EarthQuake VECTOR Operator's Manual - Important
Check for parts online at
www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
4
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact Tiller
ImPORTaNT
THE RIGHT aND lEFT SIDES OF YOUR RO-
TOTIllER aRE DETERmINED FROm THE
OPERaTING POSITION aS YOU FaCE THE
DIRECTION OF FORWaRD TRaVEl.
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROm FaCTORY WITH-
OUT OIl. YOU mUST aDD ENGINE OIl BE-
FORE STaRTING ENGINE.
GENERal SaFETY RUlES
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s). Be thoroughly familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the machine before starting.
•
Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
•
Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and operating
decals on this equipment and on any of its attachments or
accessories.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
•
Only allow responsible individuals who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Do not allow children
to operate this machine. Do not allow adults to operate the
machine without proper instruction.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be
used and remove all foreign objects. Your equipment can
propel small objects at high speed causing personal injury
or property damage. Stay away from breakable objects, such
as house windows, automobile, greenhouses, etc.
•
Never wear sandals, sneakers, or open shoes, and never
operate the machine with bare feet.
•
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in
moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine and machine.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
when operating the machine to protect your eyes from
foreign objects which can be thrown from the unit. Always
wear a protective hearing device.
•
Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
•
Do not operate the machine without proper guards, covers,
hoods or other safety protective devices in place.
•
See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved
by the manufacturer.
•
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
Do not operate product when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or other medication which
can cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate this
machine safely.
•
Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
•
Watch for traffic when operating near, or when
crossing roads.
•
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor), disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent
it from touching the spark plug. Check immediately for cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. If the noise or
vibrations of the machine increase, stop immediately and
perform an inspection.
•
Never leave the machine unattended when the engine is
running. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
•
Regularly inspect the machine. Make sure parts are not bent,
damaged or loose.
•
Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150°
F (65° C). Allow muffler and engine areas to cool before
touching. Never pick up or carry the machine while the
engine is running.
•
Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration from gasoline
engine-powered equipment should be avoided. Take
intermittent breaks and/or wear ear protection from engine
noise as well as heavy work gloves to reduce vibration in
the hands.
•
Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight.
•
Do not transport the machine from one place to another
with the engine running.
•
When moving the packaged machine, always do so with a
partner.
•
Check local regulations for age restrictions on use of this
machine.
PRODUCT-SPECIFIC SaFETY RUlES
•
Do not till above underground utilities, including water
lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not operate the
tiller in soil with large rocks and foreign objects which can
damage the equipment.
•
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove
the wire from the spark plug. Inspect the tiller for damage.
If damaged, repair before starting and operating the tiller.
•
The tines of the tiller should not rotate when the engine
is idling. If they do rotate when engine is idling, contact
Earthquake® customer service for instructions.
•
If an object becomes lodged in the tines, turn engine off,
remove the wire from the spark plug and secure, allow to
cool before attempting to remove the foreign object.
•
The tines can be very sharp. Use extreme caution when tilling
or replacing the tines.
•
Tines rotate when the tiller is engaged; tines rotate when the
drive safety control lever is pulled down. Releasing the drive