Record your model number, manufacturer number and
serial number in the space provided for easy reference.
The model and manufacturer numbers can be found on
the unit I.D. plate located on the unit’s left engine mount.
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for location of engine
serial number.
WARNING
You must read, understand and comply with all
safety and operating instructions in this manual
before attempting to setup and operate your
rototiller.
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.
ROTOTILLER REFERENCE DATA
Model Description/Number
M/N (Manufacturer's Number)S/N (Serial Number)
Dealer NameDate Purchased
ENGINE REFERENCE DATA
Engine Make/ModelEngine ID/Serial Number
WARNING
Engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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ARDISAM
WARRANTY
Thank Y ou . . .
for purchasing an Earthquake® Badger™ front tine rototiller. We guarantee that this front tine rototiller
conforms to applicable North American safety standards, and have worked to ensure that it will meet your
exacting standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your rototiller will provide many years of
service.
Please take time to read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and service your rototiller
correctly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage. This manual should be
considered a permanent part of your rototiller. Congratulations on your investment in quality.
ONE YEAR
LIMITED WARRANTY
The Ardisam, Inc., Manufacturing Company warrants this rototiller to be free from defects in material or workmanship.
Conditions of this warranty include:
What is covered under warranty:
For the first year from the date of purchase, Ardisam will furnish 100% parts and labor to correct any defect caused
by faulty material or workmanship. All repairs made under warranty must have prior approval from Ardisam, Inc.
Items subject to normal wear and tear, such as belts, batteries, tines, shear bolts and tires, due to the nature of their
function are not covered under this warranty. Any unit used in a commercial application is covered for a period of 90
days after purchase. The engine is covered under a separate warranty issued by the engine manufacturer as stated
in the engine manual.
What is not covered under warranty:
This warranty applies only to products which have not been repaired or altered outside our factory. It covers only
defects resulting from normal use, and does not cover defects arising from misuse, alteration, negligence, or accident.
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser, and is not transferrable.
This warranty supersedes all other warranties either expressed or implied and all other obligations or liabilities
on our part. Ardisam, Inc., does not assume, and does not authorize any other person to assume for us, any
liability in connection with the sale of our products. This guarantee is void unless the warranty card is properly
filled out and returned to Ardisam, Inc., Cumberland, Wisconsin, within two weeks of the purchase date.
ARDISAM, INC.
ARDISAM
1690 Elm Street; P.O. Box 666
Cumberland, Wisconsin 54829
Phone (715) 822-2415 Fax (715) 822-4180
1-800-345-6007
www.ardisam.com
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ARDISAM
SAFETY RULES
OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Safe and effective use of the rototiller is the owner's
responsibility.
1. Read and follow all safety instructions.
2. Maintain the tiller according to directions and schedule
included.
3. Ensure that anyone who uses the tiller is familiar with
all controls and safety precautions.
GENERAL
The Safety Alert symbol shown here is used to
alert you to important safety information that must
be read, fully understood, and followed at all times when
handling, transporting, operating, servicing, or storing
your rototiller unit.
Each safety alert symbol is followed by a "signal word"
that advised you of the relative intensity, or level, of the
hazard the safety alert instructions pertain to.
The following list of signal words is being provided to help
you understand the intensity levels associated with each
signal word used in this manual.
DANGER
The signal word "DANGER" is used when a serious
injury or fatality will result if the safety instructions
that follow this signal word are not obeyed.
WARNING
The signal word "WARNING" is used when a serious
injury or fatality could result if the safety
instructions that follow this signal word are not
obeyed.
CAUTION
• CAREFULLY READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW
ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
• Be familiar with all controls before operating the tiller.
Your tiller is equipped with a safety device that enables
you to stop the tines quickly in an emergency. Learn
how the drive safety control lever works and how to
control the tiller at all times.
• Never allow children to operate the tiller. Keep small
children away from the area being tilled. Do not allow
adults to operate the tiller without proper instruction.
• Do not operate the tiller under the influence of alchohol
or drugs.
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 drive safety control lever before starting the
engine.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
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 fill
fuel tank indoors.
d. Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restarting.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine is running.
The signal word "CAUTION" is used when personal
injury, or property or equipment damage could
result if the safety instructions that follow this signal
word are not obeyed.
Provides helpful information for proper assembly,
operation, or maintenance of your rototiller.
Engine is shipped from factory without oil. You must
add engine oil before starting engine.
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ARDISAM
SAFETY RULES
OPERATION
• Never operate the 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 in forward-- in
forward, tines rotate when the drive safety control
lever is pulled down. Releasing the drive safety
control lever to neutral stops the tines.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove
the wire from the spark plug and secure, 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.
• Engine muffler will be hot from operation. Do not
touch it with bare skin or a severe burn may result.
• 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
dangerous.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting
to till too deep at too fast a rate.
• Never allow bystanders near the unit.
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended. Disengage drive 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 off 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 the
spark plug wire from the spark plug before performing
tiller maintenance.
• Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are
deadly.
• Always allow muffler to cool before filling fuel tank.
• Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside
a closed building where fumes may reach an open
flame 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.
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ARDISAM
SAFETY RULES
g
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 effectively, 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,
and 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, or contact your local dealer.
Should any of these 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 from your local authorized
dealer.
These labels 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, effective operation of your rototiller.
Part No. LBL3100C
TINES DANGER/OPERATION
Hood Decal
Part No. LBL516C
WARNING
Belt Cover Decal
Part #: LBL3100H
Size: 2.50 w x 1.23 h
.0625 Corner Radius
1000 decals per roll
Colors: ANSI Oran
e, Black, White
Part No. LBL3100H
WARNING
Pivot Mount Decal
7
Part No. LBL821B
HOOD WARNING
Hood Decal
Part No. LBL3100D
CLUTCH ENGAGE
Handlebar Decal
Page 8
ARDISAM
drive safety control lever
forward cable
FEATURES
hand knob
belt guard
3-way adjustable tine widths
The advantage of the EARTHQUAKE
tillers, is the exclusive unfolding and flexible drag bar. This gives the Earthquakeâ Badger
â
BADGERä gear drive rototiller over other front tine
ä
gear drive tiller its stability and its versatility. For easy transport, fold the wheels under the
engine. During operation, the wheels unfold back and the drag bar folds down. The long length
between the tines and the drag bar make this the most comfortable front tine tiller on the
market.
Transport PositionOperating Position
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ARDISAM
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
UNPACK TILLER
1. Open top of carton and remove handlebar assembly.
CAUTION
Do not try to lift the rototiller from the carton.
2. Find parts packet. Parts packet contains:
6- 5/16-18 x 1-3/4” bolts
6- 5/16” spring lockwashers
2- hand knobs
4- locknuts
2- 1/2” push nuts
1- detent pin
3. Cut open end of carton and remove machine:
a. Install wheels on each end of axle, tap on push nuts
with a hammer.
b. Assemble tines to unit, inside tines first. Sharp edge
of tine will be away from operator at top or face down
at front of machine.
c. Outside tines have two positions- wide 21” & narrow
16”. For narrow width - assemble with short side of
tine holder pipe towards center of machine.
d. For wide width - move left tine to right side and right
to left side. Assemble with long half of tine pipe
towards machine.
e. Slide top handle of handlebar over lower loop. Put
5/16-18 x 1-3/4” bolts thru both holes from inside
out, put on 5/16” spring lockwashers and tighten with
hand knobs.
f. Check upper and lower jam nuts for tightness. See
page 12, Belt Tension Adjustment.
g. Add and check engine oil.
The right and left sides of your
rototiller are determined from
the operating position as you
face the direction of forward
travel.
Narrow Tine Width
Wide Tine Width
upper
handlebar
lower
handlebar
loop
hand knob
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ARDISAM
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
INSTALL THE DEPTH REGULATOR
LEVER
1. Install the depth regulator lever through hole in bracket
from the bottom up with curve to rear of unit and
secure with detent pin.
depth
regulator
lever
detent pin
FILL ENGINE CRANKCASE
Engine is shipped from factory without oil. You
must add engine oil before starting engine.
1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overfill.
Use a clean, high quality detergent oil. Container must
be marked A.P.I. Service SF - SJ. Use no special
additives with recommended oils. Do not mix oil withgasoline. Oil level must be full. Check the oil level by
removing the oil fill plug. Oil level should be up to the
bottom of the fill plug opening.
2. Always check oil level before starting engine. Refer to
engine manual for capacity and type of oil to use.
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ARDISAM
CONTROLS
DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVER
Engage tines into forward, releasing returns machine to
neutral.
Pulling down on drive safety control lever engages the
tines. Releasing the drive safety control lever disengages
the tines to a neutral position.
drive safety control
lever disengaged
CAUTION
This information is provided here only to introduce
the controls. DO NOT START THE ENGINE AT THIS
TIME. Starting and operating instructions are given
on page 11. Please read this section and all
operating and safety instructions before starting
your tiller.
WARNlNG
Engine should be off before adjusting any
controls.
CAUTION
v
As a safety precaution, the drive safety control
levers will not lock in the forward position.
v
To stop the wheels and tines at any time
release the drive safety control levers.
WARNlNG
Extreme caution should be used when operating
rototiller in the forward direction.
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ARDISAM
ADJUSTMENTS
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT
Proper belt tension is critical to good performance. After
1/2 hour of operation, all cables may have to be adjusted
due to initial stretch. Thereafter, check tension after every
2 hours of operation.
To increase belt tension:
1. Loosen upper jam nut. Turn nut up cable in 1/8"
increments.
2. Tighten lower jam nut.
3. Check adjustment.
This procedure can be repeated until conduit adjustment
bolts have no more adjustment left. If no more adjustment
can be made, belt may have to be replaced.
1/4 stretch
upper jam nut
DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER
Tilling depth is controlled by the height of the depth
regulator lever.
To adjust tilling depth.
1. Remove detent pin.
2. Raise the depth regulator lever to position tines at
chosen tilling depth.
3. Align hole in depth regulator lever with hole in depth
regulator bracket and replace detent pin.
depth
regulator
lever
detent pin
lower jam nut
forward cable
CAUTION
Do not adjust tilling depth unless drive safety control
lever is released to the neutral position.
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ARDISAM
OPERATION
PRE-START INSPECTION
1. Make sure all safety guards are in place and all nuts
and bolts are secure.
2. Check oil level in engine crankcase. See your engine
manual for procedure and specifications.
Engine is shipped from factory without oil. You
must add engine oil before starting engine.
3. Inspect air cleaner for cleanliness. See your engine
manual for procedure.
4. Check the fuel supply. Fill the fuel tank no closer than
1 inch from top of tank to provide space for expansion.
See your engine manual for fuel recommendations.
5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and spark plug is
tightened securely.
6. Check depth regulator lever position.
CAUTION
Please do not start your tiller until you have read
the Manual that came with your engine, and the
sections in this manual titled Controls, Adjustments
and Safety. If you have read these, follow the steps
below to start your tiller. Always perform this prestart checklist before starting the engine.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled
with care. Never fill the tank when the engine is hot
or running. Always move outdoors to fill the tank.
START-UP
The controls required to start and run the rototiller are
located on the engine and are marked "Choke" and
"Throttle".
A more detailed description of engine operation and all
related precautions and procedures can be found in the
engine manufacturer's manual that accompanies each
tiller.
Cold Starts
1. Move choke lever to full choke position.
2. Move throttle lever to "start".
3. Pull starting rope out slowly one time and allow to
return normally.
4. Pull starting rope out rapidly, and allow rope to return
normally.
5. When engine starts, gruadually move choke lever to
"no choke" position and increase throttle speed.
Restarting A Warm Engine
Restarting an engine that is already warm from previous
running does not normally require use of the choke.
1. Move throttle lever to "start" position.
2. Pull starting rope out rapidly until engine starts. Allow
rope to return normally.
3. Adjust throttle speed to "high" for best tiller action.
Idle Speed
Use the "low" position on the throttle lever to reduce
stress on the engine when tilling is not being performed.
Lowering the engine speed to "idle" the engine will help
extend the life of the motor, as well as conserve fuel and
reduce the noise level of the equipment.
Operating Speed
For normal tilling, set the throttle lever to "fast".
DANGER
Always keep hands and feet clear of rotating
machine parts.
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ARDISAM
OPERATION
WARNING
Temperature of muffler and near by areas may
exceed 150° F. Avoid these areas.
WARNING
Do not move choke control to CHOKE to stop
engine. Backfire or engine damage may occur.
SHUTTING DOWN
DANGER
Engine and surrounding parts become extremely
hot during normal use, and will cause serious burn
injuries if touched before the engine has cooled.
Allow engine to cool completely before touching
these hot surfaces.
WARNING
To stop the engine at any time, move throttle control
to the off position. To stop wheels and tines at any
time, release drive safety control levers to neutral
position.
CAUTION
Do not move choke control to CHOKE to stop
engine. Backfire or engine damage may occur.
To stop the engine at any time, move throttle
control to the off position. To stop tines at any
time, release drive safety control lever to the
neutral position.
TILLING
1. Adjust the depth regulator lever to desired tilling depth.
NOTE: Raise depth regulator lever up one hole at a
time, testing tiller operation after each raise. Raising
depth regulator lever too high can result in loss of
control of tiller!
2. Move the throttle control to fast.
3. Place the tiller in forward by pushing down on the
drive control lever--this will engage the tines.
CAUTION
To stop the tines at any time, release drive safety
control lever to the neutral position.
CAUTION
Always release drive safety control lever to the
neutral position before adjusting the depth regulator
lever.
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ARDISAM
NORMAL CARE
SCHEDULE
Your rototiller has been designed and produced by the industry's leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment to
provide you with years of reliable operation.
Keeping your tiller in top running condition will prolong its life, and help you obtain optimum performance whenever you
wish to till your garden.
Please read this normal care schedule, and observe these recommended care operating intervals to extend the life of
your unit.
Maintenance Operation
Check belt tension
Change forward belt
Engine maintenance
Check or fill engine oil
Clean tine axle shaft
Check throttle control adjustment
EM = See engine manual
1 Adjust throttle control after first 3 hours of operation or if engine is hard to start or run-on occurs.
2 Change oil after first 5-8 hours of use, then after every 50 hours or every season. Change oil every 25 hours
when operating under heavy load or in high temperatures.
Page
16
16
17
17
17
EM
Before Each Use
X
X
X
X
50 hrs or
Every Season
X
X
2
1
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ARDISAM
NORMAL CARE
SERVICING THE ROTOTILLER
General
The following information will help you make the
necessary checks and perform the procedures required
to follow the normal care recommendations made for your
rototiller unit.
If you prefer, your local authorized dealer can make these
checks and perform the required procedures for you.
Check Belt Tension
Belt tension may decrease over time. It must be adjusted
within the first half hour of operation, and checked after
every two hours of operation. Proper adjustment will
assure long belt life. Too much or too little belt tension will
cause premature belt failure. To check and adjust the
forward belt tension:
1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure.
3. With drive safety control lever in the neutral position,
measure length of spring when compressed.
4. Pull down on drive safety control lever and measure
length of spring when stretched out. Ideal length would
be 1/4" longer.
Change Forward Belt
1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure.
3. Remove belt guard.
✮ remove the belt from the engine pulley:
- gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the
pulley.
- with the pulley turning, force the belt out of the
V-groove.
- slide the belt free of the engine pulley.
- pull the belt down and out of the way.
- push the bolt forward and out front of machine.
✮ install new belt:
- place belt in transmission pulley groove.
- gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the
pulley while forcing the belt into the V-groove.
4. Replace belt guard.
5. Attach spark plug wire.
1"
1-1/4"
WARNING
Check forward belt tension regularly. Too much or
too little tension will cause premature belt failure.
remove belt
from front
BELT REPLACEMENT PART #:
3370 (forward)
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ARDISAM
NORMAL CARE
Engine is shipped from factory without oil. You
must add engine oil before starting engine.
Tiller transmission is shipped from factory with
the proper amount of grease.
CAUTION
Do not operate tiller before reading the engine
manual provided in the parts packet.
WARNING
Temperature of muffler and near by areas may
exceed 150° F. Avoid these areas.
Engine can overheat and become damaged if debris
blocks the cooling system or rotating screen.
Engine Maintenance
Refer to the engine manual included in your parts packet
for information on engine maintenance. Your engine
manual provides detailed information and a maintenance
schedule for performing the following tasks:
1. Check oil level before each use or after every 8 hours
of operation.
2. Change oil after first 5-8 hours of operation. Change oil `
while engine is warm. Refill with new oil of recommended
grade.
4. Check spark plug yearly or every 100 hours of operation.
5. Service air cleaner.
6. Keep engine and parts clean.
7. Check engine and equipment often for loose nuts and
bolts, keep these items tightened.
Check or Fill Engine Oil
1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overfill.
Use a clean, high quality detergent oil. Container must
be marked A.P.I. Service SF - SJ. Use no special
additives with recommended oils. Do not mix oil withgasoline. Oil level must be full. Check the oil level by
removing oil fill plug. Oil level should be up to the
bottom of the fill plug opening.
Never run engine without complete air cleaner
installed on engine.
WARNING
To prevent accidental starting:
Engine must be turned off and cool, and spark plug
wire must be removed and secured from spark plug
before checking and adjusting engine or equipment.
2. Always check oil level before starting engine. Refer to
engine manual for capacity and type of oil to use.
Clean Tine Axle Shaft
1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure.
3. Remove all vegetation, string, wire, and other material
that may have accumulated on the axle between the
inside set of tines and the seal on the transmission
housing.
4. Replace spark plug wire.
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ARDISAM
STORAGE
PREPARE FOR STORAGE
Follow the steps below to prepare your tiller for storage.
Read your engine manual for detailed instructions on
preparing the engine for storage.
1. Protect wheels and axles from rust:
- Coat the axles lightly with axle grease.
2. Run with gas stabilizer in fuel.
3. Drain the fuel tank. Run the engine until it stops.
4. While engine is still warm, drain the oil from the
engine. Refill with fresh oil of the recommended grade.
5. Remove spark plug, pour one-half ounce of clean
engine oil into cylinder. Pull starter handle slowly
several times to distribute oil. Replace spark plug.
6. Clean entire tiller.
7. Store your tiller in a clean, dry building.
CAUTION
Do not store tiller in an non-ventilated area where
fuel fumes may reach flame, sparks, pilot lights or
an ignited object. Drain fuel outdoors away from
any ignition sources. Use only approved fuel
containers.
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ARDISAM
TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
While normal care and routine maintenance will extend
the life of your rototiller, prolonged or constant use may
eventually require that service be performed to allow it
to continue operating properly. The troubleshooting
guide below lists the most common problems, causes
and remedies.
PROBLEMREMEDY/ACTION
Engine will not start
Engine runs rough, floods during operation
Engine is hard to start
Engine misses or lacks power
CAUTION
Practice safety at all times. Engine must be turned
off and allowed to cool, and spark plug wire must
be disconnected and secured before attempting any
maintenance or repair.
• Connect spark plug wire to spark plug
• Throttle must be positioned at choke for a cold start
• Clean or replace air cleaner
• Drain old fuel and replace with fresh. Use gas stabilizer
at end of season
• Make sure spark plug wire is securely attached to spark
plug
• Drive control safety lever must be released to neutral to
start the engine
• Clean or replace air cleaner
• Improper carburetor adjustment, take to authorized
engine service center
• Replace spark plug and adjust gap
• Drain and refill gas tank and carburetor
Engine will not stop when throttle control is positioned
at stop
Tiller moves forward during starting
Tiller is difficult to control when tilling (machine jumps or
lurches forward)
Belts squeal in neutral
Belts squeal in forward operation
• See engine manual to check and adjust throttle linkage
• Drive safety control lever must be released to neutral to
start the engine
• Raise the tines for shallower tilling by raising the depth
regulator lever, see page 10
3261Front Tine Tension Spring Link ...................................................................................................................... 1