Craftsman C459-62206-1 Operator's Manual

4SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSSafe Handling of Gasoline:To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care inhandling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors areexplosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilledon yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin andchange clothes immediately.• Use only an approved gasoline container.• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bedwith a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground awayfrom your vehicle before filling.• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truckor trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, thenrefuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, ratherthan from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank orcontainer opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not usea nozzle lock-open device.• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources ofignition.• Never fuel machine indoors.• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or run-ning. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.• Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch belowbottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.• Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Moveunit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, orother debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove anyfuel soaked debris.• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is anopen flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.OPERATION• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with therotating parts can amputate hands and feet.• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol ordrugs.• Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Alwaysbe sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.• Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in operation.Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in theground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let go of thehandle bars and do not restrain the machine.• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravelsurfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carrypassengers.• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard orslippery surfaces.• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.• Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or pullingmachine towards you.• Start the engine according to the instructions found in this manualand keep feet well away from the tines at all times.• After striking a foreign object or if your machine should start mak-ing an unusual noise or vibration, immediately shut the engine off.Disconnect the spark plug wire, ground it against the engine andperform the following steps:a. Inspect for damage.b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continuedsafe operation.• Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine before youleave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait untilthe tines come to a complete stop before unclogging the tines,making any adjustments, or inspections.• Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engineexhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do nottouch.• Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and undergroundutilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage or personalinjury.• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil toodeep at too fast of a rate.• If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration,stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground itagainst the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair anydamage before starting and operating.• Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and operat-ing properly.• Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manu-facturer as listed in the Parts List pages of this operator’s manual.Failure to do so can result in personal injury.• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use careand good judgement. Contact Customer Support at 1-800-4MY-HOME for assistance and the name of the nearest service dealerMAINTENANCE & STORAGE• Keep the machine, attachments and accessories in safe workingorder.• Allow the machine to cool at least five minutes before storing.Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operationregularly.• Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervalsto keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visuallyinspect machine for any damage.• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine andmake certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine toprevent unintended starting.