Cub Cadet 700 Series VTT Operator's Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

Cub Cadet 700 Series VTT

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

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

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

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-10168

(August 22, 2014)

To The Owner

Thank You

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Controls & Features ................................................10

Operation ................................................................11

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................13

1

If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be
found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local Cub Cadet dealer or contact us directly. Cub
Cadet’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website address
and mailing address can be found on this page. We want to
ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

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

Service .....................................................................15

Troubleshooting .....................................................18

Replacement Parts .................................................19

Warranty ..................................................Back Cover

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the top right corner of the tine shield. This information
will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web
site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized
service dealer.

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Product Registration and Customer Support

Please register your product on our website, www.cubcadet.com.

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

◊ Visit us on the web at www.cubcadet.com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.cubcadet.com/tutorials

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

◊ Locate your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer at [phone]

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

2

Important Safe Operation Practices

WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

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

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

2

Training

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

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

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

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

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

Preparation

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

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

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

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

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

operator’s manual.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

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

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.

3

c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

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

d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.
f. Never fuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two

minutes before refueling.
h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for

fuel expansion.
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5

minutes before starting the engine.
k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel

spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
l. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light

as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes

dryer or other gas appliances.

Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maintenance & Storage

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

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

3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.

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

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

6. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessar y.

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

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

4 Section 3 — important Safe operation practiceS

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

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

11. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

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

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor 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.

5Section 3 — important Safe operation practiceS

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

WARNING— ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.

WARNING— ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.

WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

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

WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING! Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

6 Section 3 — important Safe operation practiceS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Carton

• One Tiller • One Handlebar Assembly & Panel • One Bottle Oil

• One Hardware Pack • One Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual

3

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.

Recommended Tools for Assembly

• One ⁄” socket and wrench

• Two ⁄” open-ended wrenches or sockets

• Scissors (to trim plastic ties)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Clean oil funnel

• Included bottle of oil

Contents of Hardware pack

• ⁄-18 Hex Lock Nut (2)

• ⁄-18 x 3.000 Hex Screw (1)

• Handle Crank (1)

• Retainer Bracket (1)

Assembly

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. The hardware bag is inside the literature envelope. Check
the contents with the list above.

4. The tiller is heavy. You should not attempt to remove it
from the shipping platform until instructed to do so in
these steps.

2. Install the handle as shown in Figure 3-1 using the
handle crank, retainer bracket and hex lock nuts from the
hardware pack.

Figure 3-1

3. Using the ⁄” socket, remove the hex washer screws from
the panel.

4. Install the wiring harness into the ON/OFF switch on the
panel. See Figure 3-2.

Handle

1. Remove the handle by cutting any zip-ties that secure it to
the tiller frame.

Figure 3-2

7

5. Install the handle panel using the hex washer screws

Feed Wire Harness

Through This Slot

Red

Black

Red

Black

removed in Step 3. See Figure 3-3.

Figure 3-3

6. Feed the wire harness down the handle through the slot on
the right side of the tiller handle.

7. Locate the forward (black) and reverse (red) cables on the
right side of the handle. Remove any packaging material or
ties on the cables being sure not to damage them.

8. The forward (black) cable is routed up the back of the right
handle and and snapped into the cable mount bracket as
shown in Figure 3-4.

10. The reverse (red) cable is routed up the right side of the
right handle and snapped into the cable mount bracket as
shown in Figure 3-4.

11. When the reverse (red) cable is correctly mounted on the
cable mount bracket, feed the cable through the slot in
the panel and then connect the z-fitting into the reverse
handle. See Figure 3-4.

12. Route the tine engagement cable up the left handle and
hook it into the tine engagement handle. See Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5

13. When the cable is properly hooked into the handle, snap it
into the cable mount bracket as shown in Figure 3-5.

14. Feed the forward and reverse cables through the slot
on the right side of the panel and secure the wires and
cables to the handles by using the two cable ties from the
hardware pack as shown in Figure 3-6.

9. When the forward (black) cable is correctly mounted on
the cable mount bracket, install the z-fitting into the clutch
bail. See Figure 3-4.

8 Section 3— ASSembly & Set-Up

Figure 3-4

Figure 3-6

15. Place the neutral handle into free wheel position and roll
the tiller off the crate. See the Operation section for more
information on placing the tiller in the free wheel position.

Set-Up

Handle

The handle should be adjusted so that when the tiller is digging
3-4” into the soil, the handle falls to about waste-high. Loosen
the handle adjustment lock, move the handle to the desired
position and then lock into place by retightening the handle
adjustment lock to secure the handle. See Figure 3-7.

Figure 3-7

Tire Pressure

Check the air pressure with a tire gauge. Deflate or inflate the
tires equally to between 15 and 20 PSI. DO NOT EXCEED 20 P.S.I.

NOTE: Be sure that both tires are inflated equally or the tiller will
pull to one side.

Gas & Oil Fill-Up

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

WARNING! Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.

9Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

Controls & Features

Clutch Bail

Reverse Handle

Neutral Handle

Shield Height Adjustment Bracket

Handlebar

Adjustment Lever

Tines

Power Switch

4

Engine Controls

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

Shield Height Adjustment Bracket

The shield height adjustment bracket is used to set the tilling
depth. To change the tilling depth remove the depth pin from
the bracket and lift up on the handle. Place the depth pin in the
desired hole and carefully lower the handle.

Handle Adjustment Lever

The handle adjustment lever is used to adjust the handle height
and is adjustable to three different settings. In general, adjust the
handlebars so they are at waist level when the tines are 3-4” in the
ground. Loosen the handle adjustment lock, move the handle to
the desired position and then lock into place by retightening the
handle adjustment lock to secure the handle.

Power Switch

The power switch is located on the top/center of
the panel. It is used to stop the tiller/engine and
must be in the ON position to start the engine.

10

Neutral Handle

The neutral handle is located on the upper left handle. When the
neutral handle is in the forward (disengaged) position the tiller is in
neutral and the wheels are in “free wheel.” To engage the wheels
(forward or reverse), pull the neutral handle rearward into the
engaged position. The neutral handle will remain in the engaged
position until it is moved back into the free wheel position.

Reverse Handle

The reverse handle is located on the upper right handle. When the
reverse handle is pulled back into the reverse position, the tines and
wheels (if the the neutral handle is engaged) will move in reverse. To
activate the reverse movement of the tines only, engage the reverse
handle with the neutral handle in the free wheel position. When the
reverse handle is released, it will return to the forward (disengaged)
position and the tines and wheels will stop moving.

Clutch Bail

The clutch bail is located below the handles. When the clutch

ONOFF

bail is in the disengaged position the tines will not rotate. When
the clutch bail is pulled upward against the handles in the the
engaged position, the tines are engaged and will rotate forward
until the engine is stopped or the clutch bail is released. When
the neutral handle is also in the engaged position, this will allow
the tines and wheels to move forward.

Operation

5

Starting the Tiller

Pre-Start Checklist

With the spark plug wire disconnected from the spark plug,
make the following checks and perform the following services
before starting the engine.

1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and Controls & Features
Sections in this manual. Read the separate Engine Operator’s
Manual.

2. Check the machine for loose or missing hardware. Service
as required.

3. Check the engine oil level. See Engine Operator’s Manual.

4. Check that all the safety guards and covers are in place.

5. Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See Engine
Operator’s Manual.

6. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

7. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions
in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual. Follow all the
instructions and safety rules carefully.

WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in

enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.

Starting the Engine

1. Complete the “Pre-Start Checklist.”

2. Disengage the tines.

3. Flip the power switch into the ON position,

4. Procede with the engine starting instructions in your
Engine Operator’s Manual.

Stopping the Tiller

1. To stop the wheels and tines, release the forward clutch
bail or the reverse handle (whichever control is engaged)
and place the tine engagement handle in the disengaged
position.

2. To stop the engine place the power switch in the OFF position
and follow the instructions in your Engine Operator’s Manual.

Setting the Depth

To set the tilling depth, remove the depth pin from the shield
height adjustment bracket, move the tine shield into the desired
position and re-insert the depth pin. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1

NOTE: The depth pin is keyed and will need to be turned to
remove and install into the shield height adjustment bracket.

Engaging the Drive & Tines

1. For forward motion of the tines:
a. Pull the clutch control bail up with the neutral handle in

the free wheel position, the reverse handle disengaged
and hold it against the handlebars. See Figure 5-2. To
stop the forward motion of the tines, release the bail.

Figure 5-2

11

2. For forward motion of the tines and wheels:
a. Engage the neutral handle and the clutch control

bail, with the reverse handle disengaged and the
tines and wheels will move forward. See Figure 5-3.
To stop the forward motion of the tines and wheels,
release the bail.

2. For reverse motion of the tines and wheels:
a. Engage the neutral handle and the reverse handle,

with the clutch control bail disengaged and the tines
and wheels will move in reverse. See Figure 5-5. To
stop the reverse motion of the tines and wheels,
release the reverse handle.

Figure 5-3

3. For reverse motion of the tines:
a. Pull the reverse handle back with the neutral handle

in the free wheel position and the clutch control
bail disengaged to reverse the tines. See Figure 5-4.
To stop the reverse motion of the tines, release the
reverse handle.

Figure 5-5

12 Section 5— operation

Figure 5-4