Husqvarna 917299390 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

532 43 58-47

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk=Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

TRAiNiNG

• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the

equipment. Know how tostop 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 operatethe equipmentwithout wearing adequate outer garments. Wear footwear that will improvefooting

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).

• 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 inthe 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 important details if the tiller is to be stored for an ex-

tended period.

OPERATION

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

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross- inggravel 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 spark plug, 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 intoneutral, 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.

-IMPORTANT-

CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITICAL

INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL. IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A

POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT. NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to

better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of instructions.

portant safety precautions. It means

Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

plug wire and place wire where it can= not contact spark plug in order to pre-

vent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity: 3 Quarts (2.8L) Unleaded Regular

Oil (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (Above32°F/0°0)

(Capacity: 21 oz./0.6L) SAE 5w-30 (Below 32°F/0°0)

Spark Plug : Champion

(Gap: .030"/0.76mm) RC12YC

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller. It has been designed, 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, well-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".

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 "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, ITSHOULD 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 LAWSAPPLYON 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=5

OPERATION ............................................................... 6-9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 10

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 10=12

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 13=15

STO RAG E.................................................................... 16

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 17

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 18=23

WARRANTY ............................................. BACK COVER

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) Screwdriver

(1) Pair of pliers (2) 1/2" wrenches

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).

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

Fig. 1

(1) Manual

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

(2) Flange Locknuts

5/16-18 UNC

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & iNSTALL HANDLE

See Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Be careful of exposed staples when handling or disposing of carton= ing material.

IMPORTANT:WHEN UNPACKINGANDASSEMBLINGTILLER, BE CAREFULNOTTO STRETCH OR KINKCABLE(S).

Cut cable ties securing handle column.

Route cable(s) as shown and slide handle column onto

handle mount.

• Remove all packing from carton.

• Secure handle column using two (2) carriage bolts and

two (2) flange Iocknuts. Tighten securely.

• Cut away carton.

• Route tine control cable(s) through plastic cable clip on handle mount.

NOTE: Cables must not touch the muffler.

Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid. Remove tiller from skid by pulling backwards.

Remove screws securing depth stake to skid and dis-

card the screws.

TINE

MOUNT

TINE CONTROL

CABLES

HANDLE

i/_..--.---HANDLE

COLUMN

iNSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY

(See Fig. 3)

Loosen nut '_'.

• Insert stake support between engine bracket halves with stake spring down.

• Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock washers and nuts. Tighten securely. Tighten nut '_'.

• Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, loosen support bolt.

ENGINE BRACKET HALVES

NUT "A"

DEPTH STAKE

SUPPORT

STAKE

SPRING

DEPTH STAKE

SUPPORT

HEX BOLTS, LOCK WASHERS,

AND HEX NUTS

BOLT

Fig. 3

HANDLE HEIGHT

Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See "HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual).

CARRIAGE

BO_

TILLING WIDTH

• Tilling width may be adjusted to better handle your tilling conditions (See "TINE ARRANGEMENT" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

TiN E OPERATION

Check tire operation before first use. (See "TINE OP- ERATION CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual).

FLANGE LOCKNUT

Fig. 2

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.

F N R& -,,,,I",lrl

TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

OR WARNING ON OFF

REVERSE TINE CONTROL

DEPTH STAKE

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

MEETS ANS! SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

CHOKE CONTROL

CONTROL

SHIELD

Fig. 4

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

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward direction.

REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse direction.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed. DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller will dig. RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

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 til- ler and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask 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. 5)

TINES

• Release forward tine control to stop forward move-

ment.

• Release reverse tine control to stop reverse move- ment.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to "STOP" position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

REVERSE TINE CONTROL "OFF" (UP) POSiTiON

_ OL

JIj'_'/÷_/t._// "ON" (DOWN) POSITION

THROTTLE

CONTROL

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

FORWARD

• Squeeze forward tine control to handle.

REVERSE

• With forward tine control "OFF" (up) position, pull back and hold reverse tine control.

TILLING

The speed and depth of tilling is regulated by the position of the depth stake and wheel height.

The depth stake should always be below the wheels for digging. It serves as a brake to slow the tiller's forward

motion to enable the tines to penetrate the ground. Also, the more the depth stake is lowered into the ground the

deeper the tines will dig. DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 6)

Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin. Change depth stake to desired position. Replace the

clevis pin and hairpin clip.

• For normal tilling, set depth stake at the second or third hole from the top.

WHEELS (See Fig. 6) Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin.

Change wheel position. Replace the hairpin clip and clevis pin.

• For normal tilling, set wheels at the second or third hole from the top.

CHOKE CONTROL

Fig. 5

HAIRPIN CLiP

AND CLEVIS PIN

DEPTH STAKE

WHEEL

Fig. 6

OPERATION

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting, aJiow tiller engine and muffler to cool.

Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

• Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake spring.

Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground. Push or pull tiller to desired location.

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 APPROVED, CLEAN, COVEREDCONTAINERS. USECLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

FILL ENGINE WITH OiL (See Fig. 7)

• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

• Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approx- imate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.

• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.

• With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if nec- essary. Replace oil filler plug.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the

Maintenance section of this manual).

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

LEVEL

OIL

FILLER PLUG

Fig. 7

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded 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 quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top offuel tankto prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac=

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 BELOW 32°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

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

= m

i CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"

position when starting engine.

When starting engine for the first 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 properly connected.

• Place throttle control in "FAST" position.

• Move choke control to full "CHOKE" position. Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller

handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until en- gine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull

slightly harder at this point).

• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat if neces- sary.

• If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until

engine starts.

• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to "RUN" position as engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.

• Move throttle control to desired running position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance.

See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

OPERATION

NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.

SPARK PLUG

CHOKE

CONTROL

RECOIL

STARTER

Fig. 8

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER

Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine control before you actually begin tilling.

• Start engine, tip tines off ground by pressing handles down and engage tine control to start tine rotation.

Allow tines to rotate for five minutes.

• Checktine operation andadjust ifnecessary. See"TINE OPERATION CHECK" inthe Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

TILLING HINTS

CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in slow position.

To help tiller move forward, lift up the handles slightly (thus

lifting depth stake out of ground). To slow down the tiller, press down on handles.

If you are straining or tiller is shaking, the wheels and depth stake are not set properly in the soil being tilled. The proper

setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and error and depends upon the soil condition. (The harder or

wetter the ground, the slower the engine and tine speed needed. Under these poor conditions, at fast speed the

tiller will run and jump over the ground).

A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little effort from the

operator.

• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packedsoil before planting. Loose, unpackedsoil helps

root growth. Best tilling depth is 4"-6". A tiller will also clear the soil of unwanted vegetation. The decomposition

of this vegetable matter enriches the soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may be advisable

to till the soil at the end of the growing season to further condition the soil.

• Soil conditions are importantfor proper tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute

to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller. Hard soil should be moistened before tilling; however,

extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the

best results. When tilling inthe fall, remove vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping around the

tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation.

• You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row un- tilled between passes. Then go back between tilled

rows. (See Fig. 9) There are two reasons for doing this. First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate than

about-faces. Second, the tiller won't be pulling itself, and you, toward the row next to it.

• Set depth stake and wheel height for shallow tilling when working extremely hard soil or sod. Then work

across the first cuts at normal depth.

Fig. 9

CULTIVATING

Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre- vent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the plants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of

soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Best digging depth is 1"-3".

• You will probably not need to use the depth stake. Begin by tipping the depth stake forward until it isheld by the

stake spring.

• Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in

rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds and grass (See Fig. 10).

9 Fig. 10

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check Engine Oil Level v' v'

Change Engine Oil !_1,2 Oil Pivot Points V'

Inspect Spark Arrester/Muffler V' Inspect Air Screen If

Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge !_2

SERVICE DATES

Clean Engine Cylinder Fins tf

Replace Spark Plug !_

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures,

2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. Toreceive

full value from the warranty, operator must maintain tiller as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tiller.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each

season.

• Once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter, and check tines and belt for wear.

A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and

last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check tine operation.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART")

Q ENGINE

(_ IDLER

ARM

(DSAE 30 OR 10W-30 MOTOR OIL QREFER TO MAINTENANCE "ENGINE" SECTION

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ TINE CONTROL

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