Operation; Maintenance - Craftsman 917.294271 Owner's Manual

• Use extensioncords and receptacles
as specifiedby the manufacturerfor all
units with electricdrive motors or elec-
tric starting motors.
• Neverattemptto make any adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running(ex-
cept where specificallyrecommended
by manufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotatingparts.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhen operat-
ing on or crossinggravel drives,walks,
or roads.Stay alert for hiddenhazards
or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object,stop the
engine (motor),removethe wire from
the spark plug, thoroughlyinspectthe
tiller for any damage, and repair the
damagebefore restartingand operating
the tiller.
• Exercisecautionto avoid slipping or fall-
ing.
• If the unit should start to vibrate ab-
normally,stop the engine (motor) and
check immediatelyfor the cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warning of trouble.
• Stop the engine(motor) when leaving
the operatingposition.
• Takeall possibleprecautionswhen leav-
ing the machineunattended. Disengage
the tines, shift into neutral,and stop the
engine.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,
shut off the engineand make certain all
moving parts havestopped.Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keepthe wire
awayfrom the plug to preventaccidental
starting. Disconnectthe cord on electric
motors.
• Do not run the engineindoors;exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Neveroperatethe tiller without proper
guards,plates,or other safety protective
devices in place.
• Keepchildrenand pets away.
• Do not overloadthe machinecapacity
by attemptingto till too deep at too fast
a rate.
• Neveroperate the machineat high
speeds on slippery surfaces.Lookbe-
hind and use care when backing.
• Neverallowbystandersnear the unit.
• Use only attachmentsand accessories
approvedby the manufacturerof the
tiller.
• Neveroperate the tiller withoutgood vis-
ibility or light.
• Be carefulwhen tilling in hardground.
The tines may catch in the ground and
propelthe tiller forward. If this occurs,
let go of the handlebarsand do not
restrainthe machine.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments, and ac-
cessories in safe working condition.
• Check shear pins, engine mounting
bolts, and other bolts at frequent inter-
vals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present, such as hot water
and space heaters, clothes dryers, and
the like. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
• Always refer to the operator's guide
instructions for important details if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs.
_I_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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