Bolens 12226 User Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
5.5 HP PONY PRO
•
Safety
•
Assembly
•
Features and Controls
•
Operation
•
Maintenance
•
Parts List
GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED
SAFETY FIRST!
Before operating this equipment, read this
Owner's Manual and the separate manual
supplied by the engine manufacturer.
Model
12226
2
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: SAFETY ........................................... 3
Safety Decals ............................................................. 5
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY ....................................... 6
Unpacking Instructions............................................... 6
Attach Handlebars ...................................................... 6
Attach Forward Clutch Control Cable.......................... 7
Check Transmission Gear Oil Level ............................ 8
Add Motor Oil to Engine ............................................. 8
Attach Wheel Gear Lever ............................................ 8
Check Air Pressure in Tires ........................................ 8
Check Hardware for Tightness.................................... 8
SECTION 3: FEATURES & CONTROLS........................ 9
Wheel Gear Lever ....................................................... 9
Forward Clutch Control Levers................................... 9
Depth Regulator Lever................................................ 9
Handlebar Height Adjustment..................................... 10
Engine Controls.......................................................... 10
SECTION 4: OPERATION ...................................... 11
Break-in Operation...................................................... 11
Starting/Stopping Engine............................................ 11
Operating the Tiller..................................................... 12
Tilling Tips & Techniques........................................... 13
Loading and Unloading the Tiller................................ 15
SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE .................................. 15
Maintenance Schedule................................................ 16
Tiller Lubrication......................................................... 16
Check Hardware ......................................................... 16
Check Tire Pressure.................................................... 16
Check for Oil Leaks..................................................... 16
Transmission Gear Oil Service.................................... 16
Gear Oil Specifications................................................ 16
Engine Oil Service....................................................... 17
Air Cleaner Service ..................................................... 17
Spark Plug Service ..................................................... 17
Spark Arrester Screen Service.................................... 17
Engine Cleaning.......................................................... 17
Carburetor/Governor Control Adjustments................. 17
Throttle Control Adjustment ....................................... 17
Wheel Gear Cable Adjustment .................................... 17
Off Season Storage..................................................... 18
Bolo Tines................................................................... 18
Checking and Adjusting Tension on Clutch Belts........ 19
Forward Clutch Belt Removal and Installation ............ 20
Tiller Attachments............................................. 22
Troubleshooting ............................................... 23
Parts List........................................................ 24
Customer Service Information .......................Back Cover
Dear Owner:
You now own one of the finest rear-tine rototillers available.
Your new tiller allows you to till and cultivate your garden
with ease, and accomplish dozens of other property management projects as well. Your tiller is famous for its
ruggedness, performance and high-quality engineering. We
know you’ll enjoy using it.
Please carefully read this Manual. It tells you how to safely
and easily assemble, operate and maintain your machine.
Be sure that you and any other operators carefully follow
the recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to
do so could result in personal injury or property damage.
Of course, if you should ever have any problems or questions, please contact your local authorized service dealer or
call us Toll-Free (see back cover of this manual).
We want to be sure that you are completely satisfied at all
times.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
This machine meets voluntary safety standard
B71.8 – 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the American National Standards
Institute.
See back cover for Customer
Service information.
Safety Alert Symbol
This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this
manual and on the unit to alert you to potential hazards. When you see this symbol, read
and obey the message that follows it. Failure
to obey safety messages could result in personal injury or property damage.
Safety
1
Section
3
TRAINING
1. Carefully read this Owner’s Manual, the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and any
other literature you may receive. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the tiller and its engine.
Know how to stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the
tiller. Never allow adults to operate the
tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly children and pets.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people, their property,
and themselves.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
tiller is to be used and remove all foreign
objects.
2. Be sure all controls are released and
the Wheel Gear Lever is in ENGAGE before
starting the engine.
3. Do not operate the tiller without
wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts.
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or
wearing sandals, sneakers, or light
footwear. Wear protective footwear that will
improve footing on slippery surfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric
cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If in
doubt, contact your telephone or utility
company.
6. Warning: Handle fuel with care; it is
highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Take the following precautions:
a. Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose.
b. The gas cap shall never be removed
or fuel added while the engine is
running. Allow the engine to cool
for several minutes before adding
fuel.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, open flames, and sparks
away from the fuel tank and fuel
container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.
Use a funnel or spout to prevent
spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and container
caps securely.
f. 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.
7. Never make adjustments when engine
is running (unless recommended by
manufacturer).
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when 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, disconnect the spark plug wire
and prevent it from touching the spark
plug, carefully inspect the tiller for any
damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tiller.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug, and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
6. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the tines,
or when making any repairs, adjustments
or inspections.
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF
CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several
other states, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any
forest, brush, hay, grain, or grass covered land; or land
covered by any flammable agricultural crop without an
engine spark arrester in continuous effective working
order.
The engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine
which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be
equipped with a spark arrester muffler in continuous
effective working order. The spark arrester must be
attached to the engine exhaust system in such a
manner that flames or heat from the system will not
ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the unit to comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) and
may also be a violation of other state and/or federal
regulations, laws, ordinances or codes. Contact your
local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about which regulations apply in your area.
Wheel Gear Lever
Forward Clutch
Control Lever
Forward Clutch
Control Lever
Depth Regulator Lever
Handlebar
Height
Adjuster
Standard Rotating Tines
Figure 1-1
Recoil Rope Starter
4 Section 1: Safety
7. Take all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended. Stop the
engine. Disconnect spark plug wire and
move it away from the spark plug. Move
Wheel Gear Lever to ENGAGE.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
9. Always keep the tiller tine hood flap
down, unless using the hiller/furrower
attachment.
10. Never use the tiller unless proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices are in place.
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operate the tiller under engine
power if the Wheel Gear Lever is in DISENGAGE (FREEWHEEL). In this position,
the wheels will not hold the tiller back
and the revolving tines could propel the
tiller rapidly, possibly causing loss of
control. Always move the Wheel Gear
Lever to ENGAGE before starting the
engine or engaging the tines/wheels with
the Forward Clutch Control.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unexpectedly bounce upward or jump forward if the
tines should strike extremely hard packed
soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles
like large stones, roots, or stumps. If in
doubt about the tilling conditions, always
use the following operating precautions to
assist you in maintaining control of the
tiller:
a. Walk behind and to one side of the
tiller, using one hand on the handlebars. Relax your arm, but use a
secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator set-
tings, working gradually deeper
with each pass.
c. Use slower engine speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large
stones, roots and other debris.
e. Avoid using downward pressure on
handlebars. If need be, use slight
upward pressure to keep the tines
from digging too deeply.
f. Before contacting hard packed soil
at the end of a row, reduce engine
speed and lift handlebars to raise
tines out of the soil.
g. In an emergency, stop tines and
wheels by releasing the Forward
Clutch Control Lever. Do not
attempt to restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the tiller’s capacity by
attempting to till too deeply at too fast a
rate.
16. Never operate tiller at high transport
speeds on hard or slippery surfaces. Look
behind and use care when backing up.
17. Do not operate the tiller on a slope
that is too steep for safety. When on
slopes, slow down and make sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.
18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
19. Only use attachments and accessories
that are approved by the tiller
manufacturer.
20. Use tiller attachments and accessories
when recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or light.
22. Never operate the tiller if you are tired, or
under the influence of alcohol, drugs or
medication.
23. Operators shall not tamper with the
engine-governor settings on the machine;
the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed to protect the engine and all
moving parts from damage caused by overspeed. Authorized service shall be sought if
a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may be
hot from operation. Let parts cool down sufficiently.
25. The battery on electric start model tillers
(if so equipped) contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Keep out
of the reach of children.
Antidote–External Contact: Flush imme-
diately with lots of water.
Antidote–Internal: Drink large quantities
of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil. Call
a doctor immediately.
Antidote–Eye Contact: Flush with water
for 15 minutes. Get prompt medical
attention.
26. Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, and smoking materials away.
Ventilate when charging batteries or when
using a battery in an enclosed space.
ALWAYS wear safety goggles when working
near batteries.
27. Please remember: You can always stop
the tines and wheels by releasing the
Forward Clutch Control Lever, or by moving
the engine switch (located on engine) to the
OFF position.
28. To load or unload the tiller, see the
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
29. Use extreme caution when reversing or
pulling the machine towards you.
30. Start engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet away from tines.
31. Never pick up or carry a machine while
the engine is running.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep the tiller, attachments and accessories in safe working condition.
2. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel
tank inside a building where ignition sources
are present such as hot water and space
heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves,
electric motors, etc. Allow engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
4. To reduce the chances of a fire hazard,
keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or
excessive grease.
5. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated
area, safely away from any spark- or flameproducing equipment. Store gasoline in an
approved container, safely away from the
reach of children.
6. Refer to the storage instructions in the
Maintenance section of this Manual and in
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for
instructions if the tiller is to be stored for
an extended period.
7. Never perform maintenance while the
engine is running or the spark plug wire is
connected, except when specifically
instructed to do so.
8. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this
outdoors.
Section 1: Safety 5
DECALS
For your safety and the safety of others, various safety message decals are on your unit (see Figure 1-2). Keep the decals clean and
legible at all times. Contact your local service dealer or the Factory for replacements if any decals are damaged or missing.
Refer to the Parts List in this manual for decal locations, part numbers and ordering instructions.
Figure 1-2: Location of safety and operating decals.
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
• READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
• KNOW LOCATIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF ALL CONTROLS.
• KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNINSTRUCTED ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER.
• SHUT OFF ENGINE AND DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE 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.
WARNING
Control Descriptions
Starting Stabilization
(on front of engine
assembly)
Operating Instructions
and Warning Messages
Tine Warning (on right
side of hood flap)
Hot Surfaces/Moving Belts
(on top of belt cover)
Various symbols (shown here, with
word descriptions) may be used on the
tiller and engine.
Operating Symbols
FAST
SLOW
STOP
STOP
CHOKE
ON
CHOKE
OFF
ROTATING
TINES
TILLER DIRECTION
LEVER DIRECTION
INTRODUCTION
Carefully follow these assembly steps to
correctly prepare your tiller for use. It is
recommended that you read this Section
in its entirety before beginning assembly.
INSPECT UNIT
Inspect the unit and carton for damage
immediately after delivery. Contact the
carrier (trucking company) if you find or
suspect damage. Inform them of the
damage and request instructions for filing
a claim. To protect your rights, put your
claim in writing and mail a copy to the
carrier within 15 days after the unit has
been delivered. Contact us at the factory if
you need assistance in this matter.
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove any cardboard inserts and
packaging material from the carton.
Remove any staples from the bottom of
the carton and remove the carton.
2. Cut the large, plastic tie strap that
secures the transmission tube to the shipping pallet. Leave the handlebars on top of
the tiller to avoid damaging any cables.
3. A bag with loose hardware is inside the
literature envelope. Check the contents
against the following list and Figure 2-1.
Contact your local dealer or the factory if
any items are missing or damaged.
4. The tiller is heavy. You should not
attempt to remove it from the shipping
platform until instructed to do so in these
“Assembly” steps.
HARDWARE BAG PARTS LIST
Fig.
Ref. Qty. Description
1 2 3/8-16 x 1" Hex Hd. Screw
2 1 Keyed Washer
3 1 Wheel Gear Lever Knob
4 1 Height Adjustment Flange
Screw (See Figure 2-1A)
5 2 3/8" Flat Washer
6 2 #10 Lockwasher
7 2 3/8"-16 Nylock Lock Nut
8 2 #10-32 x 1/2" Round Hd.
Screw
9 1 Cotter Pin (not used)
10 4 Plastic Tie Strap (2 not used)
Tools/Materials Needed
for Assembly
(1) 3/8" open-end wrench*
(2) 9/16" open-end wrench*
(1) Scissors (to trim plastic ties)
(1) Ruler
(1) Small board (to tap plastic knob on
lever)
(1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) Clean oil funnel
(1) Clean, high-quality motor oil. Refer to
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual
for motor oil specifications and
quantity required.
* Adjustable wrenches may be used.
IMPORTANT: Motor oil must be added to
the engine crankcase before the engine is
started. Follow the instructions in this
“Assembly” Section and in the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual.
NOTE: LEFT and RIGHT sides of the tiller
are as viewed from the operator’s position
behind the handlebars.
STEP 2: ATTACH HANDLEBARS
1. Cut the large, plastic cable ties that
secure the handlebar ends to the handlebar mounting tabs on the transmission
top cover.
2. Gently lift handlebar (do not overstretch attached cable) and place handlebar cross-brace (B, Figure 2-2) in front of
curved height adjustment bracket (C).
3. With forward clutch cable (N, Figure
2-3) on inside of handlebar, position
handlebar ends on outside of the two
mounting tabs (M, Figure 2-2) on transmission top cover.
4. Loosely attach the handlebars to the
mounting tabs with two 3/8-16 x 1"
screws (heads of screws go to inside of
tabs), 3/8" flat washers and 3/8"-16 lock
nuts (O, Figure 2-3).
5. Move the handlebars up or down to
align the threaded hole in the cross-brace
with one of the four slots in the curved
height adjustment bracket. Place the
keyed washer (E, Figure 2-2) on the flange
head height adjustment screw (F) with the
raised keys (edges) of the washer facing
down.
Assembly
2
Section
6
Figure 2-2: Forward clutch control cable not
shown for clarity.
Figure 2-1: Loose hardware (shown in
reduced size).
Figure 2-1A Handlebar height adjustment
uses the flange head screw.
31
2
4
5
6
10
7
8
E
F
C
To prevent personal injury or property
damage, do not start the engine until all
assembly steps are complete and you
have read and understand the safety and
operating instructions in this Manual.
WARNING
Flange
9
B
M
Section 2: Assembly 7
6. Thread the height adjustment screw (F,
Figure 2-2) into the hole in the handlebar
cross-brace, making sure that the raised
keys on the washer fit into the slot on the
height adjustment bracket. Tighten the
height adjustment screw securely. Next,
securely tighten the two screws and nuts
in the ends of the handlebar (M, Figure
2-2).
7. To remove the tiller from its shipping
platform, first carefully unwrap the wheel
gear cable (with attached lever - see Figure
2-4) from around the chassis. Move the
Wheel Gear Lever (G) to the DISENGAGE
position--this allows the wheels to rotate
freely. Use the handlebars to roll the tiller
off the platform.
NOTE: The Wheel Gear Lever will be
installed later in this procedure.
IMPORTANT: Use the DISENGAGE position only when the engine is not running.
Before starting the engine, the Wheel Gear
Lever must be placed in the ENGAGE position (see Section 3 for details).
STEP 3: ATTACH FORWARD CLUTCH
CONTROL CABLE
1. Remove any fasteners (rubber bands,
tape, etc.) that may secure the Forward
Clutch Control levers (J, Figure 2-5) to the
handlebar.
2. The forward clutch control cable (with
attached spring) is hanging loosely near
the right side wheel. Being careful not to
kink or stretch the cable, insert the z-connector (at the end of the spring) into the
hole at the end of the forward clutch
control linkage (K, Figures 2-5 and 2-6).
3. Attach the cable adjuster (Figure 2-7)
to the bracket on the right-side handlebar.
Use two 1/2" wrenches to loosen the two
jam nuts just enough to slide the cable
adjuster onto the bracket. Then hand
tighten the jam nuts.
4. Check for correct tension as instructed
in Checking and Adjusting Forward Clutch
Belt Tension in Section 5.
5. Tighten the two jam nuts securely
when tension is correct.
STEP 4: CHECK TRANSMISSION
GEAR OIL LEVEL
The transmission was filled with gear oil at
the factory. However, be sure to check the
oil level at this time to make certain it is
correct.
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the tiller if
the gear oil level is low. Doing so will
result in severe damage to the transmission components.
1. With the tiller on level ground, pull the
Depth Regulator Lever (L, Figure 2-8) back
and then slide it to the second notch from
the top. NOTE: If the lever does not move,
lift the tine hood flap and look for a plastic
tie securing the lever in place. Cut and
remove the tie.
2. Remove the oil level check plug (M,
Figure 2-9) on the left-side of the transmission. (Due to dried paint on the plug
threads, it may require some force to
remove the plug the first time.) The gear
oil level is correct if oil starts to flow out of
the hole as the plug is removed. If so,
securely reinstall the plug.
Figure 2-3 Attach handlebars.
Figure 2-4: Carefully unwrap Wheel Gear
Lever and move lever to DISENGAGE.
C
N
P
O
➥
Figure 2-5: Forward Clutch Control levers
(J). Forward clutch control linkage (K).
K
J
G
Figure 2-6: Forward clutch control spring
connection to forward control linkage.
K
Completed
Connection
Figure 2-7
Jam
Nuts
Cable
Adjuster
Figure 2-8: Put lever in second notch.
L
8 Section 2: Assembly
3. If oil does not flow from the check
hole, add oil as follows:
NOTE: Do not use automatic transmission
fluid or motor oil in the transmission.
(a) Clean area around the fill hole (N,
Figure 2-10) and unscrew gear oil fill
plug.
(b) If adding only a few ounces of gear oil,
use API rated GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil
having a viscosity of SAE 140, SAE
85W-140 or SAE 80W-90. If refilling
an empty transmission, use only GL-4
gear oil having a viscosity of SAE
85W-140 or SAE 140.
(c) Using a clean funnel, slowly add gear
oil until it flows from the gear oil level
check hole (N, Figure 2-10).
(d) Reinstall and tighten securely the gear
oil fill plug (M, Figure 2-9).
STEP 5: ADD MOTOR OIL TO ENGINE
The tiller is shipped without oil in the
engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the engine
without first adding motor oil. Severe
engine damage will result if the engine is
run without oil.
1. Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual for motor oil specifications and
capacities.
2. With the unit on level ground, move
the Depth Regulator Lever (L, Figure 2-8)
up or down until the engine is level.
3. Add motor oil as described in the
Engine Owner’s Manual.
4. Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the
way down until the highest notch is
engaged. This places the tines in the
“travel” position.
STEP 6: ATTACH WHEEL GEAR LEVER
1. Insert the Wheel Gear Lever (P, Figure
2-11) up through the slot in the control
panel that is labeled “WHEEL GEAR.”
2. Insert two #10-32 x 1/2" round head
screws down through the “+” marks on
the control panel decal and securely attach
the wheel gear mounting bracket using
two #10 lockwashers and #10-32 nuts.
3. Using a board, tap the Wheel Gear
Lever knob securely onto the lever.
4. Secure the wheel gear cable to the leftside handlebar with two plastic ties
(S, Figure 2-12), located about two feet
apart. Snip off any excess tie length with
scissors.
STEP 7: CHECK AIR PRESSURE
IN TIRES
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air
pressure in both tires. Deflate or inflate
both tires equally to 15-to-20 PSI (pounds
per square inch). Be sure that both tires
are inflated equally or the unit will pull to
one side.
STEP 8: CHECK HARDWARE FOR
TIGHTNESS
Inspect the hardware on the unit and
tighten any loose screws, bolts and nuts.
This completes the assembly steps.
Be sure to read the rest of this Manual
before you operate your tiller.
Figure 2-9: Gear oil level check plug.
M
Figure 2-10: Adding gear oil.
Figure 2-11: Attach Wheel Gear Lever.
P
N
Figure 2-12: Attach wheel gear cable with
cable ties (S).
S
INTRODUCTION
This section describes the location and
function of the controls on your tiller.
Refer to Section 4: Operation for detailed
operating instructions.
Practice using these controls, with the
engine shut off, until you understand the
operation of the controls and feel confident with each of them.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate engine
manufacturer’s Engine Owner’s Manual for
information about the controls on the
engine.
WHEEL GEAR LEVER
This lever (A, Figure 3-1) has two positions: ENGAGE and DISENGAGE.
In the ENGAGE position, the wheels will
start turning when the Forward Clutch
Control (the tines will also start turning
when the clutch is engaged).
The DISENGAGE (freewheel) position
places the wheels in the freewheeling
mode to allow the unit to be moved
without the engine running. Use the DISENGAGE position only when the engine is
not running. See “DANGER” statement
that follows.
To shift to ENGAGE, gently (do not force)
move the lever forward while also rolling
the tiller a few inches forward or backward. Moving the tiller helps to align the
shift mechanism with the transmission
wheel drive gears.
To shift to DISENGAGE, move the lever
rearward, without rolling the tiller. The
wheels will roll freely when the lever is
properly set into the DISENGAGE position.
FORWARD CLUTCH CONTROL
LEVERS
The two interconnected levers (B, Figure
3-1) control the engagement of forward
drive to the wheels and tines.
To Operate the Forward Clutch Control:
1. Before engaging the Forward Clutch
Control Levers, put the Wheel Gear Lever
in the ENGAGE position (see “WARNING”
above).
2. Lift and hold one or both of the levers
against the handlebar grips to engage the
wheels and tines.
3. Release BOTH levers to disengage
(stop) the wheels and tines. All forward
motion will stop (the engine will continue
to run).
DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER
This lever (D, Figure 3-2) controls the
tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever
straight back and slide it up or down to
engage the notched height settings.
The highest notch (lever all the way down)
raises the tines approximately 1-1/2
inches off the ground. This “travel” position allows the tiller to be moved without
the tines digging into the ground.
Features and Controls
3
Section
9
Figure 3-1: Controls located on handlebar.
Never place the Wheel Gear Lever in
DISENGAGE (Freewheel) when the
engine is running.
Having the Wheel Gear Lever in
DISENGAGE and then engaging the
tines/wheels with the Forward Clutch
Control Lever could allow the tines to
propel the tiller rapidly forward.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
Never engage the wheels and tines with
Forward Clutch Control unless the
Wheel Gear Lever is in ENGAGE.
Engaging Forward Clutch Control Levers
when the wheels are not engaged could
allow the tines to rapidly propel the
tiller forward.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Before operating your machine, carefully read and understand all safety,
controls and operating instructions in
this Manual, in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual, and on the decals on
the machine.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
A
• Use extreme caution when reversing or
pulling the machine towards you. Look
behind to avoid obstacles.
• Never attempt to till when reversing.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
B
Figure 3-2: Depth Regulator Lever.
D
• Do not attempt to till too deeply too
quickly. Gradually work down to
deeper tilling depths.
• Place the Depth Regulator Lever in the
“travel” position before starting the
engine. This position prevents the
tines from touching the ground until
you are ready to begin tilling.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
DANGER
10 Section 3: Features and Controls
Moving the lever up increases the tilling
depth. The lowest notch allows a tilling
depth of approximately six to eight inches,
depending on soil conditions.
For best results, always begin tilling at a
very shallow depth setting and gradually
increase the tilling depth.
Complete details on using the Depth Regulator are found in Section 4 of this
manual.
HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The handlebar height is adjustable to four
different settings. When setting the
height, keep in mind that the handlebars
will be lower when the tines are engaged
in the soil.
To Adjust the Handlebar Height:
1. Stop the engine, wait for all parts to
stop moving and then disconnect the
spark plug wire. Remove the ignition key
on electric start models.
2. Loosen the two screws at the lower
ends of the handlebar.
3. Loosen the height adjustment flange
screw (F, Figure 3-3) and pull the keyed
washer (E) free of the slots in the curved
height adjustment bracket.
4. Move the handlebars to the new slot
setting and insert the raised keys on the
keyed washer into the slot. Tighten the
height adjustment flange screw securely.
5. Retighten the two screws at the ends
of the handlebar.
ENGINE CONTROLS
Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Engine
Owner’s Manual (included in the tiller literature package) to identify the controls on
your engine.
IMPORTANT: The control for stopping the
engine is located on the engine.
Figure 3-3
E
F
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING
“MOTOR OIL ALERT SYSTEM”
The engine on your tiller is not
equipped with a functioning “Oil Alert
System” and you should ignore any
references in your Engine Owner’s
Manual regarding this feature.
The “Oil Alert System” is not practi-
cal for use with your tiller because
the engine is frequently operated in
non-level applications that would
provide false readings to the
system’s oil level sensor. These
false readings would result in frequent, and unnecessary, engine shut
downs.
You can easily protect your engine
from damage caused by insufficient
oil in the crankcase by simply
remembering to do the following:
• Check the motor oil level before
starting the engine.
• Check the motor oil level after every
five (5) hours of continuous
operation.
Operation
4
Section
11
INTRODUCTION
Read this section of the manual thoroughly before you start the engine. Then,
take the time to familiarize yourself with
the basic operation of the tiller before
using it in the garden. Find an open, level
area and practice using the tiller controls
without the tines engaging the soil (put
tines in “travel” setting). Only after you’ve
become completely familiar with the tiller
should you begin using it in the garden.
BREAK-IN OPERATION
Perform the following maintenance during
the first 2 (two) hours of new operation
(see Section 5 of this manual and the
Maintenance section of the Engine
Owner’s Manual).
1. Change motor oil.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware
on unit. Tighten or replace as needed.
3. Check transmission gear oil level.
4. Check tension on forward clutch belt.
STARTING/STOPPING ENGINE
PRE-START CHECKLIST
Do the following before starting the
engine:
1. Read the Safety and Features and Con-
trols sections in this manual. Read the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual provided
by the engine manufacturer.
2. Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as required.
3. Check motor oil level. See Engine
Owner’s Manual.
4. Check that all safety guards and covers
are in place.
5. Check air cleaner and engine cooling
system. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
6. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual. Follow all instructions
and safety rules carefully.
7. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
STARTING THE ENGINE
The following steps describe how to start
and stop the engine.
Do not engage the tines or wheels until
you have read all of the operating
instructions in this section, the safety
rules in Section 1: Safety, and the controls information in Section 3: Features
and Controls.
1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist in this
section.
2. Put the Wheel Gear Lever (Figure 4-1)
in the ENGAGE position.
3. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the
“travel” position (lever all the way down)
so that the tines are clear of the ground.
4. Release all controls on the tiller.
5. Put the engine switch in the ON posi-
tion, as instructed in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual.
6. On engines equipped with a fuel valve,
move valve to the ON position as
instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual.
7. Choke or prime engine as instructed in
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
8. Put the throttle lever in the start position as instructed in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual.
9. Operate the recoil starter:
(a) Place one hand on fuel tank to stabi-
lize unit when you pull the starter
handle.
Forward Clutch
Control Lever
Forward Clutch
Control Lever
Depth Regulator Lever
Handlebar Height
Adjustment Screw
Wheel Gear Lever
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this manual
(see Section 1) and in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety instructions can result in serious personal
injury and property damage.
Before operating your machine, carefully
read and understand all safety (Section
1), controls (Section 3) and operating
instructions (Section 4) in this Manual,
in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual,
and on the decals on the machine.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
To help prevent serious personal injury
or damage to equipment:
• Before starting engine, put Wheel Gear
Lever in ENGAGE position.
• Before starting engine, put Forward Clutch
Control Levers in neutral (disengaged)
position by releasing controls.
• Never run engine indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
• Avoid engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed
150oF.
Figure 4-1
Keep away from rotating tines. Rotating
tines will cause injury.
WARNING
DANGER
CAUTION
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