MTD 21A-120R000 Cultivator User Manual


 
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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
This Symbol Points Out Important Safety Information Which, If Not Followed, Could Endanger The
Personal Safety And/or Property Of Yourself And Others. Read And Follow All Instructions In This
Manual Before Attempting To Operate Your Cultivator. Failure To Comply With These Instructions
May Result In Personal Injury. When You See This Symbol–Heed Its Warning.
DANGER: Your cultivator was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious personal injury. This cultivator is capable of amputating hands and feet. Failure to
observe the following instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
GENERAL OPERATION
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.
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 wear eye protection. If you are
approached, stop the unit immediately.
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it
returns automatically to the idle position. Make all
adjustments or repairs before using unit.
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 area
outdoors.
•Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and 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 long
sleeve shirt. Do not wear, short pants, sandals or
go barefoot.
•To reduce the risk of injury associated with objects
being drawn into rotating parts, do not wear loose
clothing, jewelry, scarves, etc. Secure hair above
shoulder level.
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
Keep outside surfaces free from oil and fuel.
•Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything
before starting the unit.
•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 Operating Your Cultivator.
Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the
purpose intended.
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
unit towards you.
Do not overreach, take extra care when working on
steep slopes or inclines. Always keep proper foot-
ing and balance.
Always hold the unit with both hands when
operating. Keep a firm grip on the handlebar grips.
Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the tines
when they are rotating. Do not operate without
guards in place.
Do not touch the engine, muffler or gearbox. These
parts get extremely hot from operation. When
turned off they remain hot for a short time.
Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to do the job. Do not run the engine at high
speed when not in use.
Always stop the engine when operation is delayed
or when walking from one location to another.
Do not force unit. It will do the job better and with
less likelihood of injury at a rate for which it was
designed.
CHILDREN
•Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of small children. Children are
often attracted to the tilling activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the work area and under the
watchful eye of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
Be alert and turn the unit off if a child enters the
area.
Never allow children under the age of 15 to
operate the cultivator.