Bolens 12226 Tiller User Manual


 
4 Section 1: Safety
7. Take all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended. Stop the
engine. Disconnect spark plug wire and
move it away from the spark plug. Move
Wheel Gear Lever to ENGAGE.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, stop the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to prevent acci-
dental starting.
9. Always keep the tiller tine hood flap
down, unless using the hiller/furrower
attachment.
10. Never use the tiller unless proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices are in place.
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, col-
orless, and tasteless.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operate the tiller under engine
power if the Wheel Gear Lever is in DIS-
ENGAGE (FREEWHEEL). In this position,
the wheels will not hold the tiller back
and the revolving tines could propel the
tiller rapidly, possibly causing loss of
control. Always move the Wheel Gear
Lever to ENGAGE before starting the
engine or engaging the tines/wheels with
the Forward Clutch Control.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unexpect-
edly bounce upward or jump forward if the
tines should strike extremely hard packed
soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles
like large stones, roots, or stumps. If in
doubt about the tilling conditions, always
use the following operating precautions to
assist you in maintaining control of the
tiller:
a. Walk behind and to one side of the
tiller, using one hand on the han-
dlebars. Relax your arm, but use a
secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator set-
tings, working gradually deeper
with each pass.
c. Use slower engine speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large
stones, roots and other debris.
e. Avoid using downward pressure on
handlebars. If need be, use slight
upward pressure to keep the tines
from digging too deeply.
f. Before contacting hard packed soil
at the end of a row, reduce engine
speed and lift handlebars to raise
tines out of the soil.
g. In an emergency, stop tines and
wheels by releasing the Forward
Clutch Control Lever. Do not
attempt to restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the tillers capacity by
attempting to till too deeply at too fast a
rate.
16. Never operate tiller at high transport
speeds on hard or slippery surfaces. Look
behind and use care when backing up.
17. Do not operate the tiller on a slope
that is too steep for safety. When on
slopes, slow down and make sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.
18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
19. Only use attachments and accessories
that are approved by the tiller
manufacturer.
20. Use tiller attachments and accessories
when recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or light.
22. Never operate the tiller if you are tired, or
under the influence of alcohol, drugs or
medication.
23. Operators shall not tamper with the
engine-governor settings on the machine;
the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed to protect the engine and all
moving parts from damage caused by over-
speed. Authorized service shall be sought if
a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may be
hot from operation. Let parts cool down suf-
ficiently.
25. The battery on electric start model tillers
(if so equipped) contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Keep out
of the reach of children.
AntidoteExternal Contact: Flush imme-
diately with lots of water.
AntidoteInternal: Drink large quantities
of water or milk. Follow with milk of mag-
nesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil. Call
a doctor immediately.
AntidoteEye Contact: Flush with water
for 15 minutes. Get prompt medical
attention.
26. Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, and smoking materials away.
Ventilate when charging batteries or when
using a battery in an enclosed space.
ALWAYS wear safety goggles when working
near batteries.
27. Please remember: You can always stop
the tines and wheels by releasing the
Forward Clutch Control Lever, or by moving
the engine switch (located on engine) to the
OFF position.
28. To load or unload the tiller, see the
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
29. Use extreme caution when reversing or
pulling the machine towards you.
30. Start engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet away from tines.
31. Never pick up or carry a machine while
the engine is running.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep the tiller, attachments and acces-
sories in safe working condition.
2. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at fre-
quent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel
tank inside a building where ignition sources
are present such as hot water and space
heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves,
electric motors, etc. Allow engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
4. To reduce the chances of a fire hazard,
keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or
excessive grease.
5. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated
area, safely away from any spark- or flame-
producing equipment. Store gasoline in an
approved container, safely away from the
reach of children.
6. Refer to the storage instructions in the
Maintenance section of this Manual and in
the separate Engine Owners Manual for
instructions if the tiller is to be stored for
an extended period.
7. Never perform maintenance while the
engine is running or the spark plug wire is
connected, except when specifically
instructed to do so.
8. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this
outdoors.