EarthQuake MC33, 31635 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
GAS/OIL
RATIO
50:1
MC33
2-Cycle Cultivator
Model #: 31635
ENGLISH
SERIAL NO.
DATE OF PURCHASE:
THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. PLEASE READ AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Get parts or technical assistance online at
www.GetEarthquake.com or call (800) 345-6007
© 2018 Ardisam
All Rights Reserved
P/N: 31674
REV 2: 10/17/2018
Owner’s Manual
MC33 2-CYCLE CULTIVATOR
STOP! ACTIVATE YOUR WARRANTY BEFORE USE
All products must be registered within 30 days from the date of purchase in order to be covered under
warranty. For more information regarding Warranty and Registration please review the Warranty and Registration terms and conditions expressed in the warranty insert.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing your product from Earthquake®. We have worked to ensure that this product meets the highest standards for usability and durability. With proper care, your purchase 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. Due to continuous product improvements, product images may not be exact.
Some assembly may be required.
Read and keep this manual for future reference. This manual contains important information regarding 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.
CONTENTS
Introduction/Contents ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Warnings and Safety Precautions ..........................................................................................................................................................................................3-8
Features ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Assembly ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10-11
Operation .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11-14
Maintenance and Storage ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14-17
Troubleshooting and Repair ...............................................................................................................................................................................................17-18
Border Edger Kit Installation .....................................................................................................................................................................................................19
Dethatcher Kit Installation .........................................................................................................................................................................................................20
REGISTRATION AND SERVICE
Record the date of purchase 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. 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.
SERIAL
NUMBER
2
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Owner’s Manual
MC33 2-CYCLE CULTIVATOR
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.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR
PROPER ASSEMBLY, OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF
YOUR EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION
CAUTION INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED,
COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING
WARNING INDICATES 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.
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.
Keep away from rotating tines.
Rotating tines will cause injury.
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3
Owner’s Manual
MC33 2-CYCLE CULTIVATOR
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. Know how to stop the machine and disengage
the controls quickly.
• 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. Never allow
children to operate this machine. Never 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.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets.
• Do not operate in shorts or open toed shoes. Wear proper
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times, such as
gloves, proper footwear, and eye protection.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• When moving the packaged machine, always do so with a
partner.
• Check local regulations for age restrictions on use of this
machine.
• Never attempt to make any adjustment while the engine
(motor) is running (except where specically recommended by the manufacturer).
• 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.
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
4
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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.
HOT GASES ARE A NORMAL BY-PRODUCT OF A
FUNCTIONING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE. FOLLOW
ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS TO PREVENT BURNS AND
FIRES.
DO NOT ALTER/MODIFY ENGINE:
• NEVER ALTER OR MODIFY THE ENGINE FROM THE
FACTORY. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR IF
ENGINE IS MODIFIED OR ALTERED.
• WHEN WORKING ON OR REPLACING PARTS FOR THE
ENGINE OR PRODUCT, YOU MUST ALWAYS PUT THE ON/
OFF SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION.
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.
Owner’s Manual
MC33 2-CYCLE CULTIVATOR
• 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 (motor).
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
extremely ammable and vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open ame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or on other appliances.
• Never ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before lling.
• Remove gas powered equipment from the truck or trailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock open device.
• Never point the exhaust muer towards anyone. People
should always be many feet away from the operation of
the engine and its attachments.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
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. Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
at all times, such as gloves, proper footwear, and eye
protection.
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• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never overll fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
• If fuel is spilled do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have
dissipated.
• Prevent re and explosion caused by static electric
discharge. Use only nonmetal, portable fuel containers
approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the
American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM).
• Always ll fuel tank outside in a well ventilated area. Never
ll your fuel tank with fuel indoors. (Examples include:
basement, garage, barn, shed, house, porch, etc.).
5
Owner’s Manual
MC33 2-CYCLE CULTIVATOR
• Test the fuel cap for proper installation before starting and
using engine.
• Always run the engine with fuel cap properly installed on
the engine.
NOTICE
THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF YOUR
ROTOTILLER ARE DETERMINED FROM
THE OPERATING POSITION AS YOU
FACE THE DIRECTION OF FORWARD
TRAVEL.
THE 2-CYCLE ENGINE USES A 50:1
RATIO OF GAS:OIL.
DO NOT USE STRAIGHT UNMIXED
GASOLINE OR ENGINE DAMAGE WILL
OCCUR.
THIS IS A MOTORIZED CULTIVATOR THAT WORKS THE
SOIL BY MEANS OF ROTATING TINES. IT IS PEDESTRIAN
CONTROLLED, BUT NOT SELF-PROPELLED, AND USES
A GASOLINE-FUELED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
TO POWER THE TINES. IT SHALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY
OTHER PURPOSE.
LEFT
RIGHT
• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position, before unclogging the tines, and when making any
repairs, adjustments and inspections.
• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the machine unattended.
• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, shut o the
engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting. Disconnect
the cord on electric motors.
• Never operate tiller without guards, covers, and hoods in
place.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to
till or cultivate too deep at too fast a rate.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on
hard or slippery surfaces.
• Never allow bystanders near the machine, especially small
children.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer of the machine (such as wheel weights,
counterweights, and the like).
OPERATION
• Do not allow hands, feet, or other body parts, or clothing
near the rotating tines or any other moving part. The tines
begin to rotate once the engine/motor is started and the
activating device is engaged. The tines may momentarily
rotate after the activating device is released.
• Exercise extreme caution when crossing gravel surfaces.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or trac.
• 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.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug (or disconnect the cord
for electric products), thoroughly inspect the machine for
any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the machine.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble.
• 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 handlebars and do not restrain the machine.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
machine towards you. To avoid getting pinned against a
structure, ensure adequate distance before reversing near
a wall or fence.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over
speed the engine.
• Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully according to instructions and with feet away from the tines.
• Never pick up or carry a machine while the engine (motor)
is running.
• Do not operate the tiller while under the inuence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Powered walk-behind tiller work is strenuous. You must be
in good physical condition and mentally alert. If you have
any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with your doctor before operating a powered
6
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Owner’s Manual
MC33 2-CYCLE CULTIVATOR
walk-behind tiller.
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).
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Stop engine and allow to cool before lling.
• Never drain fuel from engine in an enclosed area.
• Always 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.
PREVENTION OF BURNS AND FIRES
• Never remove the muer guard from the engine.
• Never touch the muer guard because it is extremely hot
and will cause severe burns.
• Never touch parts of the engine that become hot after
operation.
• Always keep materials and debris away from muer guard
and other hot parts of the engine to avoid res.
CHILDREN AND BYSTANDERS
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children and/or bystanders. Never assume that
others will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets. Keep children under the watchful
care of a responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine o if children enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
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.
• 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.
BURNS AND FIRES
The muer, muer guard and other parts of the engine become extremely hot during the operation of the engine. These
parts remain extremely hot after the engine has stopped.
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• Pulleys and belts should be kept free of oil or other moisture for ecient operation.
• Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a
closed building where ignition sources are present, such
as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers and the like.
Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Always refer to the operator’s guide instructions for important details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
7
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for safe loading,
unloading, transport and storage of machine.
Owner’s Manual
MC33 2-CYCLE CULTIVATOR
SAFETY DECALS
This cultivator 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.
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.
HAZARD SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS
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.
A B
D
G
J
M
C
E
H
K
N
P
F
I
L
O
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