Troy-Bilt 15009 - Manual (Page 7)

6. 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 whenever you leave the operating position,
before unclogging the tines, or when making any
repairs, adjustments or inspections.
7. Take all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended. Stop the engine. Remove
Ignition Key on electric start models. Disconnect
spark plug wire and move it away from the spark
plug. Move Wheel Gear Lever to “ENGAGE” on
Econo-Horse and Pony models. On Junior models,
the Wheel Drive Pins must engage the wheels.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop
the engine, remove the Ignition Switch Key on elec­
tric start models, and make certain all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting. On electric start models, always
remove the cable from the negative side (-) of the
battery.
9. Always keep the tiller tine hood flap down, un­
less using the hiller/furrower 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
exhaust contains 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 Econo-Horse or Pony Wheel Gear Lever is in
“DISENGAGE” (FREEWHEEL), or if the Junior
Wheel Drive Pins do not engage the wheels. In this
position, the wheels will not hold the tiller back and
the revolving tines could propel the tiller rapidly,
possibly causing loss of control. Always move the
Wheel Gear Lever to “ENGAGE” (or, on the Junior,
ENGAGE the wheels with the Wheel Drive Pins)
before starting the engine or engaging the tines /
wheels
with the Forward Clutch or the
Maneuvering Clutch.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unexpectedly
bounce upward or jump forward if the tines should
strike extremely hardpacked soil, frozen ground, or
buried obstacles like large stones, roots, or
stumps. If in doubt about the tilling conditions, al­
ways use the following operating precautions to as­
sist you in maintaining control of the tiller:
a. Walk behind and to one side of the tiller, using
one hand on the handlebars. Relax your arm,
but use a secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator settings, work­
ing gradually deeper with each pass.
c. Place the forward drive belt in its LOW Range
position (Econo-Horse only). Use slower en­
gine speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large stones, roots
and other debris.
e. Avoid using downward pressure on handle­
bars. If need be, use slight upward pressure
to keep the tines from digging too deeply.
f. Before contacting hardpacked soil at the end
of a row, reduce engine speed and lift handle­
bars to raise tines out of the soil.
g. !n an emergency, stop tines and wheels by
releasing whichever Clutch Lever is en­
gaged. Do not attempt to restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the tiller’s capacity by attempt­
ing 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 operate the 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 Garden Way Inc.
20. Use tiller attachments and accessories when
recommended.
21. Don’t use the tiller in bad visibility or poor 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-gover­
nor settings on the machine; the governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed to protect the engine
and all moving parts from damage caused by over­
speed. Authorized service shall be sought if a prob­
lem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may be hot from
operation. Let parts cool down sufficiently.
25. The battery on electric start model tillers contains
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or cloth­
ing. Keep out of the reach of children.
Antidote-External Contact; Flush immediately
with lots of water.
Antidote-Internal: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs
or vegetable oil. Call a doctor
immediately.
Antidote-Eye Contact: Flush with water for 15
minutes. Get prompt medical attention.
26. Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks,
flame, and smoking materials away. Ventilate when
charging batteries or when using a battery in an en­
closed space. ALWAYS wear safety goggles when
working near batteries.
27. Please remember; You can always stop the tines
and wheels by releasing the Forward Clutch Lever or
the Maneuvering Clutch Lever (whichever lever you
have engaged) or by moving the Throttle Control
Lever to STOP.
28. To load or unload the tiller, see the instructions in
Section 4 of this Manual.
29. Use extreme caution when reversing 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 en­
gine is running.