Cub Cadet RT 65 H Rear-Tine Garden Tiller Operator's Manual
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
OperatOr’s Manual
Rear Tine Tiller — Model RT 65
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. 769-03598
(October 30, 2007)
To The Owner
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing a Garden Tiller manufactured by Cub
Cadet LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Cub Cadet
LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs
and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 6
Controls & Features ................................................10
Operation ................................................................11
1
This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing
laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning
the machine, phone your local Cub Cadet dealer or contact us
directly. Cub Cadet’s Customer Support telephone numbers,
website address and mailing address can be found on this page.
We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.
Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position.
Maintenance & Adjustments .................................13
Service .....................................................................15
Troubleshooting .....................................................16
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 rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site or with your
local Cub Cadet dealer.
MOdel nuMber
serial nuMber
Customer Support
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit us on the web at www.cubcadet.com
◊
Locate your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer at (877) 282-8684
◊
Write us at 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
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
1.
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.
Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
2.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
3.
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.
Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
4.
instruction.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
5.
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Preparation
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
1.
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
2.
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.
Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral
3.
(“N”) before starting the engine.
Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
4.
running.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
5.
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.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
a.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
b.
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
3
When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
c.
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.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
d.
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
e.
sources of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors.
f.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
g.
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
h.
inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
i.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
j.
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,
k.
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside
l.
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
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
1.
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
Do not operate machine while under the influence of
2.
alcohol or drugs.
Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
3.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles.
Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in
4.
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
5.
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs,
let go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
6.
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on
7.
hard or slippery surfaces.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
8.
Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or
9.
pulling machine towards you.
Start the engine according to the instructions found in this
10.
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
11.
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.
Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine
12.
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.
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
13.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
14.
not touch.
Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
15.
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.
Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil
16.
too deep at too fast of a rate.
If the machine should start making an unusual noise or
17.
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.
Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and
18.
operating properly.
Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.
19.
Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
20.
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
21.
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of you nearest servicing dealer..
Maintenance & Storage
Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe
1.
working order.
Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before
2.
storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
3.
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine
4.
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.
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
5.
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of engine.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
6.
necessary.
Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
7.
transporting, and storage of this machine.
Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details
8.
if the machine is to be stored for an extended period.
4 sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices
9.
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
10.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING! This machine is equipped with an
internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the
engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any).
If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. In the State of California the
above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws
apply on federal lands.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
Average Useful Life
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 130
hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy
a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an
authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and
safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
WARNING! Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
5sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices
Depth
Stake
Clevis
Pin
T-Knob
Flat Washer
Hex Bolt
Hairpin Clip
Assembly & Set-Up
Contents of Carton
One Tiller • One Handlebar Assembly• One Shift Rod•
One Depth Stake• One Operator’s Manual• One Engine Operator’s Manual•
3
Assembly
Unpacking Instructions
NOTE: Reference to the right or left side of the tiller is
determined from the operator’s position behind the machine.
Remove the staples, break the glue on the top flaps, or cut
1.
the tape at the end of the carton and peel along the top
flap to open carton.
Remove the loose parts included with the tiller (i.e.,
2.
operator’s manual, etc.).
Cut the corners and lay the carton down flat.
3.
Remove the packing materials.
4.
Roll or slide the tiller out of the carton. Check the carton
5.
thoroughly for loose parts.
Extend the control cable and lay it on the floor. Be careful
6.
not to bend or kink the control cable.
NOTE: This tiller is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed
in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual before operating your
machine.
Depth Stake
WARNING! Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
Tip the tiller forward so that it rests on the front
1.
counterweight.
Unthread the T-knob from the top of the depth stake and
2.
remove the flat washer and hex bolt. Remove the hairpin
clip from the clevis pin. See Fig. 3-1.
6
Figure 3-1
Raise the tine shield hinge flap assembly and insert the
3.
depth stake assembly into the slot — under the tine shield
— and up through the tine shield assembly.
Insert the clevis pin through the tine shield and depth
4.
stake assemblies. Secure it with the hairpin clip.
Insert a hex bolt into the top hole of the depth stake
5.
assembly. Place the flat washer on the hex bolt and thread
the T-knob onto the hex bolt. Tighten securely. See Fig. 3-1.
Tip the tiller back down so that it rests on the tines.
6.
Handle
Bolts
Handle
Assembly
Handle
Bracket
Slot-Head
Screw, Nut
& Flat Washers
Internally
Threaded Tube
Plastic Fitting
Clutch Control
Slot Head Screw
Flat Washers
Nut
Nut
Internally
Threaded
Tube
Threaded
Eyebolt
Remove the top two bolts and flange lock nuts from the
1.
handle mounting brackets, but do not remove the bottom
bolt and nut. See Fig. 3-2.
Figure 3-2
Place the handle assembly in position between the handle
2.
mounting brackets.
Line up the holes in the handle with the holes in the
3.
bracket and secure it with hardware previously removed.
Clutch Cable
Attach the clutch cable to the handle as follows: (be careful not
to kink the cable)
Remove the threaded eyebolt and nut from the cable end.
1.
Route the clutch cable to the right side of the handle
2.
mounting brackets and underneath the handle.
Push the cable through the hole in the center of the handle
3.
and snap into the plastic fitting. See Fig. 3-3.
Figure 3-3
Remove the slot head screw, nut, and two flat washers
4.
from the clutch bail. See Fig. 3-4.
Figure 3-4
7sectiOn 2 — asseMbly & set-up
Fasten the threaded eyebolt onto the bail by securing it
Control Rod
Indicator Bracket
Rubber Washer
Idler Puller Rod
Hairpin Clip
Control
Rod
Gear Selector
Handle
Hairpin
Clip
5.
from the top with the slot head screw, flat washers and lock
nut.
Thread the eyebolt and nut removed earlier into the
6.
internally threaded tube at the end of the cable. Thread
engagement should be about ⁄”. Tighten the nut against
the tube at end of cable. See Fig. 3-4.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the clutch cable. Too much
tension may cause it to break.
WARNING! Be certain to check the clutch cable
adjustment before operating the tiller.
See the Maintenance & Adjustments Section for
7.
instructions on adjusting the clutch belt.
Control Rod
Make sure the handle assembly is in the highest position.
1.
Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments Section.
Remove hairpin clips from control rod, leave the rubber
2.
washers on the control rod.
Insert the shorter, (angled), end of the control rod through
3.
the indicator bracket on the shift cover and secure with the
hairpin clip that was previously removed. See Fig. 3-5.
Insert the longer end of the control rod through the hole in
4.
the gear selector handle and secure with the hairpin clip.
See Fig. 3-6.
Figure 3-6
Figure 3-5
Adjustments
Clutch
Position the tiller so the front counterweight is against a
1.
solid object, such as a wall. With the gear selection lever
in NEUTRAL, start the engine. Refer to the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual. Standing on the right side of the tiller,
examine the belt (inside the belt cover). It should not be
turning.
WARNING! Do not put your fingers under the belt
cover.
If the belt turns without bail engaged, adjust it by
2.
unthreading the internally threaded tube at the end of
the cable a few turns clockwise (when standing in the
operator’s position) and then retighten the nut against the
tube.
Now move the shift lever to the FORWARD position.
3.
Carefully engage the clutch by lifting the clutch control
4.
bail against the handle. The wheels should spin. If the
wheels do not spin with the thiller in forward, adjust by
unthreading the tube at the end of the cable a few turns
counter-clockwise, when standing in operator’s position.
Then retighten the nut against the tube.
5.
Recheck both adjustments, and readjust as necessary.
6.
NOTE: A secondary cable adjustment is available if you
reach the point that additional adjustment is needed.
Remove the belt cover and move the hex nuts at the other
end of the cable towards the end of the casing. Then
readjust the hex nuts at the handle.
8 sectiOn 2— asseMbly & set-up
Set-Up
Tires
The tires on the tiller may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating the
tiller. Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately
20 PSI (check the sidewall of the tire for the manufacturer’s
recommended pressure). 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 2 — asseMbly & set-up
Gear Selection Handle
Handle Adjustment Lock
Clutch Control
Depth Stake
Controls and Features
4
Engine Controls
See the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for additional
information and functions of the engine controls.
Gear Selection Handle
The gear selection handle is located in the center of the handle
on the tiller. It is used to select NEUTRAL, REVERSE, or one of the
FORWARD modes.
Clutch Control
The clutch control is located beneath the handle. Squeezing the
clutch control against the handle engages the wheel and tine
drive mechanisms.
Handle Adjustment Lock
The handle may be adjusted to the height desired. Loosen the
handle height adjustment lock a few turns. Pivot handle up or
down to desired position and tighten the lock.
10
Figure 4-1
Throttle Control
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It controls the
engine speed and stops the engine.
Choke Lever (If Equipped)
The choke lever is located by the throttle. It is used to enrich the
fuel mixture in the carburetor when starting a cold engine.
Primer Button (If Equipped)
The primer button is located behind the air cleaner. It is used to
enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when starting a cold
engine.
Depth Stake
The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to the Operation
Section.
Use This Position
the First Time
Clevis
Pin
Transportation
Position
1”
3”
5”
7”
Operation
5
Starting the Engine
WARNING! Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this manual before operating.
NOTE: When pushing the tiller with the engine off, you will hear
a ratcheting sound or gear noise this is normal.
WARNING! Be sure no one is standing in front of
the tiller while the engine is running or being
started.
1.
Place the gear selection lever in NEUTRAL.
2.
Place the throttle control lever in FAST position or if
equipped, place the engine speed control in the START
position.
3.
Move the choke lever to CHOKE position or if equipped,
push the primer two (2) or three (3) times. Wait about two
(2) seconds between each push.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking or priming.
4.
Stand at the side of the tiller. Grasp the starter handle and
pull it out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let the rope
rewind slowly.
5.
Pull the starter handle rapidly. Do not allow the handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm
hold on the starter handle.
6.
Repeat the previous steps until the engine starts.
7.
As the engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
move the choke lever gradually to the RUN position. If the
engine falters, return to the choke position, then slowly
move to the RUN position.
8.
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for additional
engine information.
NOTE: After starting and prior to using the tiller for the
first time, be certain to check the clutch adjustment as
described in Maintenance & Adjustments Section.
Setting The Depth
Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be
adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields as you
adjust the depth stake.
WARNING! Be certain spark plug wire is
disconnected and grounded against the engine
when performing any adjustments.
When using the tiller for the first time, use the second
1.
adjustment hole from the top (1” of tilling depth). See Fig.
5-1.
Figure 5-1
Stopping the Engine
1.
2.
Move the throttle control to the STOP or OFF position.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it to prevent
accidentally starting the equipment while is is unattended.
NOTE: After the first ten hours of operation, recheck the
clutch adjustment. Refer to Clutch adjustment in the
Assembly & Set Up Section.
11
When breaking up sod and for shallow cultivation, use the
Use This Hole for
Lowest/Shallowest
Position
Side Shield
Use this Hole for
Highest/Deepest
Position
2.
setting which gives 1” of tilling depth (second hole from
the top). Place the side shields in their lowest position. See
Fig. 5-2.
Figure 5-2
For further depth, raise the depth stake and side shields
3.
and also make one or two more passes over the area.
When tilling loose soil, the depth stake may be raised to its
4.
highest position (use the bottom adjustment hole) to give
the deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to their
highest position.
To transport the tiller, lower the depth stake and use the
5.
top adjustment hole.
To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and
6.
hairpin clip. Move the depth stake to the desired setting
and secure with the clevis pin and hairpin clip. See Fig. 5-1.
To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts. Move the
7.
side shield to the desired position and replace the wing
nuts. Tighten securely.
NOTE: Use the reverse tine drive when tilling virgin
ground, sod, or hard soil. Use the forward tine drive when
cultivating or tilling soft ground.
Squeeze the clutch handle against the handle to engage
5.
the wheels and tines.
NOTE: Make certain the gear selection indicator is correctly
positioned before engaging the clutch handle. If it is
between the gears, the engine will stall.
To transport the tiller, do not engage the tines. Select the
6.
wheel drive only.
WARNING! Do not push down on the handles so
that the wheels are lifted off the ground while using
the tine drive, or the tiller could move backward and
cause personal injury.
For best results, it is recommended the garden be tilled
7.
twice (lengthwise, then width-wise) to pulverize the soil.
Operating the Tiller
Select the depth stake setting.
1.
Start the engine as instructed on the previous page.
2.
Move the gear selection handle to one of the forward
3.
modes or reverse.
WARNING! Do not move the gear selection handle
4.
12 sectiOn 5— OperatiOn
with the wheels or tines engaged. Make certain the
tiller is stopped completely before changing the
gear selection. A partial engagement may be
necessary when engaging tines.
To shift into forward wheels and tine drive, push forward
slightly on the gear selection handle and slowly engage
the clutch control allowing the gears to synchronize. To
stop forward movement and tine drive, release the clutch
control. Do not shift gears with the clutch control engaged
except when engaging the tines.
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