GOSS Power Products GHP10140T Operating Manual

GHP10140T

Operating Manual / Guide de l’utilisateur

Owner’s Manual

Thank you for purchasing products from GOSS Power Products Ltd., we appreciate your business.
The following manual is only a guide to assist you and is not a complete or comprehensive manual
of all aspects of maintaining or repairing your equipment. The equipment you have purchased is a
complex piece of machinery and we recommend that you consult with a dealer if you have any
doubts or concerns.

You will save time and the inconvenience of having to go back to the store if you contact us
regarding missing parts, service questions, operating advice or assembly questions.

This manual is intended to explain how to operate your equipment. If you have any questions or
suggestions about this manual, please contact us directly. You may notice that this manual might
differ slightly from the actual product as we continually make improvements to our products. Some
of the pictures may differ slightly from the actual product as well. GOSS Power Products Ltd.
reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.

Important Safety Information

RESPONSIBILITY OF OPERATOR

1. Carefully read and follow these safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.

2. Know your product. Read and understand this manual before use. Compare the illustrations to the
unit. Learn the location and function of all controls. Thoroughly understanding the unit before use will
result in the best performance and safety.

3. Follow all instructions when assembling the unit. If the unit was purchased in assembled condition,
the operator must check the unit carefully to make sure it was assembled according the instructions in
the manual before use.

4. Regularly inspect the tiller. Make sure parts are not bent, damaged, or loose.

5. Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.

6. Operate the unit only with guards, shields, and other safety items in place and working correctly.

7. Service the unit only with authorized or approved replacement parts.

8. Complete all unit maintenance and adjustments according to the instruction in this manual.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means: “ Attention! Become Alert! Your
Safety Is Involved.”

To prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always
disconnect spark plug wire and put wire where it cannot contact the spark plug.

PREPARATION SAFETY

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in this manual. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the tiller before starting. Know how to stop the engine
quickly.

• Familiarize yourself with all the safety and operating decals on this equipment.

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller 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, auto glass, greenhouses, etc.

• Check that all nuts and bolts are tight and equipment is in good condition before each use.

• Always check that the flameout wire is connected before starting engine.

OPERATION SAFETY

• Never allow children or young teenagers to operate the tiller.

• Keep area of operation clear of all bystanders, particularly small children and pets.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the tiller.

• Do not operate the tiller while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medication which can
cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate this machine safely.

• Do not use this machine if you are mentally or physically unable to operate the machine safely.

• Always wear ANSI compliant safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating tiller to
protect your eyes from foreign objects, which can be thrown from the unit.

• Wear appropriate clothing such as a long sleeved shirt or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do
NOT wear shorts. Do NOT wear loose clothing, which could get caught in this equipment.

• Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear such as leather work shoes or short boots. These will
protect ankles and shins from small sticks, splinters, and other flying debris, and improve traction.

• It is advisable to wear protective headgear to protect against being struck by small flying particles, or
being struck by low hanging branches, twigs, or other objects, which may be unnoticed by the operator.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling. Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk; never run. Never operate the tiller at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces.

• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.

• Do not run the engine indoors or inside a closed area. The exhaust fumes are dangerous, containing
CARBON MONOXIDE, an ODOURLESS AND DEADLY GAS.

• Never leave the tiller unattended when the engine is running. Stop the engine and make sure all
moving parts have stopped. Remove the wire from the spark plug.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, or other rough ground. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Always look behind and down and use caution when using reverse or pulling the tiller towards you.

• Never attempt to start the tiller unless both wheels are in the locked position. This acts as a brake for
the tiller. Always start the tiller on the level surface.

• Disengage clutch lever and stop engine before leaving the tiller in operating position. Wait until the
tines come to a complete stop before removing debris or making any adjustments to the tiller.

• Do not attempt to till hard soil, till too deep or till at too fast a rate that can overload the tiller.

• If the tiller should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug. Check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.

FUEL SAFETY

• Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapours can explode if ignited. Handle with care.

• Use an approved container.

• Check fuel supply before each use, allowing space for expansion as the heat of the engine and/or sun
can cause fuel to expand.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Do not smoke while refueling.

• After refueling, replace fuel tank cap securely and wipe up spilled fuel.

• Never store fuel or tiller with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame.

• Never fill gasoline containers or the tiller fuel tank inside of a vehicle or in a truck bed. Accidental
electrical static discharge can ignite fuel vapours which could result in serious injury or death.

Assembly

Read and follow the assembly instructions. Do not discard any parts or materials until the unit is
assembled. References to the right or left side of the tiller are from the viewpoint of the operator’s
position behind the tiller.

Do not operate tiller if it is damaged or not completely and correctly assembled.

Before doing any assembly or maintenance to the unit, remove the wire from the spark plug.

Always wear ANSI compliant safety glasses with side shields while assembling the tiller.

(A) How to Remove Tiller from Carton

1. Remove all parts and packaging components.

2. Use a utility knife to cut all 4 vertical edges and lay the side panels flat around the tiller.

3. Remove any remaining packaging.

(B) Assembly Instructions

The tiller comes fully assembled except for a few
parts. The following instructions will help you
complete the tiller assembly.

INSTALL THE WHEELS

1. Slide the wheel hub onto the wheel axle.

2. Install the bolt with flat washer.

ATTACH UPPER HANDLE

1. Slide the upper handle down over the lower handle and align the holes.

2. Insert the saddle bolts into the holes as shown and securely with the handle knobs.

3. Tighten the handle knobs securely.

INSTALL THE DRAG BAR

1. Insert the drag bar into the bottom of the swing plate bracket.

2. Insert the column uniform pin thru the bracket and drag bar, and fix it by a B shape pin.

INSTALL THE TINES

1. Slide the tines onto the tine axle. Install the internal tines first. Sharp edge of the front and top tines
should face down and forward to till the ground. Tighten the bolt with lock nut provided to secure the
inside tines.

2. For wide 21” tilling, install the outside tines in the way that the long half of the tine pipe faces towards
the inside tines. For narrow 16” tilling, install the outside tines in a way that the short tine pipe faces
towards inside the tines.

3. Tighten the bolt with the locknut provided to secure the outside tines.

Engine Preparation

(A) Engine Oil

Engine shipped without oil. Failure to add oil will result in serious engine damage.
Refer to the chart on the right for alternative oil types to use at different temperatures. Always use a
high quality detergent oil classified “For Service, SG, SH, SJ” or higher. Do not use special additives.

Always use recommended oil type. Using dirty oil or incorrect oil type such as 2-stroke engine oil will
damage the engine.

HOW TO CHECK OIL LEVEL AND FILL TO PROPER LEVEL

Before checking oil, make sure engine is off, and spark plug wire has been disconnected from spark
plug.

1. Place the tiller on a level surface and make sure the drag bar is set so the main frame of the tiller is
level.

2. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe with clean cloth.

3. Insert dipstick into fill spout but do NOT screw in. Remove dipstick and check oil level.

4. When oil level is full, the oil will be at upper limit on dip stick. If oil level is near or below the lower limit,
oil must be added.

5. Add oil slowly until the oil level reaches the upper limit of the dipstick. Use a funnel or nozzle to
reduce spillage.

Frequently check oil level while filling. DO NOT OVERFILL. DO NOT UNDERFILL. Running engine at
improper oil level will seriously damage engine.

6. Replace and tighten dipstick.

7. Clean up any spilled oil.
NOTE: THE TRANSMISSION CASE COMES FROM THE FACTORY WITH THE PROPER AMOUNT
AND TYPE OF GEAR OIL.

Operation

(A) 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.

5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and spark plug is tightened securely.

6. Examine underneath and around engine for signs of oil or fuel leaks.

7. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.

8. Look for signs of engine damage.

9. Remove excessive debris from muffler area and recoil starter.

10. Remove any debris from tines and tine shafts.

11. Move the tiller to the area of operation.

12. Check position of wheels swing plate should be in the tilling mode position.

13. Check drag bar position.
IMPORTANT: ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITHOUT OIL. YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.

PLEASE DO NOT START YOUR TILLER UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH
YOUR ENGINE, AND THE SECTIONS IN THIS MANUAL TITLED CONTROLS, ADJUSTMENTS AND
SAFETY. IF YOU HAVE READ THESE, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW TO START YOUR TILLER.
ALWAYS PERFORM THIS PRE-START CHECKLIST BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.

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 TANK.

ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF ROTATING MACHINE PARTS.

(B) Start the Engine

1. Press ON/OFF switch to ON position.

2. Push primer bulb 3 times. Wait 2 seconds between each push.

3. Grasp starter handle and pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder.

4. Pull rope with a rapid full arm stroke until engine runs.

(C) Stop the Engine

1. Press ON/OFF switch to OFF position.

(D) Operating Speed

This tiller is equipped with a fixed throttle that is set for optimum tilling performance.

(E) Shutting Down

To stop the engine at any time, release the clutch lever and press ON/OFF switch to OFF position.
To stop tines at any time, release clutch lever.

(F) Transport Mode and Tilling Mode

Transport Mode

Fold the wheel under the engine for convenient transport.

Tilling Mode

Unfold the wheel back for tilling operation.

(G) Tilling

1. Adjust the drag bar to desired tilling depth.

NOTE: Lower the drag bar one hole at a time testing tiller operation after each adjustment. Lowering
drag bar down too low can result in loss of control of tiller!

2. Pushing down on the clutch lever will engage the tines to move tiller forward.

ALWAYS PRESS CLUTCH LEVER DOWN COMPLETELY ONTO THE HANDLE BAR GRIP. FAILURE
TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN EXCESSIVE DRIVE BELT WEAR AND PRE-MATURE DRIVE BELT
FAILURE.

TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEAR BY AREAS MAY EXCEED 1500F/ 660C. AVOID THESE
AREAS. TO STOP TINES AT ANY TIME, RELEASE CLUTCH LEVER TO NEUTRAL POSITION.
ALWAYS RELEASE CLUTCH LEVER TO NEUTRAL POSITION AND STOP THE ENGINE BEFORE
ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF THE DRAG BAR.

ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND SURROUNDING PARTS BECOME EXTREMELY HOT DURING
NORMAL USE AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BURN INJURIES IF TOUCHED BEFORE THE ENGINE
HAS COOLED.
ALLOW ENGINE TO COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE TOUCHING THESE HOT SURFACES.
IMPORTANT: PRACTICE OPERATING THE CONTROLS AND TILLER WITH TINES OUT OF
GROUND BEFORE BEGINNING TO TILL. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THE
TILLER PROPERLY, KEEP CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, STOP THE TINES, AND STOP THE ENGINE
IF NECESSARY. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO THESE THINGS, READ THE CON-TROLS,
ADJUSTMENTS AND SAFETY SECTIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

(H) Clutch Lever

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED HERE ONLY TO INTRODUCE THE CONTROLS. DO NOT
START THE ENGINE AT THIS TIME. PLEASE READ THIS SECTION AND ALL OPERATING AND
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING YOUR TILLER.

DO NOT FIX THE CLUTCH LEVER IN DRIVE POSITION BY ANY OTHER MEANS THAN MANUALLY
USING YOUR HAND. DO NOT TIE OR OTHERWISE SECURE THE LEVERS IN DRIVE POSITION.

• TO STOP THE TINES AT ANY TIME RELEASE THE CLUTCH LEVERS.

CLUTCH LEVER

Engages tines into forward. Pulling up the clutch lever toward the handle bar engages the tines.
Releasing the lever stops the tines and brings the tiller to a complete stop.

(I) Adjustments

ENGINE SHOULD BE OFF BEFORE ADJUSTING ANY CONTROLS.

DRAG BAR

Tilling depth is controlled by the height of thedrag bar. To adjust tilling depth:

1. Remove B shape pin and column uniform pin.

2. Adjust the drag bar to position tines at chosen tilling depth.

3. Align hole in drag bar with hole in drag bar and replace column uniform pin and B shape pin.
Drag Bar Up = Shallower tilling.
Place the detent pin in the bottom hole of the depth regulator lever for shallowest tilling.
Drag Bar Down = Deeper tilling.
Place the detent pin in the top hole of the depth regulator lever for deepest tilling.

DO NOT ADJUST TILLING DEPTH UNLESS CLUTCH LEVER IS RELEASED AND ENGINE IS
TURNED OFF.

BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT

Proper belt tension is critical to good performance. After 1/2 hour of operation, all cables may have to
be adjusted due to initial stretch. Thereafter, check tension after every 2 hours of operation.

TO INCREASE BELT TENSION

1. Loosen upper jam nut. Turn nut up cable.

2. Tighten lower jam nut.

3. Check adjustment.

TO DECREASE BELT TENSION

1. Loosen lower jam nut. Turn nut down cable.

2. Tighten upper jam nut.

3. Check adjustment.
This procedure can be repeated until conduit adjustment bolts are fully adjusted. If no more adjustment
can be made, belt may have to be replaced.

(J) Tilling Tips

The key to successful tilling is to begin with a shallow cut on the first pass, and then work an inch or two
deeper on each successive pass.

• Tilling depth will vary with ground conditions.

• When beginning to till in unbroken ground or in extremely hard soil, set the detent pin in the highest
hole of the depth regulator lever (follow instructions under Tilling section). This will allow for shallow
tilling. With the drag stake in this position, make several light passes over the area to be tilled. Reset for
deeper depths with successive passes.

• If tiller jumps or skids uncontrollably, lower the drag stake by placing the detent pin in a higher hole.
This will allow for shallower tilling. Hold firmly to the handlebars to control sudden lurches.

• If weeds, tall grasses, vines, or other materials clog or jam the tines, reverse the tiller to unwind
vegetation.

Immediately release the drive control levers if the tines jam or you strike a foreign object. With drive
control levers in neutral position, stop the engine. Disengage the spark plug wire. When tines have
stopped, remove foreign objects and check for damage.

EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN IN SELECTING TILLING DEPTH. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO TILL
TOO DEEPLY FOR SOIL CONDITIONS, THAT IS, WITH THE DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER IN TOO
HIGH A POSITION, LOSS OF CONTROL COULD RESULT.
IF REMOVING MATERIAL FROM THE TINES BY HAND, STOP ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK
PLUG WIRE FIRST.

(K) Cultivating Tips

If you plan to use your tiller for cultivating:

• Plant rows on 20" - 22" centers for ease of turning.

• Set the depth regulator lever with the detent pin in one of the higher holes. This will allow for shallow
cultivation necessary to turn over weeds, and break up and aerate the soil.

Maintenance

(A) Maintenance Schedule

Before performing any maintenance, turn engine off and remove the wire from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting and serious injury.
IMPORTANT: The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have been subjected to operator
abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain the tiller as
instructed in this manual, and only use genuine replacement parts. The following table lists required
periodic maintenance.

IMPORTANT NOTES about Maintenance schedule

1. Re-check tightness of all fasteners after first 2 hours of initial use.

2. Change engine oil after first 5-8 hours of initial use.

3. Change oil every 25 hours if operating under heavy load or in high temperatures

4. Clean air filter every 10 hours if operating under dusty conditions.

Use only GENUINE replacement parts. Other parts may damage the unit or result in injury.

(B) Servicing the Tiller

The following information will help you make the necessary checks and perform the procedures
required to follow the normal care recommendations made for your tiller unit. If you prefer, your local
authorized service provider can make these checks and perform the required procedures for you.

TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING:
ENGINE MUST BE TURNED OFF AND COOL, AND SPARK PLUG WIRE MUST BE REMOVED AND
SECURED FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE CHECKING AND ADJUSTING ENGINE OR EQUIPMENT.

CHANGE BELTS

1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool completely before proceeding.

2. Remove spark plug wire and secure from spark plug.

3. Reduce the belt tension by loosening the cable upper jam nut.

4. Remove the front carry handle, front and rear belt cover.

• remove the belt from the forward engine pulley:

- loosen the three engine mounting bolts

- slide the belt free of the engine pulley

- pull the belt down and out of the way

• install new belt:

- loosen the engine mounting bolts

- place belt around transmission pulley in groove

- Place belt onto engine pulley in groove.

5. Tighten the upper jam nut.

6. Attach spark plug wire.

7. Follow Operating Instructions - start the engine and operate the clutch lever. Check for proper cable
adjustment. Adjust as required.

THE TINES SHOULD NOT ROTATE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE DEPTH REGULATOR SET
AT TRANSPORT MODE AND THE DRIVE LEVER NOT ENGAGED.

(C) Engine Maintenance

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Refer to the engine manual included in your parts packet for information on engine maintenance. Your
engine manual provides detailed information and a maintenance schedule for performing the following
tasks:

1. Check oil level before each use or after every 8 hours of operation.

2. Change oil after first 5-8 hours of operation. Change oil while engine is warm. Refill with new oil of
recommended grade.

4. Check spark plug yearly or every 100 hours of operation.

5. Service air cleaner.

6. Keep engine and parts clean.

7. Check engine and equipment often for loose nuts and bolts, keep these items tightened.