateunderground
services.
• Handlefuel with care. It is highly
flammable and has explosive vapors.
Takethese precautions:
a. Useanapproved fuel container.
b. Add fuel before starting the engine.
Never removethe cap of the fuel
tank or add fuel while the engine is
running or when the engine is hot.
Operatorsshall not smoke.
c. Keepmatches, cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, openflames, and sparks
awayfrom the fuel tank and fuel
container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors andwith ex-
treme caution. Neverfill fuel tank
when indoors. Useafunnel or
spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replaceall fuel tank and fuel con-
tainer capssecurely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to
start the engine, but movethe ma-
chine away from the areaof spillage
andavoid creating any source of ig-
nition until fuel vapors have
dissipated.
• Nevermakeadjustments to your equip-
ment when the engine is running or spark
plug wire is connected (unless specifically
recommended in Owner's Manual).
OPERATION
Operator'sPosition
RIGHTSID_ LEFTSIDE
LEFTandRIGHTsidesofthetillerare
fromtheoperator'spositionbehindthe
handlebars(unlessnotedotherwise).
• The correct operator's position is when
you are standing behindand gripping the
handlebar,facing forward toward the
engine. Do not leavethis position while
using the engine Throttle/Tines lever.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
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