Congratulations on your investment in quality. Thank you for purchasing the VECTOR™ Compact 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/Federal Emissions Information/Registration and Service/Ownership Records ...................................................... 2
Warnings and Safety Precautions/Safety Decals/Hazard Symbols and Meanings ........................................................................................... 3-8
Unpacking and Assembly ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10-11
Maintenance and Storage ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14-17
Troubleshooting and Repair ...................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Illustrated Parts Breakdown.............................................................................................................................................................................................18-25
Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................................................................................................................................................27
FEDERAL EMISSION INFORMATION
Earthquake warrants to the retail purchaser, that this compact tiller 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 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 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:
SERIAL
NUMBER
DECAL
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.
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-52
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact 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
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3
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact 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.
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-54
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact 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
NOTE: 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.
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.
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 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 with the
proper equipment. 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.
• 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.
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
5
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact Tiller
• Never smoke while relling engine fuel tank or while
operating machine.
• Do not store engine with fuel in fuel tank indoors. Fuel
and fuel vapors are highly explosive.
• Never pour fuel from engine fuel tank.
• Never siphon fuel by mouth to drain fuel tank.
• Always have an adult ll 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
• Never remove the muer guard from the engine.
• Never touch the muer guard because it is extremely
hot and will cause severe burns.
• Never touch parts of the engine that become hot after
operation.
• Always keep materials and debris away from muer
guard and other hot parts of the engine to avoid res.
• This engine is designed to operate using a catalytic
converter which contributes to the engine’s
compliance with the EPA.
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, spark
plug wire must be removed from spark plug before
any repairs or adjustments are attempted. Never make
adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting. Remove
the ignition key if equipped with an electric start.
• 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,
disconnect spark plug lead 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.
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-56
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact 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
operated 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 labels now. If you have any
questions regarding their meaning or how to comply with these instructions, reread the complete safety instruction text on
the preceding pages. For additional questions European customers may contact their local dealer and US customers must call
Earthquake customer service.
Should any of the safety labels become unreadable because of being worn, faded, or otherwise damaged during the use of your
tiller, please use the part number information provided to order a replacement label. European customers can order from their
local dealer and US customers can order by calling Earthquake customer service. These safety labels are easily applied, and will
act as a constant visual reminder to you, and others who may use the equipment. Follow the safety instructions necessary for safe,
eective operation of your rototiller.
TINES DANGER/OPERATION
130
rpm
Part No. 14287
TINE SPEED (CE)
Tine Decal
Part No. 17050
Tine Shield Decal
Part No. 14370
TINE SPEED (CE)
130
rpm
Tine Decal
Part No. 17049
WARNING
Tine Shield Decal
Part No. 15698
CLUTCH ENGAGE
Handle Bar Decal
Part No. 14292
BELT ENGAGE ICONS (CE)
Control Lever Decal
Part No. 14286
NAMEPLATE DECAL (CE)
93
Part No. 14293
CE SAFETY WARNINGS
INCLUDING SOUND
Part No. 17052
BELT AND PULLEY WARNING
Belt Guard Decal
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7
HAZARD SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact Tiller
A
GH
B
M
C
I
N
DEF
J
OP
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.
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-58
FEATURES
Operator's Manual
VECTOR™ Compact Tiller
DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVER
ADJUSTABLE FORWARD
CONTROL CABLE
KNOBBY
COMFORT
GRIPS
ADJUSTABLE
HANDLEBAR
HEIGHT
ADJUSTABLE
DEPTH
REGULATOR
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE DISPLACEMENT99cc
TILLING WIDTH11 in., 16 in., 21 in.
TILLING DEPTH11 in.
TINE SPEED178 rpm (US); 130 rpm (Europe)
WHEEL SIZE8” diameter
WEIGHT OF UNIT90 lb
UNIT SIZE L x W x H inches)51” x 24” x 41”
TRANSPORT WHEELS
TINES
Sound and Vibration Levels
Model2006/42/EC
Operator Ear
LPA (dBA)
14318 (CE)81933.9
2006/42/EC
Sound Power
Level LWA (dBA)
2006/42/EC
Hand/Arm
Vibration
Max m/s
2
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
9
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