
Operator’s Manual
MC43 2-Cycle Tiller Cultivator
4THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. PLEASE READ AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
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.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt
or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do not
wear shorts. 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.
Leather work shoes or short boots work well for most
people. These will protect the operator’s ankles and
shins from small sticks, splinters, and other debris.
• It is advisable to wear protective headgear to prevent
the possibility of being struck by small ying particles,
or being struck by low hanging branches, twigs, or
other objects which may be unnoticed by the operator.
• Do not operate the machine without proper guards 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 articial light.
• Do not operate product when fatigued or under the
inuence of alcohol, drugs or other medication which
can cause drowsiness or aect your ability to operate
this machine safely.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing; keep a rm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.
• Never operate machine at high transport speeds on hard
or slippery surfaces.
• Watch for trac 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 muer and nearby areas may exceed
150° F (65° C). Allow muer 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-Specic Safety Rules
• Do not till above underground utilities, including water
lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not operate
the machine on terrain/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 machine
for damage. If damaged, repair before starting and
operating the machine.
• The tines of the tiller cultivator should not rotate when
the engine is idling. If it does rotate when engine is
idling, contact Earthquake for instructions.
• If an object becomes lodged in the tines, turn engine
o, remove the wire from the spark plug and secure,
allow to cool before attempting to remove the foreign
object.
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CON-
TAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH
DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.