Cub Cadet FT 24 User Manual

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Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

Operators Manual

Front Tine Tiller — Model FT24

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-003595

 

(November 2, 2007)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Garden Tiller manufactured by Cub Cadet LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent product information available at the time of printing. Review this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine, its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Cub Cadet LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

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This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine, phone your local Cub Cadet dealer or contact us directly. Cub Cadet’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the machine are observed from the operating position

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your machine, for more information.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices

......................................... 3

Maintenance & Adjustments

.................................13

Assembly & Set-Up...................................................

6

Service......................................................................

16

Controls & Features.................................................

9

Troubleshooting......................................................

18

Operation................................................................

10

Replacement Parts..................................................

19

Record Product Information

Model Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

locate the model plate on the equipment and record the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking

Serial Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Support

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit us on the web at www.cubcadet.com

Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 965-4CUB

Locate your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer at (877) 282-8684

Write us at Cub Cadet LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

Important Safe Operation Practices

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WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.

When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

California Proposition 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands, toes and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Training

1.Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2.Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3.Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an adult.

4.Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5.Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Preparation

1.Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign objects which could be tripped over and cause personal injury.

2.Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

3.Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral (“N”) before starting the engine.

4.Never leave this machine unattended with the engine running.

5.Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator’s manual.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a.Use only an approved gasoline container.

b.Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

c.When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d.Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

f.Never fuel machine indoors.

g.Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

h.Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.

i.Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j.If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

k.To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

l.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

Operation

1.Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2.Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

3.Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.

4.Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

5.Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.

6.Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

7.Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.

8.Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

9.Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or pulling machine towards you.

10.Start the engine according to the instructions found in this manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.

11.After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.

12.Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine before you leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait until the tines come to a complete stop before unclogging the tines, making any adjustments, or inspections.

13.Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

14.Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

15.Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage or personal injury.

16.Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil too deep at too fast of a rate.

17.If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.

18.Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and operating properly.

19.Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

20.Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

21.If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for assistance and the name of you nearest servicing dealer..

Maintenance & Storage

1.Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe working order.

2.Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

3.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.

4.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

5.Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of engine.

6.Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

7.Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting, and storage of this machine.

8.Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details if the machine is to be stored for an extended period.

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices

9.If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

10.Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and

may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

Warning! This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

Average Useful Life

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy

a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

warning! Your Responsibility—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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices

Assembly & Set-Up

3

 

Contents of Carton

 

 

One Tiller

One Handlebar Assembly

One Depth Gage Assembly

One Operator’s Manual

One Engine Operator’s Manual

 

 

Assembly

References to the right and left side of tiller are determined from behind the equipment in the operating position.

Handle

1.Identify the forward clutch cable and reverse clutch cables. Fig. 3–1.

Reverse Clutch Cable Forward Clutch Cable

Figure 3-1

NOTE: Be sure not to kink cables while attaching.

2.Hook the “Z” end of the forward clutch cable (A) into the forward tine engagement lever Fig. 3–2.

B

A

Figure 3-2

3.Hook the “Z” end of the reverse clutch cable (B) into the reverse tine engagement lever Fig. 3–2.

Cub Cadet FT 24 User Manual

4.Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the right side of the frame. Hold the cable guide bracket on the left side of frame as it will fall when the bolt is removed. Step 1 in Fig. 3–3.

1

2

3

Figure 3-3

5.Insert the handle into tiller frame as shown. Step 2 in Fig. 3–3.

6.Insert the bolt through the cupped washer, frame, handle and into the cable guide bracket (note the notch in the cable guide bracket goes over the flange on the frame.) Step 3 in Fig. 3–3.

7.Tighten the bolt securely after securing the handle brace as seen in Fig. 3–4.

Carriage Bolt

9.Insert the carriage bolt through the welded bracket on the handle, bell washer, handle brace and into the hand knob. See Fig. 3–4.

10.Select one of the three handle height positions (three notches in the welded handle bracket) and tighten the hand knob to secure the handle in the desired position. Fig. 3–4. Return to the lower handle and tighten the hex bolt securely.

Depth Gage

1.Disassemble the depth gage assembly as seen in Fig. 3–5. Retain the pin and clip for later reassembly.

Tail Bracket

Clevis

Pin

Depth

Stake

Cotter

Pin

Figure 3-5

2.Remove the two screws from the tail bracket as shown in Fig. 3–6.

Bell Washer

Handle

Brace

Hand Knob

Figure 3-4

8.Locate the carriage bolt, bell washer and hand knob packed with your tiller.

Tail Bracket

Screws

Figure 3-6

3.Insert the depth gage bracket into the frame and reinstall the two screws removed earlier. Tighten the hex bolts securely. See Fig. 3–6.

Section 2 — Assembly & Set-Up

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.Insert the depth stake into the depth gage bracket assembly as seen in Fig. 3–7.

Set-Up

Gas & Oil Fill-Up

Service the Engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the seperate Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your tiller. Read the instructions carefully.

WARNING! Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running.

Cotter

Clevis Pin

Pin

Figure 3-7

5.Secure the pin with the clip removed earlier. The depth stake can be placed at various positions. For setup purposes it is suggested that the depth stake be assembled with the stake just above or level with the ground surface. For further instructions on the Depth Stake refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments Section of this manual.

Adjustments

Wheels

The tiller is shipped with the wheels adjusted so that the machine sits level. The wheels need to be adjusted to meet your tilling needs before operation. This adjustment is made by removing the clevis pin from the wheel yoke and raising the wheels to the desired height. See Fig. 3-8.

Wheel Yoke

Clevis

 

Pin

Cotter

Pin

Depth

Stake

Figure 3-8

Section 2— Assembly & Set-Up

Controls and Features

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Reverse Tine

Engagement Lever

Handle

Forward Tine

Engagement Lever

Handle Knob

Throttle Control

Depth Stake

End Cap

Tiller Tines

 

Figure 4-1

Engine Controls

Tines and End Caps

See the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for additional information and functions of the engine controls.

Forward Tine Engagement Lever

The forward tine control lever is located beneath the upper section of the handle. Squeezing the lever against the handle engages the tine drive. Release the lever to stop the tines.

Tilling tines and end caps are used to cultivate, furrow and prepare your garden for seeding. End caps are used to avoid tilled soil from overflowing onto unwanted areas.

Handle Knob

The handle height may be adjusted. Loosen the knob to change the position. Tighten hardware when complete.

Reverse Tine Engagement Lever

The reverse tine control lever is located on top of the upper section of the handle. Pulling the lever toward operator engages the tines in reverse. Release the lever to stop the tines.

NOTE: Never engage both the forward and reverse tine drives at the same time. Engaging both forward and reverse tine drives at the same time could damage the belt drives and cause the engine to stall.

Depth Stake

The depth stake controls the tilling depth.

Throttle Control

The throttle controls the engine’s speed. Use maximum engine speed when tilling. Stop the engine when tranporting the tiller.

Choke Lever

The Choke lever is located next to the throttle lever. It is used to enrich the fuel mixture when starting a cold engine.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is located on the right side of the engine and is used to manually start the engine.

Operation

Starting the Engine

WARNING! Read, understand, and follow all the instructions and warnings posted on the machine and in this manual before operating.

WARNING! Be sure no one is standing in front of the tiller while the engine is running or being started.

1.Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug. Make sure the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.

2.Make sure that the tine clutch control is disengaged.

3.Move the throttle control 1⁄3 of the way toward the FAST position.

4.Move/pull out the choke lever to CHOKE position when starting cold a engine.

5.Pull the rope out slowly until the engine reaches the beginning of its compression cycle. The rope will pull slightly harder at this point.

6.Pull the rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on the handle. Let the rope rewind slowly. Do not let the recoil starter snap back against the engine. Repeat until the engine starts.

7.Move/push in the choke lever once the engine warms up enough to run smoothly.

8.Move the throttle to FAST position for tilling.

Stopping the Engine

1.Move the control lever to STOP or OFF position.

2.Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it to prevent accidentally starting the tiller while it is unattended.

5

Setting the Depth

Yoke Forward

Place the wheel yoke so that wheels are forward (nearest to tines) for shallow tilling, cultivating and transport. See Fig. 5-1.

Figure 5-1

Yoke to Back

Place the wheel yoke so that wheels are toward the rear

— closest to depth stake — for deep tilling and cultivating. See Fig. 5-2.

Figure 5-2

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Depth Stake

The depth stake acts as a brake for the tiller and controls the depth and speed at which the machine will operate. Remove the clevis pin and hairpin clip to raise or lower depth stake. See Fig. 5-3.

Tilling Procedure

When tilling, leave approximately eight inches of untilled soil between the first and second tilling paths, then make the third path between the first and second, Fig. 5-4.

Figure 5-3

Handle Pressure

Further control of the tilling depth and travel speed can be obtained by variation of pressure on the handles.

A downward pressure on the handles will reduce the working depth and increase the forward speed. An upward pressure on the handles will increase the working depth and reduce the forward speed.

The type of soil and working conditions will determine the actual setting of the depth stake and the handle pressure required.

Transporting and Storing the Tiller

To transport and store the tiller move the throttle to the stop position. Pivot the depth stake away from ground up between wheels. See Fig. 5-3.

Using Your Tiller

Your tiller is designed for seed bed preparation, cultivating, furrowing and mulching.

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5

2

3

1

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5-4

In some soils, the desired depth is obtained the first time over the garden. In other soils, the desired depth is obtained by going over the garden two or three times. Passes should be made across the length and width of the garden alternately. Rocks which are turned up should be removed from the garden area.

Section 5 — Operation

 

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Cultivating Procedures

For cultivating, a two to three inch depth is desirable. The tine width can be reduced to 13 inches by removing the outer tines completely from the tiller. See the Maintenance & Adjustments Section for instructions on removing the tines.

When laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough width to permit cultivation between the rows. In growing corn or similar crops, check-row planting will permit cross cultivation and practically eliminate hand hoeing. See Fig. 5-5.

Figure 5-5

Other Uses

The tiller has many uses other than tilling and cultivating a garden. One of these is the preparation of lawn area for seeding. The tiller will prepare a deep seed bed which will be free of hard untilled spots, allowing a better stand of grass to grow. The tiller is very useful for loosening hard soil for excavation with a shovel; No tedious handwork will be necessary. Your tiller may be used for mixing compost in the pile or for mixing it with the soil in your garden. This should be done after the soil has been broken to the full working depth. The compost should be worked in

to a depth of six to seven inches. This may be done by working the length of the garden and then by making separate passes across its width. The addition of decayed organic matter will substantially increase the fertility of your garden. For proper decaying action, fertilizer should be applied and worked in with the mulch materials. Breaking up leaves and straw and mixing it with several inches of soil allows proper aeration of the plant root system and retards the growth of weeds.

12 Section 5— Operation

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