Section 1: Safety
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, stop the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to prevent acci-
dental starting.
9. The flap on the fine hood must be
down when operating the tiller, unless
using the HillerlFurrower attachment.
10. Never use the tiller unless proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices are in place.
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaustcontains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operate the tiller under engine
power if the Wheel Speed Lever is in the
FREEWHEEL position. In FREEWHEEL,
the wheels will not hold the tiller back and
the revolving tines could propel the tiller
rapidly, possibly causing loss of control.
Always engage the Wheel Speed Lever in
either FASTor SLOWposition before
starting the engine or engaging the tines
with the Wheels/TineslPTO Drive Lever.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unex-
pectedly bounceupwardorjump
forward if the tines shouldstrike
extremely hard packedsoil, frozen
ground,or buriedobstacleslike large
stones,roots, or stumps. If in doubt
aboutthe tilling conditions,always use
the following operating precautionsto
assistyou in maintaining controlof the
tiller:
a. Walk behindand to one side of the
tiller, using one hand on the han-
dlebars. Relax yourarm, but usea
secure handgrip.
b. Use shallower depthregulator
settings, workinggradually deeper
with each pass.
c. Use slowerwheel, fine and engine
speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large
stones,rootsand otherdebris.
e. Avoid usingdownwardpressureon
handlebars. If need be, use slight
upwardpressureto keepthe tines
from diggingtoo deeply.
f_
Beforecontactinghardpacked soil
at the end of a row, reduceengine
speed and lift handlebarsto raise
tines out of the soil.
g. In an emergency, stop tines and
wheels byshifting the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
intoNEUTRAL.If you can not
reach the lever or have lost control
of the tiller, let go of the handle-
bars and all controls. Do not
attempt to restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the filler's capacity by
attempting to till too deeply at too fast a
rate.
16. Never operate the tiller at high
transport speeds on hard or slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when
backing up.
17. Do not operatethe tiller on a slope
that is too steep for safety. When on
slopes, slow down and make sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.
18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
19. Only use attachments and accessories
that are approved by the manufacturer of
the tiller.
20. Use tiller attachments and acces-
sories when recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or light.
22. Never operate the tiller if you are
tired, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
23. Operators shall not tamper with the
engine-governor settings on the machine;
the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed to protect the engine and
all moving parts from damage caused by
overspeed. Authorized service shall be
sought if a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may
be hot from operation. Let parts cool
down sufficiently.
25. POISON/DANGER--CAUSES
SEVEREBURNS.The battery on electric
start models contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Keep
out of reach of children.
Antidotes:
External- Flush immediately with lots of
water=
Internal- Drink large quantities of water
or milk= Follow with milk of magnesia,
beateneggs or vegetable oil. Call a
doctor immediately=
Eyes- Flush with water for 15 minutes=
Get prompt medical attention=
26. DANGER- BATTERIES PRODUCE
EXPLOSIVE GASES. Keepsparks, flame
or smoking materials away. Ventilate
when charging battery or using in an
enclosed space. AIways wear safety
goggles when workingnear battery.
27. Pleaseremember: You can always
stop the tines and wheels by releasing all
controls, or by moving the ignition switch
andlor throttle control lever on the engine
to OFFor STOP.
28. To load or unload the tiller, seethe
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
29. Use extreme caution when backing or
pulling the machine towards you.
30. Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from
the tines.
31. Never pick up or carry a machine
while the engine is running.
32. When loading or unloading the tiller,
always disengage tines and use slower
wheel and engine throttle speeds. Use
sturdy ramps wide and strong enough to
easily support the tiller (280-to-325 Ibs.,
depending on model) and operator.
Never go down ramps in FORWARD
drive--the tiller could tip forward,
exposing you to the tines (which should
be disengaged). AIways use REVERSE
drive and back down ramps. To go up
ramps, use FORWARDdrive and follow
the tiller.
33. The Forward Interlock Safety System
should be tested for correct functioning
every time the tiller or PTOpower unit is
used. See Section 4 in this Manual.
34. If using the optional Dozer Blade,
either remove the tine attachment, or
disengage the tines with the TineslPTO
Clutch Lever= Revolvingtines are
dangerous.