MTD 217-100A - Manual (Page 2)

IMPORTANT
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual
for proper fuel and amount.
Your tiller is a precision piece of power equipment, not a play thing. Therefore exercise extreme caution at
all times.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR TILLERS
1. Read the Operating and Service Owner’s
Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equip­
ment.
2. Never allow children to operate a power tiller.
Only persons well acquainted with these rules
of safe operation should be allowed to use
your tiller.
11. Do not fill gasoline tank while engine is
running. Spilling gasoline on hot engine may
cause a fire or explosion.
12. Do not run the engine while indoors. Exhaust
gases are deadly poisonous.
13. Be careful not to touch the muffler after the
engine has been running, it is hot.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and pets.
4. Do not operate equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substan­
tial footwear.
5. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could
get caught on the tiller.
6. Do not start the engine unless the shift lever
is in the neutral (N) position.
14. Before any maintenance work is performed or
adjustments are made, remove the spark plug
wire and ground it on the engine block for
added safety.
15. Use caution when tilling near buildings and
fences, rotating tines can cause damage or
injury.
16. Before attempting to remove rocks, bricks
and other objects from tines, stop the engine
and
be sure the tines have stopped
completely. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground to prevent accidental starting.
7. Do not stand in front of the tiller while
starting the engine.
8. Do not place feet and hands on or near the
tines when starting the engine or while the
engine is running.
17. Check the tine and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness.
18. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
9. Do not leave the tiller unattended with the
engine running.
10. Do not walk in front of the tiller while the
engine is running.
19. Never store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside of a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.