Troy-Bilt 12087 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 7

13. Never operate the tiller under
engine power if the Wheel Speed
Lever is in the FREE WHEEL po-
sition. In FREE WHEEL, the
wheels will not hold the tiller back
and the revolving tines could pro-
pel the tiller rapidly, possibly caus-
ing loss of control. Always engage
the Wheel Speed Lever in either
FAST or SLOW position before
starting the engine or engaging the
tines with the Wheelsffines/PTO
Drive Lever.
14.
The tiller could unexpectedly
bounce upward or jump forward
and be propelled away from you if
the tines strike or catch very hard-
packed soil, sod, frozen ground, or
any buried obstacle such as large
stones or roots. If in doubt about
tilling conditions, use the follow-
ing precautions to assist you in
maintaining tiller control:
a. Walk behind and on either
side of the tiller, using one
hand on the handlebars.
Relax your arm, but use a se-
cure hand grip.
b. Use shallow depth regulator
settings, gradually working
deeper with each tilling pass.
c. Use slower wheel, tine and en-
gine throttle speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of big
stones, roots and other debris.
e. Avoid putting downward pres-
sure on the handlebars. If
necessary, apply slight upward
pressure to prevent the tines
from digging too deeply.
f. Avoid contacting hard-packed
soil or sod at the end of a row
by reducing engine speed and
lifting handlebars up to raise
tines out of the soil.
g. In an emergency, stop the
tines and wheels by shifting
the Wheelsffines/PTO Drive
Lever to NEUTRAL. If you
can not reach the lever or have
lost control of the tiller, let go
of the handlebars and all con-
trols. Do not try to restrain it.
15. Do not overload the machine
capacity by trying to till too deeply
at too fast a rate.
16.
Never use the tiller at high
ground speeds on slippery surfaces.
17. Do not operate tiller on a slope
too steep for safety. On slopes,
slow down and be sure you have
good footing. Don't let the tiller
"free-wheel" down slopes.
18.
Clear the area of bystanders be-
fore tilling.
19. Use only attachments and ac-
cessories approved by Troy-Bilt
Manufacturing Company.
20. Use tiller attachments and ac-
cessories when recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without
good visibility or light.
22. Never operate the tiller if you
are fatigued, 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 and
protects the engine and all moving
parts from damage caused by over-
speed. Authorized service shall be
sought if a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts that
may be hot from operation (muffler,
fins, etc.). Make certain all parts
have cooled down before inspect-
ing, cleaning or repairing.
25. POISONIDANGER-
CAUSES SEVERE BURNS. The
battery on electric start models con-
tains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
Antidotes: External- Flush imme-
diately with lots of water.
Internal- Drink large quantities of
water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
Eyes- Flush with water for 15 min-
utes. Get prompt medical attention.
Keep out of reach of children.
7
Safety
26. DANGER- BATTERIES
PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE
GASES. Keep sparks, flame or
smoking materials away. Ventilate
when charging battery or using in
an enclosed space. Always shield
eyes when working near battery.
27. Remember-To stop tines and
wheels, either put Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEU-
TRAL, or move Throttle Lever to
STOP position. If you lose control
of the tiller and can not reach the
levers, let go of the handlebars and
controls and do not try to restrain
the tiller. The Forward Interlock
Safety System will stop the engine.
28. Look behind and exercise cau-
tion when backing up. For added
safety, put Wheel Speed Lever in
SLOW position before reversing.
29. When loading or unloading the
tiller, always disengage the tines
and use slower wheel and engine
throttle speeds. Use sturdy ramps
wide and strong enough to easily
support the tiller (280-to-325 Ibs.,
depending on model) and operator.
Never go down ramps in FOR-
WARD drive-the tiller could tip
forward, exposing you to the tines
(which should be disengaged).
Always use REVERSE drive and
back down ramps. To go up ramps,
use FORWARD drive and walk up
following the tiller.
30. The Forward Interlock Safety
System should be tested for correct
functioning every time the tiller or
PTO power unit is used. See
Section 4 in this Manual for the test
procedure to take.
31. If using the optional Dozer
Blade, either remove the tine at-
tachment, or disengage the tines
with the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever.
Revolving tines are dangerous.