Operator’s Manual
FT900
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.
532 44 55-08 |
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Please read the operator's manual carefully and make sure you |
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understand the instructions before using the machine. |
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English
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers
TRAINING
•Read this 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, particularly 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 adequate 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 crossing 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 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 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 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 important 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 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.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity: |
2.9 Quarts (2.7L) |
Unleaded Regular |
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Oil (API:SG-SL): |
SAE 30 (Above 32°F/0°C) |
(Capacity: 20 oz./0.6L) |
SAE 5W30 (Below 32°F/0°C) |
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Spark Plug : |
Champion RC12YC |
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(Gap: .030"/0.76mm) |
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 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 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 SIMILARLAWS. FEDERALLAWSAPPLYONFEDERALLANDS. 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 |
STORAGE.................................................................... |
16 |
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................. |
17 |
WARRANTY............................................................ |
18-21 |
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)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).
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overhead views 8 |
LEFT |
RIGHT |
OPERATOR'S POSITION
Fig. 1
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
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(2) Flange Locknuts |
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(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2 |
5/16-18 UNC |
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(1) Manual
(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 |
(1) Bottle Engine Oil |
(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18 |
(2) Lock Washers 5/16 |
4
ASSEMBLY
UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE
(See Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Be careful of exposed staples when handling or disposing of cartoning material.
IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK CABLE(S).
•Cut cable ties securing handles.
•Slowly lift handle assembly up, route cable(s) as shown and align handle holes with handle panel hole and slot.
•Loosely assemble hardware as shown. Be sure the shorter (1" long) hex bolt is assembled in lower hole of handle. Repeat for opposite side. Tighten all hardware securely.
•Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid and remove tiller from skid.
•Remove screws securing depth stake to skid and discard the screws.
LOCK
NUT WASHER TILLER
HANDLE
HANDLE |
FLAT |
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PANEL |
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WASHER |
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&4(ANDLEª0ANEL?
CABLE(S)
TILLER 
HANDLES
HEX BOLT 5/16-18X1-1/4"
HEX BOLT 5/16-18X1"
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020 |
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HANDLE
PANEL
BOLTS
Fig. 2
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)
•Loosen nut “A”.
•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 “A”.
•Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, loosen support bolt.
depth_ |
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ENGINE BRACKET |
st |
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HALVES |
ake_ |
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4 |
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NUT “A” |
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DEPTH STAKE |
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SUPPORT |
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STAKE |
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SPRING |
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DEPTH |
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STAKE |
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SUPPORT |
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HEX BOLTS, |
BOLT |
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LOCK WASHERS, |
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AND HEX NUTS |
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Fig. 3
HANDLE HEIGHT
•Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See “HANDLE HEIGHT” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
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).
TINE OPERATION
•Check tine operation before first use. (See “TINE OPERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
5
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS 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.
FORWARD TINE
CONTROL 
REVERSE TINE
CONTROL
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CHOKE CONTROL |
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DEPTH STAKE |
THROTTLE |
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CONTROL |
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TINE
SHIELD
RECOIL |
TINES |
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STARTER |
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HANDLE |
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Fig. 4
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at which the tiller will dig.
FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward direction.
REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine. direction.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.
6
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 over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
00155
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 movement.
•Release reverse tine control to stop reverse movement.
ENGINE
•Move throttle control to “STOP” position.
•Never use choke to stop engine.
REVERSE TINE |
REVERSE TINE |
FORWARD |
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TINE CONTROL |
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CONTROL IN |
CONTROL |
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IN “OFF” (UP) |
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“OFF” (UP) |
IN “ON” (DOWN) |
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POSITION |
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POSITION |
POSITION |
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FORWARD TINE CONTROL |
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IN “ON” (DOWN) POSITION |
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handles |
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THROTTLE |
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CONTROL |
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CHOKE |
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CONTROL |
engi |
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_a |
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rt_ |
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Fig. 5
TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)
FORWARD
•With reverse tine control in the “OFF” (up) position, Squeeze forward tine control to handle.
REVERSE
•With forward tine control in the “OFF” (up) position, Squeeze reverse tine control to handle.
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.
dept |
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stake |
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4 |
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HAIRPIN CLIP |
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AND CLEVIS PIN |
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DEPTH |
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STAKE |
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STAKE |
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SPRING |
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WHEEL |
Fig. 6
7
OPERATION
TO TRANSPORT
CAUTION: Beforeliftingortransporting, allow 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, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN 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 approximate 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 necessary. 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.
OIL
LEVEL
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OIL |
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FILLER |
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PLUG |
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in |
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Fig. 7
ADD GASOLINE
•Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. 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 |
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valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel |
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in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure |
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fuel freshness. |
8 |
CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2" of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is accidentally 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 attract 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. 8)
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 engine 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 necessary.
•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/0°C), the carburetor fuel mixturemay
need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
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