EarthQuake 6014V User Manual

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6014V CRT ROTOTILLER

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

6014V

VIPER ENGINE

196 CC

OM6014

Rev. 7/13/09

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INTRODUCTION

MODEL NO.

6014V

SERIAL NO.

LBL6014VSN

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THANK YOU . . .

for purchasing an Earthquake® counter rotating rear-tine rototiller from Ardisam, Inc. We have worked to ensure that this rear-tine rototiller meets high standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your rototiller will provide many years of service. Please take the time to read this manual carefully to learn how to correctly operate and maintain your rototiller. This manual should be considered a permanent part of your rototiller. Due to continuous effort to perfect our product, certain procedures and speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice. Congratulations on your investment in quality.

CONTENTS

Registration ..................................................................................... 2

Safety ........................................................................................... 3-5

Unpacking & Assembly .................................................................... 6

Features .......................................................................................... 7

Operation .................................................................................... 8-13

Maintenance ............................................................................. 14-17

Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 18-19

Parts ......................................................................................... 20-26

Warranty ........................................................................... Back Page

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

CRT Models 6014V

REGISTRATION

Record your model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference. Fill out and mail the registration card located in your parts packet. Warranty is valid only if your completed registration card is received by Ardisam, Inc., within two weeks of the purchase date.

Model Number

Serial Number

Engine Serial Number

Date of Purchase

Place of Purchase

Serial Number Location

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OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

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CRT Models 6014V

SAFETY

OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY

Accurate assembly and safe and effective use of the rototiller is the owner’s responsibility.

• Read and follow all safety instructions.

• Carefully follow all assembly instructions.

• Maintain the tiller according to directions and schedule included in this Earthquake operator’s manual.

• Ensure that anyone who uses the tiller 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please read this section carefully. Operate the tiller according to the

safety instructions and recommendations outlined here and inserted throughout the text. Anyone who uses this tiller must read the instructions and be familiar with the controls. Your tiller is equipped with a safety device that enables you to stop the wheels and tines quickly in an emergency. Learn how the drive safety control lever operates and how to control the tiller at all times.

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.

• Do not allow children to operate this rototiller. Keep small children away from the area being tilled. Do not allow adults to operate the tiller without proper instruction.

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.

• Leave control lever in the neutral position 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.

DANGER

DANGER INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY WILL RESULT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.

WARNING

WARNING INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY COULD RESULT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.

CAUTION

CAUTION INDICATES YOU CAN OR YOUR EQUIPMENT CAN BE HURT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.

IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, OR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT.

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.

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.

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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.

OPERATION

• Never operate the tiller without guards, covers, and hoods in

place.

• Never start the engine or operate the tiller with the wheels

in the free-wheel position. Make sure the wheel lock pins are engaged through the wheel hubs and wheel axle. The wheels act as a brake to keep the tiller at a controlled speed. Disengage wheel lock pins to permit free-wheeling only when engine is stopped.

• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts. Keep

clear of tiller tines at all times.

• Tines and wheels rotate when tiller is engaged in forward,

tines and wheels rotate when the drive safety control lever, is pulled toward the handlebar. Releasing the drive safety control lever to the neutral position stops the wheels and tines.

• Use 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, 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 deadly.

• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too

deep at too fast a rate.

• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on

slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

CRT Models 6014V

IMPORTANT

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.

• Never allow bystanders near the unit.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of the tiller.

• 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 backward. If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Disengage all control levers, 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 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 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.

• Add a fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run for 10-15 minutes to

prevent fuel from gumming up during an extended storage period.

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OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

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CRT Models 6014V

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. 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 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 from your local authorized dealer.

The 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, effective operation of your rototiller.

Part No. LBL516C

Belt Cover Decal

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WARNING

Part No. LBL516AA

WARNING INSTRUCTIONS

Hood Decal

Part No. LBL516J

TINES DANGER

Hood Flap Decal

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UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY

lower handlebar mount

3/8" flat washers

handlebar stem

3/8-16 x 1 3/4" bolts

3/8-16 nuts

cover plate

transmission

gear case dipstick

Your rototiller comes fully assembled except for a few parts. The following instructions will help you unpack your tiller and assemble and adjust your tiller’s depth regulator lever, cable tension and handlebar height. You will need 2- 9/16” wrenches.

UNPACK TILLER

1. Open top of carton and remove handlebar assembly.

2. Find parts packet. Parts packet contains:

4- 3/8-16 x 1 3/4” hex head bolts 4- 3/8-16 locknuts 1- 5/16-18 x 3/4” hex head bolt 1- detent pin 1- ﬁve star knob 4- 3/8” ﬂat washers

3. Cut open end of carton and remove machine by:

a. Putting loose wheels onto machine with lock pin disengaged

from wheel.

b. Roll tiller from carton.

ATTACH HANDLEBAR TO TILLER

1. Place handlebar stems on outside of lower handlebar mount and align lower holes. (SEE FIGURE 1)

2. Insert one 3/8-16 x 1 3/4” bolt for each side in lower holes at the desired handlebar height. Put 3/8” ﬂat washers onto bolts.

3. Start 3/8-16 nuts on each bolt.

4. Insert one 3/8-16 x 1 3/4” bolt for each side in upper holes. Put 3/8” ﬂat washers on to bolts.

5. Start 3/8-16 nuts on each bolt.

6. Tighten all 3/8-16 nuts.

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

CRT Models 6014V

IMPORTANT

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.

TILLER TRANSMISSION IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITH THE PROPER AMOUNT OF LIQUID GREASE.

CAUTION

DO NOT TRY TO LIFT THE ROTOTILLER FROM THE CARTON.

DO NOT ADD ENGINE OIL INTO GEAR CASE DIPSTICK HOLE.

FILL ENGINE CRANKCASE

1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overﬁll. Use a clean,

2. Always check oil level before starting engine. Refer to engine

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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 with gasoline. 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.

manual for capacity and type of oil to use.

NO ENGINE OIL!

FIGURE 1

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FEATURES

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

CRT Models 6014V

forward drive safety control lever

forward cable

wheel lock pin

depth regulator lever

detent pin

belt guard

recoil start

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OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

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CRT Models 6014V

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.

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 position of wheels and wheel lock pins.

7. Check depth regulator lever position.

8. Examine underneath and around engine for signs of oil or fuel leaks.

9. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.

10. Look for signs of engine damage.

11. Remove excessive debris from mufﬂer area and recoil starter.

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 star ting 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, gradually 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. Repeat until engine starts.

3. Adjust throttle speed to “high” for best tiller action.

CAUTION

PLEASE DO NOT START YOUR TILLER UNTIL YOU HAVE READ T HE MANUA L THAT C AM E 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 PRE-START 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.

WHEELS MUST ALWAYS BE LOCKED IN THE TILLING POSITION WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING. DO NOT OPERATE THE TILLER WITH THE WHEEL LOC KO UTS UNLO CKE D. ALWAYS SE T THE WHEELS IN TILLING POSITION BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.

ALWAYS PUT THE DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER IN THE TRANSPORT POSITION BEFORE STARTING ENGINE. TINES SHOULD CLEAR THE GROUND.

IMPORTANT

ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITHOUT OIL. YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.

DANGER

ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF ROTATING MACHINE PARTS.

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OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS

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CRT Models 6014V

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” 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”.

SHUTTING DOWN

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.

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 control lever-this will engage the wheels and tines.

NOTE: You can slow the tiller’s forward advance at any time by putting slight downward pressure on the handlebars. You can stop the tiller by releasing the drive safety control levers to the neutral position.

forward by pushing down on the drive safety

WARNING

TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEAR BY AREAS MAY EXCEED 150° F. AVOID THESE AREAS.

DO NOT MOVE CHOKE CONTROL TO CHOKE TO STOP ENGINE. BACKFIRE OR ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.

TO STOP WHEELS AND TINES AT ANY TIME, RELEASE DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS TO NEUTRAL POSITION.

ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEV E RS TO NEUT R AL P O SITI ON BE F ORE ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF THE REGULATOR

LEVER.

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.

IMPORTANT

PRACTICE OPERATING THE CONTROLS AND TILLER WITH TINES OUT OF GROUND BEFORE BEGINNING TO TILL. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO U SE THE TILLER PROPERLY, KEEP CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, STOP THE TINES AND WHEELS FROM TURNING, AND STOP THE ENGINE IF NECESSARY. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO THESE THINGS, READ THE CONTROLS, ADJUSTMENTS AND SAFETY SECTIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

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