Troy-Bilt 15009 - Manual (Page 6)

Section 1 : Safety Instructions
Your TROY-BILT Model Tiller has been designed with many safety features. However, as with any
other piece of powered equipment, the operator must follow safe operating practices at ali times.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury or damage to the equipment or property.
Before assembling, operating or servicing the tiller or its engine, carefully read and follow all of
the safety instructions found in this Owner / Operator Manuai, in the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual, and in any other literature you may receive. If you ever have any questions, please call us at
one of the numbers listed on page 3 of this manual.
If you ever lend your tiller to someone, make sure that he or she reads, understands, and follows
the Safety Instructions. Always use your tiller carefully and keep safety in mind.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL. This symbol is used to alert you to
A important safety messages in this Manual and on decals which
are on your tiller regarding potential hazards. When you see this
symbol, carefully read and follow its safety message. Failure to
do so can result in personal injury or property damage.
TRAINING
1. Carefully read this Owner/Operator Manual, the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and any other
literature you may receive. Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the tiller and
its engine. Know how to stop the unit and disen­
gage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the tiller. Let
adults operate the tiller only if instructed properly.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons
(particularly children) and pets.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is respon­
sible for accidents or hazards occurring to other
people, their property, and themselves.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to
be used and remove all foreign objects.
2. Be sure all control levers are released and the
ECONO-HORSE or PONY Model Wheel Gear
Lever is in “ENGAGE” before starting the engine.
On the JUNIOR Model, which does not have a
Wheel Gear Lever, be sure the Wheel Drive Pins
engage the wheels.
3. Do not operate the tiller without wearing ade­
quate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or
jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of the
tiller or its engine.
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or wearing
sandals, sneakers, or light footwear. Wear protective
footwear which grips well on slippery surfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric cables, tele­
phone lines, pipes or hoses. If in doubt, contact your
telephone or utility company.
6. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable and its
vapors are explosive. Take the following precautions:
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. The gas cap shall never be removed or fuel
added while the engine is running. Allow the
engine to cool for several minutes
before adding fuel.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, open
flames, and sparks away from the fuel tank
and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and container caps se­
curely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the en­
gine, but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source
of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
7. Never make adjustments when engine is running
(unless recommended by manufacturer).
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when on or crossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine
(and remove the Ignition Switch Key on electric
start models), disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug, carefully in­
spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the dam­
age before restarting and operating the tiller.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (and remove the Ignition Switch Key
on electric start models). Disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug, and
check immediately for the cause. Vibration is gener­
ally a warning of trouble.