Safe Operation; Safe Maintenance And Storage - Craftsman 917.294261 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.
• Never operate the machine at high
speeds on slippery surfaces. Look be-
hind and use care when backing.
• Never allow bystanders near the unit.
• Use only attachments and accessories
approved by the 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.
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.
_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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