Craftsman 987293190 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

II:RRFTSMRN I

3 HORSEPOWER

REAR TINE TILLER

Model No: 987.293190

CAUTION:
Before using this tiller, read

this manual and follow all its
Safety Rules and Operating

Instructions.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit the Craftsman web page: www.sears.com/craftsman

• Safety Rules

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts

SAFETY RULES

_ CAUTION" ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT

CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SET-
TING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS.

I

TRAINING

%, Read ,this Owner's Manual and
any other literature you may receive

carefully before operating this equip-
ment. Be completely familiar with

the controls and the proper use of
this equipment. Know how to stop

the unit and disengage the controls
quickly.

2. Never allow children or untrained
adults to operate this equipment.

3. 'Keep the area of operation clear
of'all persons, particularly small chiL-

dren and pets. Keep bystanders at
least 25 feet from area of operation.

4. Keep in mind that the operator or
user is responsible for accidents or

hazards occurring to other people,
their property, and themselves.

5. Familiarize yourself with all of the
safety and operating decals on this

equipment and on any of its attach-

ments or accessories.

6. Do not run engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains car-

bon monoxide gas, a deadly poison
that is odorless, colorless, and taste-

less. Do not operate this equipment
near buildings, windows, or air

6onditioners.

7. Do not allow hands or any other
part of the body or clothing near the
rotating tines or
near any other
moving part. The
tines begin to ro-

tate backward

.once the engine

starts and the

Forward Clutch
Bail is engaged.

8. Before inspecting or servicing any
part of the equipment, shut off the
engine, wait for all moving parts to
come to a complete stop, disconnect
the spark plug wire from the spark

plug and move wire away from the

spark plug.

9. Do not operate this equipment if
you are under the influence of alco-

hol, medication, or when tired or ill.

PREPARATION

1. Thoroughly inspect the area
where the tiller will be used. Re-

move foreign objects before tilling.

2. Make sure that all control levers
are released and both wheels are in

Wheel Drive position before starting
the engine.

3. Do not operate the tiller without
wearing suitable clothing. Avoid

loose garments or jewelry that could
get caught in moving parts of the
tiller or its engine.

4. Do not operate the tiller when you
are barefoot, in sandals, sneakers or

other light footwear. Wear protective
footwear that grips well on slippery

surfaces.

5. Do not till near underground elec-
tric cables, telephone lines, pipes, or
hoses. Contact your telephone or

utility to verify locations of under-

ground cables or lines.

6. Handle gasoline with care; it is
highly flammable and has explosive
vapors. Take the following precau-

tions:

a. Use an approved gas container.

b. Gas caps shall never be re-

moved or fuel added with en-
gine running. Engine shall be

allowed to cool before refueling.
Operators shall notsmoke.

c. Keep matches, cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, open flames, or
sparks away from the fuel tank

and fuel container.

d. Fill fuel tank outdoors using ex-

treme caution. Never add fuel

indoors. Use a funnel or spout

to prevent spillage.

e. Replace all fuel tank and con-

tainer 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 attempt to make any ad-
ustments while the engine is running

or the spark pug w re is connected,
except when so instructed.

OPERATION

1. Never operate the tiller unless
safety guards or other protective de-

vices are in place.

2. Never operate the tiller without
good visibility or light.

3.' Never operate the tiller if you are'
fatigued, or under the influence of al-
cohol, drugs or medication.

4. Use tiller attachments and acces-
sories when recommended. Use only

attachments and accessories

approved by the manufacturer.

5. Operators shall net tamper with
the engine-governor settings on the
machine; the governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed and
protects the engine and all moving
parts from damage caused by over-
speed. Authorized service shall be
sought if a problem exists.

6. To load or unload the tiller from a
vehicle, see instructions in the "Oper-

ation" section.

7. Keep children and pets away.

8. Clear the area of bystanders
before tilling.

9. Do not run the engine in an en-
closed area. Engine exhaust con-

tains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly

poison that is odorless, colorless,
and tasteless.

10. Start the engine carefully accord-
ing to instructions and with feet well
away from the tines.

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

12. Never use the tiller at high
ground speeds on hard or slippery

surfaces.

13. Never operate the tiller under
engine power if the wheels are in the

FREEWHEEL position. In FREE-
WHEEL, the wheels will not hold the

tiller back and the revolving tines
could propel the tiller rapidly

!_ LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

IT MEANS- ATTENTION!!f BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

© Sears, Roebuck and Co.

2

SAFETY RULES

backward, possibly causing loss of

control. Always engage the wheels
with the Wheel Drive Pins in WHEEL

DRIVE position before starting en-
_ne or engaging tines with Forward

Ibtch Bail.

14. Look behind and exercise cau-

tion when backing up.

15. The tiller could unexpectedly
bounce upward or jump backward

and be propelled toward you if the

tines strike or catch very hard-

packed soil, sod, frozen ground, or
any buried obstacle such as large

stones or roots. If in doubt about till-
ing conditions, use the following pre-

cautions to assist you in maintaining
tiller control:

a. Walk behind and on either side

of the tiller, using one hand on
the handlebar. Relax your arm,
but use a secure hand grip.

b. Use a deep depth regulator

setting.
c. Use.slower engine speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of big

stones, roots and other debris.

e. Avoid putting downward pres-

sure on the handlebar. If nec-
essary, apply slight upward

pressure to prevent the tines
from digging too deeply.

f. In an emergency, stop tines and

wheels by releasing the
Forward Clutch Bail. Do not at-

tempt to restrain the tiller.

16. Do not overload the machine ca-

pacity by trying to till too deeply at
too fast a rate.

17. Do not operate tiller on a slope

too steep for safety, On slopes, slow

down and be sure you have good

footing, Don't let the tiller "freewheel"

down slopes.

18. Do not touch engine parts that
may be hot from operation (muffler,

fins, etc.). Make certain all parts have
cooled down before inspecting, clean-

ing or repairing.

19. Remember--To stop the tines
and wheels, release the Forward
Clutch Bail.

20. Do not put hands or feet near or
under rotating parts.

21. Use extreme caution when on or
crossing gravel driveways, walks or

roads. Be alert for hidden hazards
or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

22. If you hit a foreign object, stop
the engine, let all moving parts come

to a complete stop, disconnect spark
plug wire, move wire away from the

spark plug, and inspect for damage.
Repair damage before restarting.

23. Exercise caution to avoid slip-
ping or falling.

24, If abnormal tiller vibration oc-
curs, stop engine immediately, dis-

connect the spark plug wire and
move wire away from spark plu_.

Check for the cause. Carefully re-
spect for any damage. Fix the prob-
lem before using the tiller again.
Vibration is generally a warning sign

of trouble.

25. Stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire and move wire away
from spark plug after leaving the op-
erating position, before unclogging

tines, or before making repairs, ad-
justments or inspections.

26. Take all possible precautions be-
fore leaving the machine unattended.

Make sure that all control levers are
released, stop engine, and disconnect
spark plug wire and move wire away

from plug to prevent accidental start-
ing. Be sure both wheels are in the
Wheel Drive position.

27. Before cleaning, repairing or in-
specting, stop the engine, let all
moving parts stop, and disconnect
spark plug wire and move wire away
from spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

28. The flap on the tine hood must
be down when operating tiller.

MAINTENANCE& STORAGE

1. Never perform maintenance
when engine is running or spark plug
wire is connected except when

specifically directed to do so.

2. Keep tiller, attachments and ac-
cessories in safe working condition.

3. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws

frequently for proper tightness.

Always verify your equipment is in
safe working condition.

4. Never store the machine with fuel

in the fuel tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark, or where ignition

sources are present (such as hot wa-
ter and space heaters, furnaces,

clothes dryers, etc.).

5. Let the engine cool down before

storing it in an enclosure.

6. To reduce chance of a fire hazard,

keep grass, leaves, grease offengine.

7. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ven-
tilated area, safely away from any

spark- or flame-producing equip-

ment. Store gasoline in an approved

container, safely out of the reach of
children.

e. Refer to the Maintenance section

in this Manual for storage information
if your tiller is to be stored for an ex-

tended period.

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

10. Follow manufacturer's recom-
mendations for safe loading, unload-

ing, transport, and storage of
machine.

TOAVOIDINJURY:

• READOWNER'SMANUAL.

• KNOW LOCATION AND

FUNCTION OF ALL CON-
TROLS,

• KEEPALLSAFETYDEVICES
AND SHIELDS IN PLACE

ANDWORKING.

• NEVERALLOW CHILDREN
ORUNINSTRUCTEDADULTS

TO OPERATETILLER.

• SHUT OFF ENGINE AND
DISCONNECTSPARKPLUG

WIRE BEFORE UNCLOG-
GING TINES OR MAKING
REPAIRS.

• KEEPBYSTANDERSAWAY
FROMMACHINE,

• KEEPAWAYFROM ROTAT-
INGPARTS.

• USE EXTREME CAUTION
WHEN REVERSING OR
PULLINGTHEMACHINETO-
WARDSYOU.

WARNING:

The engine exhaust from this

product contains chemicals
knownto the Stateof California

to cause cancer, birth defects,

orotherreproductiveharm.

3

CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchaseofaSears
Craftsmantiller.Ithasbeendesigned,engineeredand

manufacturedtogiveyouthebestpossibledependability

andperformance.

Shouldyouexperienceanyproblemsyoucannoteasily
remedy,pleasecontactyournearestSearsService

Center/Department.Wehavecompetent,well-trained
technJciansandthepropertoolstoserviceorrepairthis

machine.

Pleaseread and retain this manual. The instructions will

help you assemble and maintain your machine properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES."

MODEL NUMBER: 987.293190

SERIAL
NUMBER:

DATE OF
PURCHASE:

THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

"FOUND ON A DECAL LOCATED ON THE TRANS-

MISSION OF YOUR MACHINE.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH THE SERIAL NUM-

BER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP tN A
SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT

A Sears maintenance agreement is available on this
pr'oduct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES

[3 Read and observe the safety rules.
[3 Follow a regular schedule in ma_intaining, caring for

and using this product.

(3 Fellow the instructions under "CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES" and "STORAGE" sections of
this manual.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 3 HP
DISPLACEMENT: 9.06 CU. IN.

FUEL CAPACITY: 2 Quarts
ENGINE OIL CAPACITY: 21 Ounces

;PARK PLUG (GAP 0.030-in.): Champion RJ-17LM*

or equivalent

IGNITION: Electronic
NET ENGINE WEIGHT: 25 Pounds

NET TILLER WEIGHT: 117 Pounds

• In Canada, replace spark plug with a resistor plug.

WARNING

This machine is equipped with an internal combus-
tion 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 he 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. This
engine is not equipped with a spark arrestor for the .

muffler, Asparkarrester for the muffler is
available through your nearest Sears authorized

service center. See the REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual.

LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN® TILLER

Fortwo yearsfrom the date of purchase,whenthis Craftsman®Tiller is maintained,lubricated, and tuned up according to the
operating and maintenanceinstructions in the owner's manual, Searswill repair,free of charge, anydefect in material or
workmanship.

if this Craftsman®Tiller is usedfor commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of

purchase.

THIS WARRANTYDOESNOTCOVER:

• Expendableitemswhichbecome worn duringnormaluse, suchastJQP,._,belts,sDarkP_Lu.g,and aircleaner.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuseor negligenceincludingbentcrankshaftsand the failure to maintaintheequip-
mentaccording to the instructionscontainedinthe owner'smanual.

WARRANTYSERVICEISAVAILABLEBYRETURNINGTHECRAFTSMAN®TILLERTOTHENEARESTSEARSSERVICECENTERINTHE

UNITEDSTATES,THISWARRANTYAPPLIESONLYWHILETHISPRODUCTISINUSEINTHEUNITEDSTATES.

This warranty givesyou specific legalrights, andyou mayalso haveother rightswhichvary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

•TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ................................................... 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .............................. 4

WARRANTY .......................................................... 4

ACCESSORIES .................................................... 6

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACKAGE ............ 7

ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 8

OPERATION ....................................................... 11

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 20

INDEX

A

Accessories .................. 6

Air Cleaner Maintenance ....... 23

Anti-Reverse Stake ........... 13

Assembly .................... 8

B

Break-In Operation ........... 16

Belt Tension Adjustment ....... 25

Belt Removal and Replacement . 25

C

Carburetor .................. 23

Checking/Adding Engine Oil .... 21

Checking/Adding Transmission Oil 21
Checking/Adjusting Belt Tension. 25

Checking for Oil Leaks ......... 23

Changing Engine Oil .......... 21

Changing Transmission Oil ..... 22

Cleaning .................... 23

Cooling System Maintenance... 23

Controls .................... 11

Cultivating .................. 18

D

Decals ..................... 30

Depth Regulator Lever ........ 13

E

Engine:

Air Filter .................. 23

Carburetor ................ 23

Choke Lever .............. 14

Cooling System ............ 23

Fuel Tank ................. 15

Oil, Checking/Adding ........ 21

Operation ................. 16

Part_ .................... 40

Recoil Start Rope .......... 14

Spark Plug ................ 23

Speed ................... 14

Starting Engine ............ 16

Stopping Engine ........... 16

Storage .................. 28

Throttle Lever ............. 14

Features/Controls ............ 11

Forward Clutch Bail ........ 12, 26

Forward Clutch Cable (Install) .... 9

Forward Clutch Cable (Replace) .26

Forward Travel ............ 12, 17

Guiding the Tiller ............. 16

Handlebar Height Adjustment ...13

Hardware .............. 7,10, 24

Leaks, Oil ................... 23

Loading and Unloading Tiller .... 19

Location of Controls ........... 11

Lubrication .................. 20

Maintenance Schedule ........ 20

Maintenance Agreement ........ 4

Model/Serial Number ........... 4

Motor Oil, Adding .......... 15, 21

Motor Oil, Changing ........... 21

Oil ...................... 15

Off-Season Storage ........... 28

Operation ................ 11,17

Parts List ................... 31

Preparation ................. 14

Pre-Start Checklist ............ 14

Product Specifications .......... 4

Rearward Travel ............. 17

Recoil Starter Rope ........... 14

Repair Parts ................. 31

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ........................ 24

STORAGE ........................................................... 28

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................ 29

DECALS .............................................................. 30

REPAIR PARTS - TILLER .................................. 31

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ................................. 40

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ........... Back Cover

F

G

II

Safety Rules ................. 2

Safety Decals ............... 30

Seedbed Preparation .......... 18

Service Recommendation

Checktist ................. 20

Slopes ..................... 19

Spark Plug .................. 23

Starter Rope ................ 14

Storage .................... 28

S

T

"Filler Parts ................. ,_31

Tilling ...................... 17

Tilling Depths ................ 16

"line Cleaning ................ 19

Tine Removal ................ 24

Transmission Gear Oil...10, 21, 22

Troubleshooting .............. 29

Turning Around .............. 17

M

U

Unpacking ................... 8

Untangling Tines ............. 19

W

Warranty .................... 4

0

P

R

Wheel Drive Pins ............. 11

RIGHT

SIDE

FORWARr SIDE

OPERATOR'S POSITION
All references to LEFT and

RIGHT sides of the tiller are

given from the operator's posi-
tion behind the handlebars (un-

less specified otherwise).

ACCESSORIES

These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are available at most Sears retail
outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the

model number of your tiller.

ACCESSORIES

SparkPlug

Figure 1-1

4,

GasCan Motor 0il

Figure 1-2

HandlebarSupport

COMPONENTS REQUIRING ASSEMBLY

HandlebarAssembly

6

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Parts Bag Contents (parts shown full size unless otherwise noted)

Slotted HeadScrew

#10-24 x 2" long

Qty.:(1)

Hex HeadScrew

3/8"-16x 3/4"

Qty.:(2)

Split Lockwasher,5/16"

Qty.:(6)

.©©©

5/16"-18x 1-1/2"long

HexHeadScrew

1/4"-20x 1-1/4" long

Qty.:(1)

CurvedHeadScrew

Qty.:(6)

HexNut

5/16"-18

Qty.:(6)

©©©

FlatWasher,3/8"

Qty.:(2)

.... Hex Locknut

1/4"-20

Qty.:(1)

Figure 1-3

HexLocknuts

3/8"-16

Qty.:(2)

©©

CableSpring

Qty.:(1)

(shownat reduced

size)

CableBracket

Qty.:(1)

(shownat reducedsize)

%

Read these instructions completely

before you attempt to assemble or
operate your new equipment. Your

tiller has been assembled at the fac-

tory with the exception of those parts
left unassembled for shipping pur-
poses. Steps in this section show
you how to do so. To ensure safe
and proper operation of your ma-
chine, all parts and hardware you in-
stall or adjust must be tightened se-
curely. Use the correct tools as nec-

essary to ensure proper tightness.

UNPACKINGINSTRUCTIONS

• Inspect your machine immediately.
Be sure neither the carton nor con-

tents have been damaged. If you
find or have reason to suspect

damage, contact the nearest
Sears Service Center/Department
for assistance.

• Once the cardboard shipping car-
ton is open, remove any packing

material from around the machine.

Remove any staples securing bot-
tom of carton to wood pallet. Lift
off carton. Before disposing of the
carton or any of the packing mate-

rials, be sure to check them thor-
oughly for any small parts.

• Leave unit on base of pallet dur-
.ing assembly steps (to safely re-

move unit from pallet, wait until
you have installed the handlebar

assembly).

• Also remove any packaging around
the handlebar.

• Perform the assembly on a clean,
level surface. If you need to move

the machine, be careful not to
severely bend any of the control

cables on the equipment.

Tools Needed For Assembly:

• Open,end oradjustable wrenches:

One 3/8";Two 7/16";
One 1/2"; Two9/16"

• Funnel (toadd motor oil)

• Rag (forany oil cleanup needed)

• Blockof Wood (to support Me tiller
when removing wheel)

• Ruler (for belttension check)

ASSEMBLY

H

G

D

Figure 2-1: Assemble handlebar.

ASSEMBLYSTEPS

STEP1:Attach the Handlebar

1. Attach the legs of the handlebar
support (A, Figure 2-1) loosely to the

inner sides of the tiller frame using
two 3/8"-16 x 3/4" hex hd. screws

(B), 3/8" flat washers (C) and 3/8"-16

hex Iocknuts (D).

2. Using the middle holes in the han-
dlebar support brackets (E and F,

Figure 2-1), loosely attach the sup-
port brackets to the handlebar sup-

port (A) using two 5/16"-18 x 1-1/2"
curved hd. screws (G), 5/16" split
Iockwashers (H) and 5/16"-18 hex
nuts (I). NOTE: If a support bracket
will not move, loosen attaching

screw (J) and nut.

3. Attach the handlebar assembly (K)
to the handlebar support (A) using

four 5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" curved hd.

screws (G), 5/16" split Iockwashers
(H) and 5/16"-18 hex nuts (I). Tight-
en the four screws securely.

4. Tighten all handlebar mounting
hardware securely.

B

STEP2: MoveTiller off
ShippingPlatform

To roll the tiller without the engine

running, the wheels must be placed
in their FREEWHEEL position, as

described below.

1. Use a sturdy block of wood to
raise one wheel off the ground.

2. Remove the hair pin cotter (N,
Figure 2-2) and clevis pin (O). Slide
the wheel inward on the axle (P) and

reinstall the clevis pin and cotter
through the axle only (not through
the wheel hub). Repeat on other

wheel.

3. Using the handlebar as a lever,
roll the tiller to a flat area.

IMPORTANT: Before starting engine,

wheels must be moved to WHEEL

DRIVE position (pins through wheel
hubs and axle). This procedure is

described in

the "OPERATION" _ --0

section.

U

I

N ,

Figure22: Toroll the tiller,move both

8

wheels to theFREEWHEEL position.

STEP3: Install Forward Clutch Cable

1. Place the cable bracket (R, Figure

2-3) on the handlebar support (A) as
shown.

2. Attach the cable bracket using a
1/4"-20 x 1-1/4" hex hd. screw (S,
Figure 2-3) and 1/4"-20 hex Iocknut

(T). _ghten securely.

3. Unwrap the forward clutch cable
(U, Figure 2-3) from around the en-

gine and slide the thin cable wire into
the .slot in the cable bracket. Push

the cable connector (V, Figure 2-3)

up through the hole in the bracket
until the groove in the connector

snaps into place on the bracket.

4. Insert the #10-24 x 2" slotted hd.
screw (W, Figure 2-4) into the cable

spring (X).

5. Thread the screw (W) into the ca-
ble'adjuster (Y). '

6. Hook the cable spring (X) into the
"V"-shaped bend in the forward
clutch bail (Z, Figure 2-5).

7. Uftand hold the forward clutch bail
against the handlebar.See Figure 2-6.

8. Measure the distance between the
coils of the cable spring (Figure 2-6).
The length should be approximately

1-7/8". If the length is incorrect, you
will have to make an adjustment to

the cable tension as described in
"Checking and Adjusting Belt

Tension" in the "SERVICE and
ADJUSTMENTS" section.

ASSEMBLY

Figure 2-3: Installing forward clutch cable bracket and cable.

Figure 2-5: Installing forward clutch cable.

Figure 2-4:

Assemble spring

and adjuster.

Figure 2-6: Measure cable spring.

9

STEP4: CheckLevelof Transmis-
sionGearOil

The transmission was filled with

gear oil prior to being shipped.
However, you should check the gear

oil level to make certain it is correct.

1. With the tiller on level ground,
pull the Depth Regulator Lever (AA,

Figure 2-7) back and then all the

way up until the lowest notch in the

fever is engaged.

2. Remove the gear oil fill plug (BB,
Figure 2-8) from the transmission
housing and look into the filler hole.

3. Looking down inside the hole, you
will notice there is a drive shaft on

one side of the hole. If the gear oil

.level is correct, the gear oil should

be approximately half way up the
sides of the drive shaft.

4. Ifthe gear oil level is low, add
gear oil by referring to "Checking

Transmission Gear Oil" in the

"CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES"
section. Do not operate tiller if

gear oil level is low. Severe dam-
age to transmission will result.

NOTE: Do not use automatic trans-

mission fluid or engine oil in the

transmission.

ASSEMBLY

AA

Figure 2-7: Adjust Depth Regulator
Lever.

Figure 2-8: Remove gear oll fill plug.

STEP5: CheckHardware

forTightness

Check all nuts and screws for tight-
ness.

STEP 6: After Assembling and

Before Using Unit

• Read this entire Owner's Manual
for proper safety, operation and

maintenance information.

• Make sure spark plug wire is con-
nected to spark plug before starting

the unit.

10

IMPORTANT: Motor oil must be
added to the engine crankcase

before starting the engine. Oil filling
instructions are covered inthe

"OPERATION" section.

CAUTION

Unit is shipped without oil in
engine crankcase. DO NOT
start engine until oil has been

added. Severeengine damage
will result if this instructionis

not followed. See "Operation"
Section of this manual for oil

filling procedure.

OPERATION

KNOWYOURTILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT. Know the

location and function of all features and controls on the equipment. Save this manual for future reference.

MEETS ANSI B71.8 -

1996 SAFETY STANDARD

This machine meets voluntary safety
standard B71.8- 1996, which is

sponsored by the Outdoor Power
Equipment Institute, Inc., and is pub-
lished by the American National

Standards Institute, Inc.

OperatingSymbols

Various symbols are used on thetillerto
indicate control settings(your model

may not have allof the symbols).
These symbols are shown below with a
description of their meaning.

I,, b

FAST SLOW CHOKE

LOCATIONANDUSEOFCONTROLS

WheelDrivePins

These two pins (one on each
side of the wheel shaft), secure the
wheels to the wheel shaft and can

be positioned by you to put the
wheels in either a WHEEL DRIVE

or a FREEWHEEL mode.

Before starting the engine, put

both wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE
position by inserting the Wheel

Drive Pins through the holes in
both the wheel shaft and wheel

hub on both sides of the tiller (see
instructions on next page). This

"locks" the wheels to the wheel
shaft, causing the wheels to turn

when you engage the Forward

Clutch Bail,

Use the FREEWHEEL position
only when the engine is off. This
position lets you easily push or pull

the tiller. To use the FREEWHEEL
mode, place the Wheel Drive Pins

through the holes in the wheel
shaft only (see instructions on

next page), This keeps the wheels
on the shaft, thus allowing the
wheels to rotate freely when you

push or pull the tiller handlebar.

WARNING

Never let either of the wheels
be in FREEWHEEL position

when the engine is running.
Alwaysput bothwheelsin the
WHEELORIVEpositionbefore
startingthe engine,

Failureto complycouldcause
loss of tiller control, property
damage, or personalinjury.

ENGINE ENGINE ENGINE

STOP START RUN

STOP

E

Figure 3-1: A- Wheel Drive Pins; B- Forward Clutch Bail; C- Depth Regula'-
tor Lever; D- Anti-Reverse Stake; E- Handlebar Height Adjustment;

F- Engine Throttle Lever; G- Engine Choke Lever; H- Engine Recoil Starter.

11

OPERATION

ToPlaceWheels in WHEELDRIVE

PoSition
1, The engine must be shut off

and cool. Disconnect spark plug
wire and move it away from the
spark plug.

2. Raise one wheel off the ground
and place a sturdy support under the

transmission.

3. Remove the hair pin cotter from
the wheel drive pin and pull out the

wheel drive pin.

WARNING

Do not place tiller on its side

when changing wheel drive

positions or gasoline could
leak fromthe fuel tank.

Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in personal

injury or propertydamage,

4. Slide the wheel outward and align
the holes in the wheel hub and

wheel shaft, insert the wheel drive

pin through these holes (see Figure
3-2). Insert the straight leg of the
hair pin cotter into the hole in the
wheel drive pin as far as it will go.

5. Repeat the above steps for the
other wheel, then remove the sup-

port under the transmission.

To PlaceWheels in FREEWHEEL

Position

1. Follow steps 1-through-3 of "To

Place Wheels in WHEEL DRIVE Po-
sition."

2. Slide wheel inward on wheel
shaft as far as possible.

3. Insert wheel drive pin only

through the hole in the wheel shaft.

Insert the straight leg of the hair pin

cotter into the wheel drive pin'as far

as it will go. See Figure 3-3.

4. Repeat Steps 1-through-3 for the
other wheel. Remove the support
beneath the transmission.

Wheel DrivePin -.

Hub_

w,oo,

Hair Pin k_. _ .L"_-..(¢'_

Cotter = _,aL_ _

Figure3-2: WHEELDRIVE position.

ForwardClutchBail

The Forward Clutch Bail (Figure

3-4) is used to engage or disengage

(stop) the tiller wheels and tines.

WARNING

Before starting the engine, be
surethat bothwheelsare in the

WHEEL DRIVE position. Bee
"Wheel Drive Pins" for instruc-

tions.
Failure to comply could result

in lossoftiller control,personal
In]uryorpropertydamage.

Operate the Forward Clutch Bail as
described below:

1. Put the wheels in the WHEEL
DRIVE position.

2. Rest one hand, palm down, on
top of the handlebar.

3. Use the other hand to lift up and
hold the Forward Clutch Bail. See

Figure 3-4. When the bail is in this
position, the wheels and tines will turn.
NOTE: The wheels will rotate in a for-

ward direction; the tines will rotate
counter-clockwise (backward toward

the operator).

4. To stop motion of the wheels and
tines, release the Forward Clutch

Bail.

WheelDrivePin_

I

WheelShaft

Nub__@

Hair Pin ._......_._=.__

Cotter --

Rgura 3-3: FREEWHEEL poslUon.

Rgura 3.4: Operating the Forward
Clutch Ball.

12

OPERATION

DepthRegulatorLever

This lever controls the depth that

the tines penetrate the soil (see Fig-

ure 3-5). Adjust the lever to change

tilling depth by pulling back on it and

moving the lever up (for deeper till-
ing) or down (for shallower tilling).

To'place the tines inthe "travel"

position, move the lever down to the
highest notch. This raises the tines

above the ground and allows the
tiller to be moved without tilling.

Travel

Position

Deep

Settings_

Settings

Anti-Reverse Stake

This stake is located at the rear of

the transmission, under the tine hood

(see Figure 3-6). Its purpose is to
automatically help prevent the

counter-rotating tines from letting the
tiller back up in the direction of the
operator if the tiller wheels had been
inadvertently left in the FREE-
WHEEL position. In this situation,

the Anti-Reverse Stake will be forced
down into the ground, lifting the tines

upward out of the soil and helping
prevent backward motion of the tiller.

The Anti-Reverse Stake requires

no adjustment, but should be in-
spected before each tiller use to veri-

fy that it swivels freely. Remove any
clogged materials (dirt, roots, rocks,
etc.) that prevent the anti-reverse
stake from swinging freely.

WARNING

Engaging the tines when the

wheels are in FREEWHEELpo-

sition can cause the tiller to
movebackwardsuddenlyin the

direction of the operator. Be-
fore engaging the tines, the
wheels must always be in
WHEELDRIVEposition.

Failuretodosocancauseperson-

alinjuryorpropertydamage.

Figure 3-5: Depth Regulator Lever. Figure 3-6: Arrow points to Anti-

Reverse Stake.

WARNING

Before adjusting handlebar
height, shut off the engine, let

it cool down, let all moving
p'artsstopcompletely,then dis-
connectthesparkplugwire and
move it away from the spark
plug.

Failuretodosocancauseperson-
alinjuryorpropertydamage.

Handlebar HeightAdjustment

You can adjust the tiller handlebar
height to any of three different posi-

tions. (See Figure 3-7.) As a gener-
al guide, adjust the handlebars so
they are at waist level when the tines

are about 3"-to-4" down into the soil.

Figure 3°7: Handlebar adjustment
holes offer three height settings.

13

OPERATION

ENGINECONTROLS

WARNING

Releasethe ForwardClutchBail
beforemovingthe EngineThrot-

tle Lever.
Failureto complycouldresultin

personal injury or property
damage.

Figure 3-8: Engine Throttle Lever ("A")
adjusts engine speed. Engine Choke

Lever ("B") Is used to assist starting
when engine is cold.

F) Engine Throttle Lever

Adjust this lever (see A, Figure 3-

8) to start and stop the engine and to
regulate engine speed.

• To increase engine speed, move

the lever upward to FAST (Rabbit

symbol) position.

• To decrease engine speed, move
the lever down toward SLOW (Turtle
symbol) position.

• To stop the engine, move
the lever all the way down

to STOP position.

• To start the engine, move
the lever to the FAST (Rab-

bit symbol) position.

G)EngineChokeLever

The Choke Lever (B,

Figure 3-8) allows a richer
air/gasoline mixture (more

gasoline) to enter the en-
gine cylinder to make start-
ing a cold engine easier.

The lever has three set-

Figure 3-9: The Engine Recoil Starter rope Is used
to start the engine.

tings: FULL CHOKE, PARTIAL

CHOKE and NO CHOKE.

Detailed instructions for using the
Choke Lever are provided in this
section.

H)EngineRecoil Starter

The Engine Recoil Starter (refer
to Figure 3-9) is used to start the
engine.

Pre-StartChecklist

Move the tiller to a level area,

then make the following checks and
perform the following services before

starting the engine.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire.

2. Add motor oil to engine. (Refer to

.instructions on next page.)

3, Check the air cleaner. It must be
securely assembled and clean.

4. Check safety guards. All guards
and covers must be fastened secure-

ly in place.

5. Check engine cooling system.
The cooling fins and air intake

screen must be clear of debris.

6. ,_djust handlebar height.

7. €lleck that the wheels are in the
WHEEL DRIVE position.

8. Put gasoline in the fuel tank. (Re-
fer to instructions on the next page.)

Use fresh, clean, unleaded fuel.
Fuel goes stale if stored for more

than six months. Do Not Mix Oil
With Gasoline!

9. Put Depth Regulator Lever in the
"travel" position.

10. Reconnect spark plug wire.

14