Troy-Bilt FLEX Operator's Manual page 3

Important Safe Operation Practices
WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions
on the machine and in the manual(s) before
attempting to assemble and operate.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine
and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of
age to operate this machine. Children 14
and over should read and understand the
instructions and safe operation practices
in this manual and on the machine and be
trained and supervised by an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine
without proper instruction.
5. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and
pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used. Remove all stones,
sticks, wire, and other foreign objects which
could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.
2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes.
Thrown objects which ricochet can cause
serious injury to the eyes.
3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close fitting slacks and shirt. Loose fitting
clothes or jewelry can be caught in moving
parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
4. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if
provided) into neutral ("N") before starting
the engine.
5. Never leave this machine unattended with
the engine running.
6. Never attempt to make any adjustments
while engine is running, except where
specifically recommended in the operator's
manual.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near spring tines.
Spring tines may be sharp and can cause
injury to hands and feet.
2. Do not operate machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Never operate this machine without good
visibility or light. Always be sure of your
footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
4. Keep bystanders away from the machine
while it is in operation. Stop the machine if
anyone enters the area.
5. Be careful when dethatching in hard
ground. The spring tines may catch in the
ground and propel the dethatcher forward.
If this occurs, let go of the drive control and
do not restrain the machine.
6. Exercise extreme caution when operating
on or crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
7. Never operate the machine at high
transport speeds on hard or slippery
surfaces.
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
9. Look down and behind and use care when
in reverse or pulling machine towards you.
10. Start the engine according to the
instructions found in the FLEX™ Power Base
manual and keep feet well away from the
spring tines at all times.
11. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine. Thoroughly
inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.
12. Stop the engine in accordance with the
FLEX™ Power Base manual before you
leave the operating position (behind the
handles). Wait until the spring tines come
to a complete stop before unclogging the
spring tines, making any adjustments, or
inspections.
13. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas.
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can
cause a burn. Do not touch.
15. Use caution when dethatching near fences,
buildings and underground utilities.
Spring tines can cause property damage or
personal injury.
16. Do not overload machine capacity by
attempting to dethatch at too fast of a rate.
17. If the machine should start making an
unusual noise or vibration, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for
damage. Repair any damage before starting
and operating.
18. Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices
in place and operating properly.
19. Never pick up or carry machine while the
engine is running.
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