EarthQuake Badger 24736, Badger 20908 Operator's Manual
GAS/OIL
RATIO
50:1
Operator's Manual
Original Operating Instructions
BADGER
Front Tine Tiller
SN
BRIGGS & STRATTON 7.25 FTLBS GROSS TORQUE
Get more information online at
www.getearthquake.com
PRODUCT NUMBER:
20908 (model shown)
24736
ENGINE:
KOHLER 6.75 FTLBS GROSS TORQUE
P/N: 22745
ECN: 11380
REV3: 10/24/16
© 2016 Ardisam, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the BADGER Tiller from Earthquake®. We have worked to ensure that this tiller meets the highest standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your tiller will provide many years of service.
Please read this entire manual before installation and use. Earthquake® reserves the right to change, alter or improve the
product and this document at any time without prior notice.
CONTENTS
Introduction/Contents/Registration and Service ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Warnings and Safety Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-6
Safety Decals .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Hazard Symbols and Meanings ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Features ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Unpacking and Assembly ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10-12
Controls and Operating Symbols/Controls ................................................................................................................................................................ 12-13
Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15-17
Storage ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Troubleshooting and Repair ...................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Warranty Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................................................................................................................19
Illustrated Parts Breakdown.............................................................................................................................................................................................20-25
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
Read and keep this manual for future reference. This manual contains important information on SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE. The owner must be certain that all the product information is included with the unit. This
information includes the MANUAL, the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the WARRANTIES. This information must be included to
make sure state laws and other laws are followed. All persons to whom rent/loan this unit must have access to and understand this information. This manual should remain with the product even if it is resold.
2 For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Owner’s Responsibility
Accurate assembly and safe and eective use of the machine is
the owner’s responsibility.
• Read and follow all safety instructions.
• Carefully follow all assembly instructions.
• Maintain the machine according to directions and
schedule included in this Earthquake® operator’s
manual.
• Ensure that anyone who uses the machine is familiar
with all controls and safety precautions.
Special Messages
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to
potential safety concerns, machine damage as well as helpful
operating and servicing information. Please read all the information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the
manual that may help the operator in the
operation or service of the machine.
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH IF NOT
FOLLOWED COULD ENDANGER YOUR
PERSONAL SAFETY. READ AND FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.
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 tiller 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.
DANGER
NOTICE
NOTICE INDICATES YOUR EQUIPMENT CAN BE
DAMAGED IF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THAT
FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.
CAUTION
CAUTION INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT
AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
WARNING
WARNING INDICATED A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT
AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS
INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
DANGER
DANGER INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT
AVOIDED, CERTAINLY WILL RESULT IN DEATH OR
SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
IMPORTANT
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.
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.
3For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s). Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the machine before
starting.
• Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
• Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and operating
decals on this equipment and on any of its attachments or
accessories.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Only allow responsible individuals who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Do not allow children
to operate this machine. Do not allow adults to operate the
machine without proper instruction.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be
used and remove all foreign objects. Your equipment can
propel small objects at high speed causing personal injury
or property damage. Stay away from breakable objects,
such as house windows, automobiles, greenhouses, etc.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt
or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do not wear
shorts. Never wear sandals, sneakers or open shoes, and
never operate the machine with bare feet.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught
in moving parts. Always keep hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing away from any moving parts on engine and
machine.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating the machine to protect your eyes
from foreign objects which can be thrown from the unit.
Always wear a protective hearing device.
• Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
Leather work shoes or short boots work well for most
people. These will protect the operator’s ankles and shins
from small sticks, splinters, and other debris.
• It is advisable to wear protective headgear to prevent the
possibility of being struck by small ying particles, or being
struck by low hanging branches, twigs, or other objects
which may be unnoticed by the operator.
• Do not operate the machine without proper guards or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved
by the manufacturer.
• Operate only in daylight or good articial light.
• Do not operate product when fatigued or under the
inuence of alcohol, drugs or other medication which
can cause drowsiness or aect your ability to operate this
machine safely.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing; keep a rm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.
• Watch for trac when operating machine near, or when
crossing roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor), ip the ON/OFF switch to the
OFF position. Check immediately for cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble. If the noise or vibrations of
the machine increase, stop immediately and perform an
inspection.
• Never leave the machine unattended when the engine is
running. Flip the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.
• Regularly inspect the machine. Make sure parts are not
bent, damaged, or loose.
• Temperature of muer and nearby areas may exceed 150°
F (65° C). Allow muer and engine areas to cool before
touching. Never pick up or carry the machine while the
engine is running.
• Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration from gasoline
engine-powered equipment should be avoided. Take
intermittent breaks and/or wear ear protection from engine
noise as well as heavy work gloves to reduce vibration in the
hands.
• Keep all screws, nuts, and bolts tight.
• Do not transport the machine from one place to another
with the engine running.
• When moving the packaged machine, always do so with a
partner.
• Check local regulations for age restrictions on use of this
machine.
Product-Specic Safety Rules
• Do not till above underground utilities, including water
lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not operate the
machine on terrain/soil with large rocks and foreign objects
which can damage the equipment.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Flip the ON/
OFF switch to the OFF position. Inspect the machine for
damage. If damaged, repair before starting and operating
the machine.
• The tines of the tiller should not rotate when the drive
control lever is released into the neutral position. If it does
rotate when in neutral, contact Earthquake® Customer
Service for instruction.
• If an object becomes lodged in the tines, ip the ON/OFF
switch to the OFF position, allow to cool before attempting
to remove the foreign object.
• Pulleys and belts should be kept free of oil or other
moisture for ecient operation.
• Disengage all clutches and leave control lever in the neutral
position before starting the engine.
4 For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
WARNING
ENGINES GIVE OFF CARBON MONOXIDE, AN
ODORLESS, COLORLESS, POISONOUS GAS. CARBON
MONOXIDE MAY BE PRESENT EVEN IF YOU DO NOT
SMELL OR SEE ANY ENGINE EXHAUST. BREATHING
CARBON MONOXIDE CAN CAUSE NAUSEA, FAINTING
OR DEATH, IN ADDITION TO DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS
AND CONFUSION.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, SEEK
FRESH AIR AND MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
If your product comes with a separate engine
manual, be sure to read and follow all safety and
warning precautions outlined there, in addition
to any in this manual.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Always start and run engine outdoors. Do not start or run
engine in an enclosed area, even if doors or windows are
open.
• Never try to ventilate engine exhaust indoors. Carbon
monoxide can reach dangerous levels very quickly.
• Never run engine outdoors where exhaust fumes may be
pulled into a building.
• Never run engine outdoors in a poorly ventilated area
where the exhaust fumes may be trapped and not easily
taken away. (Examples include: in a large hole or areas
where hills surround your working area.)
• Never run engine in an enclosed or partially enclosed area.
(Examples include: buildings that are enclosed on one or
more sides, under tents, car ports or basements.)
• Always run the engine with the exhaust and muer
pointed in the direction away from the operator.
• Never point the exhaust muer towards anyone. People
should always be many feet away from the operation of the
engine and its attachments.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine.
Gasoline Fires and Handling Fuel Safely
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
ammable and vapors are explosive.
• When storing extra fuel be sure that it is in an appropriate
container and away from any re hazards.
• Prevent re and explosion caused by static electric
discharge. Use only nonmetal, portable fuel containers
approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the
American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM).
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Stop engine and allow to cool before lling.
• Do not smoke while using engine or product.
• Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.
• Always ll fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area. Never
ll your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples include:
basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch, etc.) Never
ll tank near appliances with pilot lights, heaters, or other
ignition sources. If the fuel has to be drained, this should
be done outdoors. The drained fuel should be stored in a
container specically designed for fuel storage or it should
be disposed of carefully.
• Always wipe up excess (spilled) fuel from engine before
starting. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled,
do not start the engine but move product and fuel container
from area. Clean up spilled fuel and allow to evaporate and
dry after wiping and before starting.
• Allow fuel fumes/vapors to escape from the area before
starting engine.
• Test the fuel cap for proper installation before starting and
using engine.
• Always run the engine with fuel cap properly installed on
the engine.
• Never smoke while relling engine fuel tank.
• Do not store engine with fuel in fuel tank indoors. Fuel and
fuel vapors are highly explosive.
Preparation
• Dress appropriately when operating the tiller. Always wear
sturdy footwear. Never wear sandals, sneakers or open
shoes, and never operate the tiller with bare feet. Do not
wear loose clothing that might get caught in moving parts.
• Carefully inspect the area to be tilled and remove all foreign
objects. Do not till above underground water lines, gas
lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not operate the tiller in
soil with large rocks and foreign objects which can damage
the equipment.
• Disengage all clutches and leave control lever in the neutral
position before starting the engine.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly ammable.
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
c. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never ll fuel
tank indoors.
d. Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel
before restarting.
5For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
WARNING
THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES
OF YOUR ROTOTILLER ARE
DETERMINED FROM THE
OPERATING POSITION AS
YOU FACE THE DIRECTION
OF FORWARD TRAVEL.
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITHOUT OIL.
YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL BEFORE STARTING
ENGINE.
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 FLIP THE
ON/OFF SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION.
L R
OPERATION
• Do not operate tiller under the inuence of alcohol or
drugs.
• Never operate tiller without guards, covers, and hoods in
place.
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts.
Keep clear of tiller tines at all times.
• Tines rotate when tiller is engaged; tines rotate when the
drive safety control lever is pulled down. Releasing the
drive safety control lever to neutral stops the tines.
• Use extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
trac.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the
wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the tiller for
any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the tiller.
• If vegetation clogs the tines, stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug wire before removing vegetation
by hand.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are deadly.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till
too deep at too fast of a rate.
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let
go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine
unattended. Disengage control lever, stop the engine, wait
for all moving parts to stop, and make certain guards and
shields are in place.
• When leaving the operating position for any reason:
- Shut o the engine.
- Wait for all moving parts to stop.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe
working condition.
• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts and other bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and
secure the spark plug wire from the spark plug before
performing tiller maintenance.
• Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
• Always allow muer to cool before lling the fuel tank.
• Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside
a closed building where fumes may reach an open ame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
building.
• Always refer to the operator’s guide instructions for
important details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
6 For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
SAFETY DECALS
This rototiller unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an
industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing.
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to
operate this equipment safely and eectively, we have placed several safety labels on the tiller to remind you of this important
information while you are operating the unit.
These important safety labels are illustrated below, and are shown here to help familiarize you with the location and content of
the safety messages you will see as you perform normal tilling operations. Please review these decals now, and if you have any
questions regarding its meaning or how to comply with these instructions, reread the complete safety instruction text in this manual. For additional questions call Earthquake®Customer Service.
Part No. 17052
MOVING PARTS WARNING
Frame Near Belt Decal
Part No. 17047
PINCH POINT WARNING
Tail Mount Decal
Part No. 15698
DECAL PICTORIAL LEVER
CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT
Right Handle Bar and Drive
Control Lever
15698
Part No. 17920
CORRECT TINE INSTALLATION
Part No. 17049
MULTI INJURY WARNING
Hood Decal
DECAL PLACE FREE HAND HERE
Part No. 17918
Left Handle Bar
When starting engine,
place free hand here.
Pour démarrer le moteur,
placer le main libre ici.
17918
Part No. 17050
TINES DANGER/OPERATION
Hood Decal
7For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
HAZARD SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS
O P
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
A
G H
B
C
I
D E F
J
K
L
A: Warning!
B: Avoid Injury From Rotating Tines.
C: Read Owner’s Manual Before Operating Machine.
D: Remove Objects that Could Be Thrown By This Machine.
E: Dangerous Moving Parts.
F: Be Aware of Moving and Rotating Parts.
G: Wear Ear and Eye Protection At All Times.
H: Do Not Service or Adjust Moving Parts Unless Engine is Stopped and Spark Plug
Wire is Disconnected.
I: Dress Appropriately And Wear Sturdy Footwear.
J: Toxic Fumes —Do Not Operate in Unventilated Areas.
K: Hot Surfaces.
L: Fire Hazards.
M. Do Not Use In Thunderstorms--For severe weather, stop operation of this
machine and seek shelter.
N. Team Lift--For your safety, always have at least two people when lifting this
machine.
O. Do Not Till Above Underground Utility Lines And Pipes.
P. Do Not Operate When Children Or Others Are Around.
8 For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
Operator’s Manual
BADGER Front Tine Tiller
FEATURES
The advantage of the Earthquake® BADGER gear drive Front Tine Rototiller, over other tillers, is the
exclusive hinged tail mount, wheel and drag stake assembly. This feature gives the tiller its stability and
versatility. For easy transport and quick turning in the garden, fold the wheels under the engine. During
operation, the wheels unfold back and the drag stake folds down. The long length between the tines and
the drag stake make this the most comfortable handling front tine tiller on the market. SEE FIGURE 1
BUMPER
FRONT
BELT
COVER
DRIVE SAFETY
CONTROL LEVER
ADJUSTABLE
FORWARD
CABLE
KNOBBY
COMFORT
GRIPS
3-POSITION
HANDLE
BAR HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LARGE 2-POSITION
WHEELS
HINGED CAST-IRON TAIL MOUNT
TINE SHIELD
DURABLE FORGED TINES
TRANSPORT POSITION
FIGURE 1
3-WAY ADJUSTABLE
TINE WIDTHS
ADJUSTABLE
DRAG STAKE
OPERATING POSITION
9For additional information visit online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 CST
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