Husqvarna 500RTTA User Manual

Owner's Manual

500RTTA

(917.296250)

SAFETY RULES

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND POWERED RO TA RY TILLERS

TRAINING

• Read the Owner’s Manual care ful ly. Be thor ough ly fa mil iar with the controls and the proper use of the equip ment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.

• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to op er ate the equipment without proper instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par tic u lar ly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine (mo tor).

• Do not operate the equipment with out wearing ad e quate outer gar ments. Wear footwear that will im prove footing on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly ﬂ ammable.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never ﬁ ll fuel tank indoors.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel before restarting.

• Use extension cords and receptacles as speciﬁ ed by the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors or electric starting motors.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except where speciﬁ cally rec om mend ed by manufacturer).

OPERATION

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

• Exercise extreme caution when op er at ing on or cross ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or trafﬁ c. Do not carry pas sen gers.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly in spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and op er at ing the tiller.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

• If the unit should start to vibrate ab nor mal ly, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vi bra tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position.

• Take all possible precautions when leav ing the ma chine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the engine.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off 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.

• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.

• Keep children and pets away.

• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.

• Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

• 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 forward. If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe work ing condition.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equip ment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

• Always refer to the operator’s guide instructions for im por tant details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.

- IMPORTANT -

CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRIT I CAL IN FOR MA TION IN THIS MANUAL.

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A POS SI BIL I TY OF DAM AG ING THIS EQUIP MENT.

NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of instructions.

Look for this symbol to point out im por tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BE COME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFE TY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it can not contact spark plug in order to pre vent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, adjusting or making re pairs.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con tains chem i cals known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity: 3 Quarts Unleaded Reg u lar

Oil (API-SF/SJ): SAE 30 (Above 40°F) (Capacity 20 oz./0.6L) SAE 5W-30/10W30 (Below 40°F)

Spark Plug: NGK (Gap: .030"/0.76mm) BPR6ES

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller. It has been designed, en gi neered and manu fac tured to give you the best pos sible de penda bil ity and per form ance.

Should you experience any prob lems you can not easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. We have com pe tent, well-trained tech ni cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The in struc tions will enable you to assemble and main tain your tiller prop erly. Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tiller.

• Follow instructions under “Maintenance” and “Stor age” sections of this Owner’s Manual.

IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST-COVERED, BRUSHCOVERED OR GRASS COVERED LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEETING APPLICABLE LOCAL LAWS (IF ANY). IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORK ING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR.

IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, A SPARK ARRESTER IS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4442 OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS. SEE YOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ..........................................................2

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES...............................3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS.....................................3

ASSEMBLY...............................................................4-6

OPERATION ...........................................................7-10

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................11

MAINTENANCE ...................................................11-12

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ...............................13-16

STORAGE ..................................................................17

TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................18

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER.......................................19-25

WARRANTY...............................................................26

ASSEMBLY

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife

(1) Tire pressure gauge

(1) Pair of pliers

(1) 9/16" wrench

OPERATOR’S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (standing behind tiller handles).

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

LEFT

FRONT

RIGHT

OPERATOR’S POSITION

FIG. 1

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Flat Washer 13/32 x 1 x 11 Gauge

(1) Pivot Bolt 3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

(1) Carriage Bolt

3/8-16 UNC x 1 Grade 5

(1) Handle Lock Lever

Extra Shear Pins & Clips

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Hairpin Clip

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta ples when handling or disposing of cartoning material.

IMPORTANT: WHEN UN PACK ING AND AS SEM BLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK CABLES.

• While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties se cur ing handle assembly to top frame and depth stake. Let handle assembly rest on tiller.

• Remove top frame of carton.

• Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of carton.

• Cut down right hand front and right hand rear cor ners of carton, lay side carton wall down.

• Remove packing material from handle assembly.

HANDLE AS SEM BLY

SHIFT ROD

FIG. 2

INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)

• Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing outward) in gearcase notch. (Apply grease on smooth side of handle lock to aid in keeping lock in place until handle assembly is lowered into position.)

VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

GEARCASE NOTCH

HANDLE LOCK

• Grasp handle assembly. Hold in “up” position. Be sure handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly into position.

HANDLE ASSEMBLY "UP" POSITION

TIGHTEN HANDLE LOCK LEVER TO HOLD

LOOSEN HANDLE LOCK LEVER TO MOVE

FIG. 4

• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage bolt ﬁ rst, with bolt head on L.H. side of tiller and loosely assemble locknut (See Fig. 5).

• Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate and tighten.

• Cut down remaining corners of carton and lay panels ﬂ at.

• Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut on carriage bolt so handle moves with some resistance. This will allow for easier adjustment.

• Place ﬂ at washer on threaded end of handle lock lever.

• Insert handle lock lever through handle base and gearcase. Screw in handle lock lever just enough to hold lever in place.

• Insert second handle lock (with teeth in ward) in the slot of the handle base (just inside of washer).

• With handle assembly in lowest position, securely tight en handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leav ing handle assembly in lowest position will make it easier to remove tiller from carton.

HANDLE LOCK

GEARCASE

SLOT

CARRIAGE BOLT

FLAT WASHER

HANDLE LOCK LEVER

FIG. 3

PIVOT BOLT

HANDLE BASE

LOCKNUT

FIG. 5

ASSEMBLY

ATTACH CLUTCH CABLE (See Fig. 6)

• Hook end of clutch cable through hole in control bar bracket.

CONTROL BAR BRACKET

CONTROL BAR

CLUTCH CABLE

CONTROL BAR BRACKET

END OF CLUTCH CABLE

FIG. 6

CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 7)

• Insert end of shift rod into hole of shift lever indicator.

• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.

SHIFT ROD

HAIRPIN CLIP

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR

FIG. 7

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Make sure shift lever indicator is in “N” position (See Fig. 7)

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle. Separate cardboard cover from leveling shield.

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of carton.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit were overinﬂ ated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is important for best tilling performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI (1.4 kg/cm2).

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See “TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

SHIFT LEVER

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

DEPTH STAKE

LEVELING SHIELD

OUTER SIDE SHIELD

SHIFT LEVER IN DI CA TOR

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

FIG. 8

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which tiller will dig. DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tines. LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil. OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants

from being buried.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears. SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the trans-

mis sion is in.

OPERATION

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING (See Fig. 9)

TINES AND DRIVE

• Release drive control bar to stop movement.

• Move shift lever to “N” (neutral) position.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to “STOP” position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

SHIFT LEVER

DRIVE CONTROL BAR “ENGAGED” PO SI TION

DRIVE CONTROL BAR “DISENGAGED” PO SI TION

FIG. 9

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before moving shift lever into another position.

• Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to

( ) till position and engaging drive control bar.

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move shift lever in di ca tor to “F” (forward) position. Engage drive control bar and tiller will move forward.

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 10)

The depth stake can be raised or lowered to allow you more versatile tilling and cul ti vat ing, or to more easily transport your tiller.

TRANSPORT

SHALLOWEST TILLING (CULTIVATING)

DEEPEST TILLING

DEPTH STAKE

POSITION

FIG. 10

TILLING (See Fig. 11)

• Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth stake up for increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock in position.

• Place shift lever indicator in tilling position.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tilling movement. Tines and wheels will both turn.

• Move throttle control to “FAST” position for deep tilling. To cultivate, throttle control can be set at any desired speed, depending on how fast or slow you wish to cultivate.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE CONTROL BAR BEFORE MOVING SHIFT LEVER INTO ANOTHER POSITION.

DEPTH STAKE PIN “RELEASED” POSITION

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER.

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.

• Move shift lever indicator to “R” (reverse) position.

• Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller movement.

HARD TO SHIFT GEARS

• Brieﬂ y engage drive control bar and release or rock tiller forward and backward until are able to shift gears.

NUT “B”

OUTER SIDE SHIELD

“LOCKED” POSITION

NUT “A”

FIG. 11

OPERATION

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.

• Place shift lever indicator in “F” (forward) position. Tines will not turn.

• Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.

• Swing the handle in the opposite direction you wish to turn, being careful to keep feet and legs away from tines.

• When you have completed your turn-around, release the drive control bar and lower handle. Place shift lever in till position and move throttle control to de sired speed. To begin tilling, hold drive control bar against the handle.

OIL LEVEL

OIL FILLER PLUG

OIL DRAIN PLUG

FIG. 12

OUTER SIDE SHIELDS (See Fig. 11)

The back edges of the outer side shields are slotted so that the shields can be raised for deep tilling and low ered for shal low tilling to protect small plants from being buried. Loosen nut “A” in slot and nut “B”. Move shield to desired position (both sides). Retighten nuts.

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or trans port ing, allow tiller engine and mufﬂ er to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

• Release the depth stake pin. Move the depth stake down to the top hole for transporting the tiller. Place depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock in position. This prevents tines from scufﬁ ng the ground.

• Place shift lever indicator in “F” (forward) position for transporting.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tiller movement. Tines will not turn.

• Move throttle control to desired speed.

AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

• Drain fuel tank.

• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT

TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE IN AP PROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig.12)

• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the

factory, already ﬁ lled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.

• With engine level, clean area around oil ﬁ ller plug and remove plug.

• Engine oil should be to point of overﬂ owing when engine is level. For ap proxi mate capacity see “PROD UCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” on page 3 of this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classiﬁ cation SF-SJ.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance sec tion of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of ﬁ ller neck. Do not overﬁ ll. Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac ci den tal ly spilled, move machine away from area of spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.

Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open ﬂ ame.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES

BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GAS O LINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER START ING.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas o hol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next sea son. See Storage In struc tions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 13)

CAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFF” position when starting engine.

When starting engine for the ﬁ rst time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

• Make sure spark plug wire is prop er ly connected.

• Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.

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