Ansi b71 8

ANSI/OPEI B71.
8-1996
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for Outdoor Power Equipment –

Walk-Behind Powered Rotary
Tillers and Hand Supported
Cultivators –
Safety Specifications
ANSI/OPEI B71.8-1996
American National Standards Institute

11 West 42nd Street
New York, New York
Copyright American National Standards Institute
Provided by IHS under license with ANSI 10036
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
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Provided by IHS under license with ANSI
Revision of
American National Standard

Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

and Hand Supported Cultivators –
Sponsor
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.
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Approved March 22, 1996

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

American Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI
that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for
National approval have been met by the standards developer.
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and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires
that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be
made toward their resolution.
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existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved
the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using
products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an
interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American
National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should be ad-
dressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title page
of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
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withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards

Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or
withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may
receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the American
National Standards Institute.
Published by
American National Standards Institute

11 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036
Copyright © 1996 by American National Standards Institute

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

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without prior written permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
ANSI2C896/32

Contents
Page
Foreword..................................................................................................ii
1 Scope ..............................................................................................1
2 Normative references .......................................................................1
3 Definitions ........................................................................................2
4 Controls ...........................................................................................3
5 General requirements .......................................................................4
6 Shields or guards .............................................................................5
7 Servicing requirements .....................................................................7
8 Electrical requirements .....................................................................7
9 Label durability requirements ............................................................8
10 Tests for fuel lines and fuel tanks .....................................................8
11 Safety instructions for tillers and hand supported cultivators..............9
Figures
1 Operator position and operator control position ...............................10
2 Tine shielding for rear tine tillers .....................................................12
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3 Finger probe...................................................................................12
4 Safety message for walk-behind powered rotary tillers
and hand supported cultivators .......................................................13
5 Safety sign .....................................................................................13
6 Safety instructions for walk-behind powered rotary tillers
and hand supported cultivators .......................................................14
7 Guarding of tilling means – Hand supported cultivators ...................16
Annex
A Rationale........................................................................................17

Foreword (This foreword is not part of American National Standard
ANSI/OPEI B71.8-1996.)
This edition of American National Standard for Outdoor Power Equipment –

Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers and Hand Supported Cultivators –
Safety Specifications , ANSI/OPEI B71.8-1996, was prepared by the
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) Subcommittee for Tillers as
part of OPEI’s continuing work on standards and was approved on March
22, 1996 by the American National Standards Institute, Inc.
The safety specifications given in this standard are for (a) walk-behind
powered rotary tillers, and (b) hand supported cultivators. They are intend-
ed to provide safety requirements and to help ensure uniform operator
environments. These specifications are intended to apply to products
specifically intended as consumer products for personal use. These speci-
fications are not intended to apply to commercial products customarily
used by hired operators or to products designed primarily for agricultural
purposes such as defined in ANSI/SAE J1116 or SAE J1150. They are not
intended to cover tractor mounted or drawn tillers, electrically operated
hand supported cultivators, and are not intended to completely cover elec-
trical requirements.
Consensus for this standard was achieved by the use of the Canvass
Method.
Suggestions for improvement of the standard will be welcomed. They
should be sent to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, 341 S. Patrick
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
The following organizations recognized as having an interest in the stan-
dardization of safety requirements for walk-behind powered rotary tillers
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and hand supported cultivators were contacted prior to the approval of this
revision of the standard. Inclusion in the list does not necessarily imply
that the organization concurred with the submittal of the proposal to ANSI.
Acoustical Society of America

American Insurance Services Group, Inc.
American Society of Agricultural Engineers
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Consumers Union
Engine Manufacturers Association
Equipment Manufacturers Institute
McCanse Engineering Services
National Safety Council
Sears Roebuck and Company
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
ii

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI/OPEI B71.8-1996
American National Standard

Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

and Hand Supported Cultivators –
1 Scope
The safety specifications given in this standard are for (a) walk-behind powered rotary tillers, and (b)
hand supported cultivators. They are intended to provide safety requirements and to help ensure
uniform operator environments. These specifications are intended to apply to products specifically
intended as consumer products for personal use. These specifications are not intended to apply to
commercial products customarily used by hired operators or to products designed primarily for
agricultural purposes such as defined in ANSI/SAE J1116 or SAE J1150. They are not intended to
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cover tractor mounted or drawn tillers, electrically operated hand supported cultivators, and are not
intended to completely cover electrical requirements.
2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions
of this American National Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All
standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this American National
Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the
standards indicated below.
ANSI Z535.4-1991, Product safety signs and labels
ANSI/ASAE S304.5 (R1993), Symbols for operator controls on agricultural equipment
ANSI/ASAE S350 (R1992), Safety-alert symbol for agricultural equipment
ANSI/SAE J156-APR86, Fusible links
ANSI/SAE J553-JUN92, Circuit breakers
ANSI/SAE J554-AUG87, Electric fuses (cartridge type)
ANSI/SAE J833-MAY89, USA human physical dimensions
ANSI/SAE J1128-JUN88, Low tension primary cable
ANSI/SAE J1362-FEB94, Graphical symbols for operator controls and displays on off-road self-
propelled work machines
ANSI/SAE J1500-JUN80, Universal symbols for operator controls
ANSI/SAE J2031-JAN90, High tension ignition cable

ANSI/UL 82-1995, Standard for safety for electrical gardening appliances
ISO 3767-1:1991, Tractors, machinery for agriculture and forestry, powered lawn and garden
equipment – Symbols for operator controls and other displays – Part 1: Common Symbols 1)
ISO 3767-3:1988, Tractors, machinery for agriculture and forestry, powered lawn and garden
equipment – Symbols for operator controls and other displays – Part 3: Symbols for powered lawn
and garden equipment1)
3 Definitions
3.1 clutch: A device used for engaging or disengaging the load from the power source.
3.2 durable label: A label that shall meet the requirements of clause 9.
3.3 engine (motor) start: The change of engine state from not producing power to producing power.
3.4 guard or shield: A barrier that minimizes inadvertent personal contact with hazards created by
moving machinery parts or hot surfaces.
3.5 hand supported cultivator: An operator-controlled (walk-behind) powered rotary cultivator

(generally less than 2 HP), comprised of two handles intended to be easily hand supported by the
operator. The rotating tines/tool(s) ensure propulsion away from the operator.
3.6 manual start: Utilization of operator force to cycle the engine for starting purposes.
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3.7 operator hand control position: The area within which all hand controls requiring operation from
the operator position shall be located.
3.8 operator position: The area occupied by the operator during normal operation of the machine
as illustrated in figure 1.
3.9 operator presence control (normally off control): A control requiring continuous operation by
the operator and designed so that it will automatically stop power to a drive when the operator's
actuating force is removed.
3.10 right, left:* The designation that refers to the orientation of the machine or tiller when the
operator is at the operator's position, facing in the forward direction of machine travel.
3.11 shall: The word "shall" is to be understood as a requirement.
3.12 should: The word "should" is to be understood as a recommendation.
3.13 starting device: A handle, lever, switch, or similar control required to actuate a starting
mechanism.
3.14 tine barrier: Structural members, such as transport wheels, portions of the tiller frame, ground
stake, or any combination of these members, that restrict entry of the operator into the rotating tines.
3.15 tines: That portion of the rotating member that engages and penetrates the soil.
3.15.1 counter rotating tines (CRT): Tine rotation in a direction toward normal operator position.
________
* The asterisk denotes general definitions that are also applicable to other American National Standards in the B71
series.
1)
Available from the American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

3.15.2 standard rotating tines (SRT): The rotation in a direction away from the normal operator
position.
3.16 walk-behind powered rotary tiller: A tilling machine with a powered rotary member, with or
without traction drive, that is intended to break up soil and is normally controlled by the operator
walking behind or alongside the unit.
3.16.1 front tine: A walk-behind powered rotary tiller designed to be operator controlled, with support
wheels whose ground traction is provided by its rotating tines.
3.16.2 rear tine: A walk-behind powered rotary tiller whose ground traction is provided by the drive
wheels and whose rotating member is substantially behind the drive wheels.
4 Controls
4.1 Control identification
4.1.1 The following controls, if provided, for tine speed, tine direction, engine (motor) speed, engine
(motor) shutoff, traction speed, tine engagement, and traction engagement shall be identified by a
durable label as to direction of operation and function. Universal symbols, as illustrated in ANSI/SAE
J1362, ANSI/ASAE S304.5, ISO 3767-1, and ISO 3767-3, may be used.
4.1.2 Labels shall be located near the control positions and be legible to the operator when the
operator is in the normal position to use the controls.
4.1.3 Identification in accordance with 4.1.1 shall use legible lettering. Minimum letter height should
not be less than 3 mm (0.115 inch).
4.2 Shutoff control device
A shutoff control device shall be provided to stop operation of the engine (motor). This device shall
require manual and intentional activation in order to start the engine (motor). A key switch, or similar
device, shall be provided to prevent unauthorized starting of the engine (motor), unless manual start
is the only means of starting the engine. The shutoff control device and the key switch, or similar
device, may be combined in one control.
4.3 Engine speed control
4.3.1 An engine speed control lever, if in the operator hand control position, shall move generally
forward or upward, or both, to increase speed and generally rearward or downward, or both, to
decrease speed.
4.3.2 An engine speed push/pull control, if in the operator hand control position, shall be pulled to
increase speed and pushed to decrease speed.
4.3.3 An operator presence type speed control shall increase speed when activated and
automatically decrease speed when released.
4.4 Tine/traction control
4.4.1 Operation of the tiller in any direction of travel shall require an operator presence (normally off)
control(s) for traction and tines engagement located in the operator hand control position (see figure
1). In a reverse direction of travel the maximum speed shall not exceed 1 meter per second (2.2
mph).
4.4.2 A means shall be provided to disengage the tines from the power supply. It shall require
intentional activation in order to start operation.
3
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4.5 Controls
4.5.1 Control location
Controls and starting devices should be so designed and located as to prevent hazardous
conditions, such as pinching or cutting the operator during their normal operation.
4.5.2 Resistance to movement
During the normal operation of the machine, all controls specified in 4.1.1, except the operator
presence (normally off) control, should remain in the position set by the operator. The motion or
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vibration of the tiller should not cause these controls to move from their selected position.
5 General requirements
5.1 Starting stabilization
5.1.1 Tillers
A tiller with a rope or recoil starter shall have a labeled designated area to indicate where the
operator's foot or free hand shall be placed when manually starting the engine.
5.1.2 Hand supported cultivators
If equipped with a centrifugal clutch, a means shall be provided to start and operate the engine from
the normal operating position.
5.2 Handle structure (fastening)
The handle shall be fastened to the walk-behind powered rotary tiller to prevent unintentional
uncoupling while in operation.
5.3 Power disengagement (clutch action)
5.3.1 Tine drive
5.3.1.1 Test procedure
5.3.1.1.1 General
Except for walk-behind powered rotary tillers and hand supported cultivators with centrifugal clutches
and electrically driven tillers, the walk-behind powered rotary tillers shall be tested twice; first with the
engine running at the idle speed recommended by the tiller manufacturer and then with the engine
running at the maximum governed speed recommended by the tiller manufacturer. The tines shall
be engaged while raised off the ground. The tines shall cease to rotate when disengaged and
lowered to a hard, flat, level surface.
5.3.1.1.2 Walk-behind powered rotary tillers and hand supported cultivators with centrifugal
clutches
If the means to disengage the tines from the power supply, as required in 4.4.2, is a combination
throttle/disengagement control (i.e., centrifugal clutch), the tines shall be raised from the ground and
the control actuated to engage the tines. Upon release of the control, the tines shall cease to rotate
when lowered to a hard, flat, level surface.

5.3.1.1.3 Electrically driven tillers
These tillers shall be tested only once; with the motor running at the idle speed recommended by the
tiller manufacturer. The tines shall be engaged while raised off the ground. The tines shall cease to
rotate when disengaged and lowered to a hard, flat, level surface.
5.3.1.2 Test acceptance
The tines shall not rotate when disengaged.
5.3.2 Traction drive
5.3.2.1 Test procedure
With the tines and wheels disengaged, all wheels of the tillers shall be placed before a 25.4-mm
(1-inch) vertical step. These tillers shall be tested twice; first with the engine running at the idle speed
recommended by the tiller manufacturer and then with the engine running at the maximum
governed speed recommended by the tiller manufacturer. (However, electrically driven tillers shall
only be tested with the motor running at the idle speed recommended by the tiller manufacturer.)
The tillers shall not traverse the 25.4-mm (1-inch) vertical step.
5.3.2.2 Test acceptance
The wheels shall not rotate when disengaged.
6 Shields or guards
6.1 Power drives
Nip and pinch points (related to exposed gears, friction drive components, belts, chains, and idlers)
and outside faces of pulleys, sheaves, sprockets, and gears shall be guarded by location or
otherwise guarded to prevent inadvertent contact by the operator during normal starting and
operation of the machine.
A component is sufficiently guarded if it cannot be contacted with the probe shown in figure 3 when
tested in accordance with 6.1.1.
These guarding requirements do not pertain to contact during maintenance activities and to the
following components:
a) Tines, belts, chains, and smooth components that do not have an exposed pinch point;
b) Rotating shafts protruding less than one-half their outside diameters.
6.1.1 Test procedure
CAUTION: The following procedures should be conducted with the engine not running.
Insert the probe (figure 3) into all openings to its maximum depth, 102 mm (4.0 inches), or until a
force of 4.4 N (1 lb) is attained. As the probe is inserted, rotate and position it in all possible angles
within the opening, attempting to contact the part or parts under test. The finger probe shall not be
inserted beyond the length of the probe, 105.2 mm (4.14 inches).
5
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6.1.2 Guarded by location
A hazard caused by a walk-behind powered rotary tiller shall be considered "guarded by location" if
one of the following apply:
a) The hazard is covered by other parts of the machine or, because of the remote location,
cannot be contacted with the finger probe shown in figure 3 when held by a 95th percentile (large)
man (as described in ANSI/SAE J833) maneuvering the probe in any manner;
b) The hazard is under and within the perimeter of the chassis elements and cannot be
reached with the finger probe shown in figure 3 held by a 95th percentile (large) man (as
described in ANSI/SAE J833) maneuvering the probe as follows:
1) From the chassis elements, downward through openings in or between the elements;
2) Underneath the chassis elements allowing only horizontal or downward probe movement, or
both. Upward probe movement is not permitted;
c) The hazard is controlled by the operator-presence (normally off) control(s) such that the
inspector, when functioning in accordance with (a) and (b) above, cannot reach the hazard while
simultaneously actuating the operator-presence (normally off) control(s) in its normal manner.
6.1.3 Shielding
6.1.3.1 Rear tine shielding
A protective shield shall be provided at the rear of the tiller that, when the tines are placed on a level
supporting surface, will extend to a maximum of 25.4 mm (1 inch) above the level supporting surface
and shall have a width of at least the overall width of the tines. Any moveable shield, when released,
shall automatically return to meet the requirements shown in figure 2.
6.1.3.2 Front tine shielding
A front tine tiller shall be considered guarded by location provided that the operator position as
defined in figure 1 does not contact the rotating tines. If such contact can be made, the tiller shall be
shielded in accordance with 6.1.3.1, or a tine barrier shall be provided.
6.1.3.3 Hand supported shielding
Tine shielding shall be required on a hand supported cultivator as described in figure 7. The rotating
tines shall be protected by a solidly fixed shield covering them rearward from the 12 o'clock position
(vertical) rotated 60° about the tine shaft axis, see figure 7(a). The minimum width of the shield shall
be the overall width of the tines. A crossbeam shall be placed between the handlebars, located at
more than 550 mm (21.6 inch) from the tool periphery to prevent operator contact, see figure 7(b).
This crossbeam is not necessary if at 550 mm (21.6 inch) from the tool the distance between the
handlebars is less than 320 mm (12.6 inch), see figure 7(c).
6.2 Attachment of shields or guards
All shields and guards shall be designed to prevent their removal from the machine without the use
of tools. The opening of the guards shall require the use of a tool. Exceptions to this are the opening
of or removing interlocked shields and guards which disable the protected moving parts and the
opening of hinged shields and guards for soil discharge.
6.3 Hot surfaces
Hot surfaces such as a muffler shall be guarded or located so that the operator will not inadvertently
contact them when starting or operating the unit according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
6
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6.4 Engine exhaust
Exhaust gases shall not be directed toward the operator position.
7 Servicing requirements
7.1 Specific written or illustrative instructions with appropriate safety warnings shall be provided with
the equipment for those servicing operations recommended by the manufacturer that must be
performed with the engine running.
7.2 A manufacturer shall supply, with the equipment, instructions for safe servicing and
maintenance, such as shown in figure 6. Instructions may be tailored to the specific machine design.
8 Electrical requirements
8.1 General
The specifications given in this standard are not intended to completely cover electrical requirements.
Therefore, all such requirements shall be carefully chosen for each application, giving maximum
consideration to safety, efficiency, and accessibility.
8.2 Line voltage circuits
All line-operated electrical components shall comply with the applicable electrical requirements
contained in ANSI/UL 82.
8.3 Low-voltage battery-powered circuits (not including magneto grounding circuits)
8.3.1 Insulated cable
Insulated cable shall meet the requirements of ANSI/SAE J1128. The wiring shall be properly
supported and located to prevent possible damage by cutting, abrasion, or heat.
8.3.2 Battery installation
The compartment for a vented storage battery shall be vented and provide for drainage of acid from
the compartment. Drainage of acid from the battery in operating position shall not come in contact
with parts that will be critically affected in such a manner as to create a hazard.
8.3.3 Overload protection
All circuits, except starting motor and ignition circuits, shall have overload protective devices on the
battery-feed side of switches, except that for two-wire, non-grounded systems the overload protection
may be located in either line. (See ANSI/SAE J554, ANSI/SAE J156, and ANSI/SAE J553.)
8.3.4 Terminals and non-insulated electrical parts
Terminals and non-insulated electrical parts shall be protected against shorting during normal
servicing, refueling, and lubrication.
8.4 High-tension cable
High-tension cable shall meet the requirements of ANSI/SAE J2031.
7
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9 Label durability requirements
9.1 General
Required labels shall be certified by the machine manufacturer to meet the following label durability
requirements.
Permanent safety signs are considered to have a reasonable life if the sign has good color and
legibility for a period of at least five years. Exterior durability is based on vertical exposure tests for
weatherability in the extreme climate of the United States, or a 2000 h carbon-arc test in accordance
with ASTM G 23, or a 2000 h xenon-arc test in accordance with ASTM G 26. Other test methods
may be used providing the method ensures equal or superior sign durability.
9.2 Additional requirements
Labels shall form a durable bond with the base material surface and shall show no appreciable loss
of adhesion or legibility during weathering exposure or exposure to spilled fuel or oil. When
processed and applied in accordance with the label manufacturer's recommendations, labels shall
be weather resistant in accordance with 9.1 and, following normal cleaning procedures, shall show
no appreciable fading, discoloration, cracking, crazing, blistering, or dimensional change. Labels shall
not curl at the edges.
9.3 Types considered durable
9.3.1 Embossed, indented, cast, or molded labels shall be considered sufficient to meet the
requirements of 9.1.
9.3.2 Metal plates more than 0.48 mm (0.019 in) thick with embossed or etched lettering, and
fastened with rivets or equivalent fastening means, shall be considered sufficient to meet the
requirements of 9.1.
9.4 Silk screening
Silk screening or other types of marking, when used, shall meet the applicable requirements of 9.1
and 9.2.
10 Tests for fuel lines and fuel tanks
10.1 Fuel tank overfill test
10.1.1 Test procedure for front and rear tine tillers
With the machine at ambient temperature and parked on a level surface and resting on tip of tines
or between tines, the fuel tank inlet shall be overfilled with 118 cm3 (4 ounces) of liquid in less than 5
seconds. Do not use the depth stake, if provided to simulate other positions of the machine. The
tank area shall be inspected for collection of liquids (surface wetting is acceptable).
10.1.2 Test procedure for hand supported cultivators
When filling fuel tank according to manufacturer’s recommendations at ambient temperature the fuel
inlet shall be overfilled with 118 cm3 (4 ounces) of liquid in less than 5 seconds. The tank shall be
inspected for the collection of liquids (surface wetting is acceptable).
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10.1.3 Test acceptance
The machine shall have failed this test if the test liquid:
a) passes through the projected exhaust outlet area;
b) collects on the machine;
c) comes in contact with high-tension ignition cables or any noninsulated electrical connection.
10.2 Fuel line axial pull test
Fuel lines shall not pull off fittings or fail when subjected to an axial pull of 44 N (10 lb). The test shall
be performed with the test liquid in the line. Short lines held in position by compression shall be
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excluded from this test.
11 Safety instructions for tillers and hand supported cultivators
11.1 On-product labeling
A label(s), as shown in figure 4 (or similar statement of these safety practices) and figure 5, shall be
provided. The durable safety sign shown in figure 5 shall be located near the tines. The safety
label(s) shall conform to the format and color requirements of ANSI Z535.4. Additional statements of
safety practices are allowed and the signal word shall conform to 5.3.2 of ANSI Z535.4.
11.2 Safety instructions
A manufacturer shall supply, with the equipment, instructions for operation such as those shown in
figure 6. Instructions may be tailored to the specific tiller design.

Figure 1 – Operator position and operator hand control position (continued)
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Figure 1 (coninued)
11

Figure 2 – Tine shielding for rear tine tillers
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Figure 3 – Finger probe
12

“Signal Word”
! WARNING
“Message” TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY
• Read the Operator’s Manual.

• Know location and functions of all controls.
• Keep all safety devices and shields in place and working.
• Never allow children or uninstructed adults to operate machine.
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• Shut off engine before manually unclogging tines or making repairs.
• Keep bystanders away from machine.
• Keep away from rotating parts.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you.
• All signal words are 6 mm minimum letter height.

• All message panel words are 3 mm minimum letter height.
Figure 4 – Safety message for walk-behind powered rotary tillers

and hand supported cultivators
• All signal words are 6 mm minimum letter height.

• All message panel words are 3 mm minimum letter height.
Figure 5 – Safety sign

13

IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind
Powered Rotary Tillers and Hand Supported Cultivators
Training
1. Read the operating and service instruction manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to operate the equipment without
proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children, and pets.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other peo-
ple, their property, and themselves.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
2. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine (motor).
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3. Do not operate the equipment without wearing adequate outer garments. Wear protective footwear
that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
4. Warning: Fuel is highly flammable. Take the following precautions:
(a) Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
(b) Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refueling.
(c) Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the
engine is running or when the engine is hot.
(d) If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
(e) Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
5. Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by the manufacturer for all units with electric drive
motors or electric starting motors.
6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except where specifical-
ly recommended by the manufacturer).
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug, thor-
oughly inspect the machine for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating
the machine. Disconnect the cord on electric motors.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble.
6. Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position, before unclogging the tines, and when
making any repairs, adjustments, and inspections.
7. Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Disengage the power take-off,
lower the attachment, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the engine and make certain all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting. Disconnect the cord on electric motors.
9. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
10. Never operate the machine without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.
11. Keep children and pets away.
Figure 6 – Safety instructions for walk-behind powered rotary tillers

and hand supported cultivators (continued)
14

12. Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
13. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
14. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
15. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of the machine (such as
wheel weights, counterweights, and the like.)
16. Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
17. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the tiller for-
ward. If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.
18. Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you.
19. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
20. Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully according to instructions and with feet well away
from the tines
21. Never pick up or carry a machine while the engine is running.
22. Do not operate the tiller while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Maintenance and Storage

1. Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition.
2. Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness
to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
3. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are
present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
4. Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details if the tiller is to be stored for an
extended period.
5. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
6. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for safe loading, unloading, transport, and storage of
machine.
Figure 6 (concluded)
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15

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Dimensions in millimeters
(Dimensions in inches)
550 mm
(21.6)
50
°m 800 mm
in
(31.2)
b) Handlebars with cross-beam
Protection
320 max
(12.6)
a) Protective coverings
550 mm
(21.6)
c) Handlebars without cross-beam
Figure 7 – Guarding of tilling means – Hand supported cultivators
16

Annex A
(informative)
Rationale
This annex gives the rationale behind the various requirements of this voluntary safety standard. The
numbers used in this annex correspond to those used in the body of the standard.
A.1 Scope
The purpose of the scope is to establish coverages and limitations of the standard. Hand supported
cultivators have been added to the standard due to the increased consumer acceptance of this
product category since 1986.
A.3 Definitions
The purpose of each definition is to establish the meaning of words or phrases to express the intent
of the text.
A.3.16 (3.16.1 – 3.16.2) Walk-behind powered rotary tiller, front tine, and rear tine
The term "drive wheels" used in these definitions denotes those wheels, located at or near the
balance point of the walk-behind powered rotary tillers, that are used to transport, balance,
maneuver, or propel the tiller. These wheels may or may not be powered by the power source of the
tiller.
A.4 Controls
A.4.1 Control identification
A.4.1.1 Those controls relating to the safe operation of the unit are required to be identified by a
durable label to provide for rapid control location by the user and to maximize the probability of
proper control usage.
A.4.2 Shutoff control device
This subclause provides for a user-controlled engine stop/start device, requiring manual, intentional
activation to reduce the probability of inadvertent starting. The requirements of the key switch or
similar device is to prevent unauthorized starting by young children.
A.4.3 Engine speed control
A.4.3.1 This subclause is intended to promote safety by setting forth a uniform operator environment
and control movements with which users are generally familiar because of other commonly used
consumer products. It specifies the direction of operation of the engine speed control to help provide
the expected response. Forward, rearward, upward, and downward are determined with respect to
the operator in the forward tilling direction.
A.4.3.2 The engine speed push/pull control is used widely in the outdoor powered equipment
industry and is recognized as an acceptable means of controlling engine speed.
A.4.3.3 This subclause is intended to provide requirements for common speed control devices for
hand supported cultivators with centrifugal clutches
17
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A.4.4 Tine/traction control
A.4.4.1 The control helps prevent operator contact with rotating tines whenever the operator leaves
the operating position without having first disengaged the traction and tine drives. Additionally,
should the operator lose control of the tiller while in the forward or reverse direction of travel and
release the operator presence control, the tine/traction control helps prevent the tiller from running
over the operator or bystander(s). Limitation of the reverse speed allows for operator reaction time.
A.4.4.2 This requirement is intended to minimize operator contact with moving tines during transport.
Independent tine disengagement is preferred for heavy tillers that must be transported under power.
However, any device that stops power from being transmitted to the tine is acceptable.
A.4.5 Controls
A.4.5.2 Resistance to movement
This subclause was added to ensure that controls do not randomly change position, thereby causing
injury to the operator during normal starting, stopping, operating, and servicing of the unit.
A.5 General requirements
A.5.1 Starting stabilization
These requirements help to prevent inadvertent operator contact with hot surfaces and to stabilize
the operator and machine during starting. Stabilization is required to prevent inadvertent contact with
hot surfaces and to minimize tip-over when manually starting an engine.
A.5.2 Handle structure (fastening)
Unintentional uncoupling of the handle would prevent the operator from controlling the machine.
A.5.3 Power disengagement (clutch action)
A.5.3.1 Tine drive
A.5.3.1.1 Test procedure
A.5.3.1.1.1 General
Stopping the tines on a hard surface provides a consistent test to ensure that power is not
transmitted to the tines. Centrifugal clutches are a widely recognized means of disengaging the
power supply from the drive. Disengagement may require slowing the engine to idle speed to be
effective. By their design, the clutches require a speed lower than the maximum governed speed at
which the clutch will disengage; therefore, it becomes necessary to add an alternate test procedure
(5.3.1.1.2) for this design.
A.5.3.2 Traction drive
A.5.3.2.1 Test procedure
Stopping the wheels from traversing a 25.4-mm (1-inch) vertical step provides a consistent test to
ensure that power is not transmitted to the wheels.
18
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A.6 Shields or guards
A.6.1 Power drives
This subclause establishes the minimum requirements for sufficient guarding from hazards caused
by rotating components and pinch points. The test probe is used as consistent simulation of an
operator's finger or hand. The test for compliance recognizes that an operator-presence (normally
off) control may control a hazard. A 95th percentile (large) man is used to ensure compliance at the
extremes of human dimensions. Short smooth shafts and smooth moving surfaces are not
considered hazards.
A.6.1.3.1 Rear tine shielding
The rear tine shielding is necessary to protect the operator since the tines are in close proximity to
the operator position. The barrier (shield) minimizes personal contact with rotating tines.
A.6.1.3.2 Front tine shielding
If the operator position does not intersect the hazard zone, the operator is guarded by the location of
the tines. If the operator can contact the hazard area from the operator position, the operator must
be guarded from contacting the tines when they are rotating.
A.6.1.3.3 Hand supported shielding
Hand supported shielding and barrier is necessary to protect the operator since tines are in close
proximity to the operator's position. The barrier and shield minimize personal contact with rotating
tines when operating according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A.6.2 Attachment of shields or guards
This subclause is provided to minimize the possibility of operating the tiller with the guards or shields
removed.
A.6.3 Hot surfaces
This subclause is provided to minimize the possibility of thermal burns when the operator is in the
position indicated.
A.7 Servicing requirements
These requirements are provided to ensure that the operator can be made aware of specific
servicing procedures that may be unique to the design of the machine. This subclause instructs the
manufacturer to provide information in the owner's manual for safely carrying out those procedures.
A.8 Electrical requirements
A.8.2 Line voltage circuits
This subclause describes requirements to minimize the possibility of electrical shock.
A.8.3 Low-voltage battery-powered circuits (not including magneto grounding circuits)
These subclauses describe use of state-of-the-art wiring materials and procedures to minimize short
circuits, which would cause arcing and subsequent ignition of combustible material. Battery
compartment venting is important to minimize the chance for accumulation of hydrogen, a highly
explosive gas.
19
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A.8.4 High-tension cable
The requirements in this subclause are needed to minimize short circuits, which could cause arcing
and subsequent ignition of combustible material.
A.9 Label durability requirements
This clause describes the requirements that labeling must meet in order to provide the permanency
of safety information to the operator.
A.10 Tests for fuel lines and fuel tanks

A.10.1 Fuel tank overfill test
This test is required because, while refueling a machine, the operator may inadvertently overfill the
fuel tank. If this occurs, the overflow fuel should be drained away in a manner and place that will
minimize overflowed fuel ignition.
A.10.2 Fuel line axial pull test
This test is intended to ensure that fuel lines are adequately retained to minimize inadvertent
separation of the fuel line during normal use.
A.11 Safety instructions for tillers
Both on-product and safety messages within the owner's manual, are required. Expanded safety
instructions in the owner's manual are supplied because all safety messages/instructions cannot be
located on the equipment. It is not intended that the examples given be all-inclusive. The instructions
provided should be tailored to the specific tiller design.
A.11.1 On-product labeling
This subclause requires the durable labeling of the tiller to provide the operator with a constant
reminder of safety precautions to avoid frequently encountered hazards. Furthermore, these safety
precautions are identified with an appropriate signal word (as identified by ANSI Z535.4) to ensure a
consistent and appropriate hazard level designation for safety messages. The signal word WARNING
was added to conform with requirements described in ANSI Z535.4. The purpose of the arrow in
figure 5 is to indicate tine motion and not specific direction.
A.11.2 Safety instructions
Instructions for the safe operation of the tiller shall be supplied with the equipment to maximize the
possibility that these instructions will reach the purchaser. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. The
instructions provided should be tailored to the specific tiller design and the manufacturer's
recommendations for its use. These instructions may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as
long as the basic hazards identified in the instructions are addressed.
20
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ANSI/OPEI B71.

for Outdoor Power Equipment –

American National Standards Institute

Copyright American National Standards Institute

American National Standard

Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

Approved March 22, 1996

Copyright American National Standards Institute

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of

withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards

American National Standards Institute

Copyright © 1996 by American National Standards Institute

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

Printed in the United States of America

Copyright American National Standards Institute

Copyright American National Standards Institute

This edition of American National Standard for Outdoor Power Equipment –

Acoustical Society of America

Copyright American National Standards Institute

American National Standard

Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

ANSI Z535.4-1991, Product safety signs and labels

ANSI/ASAE S304.5 (R1993), Symbols for operator controls on agricultural equipment

ANSI/ASAE S350 (R1992), Safety-alert symbol for agricultural equipment

ANSI/SAE J156-APR86, Fusible links

ANSI/SAE J553-JUN92, Circuit breakers

ANSI/SAE J554-AUG87, Electric fuses (cartridge type)

ANSI/SAE J833-MAY89, USA human physical dimensions

ANSI/SAE J1128-JUN88, Low tension primary cable

ANSI/SAE J1500-JUN80, Universal symbols for operator controls

ANSI/SAE J2031-JAN90, High tension ignition cable

Copyright American National Standards Institute

ANSI/UL 82-1995, Standard for safety for electrical gardening appliances

3.5 hand supported cultivator: An operator-controlled (walk-behind) powered rotary cultivator

3.11 shall: The word "shall" is to be understood as a requirement.

3.12 should: The word "should" is to be understood as a recommendation.

Copyright American National Standards Institute

4.1 Control identification

4.2 Shutoff control device

4.3 Engine speed control

4.4 Tine/traction control

Copyright American National Standards Institute

4.5.1 Control location

4.5.2 Resistance to movement

5.1 Starting stabilization

5.1.2 Hand supported cultivators

5.2 Handle structure (fastening)

5.3 Power disengagement (clutch action)

5.3.1 Tine drive

5.3.1.1 Test procedure

Copyright American National Standards Institute

5.3.1.1.3 Electrically driven tillers

5.3.1.2 Test acceptance

The tines shall not rotate when disengaged.

5.3.2 Traction drive

5.3.2.1 Test procedure

5.3.2.2 Test acceptance

The wheels shall not rotate when disengaged.

6.1 Power drives