Harbor Freight Tools 91959 User Manual

ROTARY CULTIVATOR

WITH 5.5 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON® ENGINE

Model 91959

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011

Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY,

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS

AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.

Copyright 2004 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this

manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form

For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

©

without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Item Description

Engine Size/Type 5.5 HP Briggs & Stratton .

Quantum STE / Vertical Shaft.
Displacement: 190cc.
Engine Model: 128802.
Engine Type: 2325-D1.
Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline.
Fuel Tank Size: 1.5 Liter (.40 Gal.).

EPA Approval: Phase 1.
Tiller Type Walk Behind.
Maximum Tilling Depth 11”.
Maximum Tilling Width 21”.

Wheel Size 11-1/4” Diameter x 2-1/8” Width.
Drive Type Belt Driven.
Drive Actuation Clutch Drive (Handle Lever Operated).
Handle Height 44-1/4”.
Overall Dimensions 28-1/4” L x 20-1/2” W x 44-1/4” H.
Weight 105 Pounds.

®

®

UNPACKING

When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the Parts List on page 13
are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the
number shown on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.

SAVE THIS MANUAL

You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly diagram.
Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front
cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING!

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Failure to follow all instructions listed in the following

pages may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 2

WORK AREA

1. Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas
invite accidents.

2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite flammables.

3. Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control. Protect others in the work area from
debris such as chips and sparks. Provide barriers or shields as needed.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when oper­ating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while tired or under the influ­ence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operat-

ing power tools may result in serious personal injury.

2. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.
Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

3. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the Engine’s Throttle Control (71) is

off before transporting the Cultivator or performing any maintenance or
service on the unit. Transporting or performing maintenance or service on a

power tool with its Throttle Control ON invites accidents.

4. Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning on the tool. A wrench
or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal
injury.

5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper
footing and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

6. Use safety equipment. Always wear ANSI approved safety glasses under-

neath a full face shield, a dust mask or respirator, and hearing protection.

TOOL USE AND CARE

1. Do not force the tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct
tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 3

2. Do not use the power tool if the Engine’s Throttle Control (71) does not
turn it on or off. Any gasoline powered tool that cannot be controlled with the
Engine’s Throttle Control is dangerous and must be replaced.

3. Disconnect the Engine Spark Plug Wire from the Spark Plug before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preven­tive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

4. Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools
are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

5. Maintain tools with care. Do not use a damaged tool. Tag damaged tools “Do
not use” until repaired.

6. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,

cracking or breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the
tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many

accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

7. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your
model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous
when used on another tool.

SERVICE

1. Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service
or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.

2. When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow

instructions in the
manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions

may create a risk of injury.

“Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning”

section of this

SPECIFIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Maintain labels and nameplates on the Cultivator. These carry important
information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replace­ment.

2. CAUTION! To avoid injury, keep hands, fingers, and feet away from the
Tines (37, 50, 40). Grip the Upper Handle (66) of the Cultivator
hands. If both hands are holding the Upper Handle and your feet are clear of
the Tines, your hands, fingers, and feet cannot be injured by the Tines.

firmly

with both

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 4

3. Always use recommended replacement parts. The recommended replace-
ment parts are available from Harbor Freight Tools.

4. Use safety equipment. Always wear ANSI approved safety glasses under-

neath a full face shield, a dust mask or respirator, and hearing protection.

5. Industrial applications must follow OSHA requirements.

6. Keep all spectators

7. Use the Cultivator only in well ventilated outdoor areas. Carbon monoxide

fumes exhausted from the Engine (1) are a colorless, odorless gas that, if
inhaled, can cause serious injury or death.

8. Only use a suitable means of transport and lifting devices with sufficient
weight bearing capacity when transporting the Cultivator. Only use sturdy

loading ramps with sufficient weight bearing capacity. Secure the Cultivator on
transport vehicles to prevent the tool from rolling, slipping, and tilting.

9. Never leave the Cultivator unattended while it is running.

10. Always keep a safe distance away from the edges and banks of ditches and

avoid any actions that may cause the Cultivator from toppling over.

11. Do not use the Cultivator on steep inclines. Use the Cultivator only on level
ground surfaces.

12. Always park the Cultivator on a firm and level surface.

at least six feet from the Cultivator during operation.

13. Thoroughly inspect the area where the Cultivator is to be used and remove
all large sticks, stones, wires, or other foreign objects.

14. Always turn off the Engine and disconnect the Spark Plug (1) before un­clogging the Tines (37, 50, 40). Always protect your hands by wearing
heavy duty work gloves.

15. Before operating the Cultivator, make sure its Guards are attached and in
proper working condition.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION PRECAUTIONS

1. Gasoline fuel and fumes are flammable, and potentially explosive. Use
proper fuel storage and handling procedures. Always have multiple ABC

class fire extinguishers nearby.

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 5

2. Keep the Cultivator and surrounding area clean of flammable objects at all

times.

3. When spills of fuel or oil occur, they must be cleaned up immediately. Dis-
pose of fluids and cleaning materials as per any local, state, or federal codes and
regulations. Store oil rags in a covered metal container.

4. Never store fuel or other flammable materials near the Cultivator.

5. Do not smoke, or allow sparks, flames or other sources of ignition around

the Engine and Fuel Tank. Fuel vapors are explosive.

6. Keep grounded conductive objects, such as tools, away from exposed, live
electrical parts and connections to avoid sparking or arcing. These events

could ignite fumes or vapors.

7. Always fill the Engine’s Gas Tank to approximately 1-1/2” below the top of

the neck of the Tank to allow for fuel expansion. Do not overfill.

8. Do not refill the Fuel Tank while the Engine is running or while the Engine is
still hot. Do not operate the Cultivator with known leaks in the fuel system.

9. Excessive buildup of unburned fuel gases in the exhaust system can create
a potentially explosive condition. This buildup can occur after repeated
failed start attempts, valve testing, or hot engine shutdown. If this occurs,

open exhaust system drain plugs, if equipped, and allow the gases to dissipate
before attempting to restart the Engine.

10. Always check the Engine oil level prior to starting the Engine. Make sure to
read and understand the
change schedules.

11. Use

gine Owner’s Manual

only

engine manufacturer recommended fuel and oil. Refer to the

Engine Owner’s Manual

for further instructions.

for the proper oil level and oil

En-

MECHANICAL PRECAUTIONS

1. ALWAYS make sure the Engine’s Throttle Control (71) is in its “OFF” posi-
tion. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and allow the Engine to completely
cool before carrying out maintenance.

2. Check for damaged parts. Before using the Cultivator, any part that appears
damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 6

properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment and binding of
moving parts, any broken parts or mounting fixtures, and any other condition that
may affect proper operation. Any part that is damaged should be properly re­paired or replaced by a qualified technician.

3. Make sure to read and understand all instructions and safety precautions

as outlined in the

operate the Cultivator until you fully understand how to properly operate and
maintain the Engine and how to avoid accidental injuries and/or property dam­age.

4. Keep hands, arms, long hair, loose clothing, and jewelry away from moving
parts. Be aware that when engine parts are moving fast they cannot be seen
clearly.

5. Do not alter or adjust any part of the Cultivator that is assembled and sup-

plied by the manufacturer.

6. Always follow and complete scheduled Engine and Cultivator maintenance.

Engine manufacturer’s

Owner’s Manual. Do not attempt to

BURN AND CHEMICAL PRECAUTIONS

1. Avoid contact with hot fuel, oil, exhaust fumes, and hot solid surfaces.

2. Avoid body contact with fuels, oils, and lubricants used in the Engine. If
swallowed, seek medical treatment immediately. Do not induce vomiting if
fuel is swallowed. For skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water. For
eye contact, immediately flush eyes with clean water.

NOISE PRECAUTIONS

1. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 dBA is hazardous to hearing.
Always wear ANSI approved ear protection when operating or working around the
Cultivator when it is running.

HEART PACEMAKER PRECAUTIONS

1. WARNING! People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s)
before using this product. Electromagnetic fields in close proximity to a heart
pacemaker could cause interference to or failure of the pacemaker.

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 7

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNINGS

1. WARNING! Operation of this Cultivator and/or Engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

(California Health & Safety Code 25249.5, et seq.)

OWNER/OPERATOR PRECAUTIONS

1. WARNING! The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this
manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. The
operator must understand that common sense and caution are factors which
cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: For additional references to the parts listed in the following pages, refer to the
Assembly Diagram on page 14.

1. Prior to use, the Lower Handle (65) must be attached to the Housing (13). To
do so, align the mounting holes at the bottom (on each side) of the Lower Handle
with the mounting holes located on each side of the Housing. Then use four
Bolts (64), four Washers (26), and four Self-Lock Nuts (27) to secure the Lower
Handle to the Housing. (See Figure A.)

GRIP

HANDLE

(67)

UPPER HANDLE

(66)

LOWER HANDLE

(65)

BOLT (64)

WASHER (26)

SELF-LOCK NUT (27)

FIGURE A

UPPER HANDLE

(66)

LOWER HANDLE

(65)

GRIP

HANDLE

(67)

BOLT (64)

WASHER (26)

SELF-LOCK NUT (27)

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 8

2. The Upper Handle (66) is folded for shipping purposes. Loosen the Grip Handles
(67) located on each side of the Upper Handle. Unfold the Upper Handle to its
normal working position. Then, firmly retighten each Grip Handle to secure the
Upper Handle in place. (See Figure A.)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Pre-Start Checks:

1. IMPORTANT ! Prior to first using the Cultivator, the Engine MUST be filled
with a high quality SAE 10W-30 grade engine oil until the level of the oil is
indicated as “FULL” on the Oil Dipstick. To do so, unscrew and remove the Oil

Dipstick located on the Engine Crankcase. Fill the Engine Crankcase with the
Proper amount of oil. Then, screw the Dipstick back into the Oil Fill Hole. (For
additional information, refer to the engine manufacturer’s manual.)

(See Figure B.)

OIL DIPSTICK

“FULL” LEVEL

INDICATOR LINE

ENGINE CRANKCASE

FIGURE B

2. Before the first use, remove the Engine’s Fuel Tank Cap and fill the Fuel Tank with

unleaded

Tank for the amount of unleaded gasoline. Refill the Fuel Tank

gasoline. Then, replace the Fuel Tank Cap. Thereafter, check the Fuel

only

with unleaded

gasoline.

BEWARE of possible buried obstacles such as cable, conduit, and irrigation lines.

To Start And Operate The Cultivator:

1. Move the Cultivator to the position where you wish to begin tilling the soil.

2. If necessary, adjust the Depth Skid (57) in order to till the soil at a desired depth

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 9

(to a maximum 11” deep). To do so, remove the two Cotter Pins (39). Remove
the two Pin Shafts (38). Raise or lower the Depth Skid (57) to obtain the desired
tilling depth. Then, replace the Pin Shafts and Cotter Pins. (See Figure C.)

LEFT SIDE VIEW (TO LOWER) RIGHT SIDE VIEW (TO RAISE)

DEPTH SKID (57)

PIN SHAFT (38)

PIN SHAFT (38)

DEPTH SKID (57)

COTTER PIN (39)

COTTER PIN (39)

FIGURE C

3. Open the Fuel Valve on the Engine.

4. Turn the Choke Lever on the Engine to its “CHOKE” position.

5. Set the Throttle Control (71) to its “FAST” position. (See Figure D, next page.)

6. Hold the Start Handle of the Engine loosely and pull it slowly several times to
allow the gasoline to flow into the Engine’s carburetor. Then hold the Start
Handle firmly and pull the rope hard and fast. Pull the rope all the way out, using
two hands if necessary. If necessary, pull the rope several times until the Engine
starts.

7. Allow the Engine to run for several seconds. Then, turn the Choke Lever to its
“RUN” position.

8. Adjust the Throttle Control (71) to the desired speed at which the Cultivator will
move. (See Figure D.)

9. Grip the Upper Handle (66)

firmly

with both hands. (See Figure D.)

10. Squeeze down on the Clutch Handle (73) to rotate the Tines (37, 50, 40) and
move the Cultivator in a FORWARD direction. (See Figure D.)

11. Slowly push the Cultivator while guiding the tool in the desired forward direction.

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 10

12. Always keep a safe distance away from the edges and banks of ditches and avoid
any actions that might cause the Cultivator to topple over.

CLUTCH HANDLE (73)

UPPER HANDLE (66)

THROTTLE CONTROL (71)

OUTER/INNER TINES

FIGURE D

(37, 50, 40)

To Stop The Cultivator:

1. Release your grip on the Clutch Handle (73), and allow it to return to its “NEU­TRAL” position. (See Figure D.)

2. Turn the Throttle Control (71) to its “STOP” position.

3. Close the Fuel Valve on the Engine.

4. NOTE: Always park the Cultivator on a firm and level surface away from all

flammable materials such as leaves, brush, weeds, etc.

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING

1. CAUTION! Always make sure the Engine’s Throttle Control (71) is in its
“STOP” position. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the Spark Plug. And
allow sufficient time for the Engine to completely cool before performing
any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning on the Cultivator and/or Engine.

2. Before each use, inspect the general condition of the Cultivator. Check for loose
screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, and
any other condition that may affect its safe operation. If a problem occurs, always
have the Cultivator immediately checked out by a
before further use. Do not use damaged equipment.

qualified service technician

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 11

3. Before each use, check to make sure the Engine’s oil level is adequate. If neces­sary, fill the Engine’s Crankcase until the oil level is indicated as “FULL” on the
Oil Dipstick. (See Figure B.)

4. Before each use, With a soft brush, vacuum, or compressed air, remove all debris
from the Cultivator. Then, use a premium quality, lightweight machine oil to lubri­cate all moving parts except the Belt (12), Pulley F (3), and Pulley J (31).

5. Every 25 hours of use drain the old Engine oil and replace with a high quality
SAE 10W-30 grade engine oil, making sure the oil level is indicated as “FULL” on
the Oil Dipstick. Make sure to contact a local environmental or recycling

center for proper disposal of old oil.

6. Belt replacement: Should it become necessary to replace the Belt (12) it is
recommended that only a

qualified, certified technician

perform this procedure.

7. Every 300 hours of use, have a
maintenance on the Cultivator and its Engine.

Adjusting The Tiller Tines

8.

Part # 45 Shaft, and the Tines, are assembled with Cotter Pins (39) and Pin Shaft
(38). The Shaft (45) has adjustment holes in it. To change the spacing between the
Tines remove the Cotter Pins then remove the Pin Shaft (45). Adjust the Tiller Tines
to the desired placement then insert the Pin Shaft (38) through the Shaft (45). Insert
the Cotter Pins (39) in the Pin Shaft (38) to secure it.

qualified, certified technician

perform thorough

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST
AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEI­THER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION
OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO
MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO
REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/
OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACE­MENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS,
AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARIS­ING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACE­MENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF
REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

REV 11/05

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 12

PARTS LIST

#

g

e

Part

1 Engine (5.5 HP) 1 38 Pin Shaft (0B8 x 40) 5
2 Flat Key (B5 x 5 x 25) 1 39 Cotter Pin 5
3 Pulley (F) 1 40 Tines (Inner) 2
4En
5 Washer (M8 x 24 x 2) 10 42 Shaft Spring Circlip (25) 2
6 Bolt (5/16”-24 UNF x 20) 1 43 Bearing (6005 RZZ) 2
7 Washer (M8 x 24 x 2) 7 44 Shaft Adjusting Sleeve (J) 2
8 Washer (8) 7 45 Shaft (J) 1
9 Bolt (M8 x 35) 1 46 Flat Key (B6 x 6 x 25) 1
10 Bolt (M8 x 45) 1 47 Bolt (M8 x 12) 2
11 Bolt (M8 x 75) 1 48 Self-Lock Nut (M6) 15
12 V Belt (A 630mm) 1 49 Inner Hex Screw (M6 x 22) 9
13 Housing (D) 1 50 Outer Tines (L) 1
14 Hex Flange Lock Screw

15 Front Cover (D) 1 52 Rear Cover Assy. 1
16 Mud Proof Plate 1 53 Washer 2
16A1 Dust Proof Cover (Large) 1 54 Frame Shaft 1
16A2 Dust Proof Cover (Small) 1 55 Flat Washer (12) 2
17 Self-Lock Nut (M6) 15 56 Shaft Spring Circlip 2
18 Bolt (M6 x 12) 4 57 Depth Skid 1
19 Washer Sleeve 2 58 Bolt (M10 x 20) 4
20 Arm (1) 1 59 Wheel Shaft Fixing Frame 1
21 Spring (D) 1 60 Flat Washer (16) 4
22 Arm (2) 1 61 Clutch Cable (D) 1
23 Swelling Wheel Adjusting

24 Bearing (6200RZZ) 1 63 Shaft Spring Circlip (16) 2
25 Small Swelling Wheel 1 64 Bolt (M10 x 25) 4
26 Washer (10) 10 65 Lower Handle 1
27 Self-Lock Nut (M10) 10 66 Upper Handle 1
28 Bolt (M8 x 245) 2 67 Grip Handle 2
29 Bolt (M8 x 15) 1 68 Bolt (M8 x 50) 2
30 Worm Shaft Adjusting

31 Pulley (J) 1 70 Bolt (M6 x 60) 1
32 Flat Key (B6 x 6 x 25) 1 71 Throttle Control 3
33 Bearing (6004 RZZ) 1 72 Inner Hex Screw (M6 x 40) 1
34 Worm Shaft (D) 1 73 Clutch Handle 1
35 Worm Wheel (D) 1 74 Clutch Handle Housing 1
36 Bearing (30204) 1 75 Clutch Handle Housing Cover 1
37 Outer Tines (R) 1

Description Qty. Part # Description Qty.

ine Adjusting Sleev

(M5 x 8)

Sleeve

Sleeve

1 41 Speed Reducer Shell (1) 1

8 51 Speed Reducer Shell (2) 1

1 62 Wheel 2

1 69 Throttle Cable 1

NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are
not available individually as replacement parts.

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 13

ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

26

27

38

39

16A1

16A2

NOTE:

Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes

only, and are not available idividually as replacement parts.

SKU 91959 For technical questions please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 14