Husqvarna 917296250, 500RTTA Owner’s Manual
6 Husqvarna
917.296250
Owner's Manual
(500RTTA)
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND POWERED ROTARYTILLERS _
SAFETY RULES
TRAINING
• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par-
ticularly 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 (motor).
• Do not operate the equipment without wearing ade-
quate outer garments. Wear footwear that will improve
footing on slippery surfaces.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel
tank indoors.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restarting.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified 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 specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross-
ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the spa rkplug,thoroughly inspect
the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating
position.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine
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
working condition.
• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other
bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel in thefuel 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
important details if the tiller is to be stored for an ex-
tended period.
- IMPORTANT -
CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF
ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITICAL
INFORMATION INTHIS MANUAL.
IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A
POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT.
NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to bet-
ter understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of
instructions.
Look for this symbol to point out im- |
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
plug wire and place wire where it can-
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
• ILWARNING
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts
Unleaded Regular
OIL (API-SE/SJ): SAE 30 (Above 40°F)
(Capacity20 oz./0.6L) SAE 5W-30/10W30
(Below 40°F)
SPARK PLUG: Champion
(Gap: .o3o"""/o.76mm)RJ19LM
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller. It
has been designe& engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center. We have competent, welt-trained technicians and
the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tiller.
• Followinstructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage"
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, BRUSH*
COVERED OR GRASS COVERED LAND UNLESS THE
ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK
ARRESTER MEETING APPLICABLE LOCAL LAWS (IF ANY).
IFA SPARKARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED
IN EFFECTIVE WORKING 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.
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
3
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
©
(1) Center Locknut
3/8-16 UNC
(1) Hairpin Clip
°1
Extra Shear Pins & Clips
4
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2) •
staples when handling or disposing
CAUTION: Be careful of exposed
of cartoning material.
IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFULNOTTO STRETCHOR KINK CABLES.
• While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties securing
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 corners
of carton, lay side carton watt down.
• Remove packing material from handle assembly.
HANDLE
ASSEMBLY
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 lockinplace untilhandle
assembly is lowered into position.)
VIEWEDFROM R.H.SIDE OFTILLER
_ HANDLE ASSEMBLY
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 I
LEVER TO HOLD
LOOSEN HANDLE
LOCK LEVERTO MOVE
FIG. 4
• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage bolt
first, 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
flat.
• Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut on carriage
bolt so handle moves with some resistance. This will
allow for easier adjustment.
• Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock le-
ver.
• 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 inward) in the
slot of the handle base (just inside of washer).
• With handle assembly in lowest position, securely
tighten 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
FLAT
WASHER
LOCK
\
I
I
FIG. 3
5
CARRIAGE
BO_
HANDLE LOCKNUT
BASE
FIG. 5
PIVOT BOLT
ASSEMBLY
ATTACH CLUTCH CABLE (See Fig. 6)
• Hook end of clutchcable through hole incontrol bar
bracket.
CONTROL BAR
BRACKET
CONTROL
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 HAIRPIN SHIFT
CLIP LEVER
INDICATOR
FIG. 7
REMOVETILLER 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 overinflated 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 ofthis manual).
6
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.
Compare the illustrationswith your tiller to familiarize yourselfwith the locationofvarious controlsand 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.
"°" I
FENR
ORWARNING ON OFF
SHIFT LEVER
DRIVE
CONTROL
BAR
DEPTH
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR
LEVELING
OUTER SIDE
SHIELD
FIG. 8
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillersconformto the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
RECOIL
STARTER
HANDLE
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-
mission tS In.
7
OPERATION
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting
I The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
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
SITION
DRIVE CONTROL BAR
"DISENGAGED" POSITION
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 indicator
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 cultivating, or to more easily transport
our tiller.
_ TRANSPORT
SHALLOWEST
TILLING (CULTI*
VATING)
TILLING
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 indicatorin 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.
HARDTO SHIFT GEARS
• Briefly engage drive control bar and release or rocktiller
forward and backward until are able to shift gears.
"LOCKED"
POSITION
SIDE SHIELD
FIG. 11
8
OPERATION
TURNING
• Release the drive control bar.
• Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.
• Place shift leverindicator 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 tilt position and move throttle control to desired
speed. To begin tilting, hold drive control bar against
the handle.
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 tillingand lowered
for shallow tillingto protect small plants from being buried.
Loosen nut "A" inslot and nut "B'. Move shield to desired
position (both sides). Retighten nuts.
TO TRANSPORT
OIL
"- OIL
FILLER
PLUG
)IL DRAIN
PLUG
FIG. 12
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill.
Use fresh, ctean, regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce
valvelife). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchasefuel
in quantitiesthatcan be used within30 days to assure
fuel freshness.
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,
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 posi-
tion. This prevents tines from scuffing 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. USECLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE IN
APPROVED_CLEAN_COVEREDCONTAINERS. USECLEAN
FILL FUNNELS.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig.12)
• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the
factory_ already filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.
• With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and
remove plug.
• Engine oil should beto point ofoverflowing when engine
is level. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual. All oil
must meet A.EI. Service Classification SF-SJ.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See oil viscosity chart in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual).
• To change engine oit_see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
offueltankto prevent spills and to allow
[_ CAUTION: Fill to within 112inch of top
for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac-
i cidentally 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 flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at*
tract moisture which leads to separation and
formation 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 storage 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
season. See Storage Instructions 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)
= AUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"position when starting engine.
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run
out of fuel, itwill take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
• Move shift lever indicator to "N" (neutral) position.
9
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