Earthquake R5055H, 5155, 6065VE User Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS &

PARTS EXPLOSIONS

CRT ROTOTILLERS

5055 6 HP BRIGGS 5155 6 HP BRIGGS

6065VE 6.5 HP VIPER ELECTRIC

R5055H 5.5 HP HONDA

ARDISAM

© Copyright 2006 Ardisam, Inc.

All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.

.com

OMCRT07

Rev. 12/21/06

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

CRT Models

INTRODUCTION

THANK YOU . . .

for purchasing an Earthquake® forward 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 & Warranty ................................................................... 2

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

Unpacking and Assembly ................................................................ 6

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

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

Maintenance & Storage ............................................................ 14-17

Service, Troubleshooting & Repair ........................................... 18-19

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

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

WARRANTY

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

products returned for warranty repair must have
prior approval from Ardisam, Inc. by calling our
customer service department at 800-345-6007 for
a return material authorization number (RMA#).

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:

Th is warr anty applie s only to p roducts which
have not bee n repaired or altered outs ide our
factor y. I t co vers o nl y de fects resu lt in g fr om
normal use, and does not cover defects arising
from misuse, alteration, negligence, or accident.
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser
and is nontransferable.

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, at the
time of purchase.

Page 2

Earthquake, A Division of Ardisam, Inc.

1690 Elm Street; P.O. Box 666

Cumberland, Wisconsin 54829

800-345-6007 · Fax [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

800-345-6007

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

CRT Models

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.

• 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.

!

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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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

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.

CRT Models

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.

Page 4

800-345-6007

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

CRT Models

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

WARNING

Belt Cover Decal

Part No. LBL516AA

WARNING INSTRUCTIONS

Hood Decal

PLACE FREE

HAND HERE

FREE HAND HERE

Bumper Guard Decal

Part No. LBL516J

TINES DANGER

Hood Flap Decal

Part No. LBL516F

Page 5800-345-6007

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

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 end of carton and remove machine by:

a. Removing lock pins on wheels.
b. Roll tiller from carton.

INSTALL BATTERY BOX (6065VE)

NOTE: The battery box assembly comes already mounted on
the lower handlebar mount.

1. Remove and discard bolts and nuts that are holding the battery
box assembly to the lower handlebar mount. Carefully set aside
battery box so that wiring remains intact.

CRT Models

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.

!

CAUTION

DO NOT TRY TO LIFT THE ROTOTILLER FROM THE
CARTON.

DO NOT ADD ENGINE OIL INTO GEAR CASE DIP­STICK HOLE.

3/8-16

nuts

lower handlebar

mount

3/8-16 x 3/4”

bolts

ATTACH HANDLEBAR TO TILLER

1. Place handlebar stems on outside of lower handlebar mount and
align lower holes.

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

6. Place notches of battery box support over the four bolts between
lower handlebar mount and nuts.

7. Tighten all 3/8-16 nuts.

8. Remove the battery box cover and plug the white plastic connec­tor from the battery into the mating white plastic connector in the
battery box. Make sure the ignition key is removed from the
ignition before connecting the wiring for the battery. Replace
battery box cover.

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.

height

adjustment

holes

dipstick hole

NO ENGINE OIL!

handlebar

stem

gear case

dipstick

gear case

Page 6

800-345-6007

FEATURES

forward & reverse cable

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

CRT Models

forward drive safety control lever

reverse drive safety control lever

bumper guard

(Model 5055, 6065VE, R5055H )

recoil start

depth regulator lever

detent pin

belt guard

wheel lock pin (Model 5055, R5055H)
or wheel lockout (Model 5155, 6065VE)

serial number plate

Page 7800-345-6007

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

CRT Models

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.

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 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, 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 R EAD T HE M AN UAL THAT CA ME
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 MUS T ALWAYS BE LOCKED IN THE
TILLING POSITION WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING.
DO NOT OPERATE THE TILLER WITH THE WHEEL
LOC KO UTS UNL OCKED . ALWAYS SET T HE
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.

Page 8

800-345-6007

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS EXPLOSIONS

CRT Models

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 labeled “FORWARD”--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 ERS TO NEU TRA L POS ITIO N BEF 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 OPERATIN G THE CONTROLS AND
TILLER WITH TINES OUT OF GROUND BEFORE
BEGINNING TO TILL. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU
KNOW HOW TO USE THE TILL ER 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.

Page 9800-345-6007