EarthWise TC70025 Operator's Manual
Model TC70025
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Tiller/Cultivator
This product is covered by U. S. patents and other international patents
Copyright All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for your purchase.
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE. OPERATING, ASSEMBLY, PARTS, SERVICE QUESTIONS?
CALL 1-800-313-5111 BETWEEN 8:00AM-5:00PM EST FOR ASSISTANCE.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
This product has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and
operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual
before using this product.
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY: Before any use
be sure everyone using this product reads and
understands all safety instructions and other
information contained in this manual.
CAUTION: Wear ap propriate perso nal hearing
protection during use. Under some conditions
and duration of use, noise from this product may
contribute to hearing loss.
WARNING: When usi ng electric gardening
appliances, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric
shock, and personal injury, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS - Before further
use of the product, any part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check
for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting and any other
condition that may affect its operation. Any part that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced.
For assistance call our customer service help line at
1-800-313-5111.
AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS - Don’t
use this product in rainy, stormy, damp or wet
locations. Do not operate in gaseous or explosive
atmospheres. Motors in these products normally
spark, and the sparks might Ignite fumes.
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY - All visitors, children and
pets should stay at a safe distance from the work
area.
DRESS PROPERLY- Don’t wear loose clothing or
jewelry and wear protective hair covering to contain
long hair. They can be caught in moving parts.
Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is
recommended when working outdoors.
USE SAFETY GLASSES - Wear safety glasses
with side shields or goggles that are marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating
this product. Use face or dust mask if environment
is dusty.
DOUBLE INSULATION – The tiller/cultivator has
double insulation. This means that all external metal parts are insulated from the electrical supply.
This is achieved by introducing an insulation layer
between electrical and mechanical parts. The
double insulation guarantees you the greatest
possible safety.
REPLACEMENT PARTS - When servicing use only
identical replacement parts.
EXTENSION CORD. Make sure your extension
cord is in good condition. When using an
extension cord be sure it is heavy enough to carry
the current your product will draw. An undersized
extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. The
following table shows the correct size to use
depending on cord length and nameplate ampere
rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord.
WARNING: Use o utdoor ex tension cords
marked SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A,
SJTW-A, or SJTOWA. These cords are rated for
outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
It is possible to tie the extension
cord and power cord in a knot to
prevent them from becoming
disconnected during use. Make
the knot as shown, then connect
the plug end of the power cord
into the receptacle end of the extension cord. This
method can also be used to tie two extension cords
together.
Be aware of the extension cord while operating the
tiller/cultivator. Be careful not to trip on the cord.
Always guide the cord away from the tines.
Don’t Force Appliance – It will do the job better
and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate
for which it was designed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
GENERAL SAFETY
2
Minimum Gage for Cord Sets
Volts Total Length of cord in Feet
120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150
240V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300
Ampere Rating
More Not More American wire Gage
Than Than
0 - 6 18 16 16 14
6 - 10 18 16 14 12
10 - 12 16 16 14 12
12 - 16 14 12 Not Recommended
STAY ALERT - Watch what you are doing. Use
common sense. Do not operate the tiller/cultivator
when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or
medication.
WARNING: Do not operate the tiller/cultivator
near underground electrical cables, telephone lines,
pipes or hoses.
If the tiller/cultivator strikes a foreign body, turn it off
immediately, wait for the tines to stop and check for
damage. If necessary, repair before restarting.
If the tiller/cultivator starts to vibrate abnormally, turn
it off immediately and check for the cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble.
DANGER: RISK OF CUT - Wear gloves and use
caution when cleaning or performing maintenance
on the tiller/cultivator.
Always turn off the tiller/cultivator, disconnect from
the power supply and wait until the tines come to a
complete stop before carrying out any maintenance
or repairs.
CAUTION: Tines do not s top immediately af ter
the tiller/cultivator is turned off.
CAUTION: Risk of injury. Do not put hands, feet
or any body part or clothing near the rotating tines.
WARNING: California Proposition 65:
This product contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
WARNING: Some dust and d ebris created by the
use of this tool could contain chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
- chemicals in fertilizers
- compounds in insecticides, herbicides, and
pesticides
- arsenic and chromium from chemically treated
lumber
Your risk from exposure to these chemicals varies,
depending on how often you do this type of work. To
reduce your exposure, work in a well-ventilated area
and with approved safety equipment such as dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out
microscopic particles.
Save these instructions and review frequently
prior to use and in instructing others.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI)
protection should be provided on the circuit or outlet
to be used for the tiller/cultivator. Receptacles are
available having built-in GFCI protection and may
be used.
DISCONNECT UNIT from the power supp ly when
not in use or when servicing or cleaning. Do not
leave unattended.
DON’T ABUSE CORD - Never carry this product
by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect from the
receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.
USE RIGHT APPLIANCE - Do not use this product
for any job except that for which it is intended.
DON’T OVERREACH - Guide the tiller/cultivator at
a walking pace only. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
LIGHTING - Only operate your tiller/cultivator in
daylight or good artificial light.
STORE IDLE UNIT INDOORS - When not in use,
the tiller/cultivator should be stored indoors in a dry
area out of children’s reach.
MAINTAIN UNIT WITH CARE - Keep clean for best
performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Inspect
extension cord periodically and replace if damaged.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil.
POLARIZED PLUGS - To reduce the risk of electric
shock, this product has a polarized plug. Polarized
connections will fit together only one way. Make
sure that the receptacle end of the extension cord
has large and small blade slot widths. If the plug
does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, obtain a suitable extension
cord. If the extension cord does not fit fully into the
outlet, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug on the tool or
the extension cord in any way.
Do not operate the tiller/cultivator on a slope that is
too steep for safe operation. When on slopes, slow
down and make sure you have good footing.
Before starting the tiller/cultivator make sure the
times are not touching any object and are free to
move.
Grip the tiller/cultivator firmly with both hands. Never
operate the tiller/cultivator with one hand.
CAUTION: The tiller/cultivator may bounce
upward and/or jump forward if the tines strike
extremely hard packed soil, frozen ground, or buried
obstacles such as large stones, roots or stumps.
GENERAL SAFETY
3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model: TC70025
Power supply voltage: 120V-60HZ Working width: 7 1/2 - IN
Tine Speed: 280 RPM Working depth MAX: 6 - IN
Power Consumption: 2.5 Amp
4
No. Description (P/N) No. Description (P/N)
1 On/Off Switch 7 Upper Handle
2 Power Cord 8 Lower Handle
3 Safety Button 9 Side Cover
4 Cord Retainer 10 Tilling Head
5 Auxiliary Handle 11 Tine 1 (JY2201-1)
6 Wing Nut 12 Tine 2 (JY2201-2)
ASSEMBLY
5
UNPACKING
This product must be assembled correctly before use.
Carefully remove the product and any accessories
from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the
packing list are included.
PACKING LIST (Fig . 2)
- Tilling head (1)
- Upper and lower handle sections (1)
- Auxiliary handle (1)
- Handle support bracket (1)
- Wing nuts with bolts attached (2)
- Philip head self-tapping screws (2)
- Side cover (1)
- Operation manual (1)
If any parts are damaged or missing, please call our
customer service help line at 1-800-313-5111 for
assistance.
Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage
or damage occurred during shipping.
Do not discard the packing material until you have
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the
product .
WARNING: If any parts are d amaged or missing do
not operate this product until the parts are replaced.
Failure to heed this warning could result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING: Do not attempt to modif y this product or
create accessories not recommended for use with this
product .Any such alteration or modification is misuse
and could result in a hazardous condition leading to
possible serious personal injury.
WARNING: Do not connect to power supply until
assembly is complete. Failure to comply could result in
accidental starting and possible serious personal injury.
PACKING LIST
1 - M6x50
hex head
bolt
1 - M6x45
hex carriage
bolt
2 - ST3.9x19 Philips head
self-tapping screws
2 - Wing Nuts
1 - Auxiliary Handle 1 - Handle Support
Bracket
1 - Side Cover
1 - Tilling Head
1 - Upper and lower handle sections
2
1 - Operation Manual
6
ASSEMBLY
UPPER AND LOWER HANDLE SECTIONS (Fig. 3A)
Slide the lower handle section into the upper handle section.
Line up the holes on each tube, and make sure the cable is
clear of the mounting holes. Secure the two sections together
with the M6x45 carriage bolt and wing nut.
AUXILIARY HANDLE (Fig. 3C)
Position the auxiliary handle so that the holes are in alignment
with the holes in the handle support bracket. Insert the M6X50
hex head bolt into the hex shaped bolt hole of the bracket.
Secure by tightening the wing nut onto the bolt.
Loosen the wing nut and adjust the angle and height of the
handle to a safe and comfortable position. Secure into place by
tightening the wing nut onto the bolt.
3
LOWER HANDLE WITH TILLING HEAD (Fig. 3B)
Align the notch on the lower handle with the rib on the tilling
head, and push the lower handle into the tilling head. Align the
side cover with the holes on the lower handle shaft and push
the cover into place. Secure with the two ST3.9x19 Philips
head self-tapping screws.
WARNING: When con nect ing the tilling head and lower
handle using the two self-tapping screws supplied, make sure
the screws are securely tightened. Screw heads should be
recessed below the surface. DO NOT START THE UNIT
UNTIL TILLING HEAD AND LOWER HANDLE ARE
SECURELY CONNECTED.
Once the tilling head and lower handle are securely
connected, do not remove the self-tapping screws or attempt
to disassemble for any purpose. The self-tapping screws will
lose their effectiveness of securing the assembly if removed
and re-installed.
7
OPERATING
BEFORE STARTING
Loop the extension cord and feed it through the rear
handle. Rest the cord around the cord retainer. This
will help prevent you from disconnecting the
extension cord from the product during operation.
Plug the extension cord into the power cord plug on
the tiller. (Fig. 4)
Move the tiller/cultivator to the work area prior to
starting the motor.
WARNING: Do not start til ler with any person o r
object directly in its path.
Hold the tiller/cultivator firmly while starting. The
tines will pull the tiller/cultivator forward during
operation. Lower the tines slowly into the ground
being tilled.
STARTING (Fig . 5)
WARNING: The tines start rotating immediately
after the tiller/cultivator is switched on. Keep hands
and feet away from the tines.
To switch ON, hold the tiller/cultivator firmly with two
hands, make sure the tines are not touching any
surface. Press the safety button while squeezing the
On/Off trigger switch.
Once the tiller/cultivator is started, you can release
the safety button.
To switch OFF, simply release the trigger.
Use the tiller/cultivator for breaking sod, preparing seed
beds, and for cultivating gardens and flower beds. The
tiller/cultivator can also dig small holes for planting
saplings or potted plants.
For breaking sod or deep tilling, allow the tines to pull
the tiller/cultivator forward to the end of your arm’s
reach, then firmly pull it back toward yourself. You will
achieve the best results by repeatedly allowing it to
move forward and pulling it back.
By pulling the tiller/cultivator back towards yourself, the
tines will dig deeper and more aggressively.
CAUTION: To prevent tripping, tak e extra
precautions when moving backwards and when pulling
the tiller/cultivator back toward yourself.
If the tiller/cultivator digs deep enough to stay in one
spot, gently rock it side to side until it starts moving
forward again.
Never pass the tiller/cultivator over the extension cord.
Make sure the cord is always in a safe position behind
you.
When working on inclines always stand diagonally to the
incline to retain a firm, safe footing. Do not work on
extremely steep slopes.
4
5
Safety Button
Trigger Switch
For preparing seed beds, we recommend using one of
these tilling patterns (Fig. 6)
Tilling Pattern A– Make two passes over area to be
tilled, the second at a right angle to the first.
Tilling Pattern B– Make two passes over area to be
tilled, the second overlapping the first.
Before use, remove any visible stones or other foreign
bodies from the area.
CAUTION: Before moving the ti ller/cult ivator from
one area to another switch off the motor and wait for
the tines to come to a complete stop. Be careful not to
let the tines touch the ground while moving the tiller/
cultivator. The tines as well as the unit itself may be
damaged even if the motor is switched off.
Clearing foreign objects:
During operation a stone or root could become lodged
in the tines, or tall grass or weeds may become
wrapped around the tine shaft. To clear the tines or
tine shaft release the trigger lever, wait for the tines to
come to a complete stop and unplug the tiller/
cultivator. Dislodge or remove the foreign matter from
the tines or tine shaft.
8
OPERATING
6
WARNING: Bef ore carrying out maintenance operations , disconnect power sup ply.
Before each use check the extension cord for
signs of damage or ageing. Replace the cable if it is
cracked, split or otherwise damaged. Check the
condition of the tines and ensure that all threaded
connections are securely tightened. If the tines
become dull or blunt, sharpen or replace them. Call
our customer service help line at 1-800-313-5111 for
assistance.
At the end of the season, check the tiller/cultivator for
damage prior to storing. Repair or replace damaged
or broken parts.
CAUTION: Always cl ean the tiller/cultivator after
each use. Failure to carry out proper cleaning can
result in damage to the tiller/cultivator or result in
poor performance.
Clean the tines with a scrub brush, and a soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap and water mixture.
Never use a water hose to clean the tiller! To
remove soil and debris from the tines, use a stiff
brush or a dampened cloth. Clean the vents on the
motor housing and remove any remaining grass or
dirt. Once cleaned, wipe the tines dry and apply a
light coat of oil to prevent rust.
WARNING: Injury can oc cur while working on the
tines. Wear protective gloves.
Tines maintenance: Worn tines invit e po or
performance and overload of the motor. Check tines
before each use. Sharpen or replace the tine
assemblies with new ones when necessary. Call 1800-313-5111 for assistance.
Tine Replacement
Tines are identified with part number JY2201-1 or
JY2201-2 stamped on the tine blade.
Replace only the tines with the identical part
number.
Tine Removal (Fig. 7)
1. Remove the M8 hex locknut with a hex head
wrench, and then remove the M8x170 bolt.
2. Remove the end caps.
3. Remove the tines and hubs at either end of the
shaft.
Tine Installation (Fig . 7)
1. Install the new tine by pressing it onto the hub. The
side with stamped part number must face outward. Be
sure to install tines in the same sequence as shown in
Fig 7. Position the hub so that the larger diameter
whole is facing outward. Make sure the two tines on
the same hub are installed symmetrically with the end
of the tine blades facing downward (Fig. 8).
2. Install the tines with hub onto the shaft. Ensure the
larger diameter whole of the hub is facing outward.
The left and right tine assemblies must be installed
symmetrically (Fig. 8).
3. Install the end caps.
4. Install the M8x170 bolt. Secure the assembly by
tightening the M8 hex locknut with a hex head wrench.
Replace worn or damaged parts with original
replacement parts only. Parts from another tiller/
cultivator may not fit properly causing an unsafe
situation.
Make sure all protective devices are secure and in
good condition. Repair or replace if necessary.
9
MAINTENANCE
Tine P/N
JY2201-1
Tine P/N
JY2201-2
Tine P/N
JY2201-1
Tine P/N
JY2201-2
Hub
Hub
End Cap
End Cap
M8x170
Bolt
M8 Hex Locknut
Bushing
Bushing
Symmetrically
installed tine blades
facing downward
Larger diameter
whole of the hub
facing outward
Shaft
7
8
Store the Tiller/Cultivator in a dry, clean area out of reach
of children.
During extended periods of storage, ensure that the tiller/
cultivator is protected against corrosion and rust.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Possible causes Remedy
Motor does not start Unit not plugged in
No electricity
Defective cable
Defective safety switch/plug
Plug in the unit
Check power supply
Check cable. Repair or replace if required
Arrange for repair
Abnormal noises Tine is jammed
Lubrication running out
Bolts, nuts or other components are
loose.
Switch off. Wait till tines comes to a complete stop.
Remove jammed objects.
Tiller/cultivator must be repaired. Call our customer
service help line at 1-800-313-5111 for assistance.
Tighten all components. Arrange for repair if noises
continue.
Abnormal vibrations Tines damaged or worn
Working depth too large
Replace damaged or worn tines.
Adjust working depth.
Poor results Working depth too small
Worn tines
Adjust working depth.
Replace damaged or worn tines.
STORAGE
At the end of the season, or if the tiller/cultivator is not
being used for longer than a month, wipe over all metal
surfaces with an oil impregnated cloth to protect them
from corrosion or spray with a fine coat of oil.
Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
CALL US FIRST !!
Call us first with questions about operating or maintaining this product at 1.800.313.5111
between 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, or send emails to earthwise@reelin.com.
10
SERVICE
Now that you have purchased your Tiller/Cultivator, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service, simply contact
us at 1-800-313-5111. Be sure to provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit.
REPAIR PARTS
Please record your serial number in the space provided below.
NAME OF ITEM Tiller/Cultivator
MODEL NUMBER TC70025
SERIAL NUMBER
NOTES
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
11
Loading...