Troy-Bilt 12159 - Manual (Page 2)

SAFETY RULES
A CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT A
CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN AK
SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS. **
TRAINING
• Read this Owner/Operator Manual and the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual very carefully 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 replace­
ment Manual is available by contacting 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, partic­
ularly 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 equipment and on any of its attachments
or accessories.
• Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Engine ex­
haust contains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison
that is odoriess, 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 control lever is squeezed. The
tines continue to rotate until the operator releases the
throttle control lever.
• Before inspecting or servicing any part of the equip­
ment, 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 in­
fluence of alcohol, medication, or when you are tired or
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all foreign objects.
• Make sure that the throttle control lever is disengaged
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 foreign objects being thrown by high-speed ro­
tating parts.
• Do not till near underground electric cables, telephone
lines, pipes, or hoses. If in doubt, contact your utility or
telephone 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 con­
tainer.
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 creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
• Never make adjustments to your equipment when the
engine is running or spark plug wire is connected (unless
specifically recommended in Owner/Operator Manual).
OPERATION
• The correct operator’s position is when you are stand­
ing behind the handlebars, hands on handlebar grips,
facing forward toward the engine. Do not leave this po­
sition while using the engine throttle lever.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when on or crossing gravel
drives, walks or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, let ail
moving parts come to a complete stop, disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark
plug, then carefully inspect the machine for damage.
A
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
IT MEANS-ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.