3
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
• Grounding Instructions—The cultivator should be grounded while in
use to reduce the risk of electric shock to the operator. The cultivator is
equipped with a three-conductor cord and a three-prong grounding
plug to fit the proper grounding receptacle. The green (or green and
yellow) wire conductor in the cord is the grounding wire. Never connect
the green (or green and yellow) wire to a live terminal. The greencolored rigid ear, lug, or the like, must be connected to a permanent
ground, such as a properly grounded outlet box.
• Use only three-wire outdoor extension cords that have threeprong grounding plugs and grounding receptacles that accept the
cultivator’s plug.
• Keep handle dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• Fuses—The cultivator should be operated on a 15 or 20 AMP
circuit. If difficulty in starting is experienced with a standard 15
AMP fuse or circuit breaker or the cultivator’s built-in overload
protection switch frequently trips, contact your nearest authorized
service location. Do not use a higher rated fuse without consulting
your power company.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be
provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the cultivator.
Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and
may be used for this measure of safety.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while motor is running.
OPERATION
• Avoid dangerous environment. Don’t use cultivator in damp or
wet locations.
• Don’t use the cultivator in the rain.
• Do not operate cultivator on excessively steep slopes.
• Avoid unintentional starting. Don’t carry plugged-in cultivator with
your hands/fingers on the motor starting controls.
• Do not abuse cord. Never pull or carry the cultivator by cord or
yank the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• If extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged in,
disconnect extension cord from house receptacle.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate fingers, hands, and feet.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
• Only operate cultivator in daylight or good artificial light. Don’t
overreach. Keep proper footing and balance and a firm hold on the
handle at all times.
• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not
operate cultivator when you are tired.
• Don’t force cultivator. It will do a better job and with less
likelihood of a risk of injury if operated at the rate for which it was
designed.
• Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 50 feet from
the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Be careful when cultivating in hard ground. The tines may catch in
the ground and propel the cultivator forward. If this occurs, let go
of the handle and do not restrain the machine.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or
slippery surfaces.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• Look down, behind, and use care when pulling machine towards
you.
• Start the motor according to the instructions found in this manual
and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the motor and disconnect the
power cord to prevent accidental starting. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating.
• Stop the motor, disconnect the power cord to prevent accidental
starting and wait until the tines come to a complete stop before
unclogging the tines, making any adjustments, or inspections.
• Use caution when cultivating near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage
or personal injury.
• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to cultivate soil
too deep or too fast of a rate.
• If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration,
stop the motor and disconnect the power cord to prevent accidental
starting. Inspect machine thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage
before starting motor and operating.
• Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and
operating properly.
• To avoid an electrical shock hazard, never push or pull the
cultivator over the electrical cord while operating.
• When picking up the cultivator, use the handle provided. Don’t
grasp the tines when picking up or holding the cultivator. Never
pick up or carry machine while the motor is running.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the cultivator
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury and/or
damage to your cultivator.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care
and good judgment.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
• Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals
to keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visually
inspect machine for any damage.
• Before leaving the equipment, changing tine width, cleaning,
repairing, making adjustments and the like, stop the motor,
disconnect the power cord to prevent accidental starting and
make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.
• Do not wash cultivator with a hose. Avoid getting water on motor
and electrical connections
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting, and
storage of this machine.
• Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions on
off-season storage. When not in use, cultivator should be stored
indoors in a dry, and high or locked-up place out of the reach of
children.
• Maintain cultivator with care. Follow instructions for lubrication
and cleaning.
• Check for damaged parts. Before further use, a guard or other part
that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will
operate properly and perform its intended function. Check alignment
of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Restrict the use of this power machine
to persons who read, understand and follow the
warnings and instructions in this manual and on the
machine.
Cover of Grounded Outlet Box
Grounding Pin
Adapter
Rigid Ear/
Metal Screw