Troy-Bilt 12097 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 3

SAFETY RULES
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
ne engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent
: from touching the plug. Check immediately for the
:ause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and
irevent it from touching the spark plug whenever you
save the equipment, before unclogging the tines, or
^hen making any repairs, adjustments or inspections.
Before leaving the machine unattended, always stop
he engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent
: from touching the plug.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the en-
|ine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
)isconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from
ouching the spark plug to avoid accidental starting.
Never operate equipment without proper guards,
dates, or other protective safety devices in place.
Keep children and pets away.
Be aware that the equipment may unexpectedly
>ounce upward or jump forward if the tines should strike
(xtremely hardpacked soil, frozen ground, or buried ob-
itacles such as large stones, roots or stumps. If you are
i doubt about the tilling conditions, always use the fol-
Dwing operating precautions to assist you in maintaining
lontrol of the equipment:
i. Stand behind the equipment, using both arms on the
handlebars. Relax your arms, but use a secure hand
grip.
). Start tilling at shallow depths, working gradually
deeper with each pass.
Clear the tilling area of all large stones, roots, and
other debris.
1. In an emergency, stop the tines by releasing the en¬
gine throttle lever on the handlebar. To stop the en¬
gine, move the engine on-off switch to OFF.
Do not overload the machine's capacity by attempting
o till too deeply at too fast a rate.
Never operate the equipment on slippery surfaces,
.ook behind and use care when backing up.
Do not operate the equipment on a slope that is too
;teep for safety. When on slopes, slow down and make
;ure you have good footing.
Never allow bystanders near the unit.
Only use attachments and accessories that are
actory-approved.
Never operate the equipment without good visibility or
jood light.
Do not tamper with the engine governor settings on
he machine; the governor controls the maximum safe
(perating speed and protects the engine and all other
noving parts from damage caused by engine over¬
feed. Authorized service shall be sought if a problem
ixists.
Do not touch engine parts which may be hot from op-
iration. Allow parts to cool before inspecting, cleaning
>r repairing.
• Remember: you can stop the tines by releasing the en¬
gine throttle lever. Move the engine on-off switch to OFF
to shut the engine off.
• Never transport this machine when the engine is
running.
• Terminals and non-insulated electrical parts shall be
protected against shorting during normal servicing, refu¬
eling or lubrication.
MAINTENANCE/STORAGE
• Keep tiller attachments and accessories in safe work¬
ing condition.
• Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to be sure equipment is in safe
working condition.
• Never store equipment with fuel in fuel tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark
(hot water and space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers,
stoves, electric motors, etc.).
• Allow the engine to cool before storing the equipment.
• Keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or grease to re¬
duce the chance of a fire hazard.
• Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area, safely
away from any spark- or flame-producing equipment.
Store gasoline in an approved container, away from the
reach of children.
• Never perform maintenance when engine is running or
spark plug wire is connected unless instructed to do so.
A
CAUTION
TO AVOID INJURY:
® READ THE OWNER / OPERATOR MANUAL.
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CON¬
TROLS.
• KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNINSTRUCTED
ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER.
• SHUT OFF ENGINE AND DISCONNECT SPARK
PLUG WIRE BEFORE UNCLOGGING TINES OR
MAKING REPAIRS.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM MACHINE.
• KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.
« USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN REVERSING OR
PULLING THE MACHINE TOWARDS YOU.
&
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
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