Bolens 675B User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Rear-tine Tiller
Model 675B Shown (bumper styles vary)
Model
675B
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered 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.
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
769-00586B.fm
9/13/04
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Customer Support 2
Safety 3
Assembly 6
Features and Controls 9
Content Page
Maintenance 16
Troubleshooting 23
Parts List 24
Warranty Back Cover
Operation 11
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the
unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and
copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is also given below. You can
locate the model plate by looking at the rear of the tine shield. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
www.troybilt.com
TROY-BILT LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-558-7220
1-800-520-5520
361131
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer without first contacting Customer Support.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of
this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit troy-bilt.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you
will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1(800) 520-5520.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
Engine
Manual
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
2
SECTION 1: SAFETY
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.
Wheel Gear Lever
Reverse Clutch Control
Forward Clutch Lever
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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.
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 control levers are released
and the Wheel Gear Lever is in ENGAGE position 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:
Recoil
Rope
Starter
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.
Forward Clutch Lever
Depth
Regulator
Lever
Counter Rotating Tines
Figure 1-1
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, remove the wire from the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug, thoroughly inspect the machine
for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the machine.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
3
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.
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 inspect-
ing, 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.
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 backward, 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 or the Reverse Clutch.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unexpectedly bounce upward or jump backward 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 slower engine speeds.
c. Clear the tilling area of all large
stones, roots and other debris.
d. Avoid using downward pressure on
handlebars. If need be, use slight
upward pressure to keep the tines
from digging too deeply.
e. Before contacting hard packed soil
at the end of a row, reduce engine
speed and lift handlebars to raise
tines out of the soil.
f. In an emergency, stop tines and
wheels by releasing whichever
Clutch Lever is engaged. Do not at-
tempt 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 the tiller at high transport speeds on 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 Garden Way Inc.
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 enginegovernor 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
25.
Please remember: You can always stop the
tines and wheels by releasing the Forward
Clutch Lever or the Reverse Clutch Control
(whichever lever you have engaged) or by moving the Throttle Control Lever to STOP.
26. To load or unload the tiller, see the instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
27. Use extreme caution when reversing or
pulling the machine towards you.
28. Start the engine carefully according to in-
structions and with feet well away from the
tines.
29. 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 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.
4
Safety Decals
For your safety and the safety of others,
various safety and operational decals are
located on your unit (see Figure 1-2 below).
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.
Control Description
(on Control Panel)
Tine Warning
Starting Stabilization
Message (on engine)
Warning Messages
(on tine hood)
Hot Surfaces⁄Moving Belts
Warning (on belt cover)
Figure 1-2: Location of Safety and Operating Decals
Operating Symbols
Various symbols (shown here, with word descriptions)
may be used on the tiller and engine.
NOTE: Your unit may not have all of the symbols.
FAST SLOW STOP TILLER DIRECTION LEVER DIRECTION
CHOKE
ON
CHOKE
OFF
R
REVERSE
WARNING
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
• READ THE OPERATOR’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.
ROTATING TINES
5
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY
WARNING: 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.
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
STEP1: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove any card-board 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.
NOTE: For electric start units, a second
hardware bag is located near the battery.
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
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
(See Figure 2-2)
5 2 3/8" Flat Washer
6 2 #10 Lock washer
7 23⁄8"-16 Nylock Lock Nut
8 2 #10-32 x 1/2" Rnd Hd Screw
9 2 #10-32 Nut
10 1 Cotter Pin (not used)
11 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) 7/8" 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 quan-
tity required.
* Adjustable wrenches may be used.
IMPORTANT:
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 se-
cure 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 crossbrace (B, Figure 2-3) in front of curved
height adjustment bracket (C).
Motor oil must be added to
1
5
7
Figure 2-1: Loose hardware (shown in reduced size).
Figure 2-2: Handlebar height adjustment uses
the flange head screw.
M
2
8
C
3
6
9
10
4
11
Flange
E
F
B
Figure 2-3: Forward clutch control cable not
shown for clarity.
3. With the forward clutch cable (N, Figure 2-4) on the inside of handlebar, posi-
tion the handlebar ends on the outside of
the two mounting tabs (M, Figure 2-3) on
the transmission top cover.
NOTE: The curved handlebar height adjustment bracket appears as shown in C, Figure 2-3 for non-electric start units. For
electric start units, the bracket is loosened
and moved to one side.
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 2-4).
6
C
P
N
Figure 2-4: Attach handlebars.
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 2-3) on the flange head
height adjustment screw (F) with the
raised keys (edges) of the washer facing
down.
6. Thread the height adjustment screw (F,
Figure 2-3) 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-
3).
7. To remove the tiller from its shipping
platform, first carefully unwrap the wheel
gear cable (with attached lever - see Figure
2-5) 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.
O
G
Figure 2-5: Carefully unwrap Wheel Gear Lever and move lever to DISENGAGE.
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 REVERSE CLUTCH
CONTROL CABLE
1. Carefully unwrap the reverse clutch
control cable (H, Figure 2-6) from its shipping position and route it up along the inside edge of the left side handlebar. A knob
and large hex nut (I) is installed on the cable.
Left Side
Handlebar
Figure 2-6: Attach reverse clutch control assembly to slotted hole in handlebar panel.
Reverse Clutch
Control Knob
Slot in Control Panel
I
H
2. Insert the cable into the slot in the con-
trol panel and fit the threaded assembly
into the hole in the slot (see Figure 2-6). Be
sure that the flat side of the threaded assembly is aligned with the flat side of the
hole. Slide the hex nut (I) up the cable and
tighten it securely.
3. Test the function of the reverse clutch
control cable by pulling the knob out and
releasing it. The knob should return to its
neutral position against the tapered bushing. If it doesn’t, contact your local dealer
or the factory for technical.
STEP 4: ATTACH FORWARD CLUTCH
CONTROL CABLE
1. Remove any fasteners (rubber bands,
tape, etc.) that may secure the Forward
Clutch Control levers (J, Figure 2-7) to the
handlebar.
K
J
Figure 2-7: Forward Clutch Control levers (J).
Forward clutch control linkage (K).
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 (L, Figure 2-8 – end of the spring)
into the hole at the end of the forward
clutch control linkage (K, Figure 2-7).
L
Figure 2-8
3. Attach the cable adjuster (A, Figure 2-9)
to the bracket on the right-side handlebar.
Use two 1⁄2" wrenches to loosen the two
jam nuts (B) just enough to slide the cable
adjuster onto the bracket. Then hand tighten the jam nuts.
A
B
Figure 2-9
7
CAUTION: Incorrect cable
adjustment could cause the
wheels and tines to rotate
unexpectedly. Follow
adjustment procedures
carefully. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or
property damage.
4. Check for correct spring⁄cable tension
as instructed in Section 5, Checking and
Adjusting Forward Clutch Belt Tension.
5. When tension is correct, tighten the two
jam nuts (B) securely.
STEP 5: 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:
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 (R, Figure 2-13)
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 2-10) 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 2-10: Gear oil level check plug.
3. If oil does not flow from the check hole,
add oil as follows:
Do not operate the tiller if
M
N
Figure 2-11: Adding gear oil.
NOTE: Do not use automatic
transmission fluid or motor oil in the
transmission.
(a) Clean area around the fill hole (N, Figure 2-11) 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 2-11).
(d) Reinstall and tighten securely the gear
oil fill plug (M, Figure 2-10).
STEP 6: ATTACH WHEEL GEAR LEVER
1. Insert the Wheel Gear Lever (P, Figure 2-
12) 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 lock washers and #10-32 nuts.
3. Use a small board or rubber mallet to
tap the Wheel Gear Lever knob securely
onto the lever (R, Figure 2-13).
4. Secure the wheel gear cable and the reverse clutch control cable to the left-side
handlebar with two plastic ties (S, Figure
2-13) located about two feet apart. Snip off
any excess tie length.
STEP 7: CHECK AIR
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air
pressure in both tires. Deflate or inflate
both tires equally to between 15 PSI and
20 PSI. Be sure that both tires are inflated
equally or the unit will pull to one side.
P
Figure 2-12: Attach Wheel Gear Lever.
S
R
Figure 2-13: Attach wheel gear cable and reverse clutch cable with cable ties (S).
STEP 8: CHECK HARDWARE
Inspect the hardware on the unit and tighten any loose screws, bolts and nuts.
8
SECTION 3: FEATURES AND CONTROLS
WARNING: Before
operating your machine,
carefully read and understand
all safety, controls and
operating instructions in this
Manual, the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual, and on the
decals on the machine. Failure
to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal
injury.
Tiller Features
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:
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 either the Forward
Clutch or the Reverse Clutch is engaged.
NOTE: The tines will also start turning
when either clutch is engaged.
The DISENGAGE (freewheel) position places the wheels in freewheeling mode to allow the wheels to turn without starting the
engine. Use the DISENGAGE position only
when the engine is not running.
Refer to the separate engine
DANGER: Never place the
Wheel Gear Lever in
DISENGAGE (Freewheel) when
the engine is running.
Having the Wheel Gear Lever in
engaging the tines⁄wheels with
either the Forward Clutch or the
Reverse Clutch could allow the
tines to propel the tiller rapidly
backward. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in
personal injury or property
damage.
A
D
B
C
B
Figure 3-1: Control panel.
To shift to ENGAGE, gently (do not force)
move the lever forward while rolling the
tiller a few inches forward or backward.
(Moving the tiller helps align the transmission shift mechanism). The wheels will not
freewheel when the lever is properly set in
the ENGAGE position.
To shift to DISENGAGE, move the lever
rearward, without rolling the tiller. The
wheels roll freely when the lever is properly set in the DISENGAGE position.
Forward Clutch Levers
Two interconnected levers (B, Figure 3-1)
control engagement of the forward drive to
the wheels and power to the tines.
WARNING: Never engage
wheels and tines with Forward
Clutch or Reverse Clutch unless
Wheel Gear Lever is in
ENGAGE. Engaging the Forward
Clutch or Reverse Clutch when
wheels are not engaged could
allow the tines to rapidly propel
tiller backward. Failure to follow
this warning could result in
personal injury or property
damage.
To Operate Forward Clutch:
1. Before engaging the Forward Clutch,
put the Wheel Gear Lever into the ENGAGE
position (see “WARNING” above).
2. Lift and hold one or both levers against
the handlebar grips to engage the wheels
and tines.
3. Release BOTH levers to disengage
wheels and tines. All forward motion will
stop (engine will continue to run).
IMPORTANT:
are connected to a mechanical interlock
that automatically shifts a separate Wheel
Gear Lever (A, Figure 3-1) into ENGAGE
position when either Forward Clutch Lever
is pulled up against the handlebars. This is
a safety feature designed to prevent the
wheels from being in DISENGAGE
(freewheel) position when the tines are
rotating.
Before starting the engine, test the
function of the mechanical interlock as
follows:
1. Put Wheel Gear Lever into DISENGAGE
position and roll tiller back and forth a few
inches. Wheels should roll freely.
2. Without rolling the tiller, squeeze either
Forward Clutch Lever against the handlebar grips. As the levers move upward, the
mechanical interlock automatically moves
the Wheel Gear Lever forward into the ENGAGE position (roll tiller back and forth a
few inches). If it does, the wheels will not
roll freely when you push and pull on the
handlebars.
3. The mechanical interlock works properly if it functions as described in Step 2. If
the mechanical interlock does not function
properly, do not operate the tiller until it
has been corrected (see your authorized
dealer or contact the factory).
The Forward Clutch Levers
Reverse Clutch Control
This control (C, Figure 3-1) engages the
reverse drive to the wheels and power to
the tines. It is used for moving the tiller
short distances in a reverse direction.
To Operate Reverse Clutch:
WARNING: Use extreme
caution when reversing or
pulling the machine towards
you. Look behind to avoid
obstacles. Never attempt to till
in reverse. Failure to follow this
warning could result in
personal injury or property
damage.
1. Before engaging the Reverse Clutch, put
the Wheel Gear Lever into ENGAGE. (see
“WARNING” at left).
2. Release the Forward Clutch Levers.
9
3. To move the tiller in reverse, first stop all
forward motion. Lift up the handlebars until the tines clear the ground and pull the
Reverse Clutch lever out.
The wheels will rotate in a reverse direction
as long as the lever is held in REVERSE. To
stop the wheels and tines, release the lever
and it will return to NEUTRAL. Never at-
tempt to till while moving in reverse direction.
Depth Regulator Lever
This lever (E, 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.
E
Figure 3-2: Depth Regulator Lever.
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.
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 tilling depth.
Handlebar Height Adjustment
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.
WARNING: Whenever the
handlebar height is changed,
the Forward Clutch shift
mechanism must be
readjusted. Before adjusting or
checking the Forward Clutch
mechanism, shut engine off,
disconnect spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching spark
plug. Failure to follow this
warning could cause the
Forward Clutch mechanism to
operate improperly which could
result in personal injury or
property damage.
To Adjust Handlebar Height:
1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop
moving and then disconnect spark plug
wire.
2. Loosen the two screws at lower ends of
handlebar.
3. Loosen height adjustment screw (F, Figure 3-3) and pull keyed washer (G) free
from slots in curved height adjustment
bracket.
G
F
Engine Controls
IMPORTANT: The engine is equipped with
either a choke control or a primer bulb.
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual (included in tiller literature package) to identify which device is on your engine.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter (H, Figure 3-4) is used to
“pull-start” the engine. See Engine Starting
and Stopping in Section 4 for detailed engine starting instructions.
H
Figure 3-4: Recoil starter handle.
Engine Throttle Lever
The throttle lever (D, Figure 3-1) is used to
adjust engine speed as well as stop the engine. Use the START position when starting the engine. Pull the lever all way back
to the STOP position to shut the engine off.
WARNING: Place Depth
Regulator Lever in “travel”
position before starting engine.
This position prevents the tines
from touching the ground until
you are ready to begin tilling.Do
not attempt to till too deeply too
quickly. Gradually work down
to deeper tilling depths. Failure
to follow this warning could result in
personal injury or property damage.
Figure 3-3: Handlebar height adjustment.
4. Move handlebars to a new slot setting
and insert the raised key on the keyed
washer into the slot. Tighten the height adjustment screw securely.
5. Retighten the two screws at ends of
handlebar.
10
SECTION 3: OPERATION
WARNING: 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.
Introduction
Read this Section of the manual thoroughly before you start the engine. Then, take
time to familiarize yourself with the basic
operation of the tiller before using it. Find
an open, level area and practice using the
tiller controls without engaging the tines in
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 hours of new operation (see Section 5: Maintenance and the maintenance
section of the Engine Owner’s Manual).
1. Change motor oil after first 2 hours of
new engine operation.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware on
unit. Tighten or replace as needed.
3. Check tension on forward drive belt after first 2 hours of operation.
4. Check transmission gear oil level after
first 2 hours of operation.
STARTING AND STOPPING 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.
Also review the safety rules in Section 1:
Safety and the tiller and engine controls
information in Section 3: Features and
Controls.
Pre-Start Checklist
Do the following before starting the engine.
1. Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as required.
Reverse Clutch Control
Forward Clutch Lever
Recoil Rope Starter
Figure 4-1
2. Check motor oil level. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
3. Check that all safety guards and covers
are in place.
4. Check air cleaner and engine cooling
system. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
5. Select a forward belt speed range (see
Changing Belt Speed Ranges in this Section).
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.
DANGER: 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.
7. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
Starting the Engine
1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist.
2. Put the Wheel Gear Lever (Figure 4-1)
into the ENGAGE position.
Wheel Gear Lever
Forward Clutch Lever
Depth
Regulator
Lever
Counter Rotating Tines
CAUTION: To help prevent
serious personal injury or
damage to equipment:
• Before starting engine, put Wheel Gear
Lever into ENGAGE position.
• Before starting engine, put Forward
Clutch Levers and Reverse Clutch Control
into neutral (disengaged) positions by
releasing controls.
• Never run engine indoors or in an
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
° F.
150
3. Put the Depth Regulator Lever into 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. If the engine is equipped with a fuel
shutoff valve, turn the valve to the open
position, as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
WARNING: Keep away
from rotating tines. Rotating
tines will cause injury.
6. Move the Engine Throttle Lever into the
START position.
11
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