EarthQuake 7040 User Manual
Operator's Manual
SRT Rototillers
7040
7040
BRIGGS & STRATTON
4CYCLE, 206 CC
8.50 FTLBS GROSS TORQUE
OMSRTC
Revised 11-09-09
© 2009 Ardisam, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
SRT Model 7040
1YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Terms and Conditions
Ardisam, Inc., a manufacturing company, warrants this EARTHQUAKE® SRT ROTOTILLER to be free from defects in
the material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. During the one year warranty of this
product, Ardisam will furnish 100% parts and labor to correct any defect caused by faulty material or workmanship.
Any unit used in a commercial application is covered for a period of 90 days after purchase.
If warranty work needs to be done, contact your place of purchase or Ardisam, Inc. for an authorized service center
in your area. Ardisam will make the necessary repairs if a service center is not available. To obtain warranty service
and/or replacement instructions, you must have prior approval from Ardisam before shipping your
package to us by calling our customer service department at 800-345-6007 Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST for a return material authorization number (RMA#). All items must be shipped prepaid.
Ardisam, Inc. will at no charge, repair or replace, at their discretion, any defective part which falls under the conditions
stated above.
Ardisam retains the right to change models, specifications and price without notice. This product if used as intended,
will give you years of trouble free service. We hope you will enjoy the quality of our products for years to come.
For replacement parts, phone 800-345-6007 or go online to www.GetEarthquake.com.
This warranty applies to the original owner with a proof of purchase and is not transferable. It supersedes all other warranties
either expressed or implied and all other obligations to 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.
The warranty applies only to products which have not been subjected to negligent use, misuse, alteration, accident
or repairs made by anyone not certified by Ardisam, Inc. This guarantee is void unless the warranty card is properly
filled out and received by Ardisam, Inc., within 30 days of purchase or go to www.GetEarthquake.com for online
registration.
REGISTRATION, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE LOG
Record the model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference. Warranty is valid only if the completed
registration is received by Ardisam, Inc. within 30 days of purchase. If you do not have a computer, call our customer service
department at (800) 345-6007 Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
OWNERSHIP RECORDS
Owner’s Name:
Owner’s Address:
City: State/Province: Zip Code/Postal Code:
Model Number: Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Notes:
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2
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU . . .
for purchasing an Earthquake® standard rotating rear-tine rototiller from Ardisam, Inc., and congratulations on
your investment in quality. We have worked to ensure that this rear-tine rototiller meets the highest 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 eorts to perfect our product, certain
procedures and specications are subject to change without notice.
CONTENTS
Registration & Warranty .............................................................................................. 2
Safety ............................................................................................................................. 3-6
Unpacking & Assembly ...............................................................................................7
Features ............................................................................................................................8
Operation ...................................................................................................................9-14
Maintenance ..........................................................................................................15-18
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................... 19-20
Parts ...........................................................................................................................21-27
This Instruction Book may contain information for more than one model. Read and keep this book for future
reference. This book 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 INSTRUCTION BOOKS, the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the WARRANTIES. This information
must be included to make sure state laws and other laws are followed.
Earthquake reserves the right to change, alter or improve the product and this document at any time without prior notice. Because of continuous product development, your product may differ slightly from that
illustrated in the manual.
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3
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
SAFETY
OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Accurate assembly and safe and eective 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.
• Disengage all clutches and leave all control levers 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.
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
DANGER
DANGER INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR
FATALITY WILL RESULT IF THE SAFETY IN
STRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL
WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.
WARNING
WARNING INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR
FATALITY COULD RESULT IF THE SAFETY IN
STRUCTIONS 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 INFORMA
TION FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY, OPERATION,
OR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT.
WARNING
YOU MUST READ, UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY
WITH ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUC
TIONS 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 PER
SONAL INJURY TO YOU AND/OR BYSTAND
ERS, AND RISK OF EQUIPMENT AND PROP
ERTY DAMAGE. THE TRIANGLE IN THE TEXT
SIGNIFIES IMPORTANT CAUTIONS OR WARN
INGS WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CON
TAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DE
FECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
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4
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
!
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 or reverse-- in forward, tines and wheels
rotate when the drive safety control lever, labeled
“FORWARD”, is pulled toward the handlebar. In reverse,
wheels and tines rotate when the drive safety control
lever, labeled “REVERSE”, is pulled toward the handlebar.
Releasing the drive safety control levers to the neutral
position stops the wheels and tines. Do not operate
both drive safety control levers at the same time.
• Be extremely cautious when operating in reverse.
Take extra care to avoid slipping or falling, and keep
hands and feet clear of 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, raise the handlebars to
elevate the tines, and run the tiller in reverse. If this
does not clean clogged vegetation from 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.
IMPORTANT
THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF YOUR
ROTOTILLER ARE DETERMINED
FROM THE OPERATING POSITION AS
YOU FACE THE DIRECTION OF FOR
WARD TRAVEL.
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY
WITHOUT OIL. YOU MUST ADD EN
GINE 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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5
Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
SRT Model 7040
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. LBL516AA
WARNING INSTRUCTIONS
Hood Decal
Part No. LBL516J
TINES DANGER
Hood Flap Decal
PLACE FREE
HAND HERE
Part No. LBL516F
Part No. LBL516C
WARNING
Belt Cover Decal
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6
FREE HAND HERE
Bumper Guard Decal
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
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 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
3. Cut open all corners of carton, lay flat, and remove
machine:
a. Remove two bolts from packing frame.
b. Lift tiller body from frame. DO NOT attempt to
remove the unit by yourself.
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 3/4” bolt for each side in lower holes at
the desired handlebar height.
3. Start 3/8-16 nuts on each bolt.
4. Insert one 3/8-16 x 3/4” bolt for each side in upper holes.
5. Tighten all 3/8-16 nuts.
6. 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: (SEE FIGURE 5 ON PAGE 13)
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 adjust
ment bolts are fully adjusted. If no more adjustment
can be made, belt may have to be replaced.
-
IMPORTANT
THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF YOUR RO
TOTILLER 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.
gear case
dipstick
gear case
dipstick hole
NO ENGINE OIL!
3/8-16
nuts
lower handlebar
mount
3/8-16 x 3/4”
bolts
FILL ENGINE CRANKCASE
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 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.
2. Always check oil level before starting engine. Refer to
engine manual for capacity and type of oil to use.
ATTACH WHEELS
1. Slide wheels onto axles.
2. Insert lock pin into hole in axle.
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Figure 1
height
adjustment
holes
handlebar
stem
7
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
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FEATURES
forward drive safety control lever
forward & reverse cable
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
reverse drive safety control lever
bumper guard
recoil start
depth regulator lever
detent pin
belt guard
wheel lock pin
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8
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 lockouts. Always
check tires for proper inflation (20 PSI).
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.
Operator's Manual
SRT Model 7040
DANGER
ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF
ROTATING MACHINE PARTS.
WARNING
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND MUST
BE HANDLED WITH CARE. NEVER FILL THE
TANK WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT OR RUNNING.
ALWAYS MOV E OUTDOORS TO FILL THE
TANK.
WHEELS MUST ALWAYS BE LOCKED IN THE
TILLING POSITION WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING.
DO NOT OPERATE THE TILLER WI TH THE
WHEEL LOCKOUTS UNLOCKED. ALWAYS SET
THE WHEELS IN TILLING POSITION BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE.
ALWAYS PUT THE DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER
IN T H E TR AN SP OR T PO S IT IO N BEFOR E
STARTING ENGINE. TINES SHOULD CLEAR
THE GROUND.
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”. On electric start models,
turn the ON/OFF switch to "ON".
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. For electric start models, turn ignition key
to "START" position and hold until the engine starts.
Then release the key to the "ON" position.
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.
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, FOL
LOW THE STEPS BELOW TO START YOUR TILLER.
ALWAYS PERFORM THIS PRESTART CHECKLIST
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.
IMPORTANT
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITH
OUT OIL. YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE.
2. Pull starting rope out rapidly until engine starts. Allow
rope to return normally. Repeat until engine starts.
On electric start models, turn ignition key to "START."
3. Adjust throttle speed to “high” for best tiller action.
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