Safety Instructions - Troy-Bilt TB144 Operator's Manual

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS °
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls
and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit,
except for teens guided by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check
for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all
debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a minimum,
keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50 feet (15 m)
radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from thrown
objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear eye
protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
• Use only 0.105 inches (2.67 mm) diameter original equipment
manufacturer replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced
line, wire, or rope. These can break off and become dangerous
projectiles.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns auto-
matically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs
before using unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
[,_ ARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable, and its
vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions:
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start
the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the
fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank, or add fuel,
when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit without the
fuel cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to
relieve any pressure in the tank.
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there
are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel cap only after
stopping engine. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel.
Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately. Always
wipe unit dw before using.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source
and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke or allow
sparks and open flames near the area while adding fuel or
operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building.
Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a
well ventilated outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1
standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection
when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty.
• Wear heaw, long pants, boots, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt.
Do not wear loose clothing, jewelw, short pants, sandals or go
barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary when the
engine is idling. If they do not, have the unit adjusted by an
authorized service technician.
• Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever
pulling the starter rope. The operator and unit must be in a stable
position while starting. See Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit
towards you.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
Take extra care when working on steep slopes or inclines.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep
a firm grip on the grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts.
Do not touch or try to stop the tines when they are rotating.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely
hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to
cultivate. Do not run the engine at high speed when you are
not cultivating.
• Always stop the engine when cultivating is delayed or when
walking from one cultivating location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop
the engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate
before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or
damaged parts.
• Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the
spark plug for maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts
and accessories for this unit. These are available from your
authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or
accessories could lead to serious injury to the user, or
damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may
become lodged between the tines and guard.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark
arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves,
excessive grease or carbon build up.
AFTER USE
• Clean tines with a household cleaner to remove any gum
buildup. Oil the tines with machine oil to prevent rust.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store a fueled unit inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be
sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to prevent
unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after
each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them
to instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also
loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS