EarthQuake 12802 User Manual
GAS/OIL
RATIO
50:1
Operator's Manual
Original Operating Instructions
MC440
4-Cycle Cultivator
Get parts online at
www.GetEarthquake.com
Product #: MC440
P/N: 13188
ECN: 9656
REV2: 12/12/12
© 2013 Ardisam, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your investment in quality. Thank you for purchasing a 4-cycle cultivator from Earthquake™. We have worked to
ensure that the MC440 meets the highest standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your cultivator will provide many
years of service.
Please read this entire manual before installation and use. Earthquake reserves the right to change, alter or improve the
product and this document at any time without prior notice.
CONTENTS
Registration ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Warnings and Safety Precautions ...........................................................................................................................................................................................3-7
Features/Specications ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Unpacking and Assembly .............................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Operation ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10-13
Maintenance & Storage ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13-16
Troubleshooting and Repair ................................................................................................................................................................................................16-17
Parts Breakdown ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18-22
Declaration of Conformity ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................23
EK43 Border-Edger Kit Installation ...........................................................................................................................................................................................24
DK43 Dethatcher Kit Installation ..............................................................................................................................................................................................25
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26-27
FEDERAL EMISSIONS INFORMATION
Earthquake warrants to the retail purchaser, that this small, o-road engine was designed, built and equipped to conform at the
time of initial sale to all applicable regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
REGISTRATION AND SERVICE
Record the engine model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference when ordering parts or requesting
technical support. Excluding emissions-related warranty items, the warranty is valid only if the completed registration is received by
Ardisam within 30 days of purchase. (SEE WARRANTY SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION.) You can register your warranty online
by visiting www.getearthquake.com, or by mailing it to: Ardisam, 1160 Eighth Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829. If you do not have a
computer, call our customer service department at (800) 345-6007 Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
OWNERSHIP RECORDS
Owner’s Name:
Owner’s Address:
City: State/Province: Zip Code/Postal Code:
Model Number: Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Notes:
This manual may contain information for several models. Read and keep this manual for future reference. This manual contains
important information on SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE. The owner must be certain that all the product
information is included with the unit. This information includes the MANUAL, the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the WARRANTIES.
This information must be included to make sure state laws and other laws are followed. This manual should remain with the
engine even if it is resold.
2
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Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Accurate assembly and safe and eective use of the machine is
the owner’s responsibility.
• Readandfollowallsafetyinstructions.
• Carefullyfollowallassemblyinstructions.
• Maintainthemachineaccordingtodirectionsandschedule
included in this Earthquake operator’s manual.
• Ensurethatanyonewhousesthemachineisfamiliarwithall
controls and safety precautions.
SPECIAL MESSAGES
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to
potential safety concerns, machine damage as well as helpful
operating and servicing information. Please read all the information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual
that may help the operator in the operation or service of the
machine.
This symbol points out important safety instructions which if not followed could endanger your
personal safety. Read and follow all instructions
in this manual before attempting to operate this
equipment.
BEFORE OPERATING ENGINE:
WARNING
WARNING INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT
AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS IN
JURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
CAUTION INDICATES YOU CAN BE HURT OR YOUR
EQUIPMENT DAMAGED IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC
TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT
OBEYED.
IMPORTANT
INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER AS
SEMBLY, OPERATION, OR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR
EQUIPMENT.
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS
CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS, OR OTHER RE
PRODUCTIVE HARM.
Please read this section carefully. Read entire operating and
maintenance instructions for this product. Failure to follow
instructions could result in serious injury or death. Operate the
machine according to the safety instructions outlined here and
inserted throughout the text. Anyone who uses this machine
must read the instructions and be familiar with the controls.
Intended Use /
Foreseeable Misuse
IMPORTANT: This is a motorized rotary cultivator that works
the soil by means of rotating tines. It is pedestrian-controlled,
but not self-propelled, with a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine to power the tines. It shall not be used for any other
purpose.
WARNING
YOU MUST READ, UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY WITH
ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN
THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SETUP AND
OPERATE YOUR MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF
MACHINE CONTROL, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO
YOU AND/OR BYSTANDERS, AND RISK OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE TRIANGLE IN THE TEXT
SIGNIFIES IMPORTANT CAUTIONS OR WARNINGS
WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED.
DANGER
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Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s). Be thoroughly familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the machine before starting.
• Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
• Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and operating
decals on this equipment and on any of its attachments or
accessories.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Only allow responsible individuals who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Do not allow children
to operate this machine. Do not allow adults to operate the
machine without proper instruction.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be
used and remove all foreign objects. Your equipment can
propel small objects at high speed causing personal injury
or property damage. Stay away from breakable objects, such
as house windows, automobiles, greenhouses, etc.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt or
jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do not wear shorts.
Never wear sandals, sneakers or open shoes, and never
operate the machine with bare feet.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in
moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine and machine.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
when operating the machine to protect your eyes from
foreign objects which can be thrown from the unit. Always
wear a protective hearing device.
• Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
Leather work shoes or short boots work well for most people.
These will protect the operator’s ankles and shins from small
sticks, splinters, and other debris.
• It is advisable to wear protective headgear to prevent the
possibility of being struck by small ying particles, or being
struck by low hanging branches, twigs, or other objects
which may be unnoticed by the operator.
• Do not operate the machine without proper guards or other
safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved
by the manufacturer.
• Operate only in daylight or good articial light.
• Do not operate product when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or other medication which
can cause drowsiness or aect your ability to operate this
machine safely.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing; keep a rm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
• Watch for trac when operating cultivator near, or when
crossing roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor), ip the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.
Check immediately for cause. Vibration is generally a warning
of trouble. If the noise or vibrations of the machine increase,
stop immediately and perform an inspection.
• Never leave the machine unattended when the engine is
running. Flip the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.
• Regularly inspect the machine. Make sure parts are not bent,
damaged or loose.
• Temperature of muer and nearby areas may exceed 150°
F (65° C). Allow muer and engine areas to cool before
touching. Never pick up or carry the machine while the
engine is running.
• Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration from gasoline enginepowered equipment should be avoided. Take intermittent
breaks and/or wear ear protection from engine noise as well as
heavy work gloves to reduce vibration in the hands.
• Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight.
• Do not transport the machine from one place to another
with the engine running.
• When moving the packaged machine, always do so with a
partner.
• Check local regulations for age restrictions on use of this
machine.
PRODUCTSPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
• Do not cultivate above underground utilities, including water
lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not operate the
machine on terrain/soil with large rocks and foreign objects
which can damage the equipment.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Flip the ON/
OFF switch to the OFF position. Inspect the machine for
damage. If damaged, repair before starting and operating
the machine.
• The tines of the cultivator should not rotate when the engine
is idling. If it does rotate when engine is idling, contact
Earthquake customer service for instruction.
• If an object becomes lodged in the tines, ip the ON/OFF
switch to the OFF position, allow to cool before attempting
to remove the foreign object.
• The clutch will transfer maximum power after about two
hours of normal operation. During this break-in period clutch
slippage may occur. The clutch should be kept free of oil or
other moisture for ecient operation.
4
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ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Warning Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless,
poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide may be present even if you do
not smell or see any engine exhaust. Breathing carbon monoxide
can cause nausea, fainting or death, in addition to drowsiness,
dizziness and confusion. If you experience any of these
symptoms, seek fresh air and medical attention immediately.
If your product comes with a separate engine manual, be
sure to read and follow all safety and warning precautions
outlined there, in addition to any in this manual.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Always start and run engine outdoors. Do not start or run
engine in an enclosed area, even if doors or windows are open.
• Never try to ventilate engine exhaust indoors. Carbon
monoxide can reach dangerous levels very quickly.
• Never run engine outdoors where exhaust fumes may be
pulled into a building.
• Never run engine outdoors in a poorly ventilated area where
the exhaust fumes may be trapped and not easily taken
away. (Examples include: in a large hole or areas where hills
surround your working area.)
• Never run engine in an enclosed or partially enclosed area.
(Examples include: buildings that are enclosed on one or
more sides, under tents, car ports or basements.)
• Always run the engine with the exhaust and muer pointed
in the direction away from the operator.
• Never point the exhaust muer towards anyone. People
should always be many feet away from the operation of the
engine and its attachments.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine.
Gasoline Fires and Handling Fuel Safely
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
ammable and vapors are explosive.
• When storing extra fuel be sure that it is in an appropriate
container and away from any re hazards.
• Prevent re and explosion caused by static electric discharge.
Use only nonmetal, portable fuel containers approved by the
Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for
Testing & Materials (ASTM).
• Always ll fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area. Never
fill your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples include:
basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch, etc.) Never
ll tank near appliances with pilot lights, heaters, or other
ignition sources. If the fuel has to be drained, this should
Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
WARNING
ENGINES GIVE OFF CARBON MONOXIDE, AN ODOR
LESS, COLORLESS, POISONOUS GAS. CARBON MON
OXIDE MAY BE PRESENT EVEN IF YOU DO NOT SMELL
OR SEE ANY ENGINE EXHAUST. BREATHING CAR
BON MONOXIDE CAN CAUSE NAUSEA, FAINTING OR
DEATH, IN ADDITION TO DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS
AND CONFUSION.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, SEEK
FRESH AIR AND MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
CAUTION
HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BYPRODUCT OF A FUNC
TIONING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE. FOLLOW
ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS TO PREVENT BURNS AND
FIRES.
DO NOT ALTER/MODIFY ENGINE:
NEVER ALTER OR MODIFY THE ENGINE FROM THE
FACTORY. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR IF
ENGINE IS MODIFIED OR ALTERED.
WHEN WORKING ON OR REPLACING PARTS FOR THE
ENGINE OR PRODUCT, YOU MUST ALWAYS FLIP THE
ON/OFF SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION.
be done outdoors. The drained fuel should be stored in a
container specically designed for fuel storage or it should
be disposed of carefully.
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Stop engine and allow to cool before lling.
• Do not smoke.
• Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.
• Always wipe up excess (spilled) fuel from engine before
starting. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled,
do not start the engine but move product and fuel container
from area. Clean up spilled fuel and allow to evaporate and
dry after wiping and before starting.
• Allow fuel fumes/vapors to escape from the area before
starting engine.
• Test the fuel cap for proper installation before starting and
using engine.
• Always run the engine with fuel cap properly installed on
the engine.
• Never smoke while relling engine fuel tank.
• Do not store engine with fuel in fuel tank indoors. Fuel and
fuel vapors are highly explosive.
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Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
• Never pour fuel from engine fuel tank.
• Never siphon fuel by mouth to drain fuel tank.
• Always have an adult fill the fuel tank and never allow
children to ll the engine.
• Never allow an adult or anyone under the inuence of drugs
or alcohol to ll engine.
• When storing gasoline or equipment with fuel in the tank,
store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other
appliances that have a pilot light or other ignition source
because they can ignite gasoline vapors.
BURNS AND FIRES
The muer, muer guard and other parts of the engine become extremely hot during the operation of the engine. These
parts remain extremely hot after the engine has stopped.
Prevention of Burns and Fires
• Neverremovethemuerguardfromtheengine.
• Nevertouchthemuer guard because it isextremelyhot
and will cause severe burns.
• Nevertouch partsof theenginethatbecome hot after
operation.
• Alwayskeepmaterialsand debrisawayfrommuerguard
and other hot parts of the engine to avoid res.
CHILDREN AND BYSTANDERS
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children and/or bystanders. Never assume that
others will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets. Keep children under the watchful
care of a responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine o if children enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
SERVICE
• Always stop the engine whenever you leave the equipment,
before cleaning, repairing or inspecting the unit. Engine
should be turned o and cool. Never make adjustments or
repairs with the engine (motor) running. Flip the ON/OFF
switch to the OFF position to prevent accidental starting.
• Always wear eye protection when you make adjustments or
repairs.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight and keep equipment in good
condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• When servicing or repairing the machine, do not tip the
machine over or up unless specically instructed to do so in
this manual. Service and repair procedures can be done with
the machine in an upright position. Some procedures will be
easier if the machine is lifted on a raised platform or working
surface.
• To reduce re hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Clean and replace safety and instruction decals as necessary.
• To guard against engine over-heating, always have engine
debris lter mounted and clean.
• Inspect machine before storage. When not in use, ip the
ON/OFF switch to the OFF position and store indoors in a
dry place locked or otherwise inaccessible to children.
• Use only original equipment parts from Earthquake,
including all nuts and bolts.
6
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Operator's Manual
LBLMC43W
WARNING
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY
• Read the Operator’s Manual.
• Know the location and functions of all controls.
• Keep all safety devices and shields in place and working.
• Never allow children or uninstructed adults to operate machine.
• Shut off engine before manually unclogging tines or making repairs.
• Keep bystanders away from machine.
• Keep away from rotating parts.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you.
WARNING
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING TINES
Rotating tines will cause injury.
DIELINE SIZE: 8” x 2.25”
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
SAFETY DECALS
This MC440 cultivator has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an
industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing.
Reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operate this
equipment safely and eectively. We have placed a safety decal on the cultivator to remind you of some of this important information
while you are operating the unit.
These important safety decals are illustrated below, and are shown here to help familiarize you with the location and content of the
safety messages you will see as you perform normal cultivating operations. Please review these decals now, and if you have any
questions regarding its meaning or how to comply with these instructions, reread the complete safety instruction text in this manual.
For additional questions European customers may contact their local dealer and US customers must call Earthquake customer service.
Should a decal become unreadable because of being worn, faded, or otherwise damaged during the use of your MC440, please use
the part number information provided to order a replacement label. European customers can order from their local authorized dealer
and US customers can order by calling Earthquake customer service. These decals are easily applied, and will act as a constant visual
reminder to you, and others who may use the equipment, to follow the safety instructions necessary for safe, eective operation of
your cultivator.
Part No. LBLMC43W
Warning Decal MC440
Tine Shield Decal
Part No. 14254
CE SPECIFIC WARNINGS
Decibel Level Decal
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Part No. 14255
DECAL TINE SPEED
Part No. 14256
NAME PLATE DECAL
FEATURES
Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
throttle control lever
handlebar
on/o switch
comfort
handle grips
easy pull-start
location
removable tines
adjustable height
transport wheels
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT 40cc
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 0.75 L
GAS TYPE UNLEADED PREMIUM GAS
(Low/no ethanol blends)
OIL TANK CAPACITY 4.06 ounces
OIL TYPE OIL VIPER 4 CYCLE (p/n 13235)
SAE 30
SPARK PLUG NGK CMR6A
SPARK PLUG GAP 0.6 mm
TRANSMISSION GEAR DRIVE
GEAR RATIO 32:1
TILLING WIDTH 6” minimum - 10” maximum
TILLING DEPTH 8” maximum
TINE SPEED 288 rpm
WHEEL SIZE 7.1” x 1.5” diameter
WEIGHT OF UNIT 33 lb
UNIT SIZE L x W x H inches) 33.6” x 17.8” x 40.6”
8
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UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
UNPACK MC440
1. Carefully lift the cultivator out of the box, remove any packing
material and cut any ties holding the handlebar pieces to the
cultivator assembly.
2. Find parts packet. Parts packet contains:
4 - T-Handle Nuts (4640)
4 - Curved Washers (4641)
4 - Handle Clamp Bolts (4642)
ASSEMBLY
1. Stand the MC440 assembly upright with tines and wheels on
a level surface. Wheels should be set in the lowest position.
DO NOT place the cultivator on a high surface where it can
fall and cause property damage or personal injury.
2. Using two T-handle nuts, two handle clamp bolts, and
two curved washers, attach the middle handlebar to the
lower handlebar that is already connected to the cultivator
assembly. SEE FIGURE 1. The middle handlebar can be
installed in one of two positions, one high and one low. DO
NOT overtighten the T-handle nuts.
3. Attach the upper right and left handlebars to the middle
handlebar using the two remaining T-handle nuts, handle
clamp bolts, and curved washers. SEE FIGURE 1.
DO NOT overtighten the T-handle nuts.
4. The drag stake is shipped with point facing upwards. Before
using, remove detent pin and turn the drag stake around
so the point is directed in the downward position facing towards the tines. Re-insert detent pin. SEE FIGURE 2.
upper right
handlebar
handle clamp
bolt
Operator's Manual
MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator
curved
washer
T-handle
nut
upper left
handlebar
middle
handlebar
lower
handlebar
FIGURE 1
detent pin
drag stake
FIGURE 2
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