Safety Rules - Craftsman 917.298231 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
_2-'_} Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotaiy Tillel s _._,_l_._ i},'_
]'RAINING
Read the operating and service instruction manual
carefully Be thoroughly familiar wilh the controls end
the proper use of the equipment Know how to slop the
unit and disengage the controls quickly
Never allow children to operate Ihe equipment Never
allow adults to operale the equipment without proper
instruction.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particu-
larly small children, and pets
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment_is to
be used and remove all foreign objects.
Disengage all clutches and shill into neutral before
starting the engine (motor)
Do not operate the equipment without wearing ade-
quate outer garmenls. Wear footwear that will improve
footing on slippery s_daces.
• Handle fuel with:care; it is highly flammable
• Lisa an ap.prbved fue .con alner
Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care Never fill
fuel tank indoors
Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restading.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by the
manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors or
electric starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine
(motor) is running (except where specifically recom-
mended by manutacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect
the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before
restariing and operating the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or failing
• !l the unit should stad to vibrate abnomlally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause Vi-
bration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Slop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating
position, before unclogging the tines, and when making
any repair, adjuslments, and inspections
• "Fakeall possible precautions when leaving the machine
unattended Disengage Ihe power take-off, lower the
attachment, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and
remove the key
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off [he
engine and make certain all moving parts have stoppe&
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug lo prevent accidental starting. Disconnec!
the cord on electric molors.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are dan-
gerous.
• Never operate the tiller wilhout proper guards, plates, or
other safety protective devices in place
• Keep children and pets away
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till
too deep at too fast a rate
• Never allow bystanders near the unit
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer ofthetiller (such as wheelweighls, co_ "-
weights, cabs, and the like).
• Never operate the tiller without good visibilily or light
, Be careful when tilling in hard ground. Tile tines may
catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this
occurs, let go of the hand!ebars and do not restrain the
machine.
MAINTENANCE ANDSTORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe
working condition_
• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other
bolts at frequenl intervals lor proper tightness to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel lank inside
a building where ignition sources are present, such as hol
waler and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure
• Always refer to the operalor's guide instructions for
important details ifthe tiller is to be sto red for an extended
period
-IMPORTANT
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes are a means of attracting altention to important or critical information in this manual
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT
OUT IMPOR'rANT SAFETY PRE-
CAUTIONS. IT MEANS -- ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED.
CAUTION: USED TO ALERT' YOU THAT ]'HERE IS
A POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING ':
EQUIPMENT
NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to
better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular
set of instructions
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