Troy-Bilt 12213 Owner's Manual page 4

Section 1: Safety
7. Take all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended. Stop the
engine. Disconnect spark plugwire and
move it away from the spark plug. Be
sure both wheels are in the Wheel Drive
position.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, stop the engine and make certain all
moving parts havestopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to prevent acci-
dental starting.
9. The flap on the tine hood must be
down when operating the tiller.
10. Never usethe tiller unless proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices are in place.
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operatethe tiller under
engine power if the wheels are in the
Freewheel position. In the Freewheel
position, the wheels will not hold the tiller
back and the revolving tines could propel
the tiller rapidly, possibly causing loss of
control. Always engage the wheels with
the wheel drive pins in the Wheel Drive
position before starting the engine or
engaging the tines/wheels with the
Forward Clutch Bail.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unex-
pectedly bounceupward or jump
forward if the tines should strike
extremely hard packedsoil, frozen
ground, or buried obstacleslike large
stones, roots, or stomps. If in doubt
aboutthe tilling conditions, always use
the following operatingprecautionsto
assist you in maintaining controlof the
tiller:
a. Walk behindand to one side ol the
tiller, using one hand on the han-
dlebars. Relax your arm, but use a
secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator
settings, working gradually
deeper with each pass.
c. Useslower engine speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large
stones, rootsand otherdebris.
e. Avoidusing downwardpressure
on handlebars. If need be, use
slight upward pressureto keep the
tines lrom diggingtoo deeply.
f. Beforecontactinghardpackedsoil
atthe end of a row, reduceengine
speed and lift handlebarsto raise
tines out of the soil.
go
In an emergency, stoptines and
wheels by releasing whichever
clutchcontrol is engaged. Do not
attempt to restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the tiger's capacity
by attempting to till too deeply at too fast
a rate.
16. Never operate the tiller at high
transport speeds on hard or slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when
backing up.
17. Do not operate the tiller on a slope
that is too steep for safety. When on
slopes, slow down and make sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.
18. Never allow bystanders nearthe unit.
19. Only use attachments and acces-
sories that are approved by the manufac-
turer of the tiller.
20. Use tiller attachments and acces-
sories when recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or lighL
22. Never operate the tiller if you are
tired, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
23. Operators shall not tamper with the
engine-governor settings on the machine;
the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed to protect the engine and
all moving parts from damage caused by
overspeed. Authorized service shall be
sought if a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may
be hot from operation, Let parts cool
down sufficiently,
25. Pleaseremember: You can always
stop the tines and wheels by releasingthe
Forward Clutch Bail or by moving the
Throttle Control Lever on the engine to
"OFF" or "STOP".
26. To load or unload the tiller, see the
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
27. Use extreme caution when reversing
or pulling the machine towards you.
28. Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from
the tines.
29. Never pick up or carry a machine
while the engine is running.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Keepthe tiller, attachments and acces-
sories in safe working condition.
2. Checkall nuts, bolts, and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present such as hot water
and space heaters, furnaces, clothes
dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).
Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
4. To reducethe chances of afire hazard,
keepthe engine free ofgrass, leaves,or
excessivegrease.
5. Store gasoline in a cool, welI-ventilated
area, safely away from any spark- or
flame-producing equipment. Store
gasoline in an approved container, safely
away from the reach of children.
6. Refer to the Maintenance sections of
this Manual and the separate Engine
Owner's Manual for instructions if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
7. Never perform maintenancewhile the
engine is running or the spark plug wire
is connected, except when specifically
instructed to do so.
8. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do
this outdoors,