Troy-Bilt TB154 - Manual (Page 2)

2
TRAINING
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the cultivator. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know
how to stop the machine and disengage tines quickly.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this
manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
• Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
• Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 50 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign objects
which could be tripped over and cause personal injury.
• Extension Cord—Make sure your extension cord set is in
good condition, is heavy enough to carry the current your
cultivator will draw.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gage cord. The smaller the
gage number, the heavier the cord. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. To reduce the likelihood of disconnection of the
extension cord set from the cultivator, be sure to use the
cord restraint provided.
• If extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged
in, disconnect extension cord from house receptacle.
• Inspect cultivator cord periodically, and if damaged, have it
repaired by an authorized service facility. Inspect extension
cord periodically and replace if damaged.
• Dress properly. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry
can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine
in bare feet or sandals. Use of rubber gloves is
recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles when operating this unit. Wear a
face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Such protective equip-
ment is available from your authorized service dealer or retailer.
• Use the right tool. Do not use cultivator for any job except
that for which it is intended.
• Grounding Instructions—The cultivator should be grounded while
in use to reduce the risk of electric shock to the operator. The
cultivator is equipped with a three-conductor cord and a three-
prong grounding plug to fit the proper grounding receptacle. The
green (or green and yellow) wire conductor in the cord is the
grounding wire. Never connect the green (or green and yellow)
wire to a live terminal. Your cultivator has a plug as illustrated in
Fig. A. An adapter, illustrated in Fig. C, is available for connecting
plugs as illustrated in Fig. B to two-prong receptacles. The green-
colored rigid ear, lug, or the like, must be connected to a
permanent ground, such as a properly grounded outlet box.
• Use only three-wire outdoor extension cords that have three-
prong grounding plugs and grounding receptacles that
accept the cultivator’s plug.
• Keep handle dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• Fuses—The cultivator should be operated on a 15 or 20
AMP circuit. If difficulty in starting is experienced with a
standard 15 AMP fuse or circuit breaker or the cultivator’s
built-in overload protection switch frequently trips, contact
your nearest authorized service location. Do not use a higher
rated fuse without consulting your power company.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be
provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the
cultivator. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI
protection and may be used for this measure of safety.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while motor is running.
OPERATION
• Avoid dangerous environment. Don’t use cultivator in damp
or wet locations.
• Don’t use the cultivator in the rain.
• Do not operate cultivator on excessively steep slopes.
• Avoid unintentional starting. Don’t carry plugged-in cultivator
with your hands/fingers on the motor starting controls.
• Do not abuse cord. Never pull or carry the cultivator by cord
or yank the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• If extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged
in, disconnect extension cord from house receptacle.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate fingers, hands, and feet.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
• Only operate cultivator in daylight or good artificial light. Don’t
overreach. Keep proper footing and balance and a firm hold
on the handle at all times.
• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.
Do not operate cultivator when you are tired.
• Don’t force cultivator. It will do a better job and with less
likelihood of a risk of injury if operated at the rate for which it
was designed.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
WARNING: When using the unit, you must follow
the safety rules. Please read these instructions before
operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of the
operator and any bystanders. Please keep these
instructions for later use.
WARNING: When using electric gardening
appliances, basic safety precautions should always
be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock,
and personal injury, including the following:
WARNING: To reduce risk of electric shock use
only UL Listed extension cord suitable for outdoor
use, such as Type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-
A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.
WARNING: Do not change the plug on the
cultivator in any way.
MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 6-10 AMPS
Cord Length (ft.) 25 50 100 150
Wire Size (AWG) 18 16 14 12
Cover of Grounded Outlet Box
Grounding Pin
Adapter
Rigid Ear/
Metal Screw