Troy-Bilt 204 - Manual (Page 3)

3
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place
for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate this
machine. Children 16 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.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 75
feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
7. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the
feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with
the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and
feet.
8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
discharge opening, remove or empty vacuum bag, or
inspect and repair the machine while the engine is
running. Shut the engine off and wait until all moving
parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign
objects which could be picked up or thrown and cause
personal injury or damage to the machine.
2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to
protect eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause
serious injury to the eyes.
3. 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. Wear leather work gloves when
feeding material in the chipper chute.
4. Before starting, check all bolts and screws for proper
tightness to be sure the machine is in safe working
condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage
at frequent intervals.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
6. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin
and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add while the engine is
hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than
1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to provide
space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer, etc.)
j. To reduce a fire hazard, keep machine free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up
oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked
debris.
k. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
Operation
1. Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the
feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with
the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and
feet.
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual.
As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.