Craftsman 247.299.341 Operator's Manual page 4

Safe Handling of Gasoline:
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are
explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled
on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and
change clothes immediately.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed
with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away
from your vehicle before filling.
• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use
a nozzle lock-open device.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
• Never fuel machine indoors.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or run-
ning. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
• Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below
bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.
• Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move
unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any
fuel soaked debris.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an
open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
• Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always
be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
• Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in operation.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the
ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let go of the
handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or
slippery surfaces.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
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4
Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or pulling
machine towards you.
Start the engine according to the instructions found in this manual
and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
After striking a foreign object or if your machine should start mak-
ing an unusual noise or vibration, immediately shut the engine off.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine and
perform the following steps:
a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continued
safe operation.
Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait until
the tines come to a complete stop before unclogging the tines,
making any adjustments, or inspections.
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not
touch.
Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and underground
utilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage or personal
injury.
Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil too
deep at too fast of a rate.
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.
Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and operat-
ing properly.
Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.
Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manu-
facturer as listed in the Parts List pages of this operator's manual.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care
and good judgement. Contact Customer Support at 1-800-4MY-
HOME for assistance and the name of the nearest service dealer
Keep the machine, attachments and accessories in safe working
order.
Allow the machine to cool at least five minutes before storing.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals
to keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visually
inspect machine for any damage.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and
make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.