WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS cont’d...
• Always wear the proper clothing and protective gear for
the job. Eye and ear protection, hard hat, boots gloves and
dust masks are some of the items that may be required.
• Keep hair, fingers and all other body parts away from
openings and moving parts. Always wear long pants,
boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry,
short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is
above shoulder length.
• Do not operate this earth drill indoors. For outdoor use
only.
• Do not operate this tool when you are tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Always assume the digging location contains underground
utilities or obstructions. Contact appropriate utility
company to determine if/where electrical cables, gas lines,
water lines, etc. are buried BEFORE operation.
• Be sure of your footing and physical capabilities and
always use extreme caution while operating this tool.
• Inspect the entire earth drill before each use. Replace
damaged or worn parts.
• Check for fuel leaks and make sure all fasteners are in
place and securely fastened. Repair or replace as needed.
• Replace auger blades that are severely worn, missing or
damaged in any way before using this tool.
• Use only the supplied auger attachment pin and make
sure that it is properly attached.
• Be sure the auger bit stops turning when you release the
throttle.
• Use only accessories or parts as recommended by Ground
Hog, Inc.
• Refuel outdoors only and where there are no sparks and
flames.
• Store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.
• Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel, or the earth drill,
or while using the earth drill.
• Clean up all fuel spills before starting engine.
• Move at least 10 feet away from fueling site before starting
engine.
• Stop engine before removing fuel cap.
• Store the earth drill and fuel in an area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sources of combustion like water heaters,
electric motors, switches, furnaces, etc.
• Always assume the digging location contains buried
underground utilities or obstructions. Call 811 to determine if/
where electrical cables, gas lines, water lines, etc. are
buried BEFORE operation.
• Always be sure that the area you are going to drill in is clear
of potential hazards such as pipes, rocks, wire, boards, or
any other materials that could possibly entangle itself around
the auger bit, or cause unstable footing before using the
earth drill.
• Keep others including children, animals, bystanders and
helpers outside a 15 foot hazard zone from the earth drill.
• Hold the earth drill handle bars firmly with both hands.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-reach.
• Keep all parts of your body and clothing away from the
auger bit and other moving parts.
• Inspect the digging site. Soil conditions, job specifications
and operator experience may dictate that a different earth
drill or method be used to do the job.
• Do not leave holes open or unmarked.
• Maintain this earth drill according to recommended
procedures included in this manual.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before performing
maintenance. See engine manual.
• Stop engine before removing fuel cap.
• Use only genuine replacement parts as recommended by
Ground Hog or the engine manufacturer.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORING SAFETY
• Always shut off the fuel valve and engine before transporting
or storing.
• Always allow the engine to cool before transporting or
storing.
• Store earth drill and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot
reach sources of combustion like water heaters, electric
motors, switches, furnaces, etc.
• Always secure this earth drill with tie downs or similar
restraints when transporting.
• The earth drill shall be stored in a manner that prevents it
from falling, rolling, or tipping over.
