EarthQuake 20908 User Manual
Operator's Manual
CAUTION ICON R1
READ OM ICON R1
Original Operating Instructions
20908
Badger Front Tine Tiller
Email for more information
getearthquake.com
20971-0001R1
Model 20908
KOHLER
6.75 ft-lbs Gross Torque
P/N: 20980
ECN: 10594
REV1: 10/30/14
© 2014 Ardisam, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Operator’s Manual
16095-0012R1
Badger 20908 Front Tine Tiller
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Badger 20908 Tiller from Earthquake®. We have worked to ensure that this tiller meets the highest
standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your tiller 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
Introduction/Contents/Registration and Service ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Warnings and Safety Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-6
Safety Decals .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Hazard Symbols and Meanings ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Features ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Unpacking and Assembly ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10-11
Controls and Operating Symbols/Controls ................................................................................................................................................................ 11-12
Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14-16
Storage ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Troubleshooting and Repair ...................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Warranty Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................................................................................................................18
Illustrated Parts Breakdown.............................................................................................................................................................................................19-23
Registration and Service
Record the product 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
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATA
PLATE
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
8th Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829. You may also 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:
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. All persons to whom rent/loan this unit must have access to and understand this information.
This manual should remain with the product even if it is resold.
2
For additional information email www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
Badger 20908 Front Tine Tiller
WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Owner’s Responsibility
Accurate assembly and safe and eective use of the machine is
the owner’s responsibility.
• Read and follow all safety instructions.
• Carefully follow all assembly instructions.
• Maintain the machine according to directions and
schedule included in this Earthquake® operator’s
manual.
• Ensure that anyone who uses the machine is familiar
with all 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.
WARNING
WARNING INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT
AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS
INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
CAUTION INDICATES YOUR EQUIPMENT CAN BE
DAMAGED IF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THAT
FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.
IMPORTANT
INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER
ASSEMBLY, 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 REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
Before Operating Equipment:
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
For additional information email www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
3
Operator’s Manual
Badger 20908 Front Tine Tiller
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
inuence 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 machine 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
engine-powered 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.
Product-Specic Safety Rules
• Do not till 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 tiller should not rotate when the drive
control lever is released into the neutral position. If
it does rotate when in neutral, 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.
• Pulleys and belts should be kept free of oil or other
moisture for ecient operation.
• Disengage all clutches and leave control lever in the
neutral position before starting the engine.
4
For additional information email www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
Badger 20908 Front Tine Tiller
WARNING
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.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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 overspeed 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).
• 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.
WARNING
HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BYPRODUCT OF A
FUNCTIONING 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
PUT THE ON/OFF SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION.
• Always ll fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area.
Never ll 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 be done outdoors. The drained
fuel should be stored in a container specically
designed for fuel storage or it should be disposed of
carefully.
• 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.
Preparation
• Dress appropriately when operating the tiller. Always
wear sturdy footwear. Never wear sandals, sneakers
or open shoes, and never operate the tiller with
bare feet. Do not wear loose clothing that might get
caught in moving parts.
• Carefully inspect the area to be tilled and remove
all foreign objects. Do not till above underground
water lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not
operate the tiller in soil with large rocks and foreign
objects which can damage the equipment.
• Disengage all clutches and leave control lever in the
neutral position before starting the engine.
For additional information email www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
5
Operator’s Manual
L R
Badger 20908 Front Tine Tiller
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly ammable.
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
c. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never ll
fuel tank indoors.
d. Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restarting.
WARNING
THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES
OF YOUR ROTOTILLER ARE
DETERMINED FROM THE
OPERATING POSITION AS
YOU FACE THE DIRECTION OF
FORWARD TRAVEL.
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITHOUT OIL.
YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL BEFORE STARTING
ENGINE.
THIS IS A MOTORIZED ROTARY TILLER THAT
WORKS THE SOIL BY MEANS OF ROTATING TINES.
IT IS PEDESTRIAN CONTROLLED, BUT NOT SELF
PROPELLED, WITH A GASOLINEFUELED INTERNAL
COMBUSTION ENGINE TO POWER THE TINES. IT
SHALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE.
CAUTION
HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BYPRODUCT OF A
FUNCTIONING 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.
OPERATION
• Do not operate tiller under the inuence of alcohol or
drugs.
• Never operate tiller without guards, covers, and hoods
in place.
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating
parts. Keep clear of tiller tines at all times.
• Tines rotate when tiller is engaged; tines rotate
when the drive safety control lever is pulled down.
Releasing the drive safety control lever to neutral
stops the tines.
• Use extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or trac.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the tiller for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating the tiller.
• If vegetation clogs the tines, stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug wire before removing
vegetation by hand.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are
deadly.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting
to till too deep at too fast of a rate.
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or
light.
• 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.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended. Disengage control lever, stop
the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and
make certain guards and shields are in place.
• When leaving the operating position for any reason:
- shut o the engine.
- wait for all moving parts to stop.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe
working condition.
• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts and other
bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and
secure the spark plug wire from the spark plug before
performing tiller maintenance.
• Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are
deadly.
• Always allow muer to cool before lling the fuel
tank.
• Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank
inside a closed building where fumes may reach an
open ame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any building.
• Always refer to the operator’s guide instructions for
important details if the tiller is to be stored for an
extended period.
6
For additional information email www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
Badger 20908 Front Tine Tiller
SAFETY DECALS
This rototiller unit 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.
Although 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 several safety labels on the tiller to remind you of this important
information while you are operating the unit.
These important safety labels 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 tilling 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 call Earthquake®Customer Service.
Part No. 15698
DECAL PICTORIAL LEVER
CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT
DECAL PLACE FREE HAND HERE
When starting engine,
Part No. 17918
place free hand here.
Pour démarrer le moteur,
Part No. 17052
MOVING PARTS WARNING
Frame Near Belt Decal
placer le main libre ici.
15698
Part No. 17047
PINCH POINT WARNING
Tail Mount Decal
Part No. 17921
HANG TAG
Correct Tine Installation
17918
Part No. 17049
MULTI INJURY WARNING
Hood Decal
Part No. 17050
TINES DANGER/OPERATION
For additional information email www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Hood Decal
7
HAZARD SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS
Operator’s Manual
Badger 20908 Front Tine Tiller
A
G H
B
M
C
I
N
D E F
J
O P
K
L
16095-0016R1
A: Warning!
B: Avoid Injury From Rotating Tines.
C: Read Owner’s Manual Before Operating Machine.
D: Remove Objects that Could Be Thrown By This Machine.
E: Dangerous Moving Parts.
F: Be Aware of Moving and Rotating Parts.
G: Wear Ear and Eye Protection At All Times.
H: Do Not Service or Adjust Moving Parts Unless Engine is Stopped and Spark Plug
Wire is Disconnected.
I: Dress Appropriately And Wear Sturdy Footwear.
J: Toxic Fumes —Do Not Operate in Unventilated Areas.
K: Hot Surfaces.
L: Fire Hazards.
M. Do Not Use In Thunderstorms--For severe weather, stop operation of this
machine and seek shelter.
N. Team Lift--For your safety, always have at least two people when lifting this
machine.
O. Do Not Till Above Underground Utility Lines And Pipes.
P. Do Not Operate When Children Or Others Are Around.
8
For additional information email www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Loading...