Owner’s Manual MRT190HA
WARNING
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE USING THIS EQUIPMENT. INJURY CAN OCCUR. READ
CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND ALL ASSEMBLY AND SAFE OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE SAFETY RULES AND OTHER BASIC SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
Maxim 800-621-2789 RT190H Rev. A Pg.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Tillers
TRAINING
• Read the 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, partic-
ularly small children, and pets.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used and remove all foreign objects.
• Disengage all controls 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.
• 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.
• 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 spark plug, thoroughly in-
spect 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, 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.
• 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 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 in-
side 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 instruction.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!! BE-
!
!
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals knows to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
COME 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.
WARNING
! !
Maxim 800-621-2789 RT190H Rev. A Pg. 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity:
Oil (API-SG-SL):
(Capacity: 20 oz/0.6L)
Spark Plug:
(Gap: .030”/0.76mm)
4 Quarts (2.8L)
Unleaded Regular
SAE 30 (Above 40 F/4 C
SAE 5W-30 (Below 40 F/4 C)
Champion
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.
WARNING: 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). 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 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
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
STORAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 15
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Maxim 800-621-2789 RT190H Rev. A Pg. 3
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.
Operator Present Safety
Twist Forward
& Reverse
Gas Cap
Choke
Recoil
Starter
Handle
Tine
Engagement
Hydro Oil Cap
Throttle
Hydro Oil Filter
On/Off Switch
FIG. 8
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
DEPTH BAR - Controls depth at which tiller will dig.
TILLER CONTROL ROD - Used to engage tines.
TINE FLAP - Levels tilled soil
Maxim 800-621-2789 RT190H Rev. A Pg. 4
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.
Variable speed with the twist of your wrist, forward and
reverse.
OPERATION
WEAR YOUR SAFETY
GLASSES
FORESIGHT IS BETTER
THAN NO SIGHT
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
• Turn handlebar back to center position for neutral.
• Move tine control rod to your left and bring to center
ENGINE
• Never use choke to stop engine.
• Turn engine switch (OFF).
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.
position to stop movement on tines.
TILLING (See Fig. 12)
• Loosen depth bar tightener, pull the depth bar up for
increased tilling depth. Move drag stake to desired
position and retighten tightener handle to lock into
position.
• Place tine control rod in desired position. Slowly low-
er tines into the ground. Twist handle bar forward to
desired speed.
• 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 DISENGAGE TINE CONTROL
ROD WHEN NOT TILLING.
Self Centering,
release grip for
neutral
In Reverse
Position
Tine Control In
Neutral Position
TINE OPERATION
In Forward
Position
FIG. 9
• Tine movement is achieved by pulling tine control rod
back for counter rotating till position or push forward
for forward rotation tilling.
FORWARD -WHEELS ONLY
• Release tine rod, twist handle bar forward.
REVERSE -WHEELS ONLY
• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER.
• Move the tine control rod to the left and bring to center
position.
• Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.
• Twist handle bar backwards.
DEPTH BAR STAKE (See Fig. 12)
• Can be raised or lowered to allow you more versatile
tilling and cultivating, or to more easily transport your
tiller.
Depth
Bar
Depth Bar
Release
Tine Flap
TURNING
• Disengage the tine control rod.
• Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.
• 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. Slowly twist handlebar to desired direction.
• When you have completed your turn-around, with
handle up and tines out of ground, again engage tines
in desired direction. Slowly lower handle to start tilling. Slowly twist handlebar forward to desired speed.
FIG. 12
CULTIVATING
• Use the forward rotating tine drive when cultivating,
tilling soft ground or tilling pre-tilled soil.
• Loosen depth bar tightener and move depth bar to de-
sired height. Tighten tightener to lock. Lower drag stake.
• Move tine control rod in forward rotating till position.
• Move throttle control “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.
• Always lower the depth bar when using the forward rotating tine drive.
Maxim 800-621-2789 RT190H Rev. A Pg. 5
OPERATION
TO TRANSPORT
CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,
!
AROUND THE YARD
• Move the tine control rod to center position (neutral).
• Loosen depth bar tightener and move depth bar
• Slowly twist handlebar to desired direction and speed.
• Move throttle control to desired speed.
AROUND TOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline
from fuel tank.
down. This will keep tine from damaging the yard or
from getting damaged.
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.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 13)
• 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 be to point of overflowing when engine is level. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” on page 2 of this
manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification
SG-SL.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• 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 in
this manual.
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 of
fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for
!
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32 F (0 C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
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.
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. 14)
CAUTION: Keep tine control rod in
!
“DISENGAGED” 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.
• Turn fuel shut-off valve 1/4 turn to open position.
• Move choke control to choke position.
• Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and place
foot on bottom part of front bumper. Pull rope out
slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle
FIG. 13
Maxim 800-621-2789 RT190H Rev. A Pg. 6
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter.
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