2
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls
and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit,
except for teens guided by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check
for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure.
Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all
debris and hard or sharp objects such as glass, wire, etc.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a
minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets outside a 50
feet (15 m) radius; there still may be a risk to bystanders from
thrown objects. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the unit
immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns auto-
matically to the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs
before using unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start
the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the
fuel tank. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank, or add fuel,
when the engine is hot. Never operate the unit without the fuel
cap securely in place. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to
relieve any pressure in the tank.
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there
are no sparks or flames. Slowly remove the fuel cap only after
stopping engine. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel.
Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit immediately. Always
wipe unit dry before using.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source
and site before starting the engine. Do not smoke or allow
sparks and open flames near the area while adding fuel or
operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building.
Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate this unit only in a
well ventilated outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1–1989
standards and are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection
when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt.
Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go
barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary when the
engine is idling. If they do not, have the unit adjusted by an
authorized service technician.
• Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting.
Be in the starting position whenever
pulling the starter rope.
The operator and unit must be in a
stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping
Instructions
.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the
operator and/or bystanders.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-828-5500 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 in CANADA
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your
careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they
give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
NOTE:
Advises you of information or instructions vital to the
operation or maintenance of the equipment.
SAFETY ALERT:
Indicates danger, warning or
caution. Attention is required in order to avoid
serious personal injury. May be used in conjunction
with other symbols or pictographs.
DANGER:
Failure to obey a safety warning will
result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the
risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING:
Failure to obey a safety warning can
result in injury to yourself and others. Always follow
the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION:
Failure to obey a safety warning may
result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.
SYMBOL
MEANING
SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of
California, Maine, Oregon and Washington.
All U.S. Forest
Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442
and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by law that certain
internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or
grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor,
maintained in effective working order, or the engine be
constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire.
Check with your state or local authorities for regulations
pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these
requirements could subject you to liability or a fine.
This unit is
factory equipped with a spark arrestor.
If it requires
replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE DEALER to install the
Accessory Part #753-05297 Muffler Assembly
.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS
CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO
CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
WARNING:
When using the unit, you must follow
the safety rules. Please read these instructions
before operating the unit in order to ensure the
safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please
keep these instructions for later use.
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable, and its
vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions: