Troy-Bilt 12001 - Manual (Page 6)

Section 1
: Safety Instructions
Your Tiller has been carefully designed and assembled. However, as with any other piece of
powered equipment, the operator must follow safe operating practices at all 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 Manual, in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual, and in any other literature you may receive. If you ever have any questions,
please contact your local Authorized Dealer, or contact us at the Factory.
If you ever lend your machine to someone, make sure that he or she reads, understands, and
follows the Safety instructions. Always use this equipment carefully and keep safety in mind.
A
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL. This symbol is used to alert you to
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/cultivator and its engine. Know how to
stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never let children operate this equipment. Let
adults operate the tiller only if instructed properly.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons
(particularly children) and pets.
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 before
starting the engine.
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/cultivator or its engine.
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or wear­
ing sandals, sneakers, or light footwear. Wear
footwear which grips well on slippery surfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric cables,
telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If in doubt, con­
tact your telephone or utility company.
6. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable and
its vapors are explosive.
a.
Use an approved fuel container.
b.
Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.
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 the fuel tank cap securely and
clean up any fuel before starting engine.
7. Never make adjustments when engine is run­
ning (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.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it
from touching the spark plug, then carefully in­
spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating the tiller.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5. If the machine should start to vibrate abnor­
mally, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug,
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
6. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug
whenever you leave the equipment, before un­
clogging the tines, or when making any repairs,
adjustments or inspections.
7. Before leaving the tiller unattended, always
stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and prevent it from touching the spark plug.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop
the engine and make certain all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire