Operation - Craftsman 917.986940 Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw-
ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
TRAiNiNG
• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly.
• Never allow children to operate the
equipment. Never allow adults to op-
erate the equipment without proper
instruction.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly 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 shift into neu-
tral before starting the engine (motor).
• Do not operate the equipment without
wearing adequate outer garments. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slip-
pery surfaces.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flam-
mable.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel toa 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 fue! before restarting.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as
specified by the manufacturer for all units
with electric drive motors or electric start-
ing motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running (ex-
cept where specifically recommended by
manufacturer).
3
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 restarting and operating the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or fall-
ing.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop the engine (motor) and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
• Stopthe engine (motor) when leaving the
operating position.
• Take all possible precautions when leav-
ing the machine unattended. Disengage
the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the
engine.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
shut off the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting. Disconnect the cord on electric
motors.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Never operate the tiller without 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 operate the machine at high speeds
on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use
care when backing.
• Never allow bystanders near the unit.
• Use only attachments and accessories
approved bythe manufacturer of the tiller.
• Never operate the tiller without good vis-
ibility or light.
• 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 handlebars and do not restrain the
machine.