Troy-Bilt 12215 - Manual (Page 3)

TRAINING
• Read this Owner’s Manual and the sep-
arate Engine Owner’s Manual very care-
fully before operating this equipment. Be
completely familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly. A replacement Manual
is available by contacting your authorized
dealer or the Factory.
• Never allow children or untrained
adults to use this equipment. Let adults
operate the unit only if instructed
properly.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and
pets. Keep bystanders at least 25 feet
from the area of operation.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people, their property
and themselves.
• Familiarize yourself with all of the
safety and operating decals on this equip-
ment and on any of its attachments or
accessories.
• Do not run engine in an enclosed area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Do not
operate this equipment near buildings,
windows, or air conditioning equipment.
• Do not allow hands or any other part of
the body or clothing near the rotating
tines or near any other moving part. The
tines begin to rotate forward once the
engine is started and the Throttle/Tines
Lever is squeezed. The tines continue to
rotate until the operator releases the
Throttle/Tines Lever.
• Before inspecting or servicing any part
of the equipment, shut off engine, make
sure all moving parts have come to a
complete stop, then disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and move wire
away from the plug.
• Do not operate this equipment if you are
under the influence of alcohol, medication,
or when you are tired or ill.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all
foreign objects.
• Make sure that the Throttle/Tines Lever
is released and is in the neutral position
before you begin to start the engine.
• Do not operate the machine without
wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts of the machine or
its engine.
• Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or when wearing sandals,
sneakers, or similar lightweight footwear.
Wear protective footwear that will protect
your feet and improve footing on all
surfaces.
• Wear approved safety glasses when
operating this equipment. The operation
of any powered machine can result in for-
eign objects being thrown by high-speed
rotating parts.
• Do not till near underground electric
cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses.
If in doubt, contact your utility or tele-
phone company to locate underground
services.
• Handle fuel with care. It is highly
flammable and has explosive vapors.
Take these precautions:
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Add fuel before starting the engine.
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank
or add fuel while the engine is running
or when the engine is hot. Operators
shall not smoke.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, open flames, and sparks away
from the fuel tank and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors and with
extreme caution. Never fill fuel tank
when indoors. Use a funnel or spout
to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and fuel container
caps securely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start
the engine, but move the machine away
from the area of spillage and avoid cre-
ating any source of ignition until fuel
vapors have dissipated.
• Never make adjustments to your equip-
ment when the engine is running or spark
plug wire is connected (unless specifically
recommended in Owner’s Manual).
OPERATION
• The correct operator’s position is when
you are standing behind and gripping
handlebar, facing forward toward the
engine. Do not leave this position while
using the Throttle/Tines Lever.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine
using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest, brush, hay, grain, or grass covered land; or land covered by any flammable agricultural crop
without an engine spark arrester in continuous effective working order.
The engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equipped with a
spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in
such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the unit to
comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) and may also be a violation of other state
and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information
about which regulations apply in your area.
Safety
1
Section
3
Operator’s Position
LEFT and RIGHT sides of the tiller are
from the operator’s position behind the
handlebars (unless noted otherwise).
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE