20195 S. Diamond Lake Rd., STE 100 • Rogers, MN 55374 • www.maximmfg.com
WARNING
If incorrectly used this machine can cause severe injury. Those who use and
maintain the machine should be trained in its proper use, warned of its dangers,
and should read the entire manual before attempting to set up, operate, adjust,
or service the machine.
WARNING!! Read these and all safety and operating
instructions before operating your tiller.
Training
1. Read the operating and service instruction
manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment before use. Know how to stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the equipment.
Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
2. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral
before starting the engine.
3. Do not operate the equipment without wearing
adequate outer garments. Wear footwear that will
improve footing on slippery surfaces.
4. Handle fuel with care; it is highly ammable.
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running or hot en
gine.
c. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never ll fuel tank indoors.
d. Replace gasoline cap securely and
clean up spilled fuel before restarting.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while
the engine is running except where specically
recommended by the manufacturer.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or trafc. Do not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the tiller for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating the tiller.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
6. Stop the engine when leaving the operating
position, before unclogging the tines, and when
making any repairs, adjustments, and inspections.
7. Take all possible precautions when leaving the
2
machine unattended. Disengage the power take
off, lower the attachment, shift into neutral, stop the
engine and remove the key.
8. 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.
9. Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes
are dangerous.
10. Never operate the tiller without proper guards,
plates, or other safety protective devices in place.
11. Keep children and pets away.
12. Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
13. Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use
care when backing.
14. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
15. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of the tiller.
16. Never operate the tiller without good visibility
or light.
17. 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
1. Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in
safe working condition.
2. Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and
other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness
to be sure the equipment is in safe working order.
3. 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.
BELT COVER, BELTS, AND PULLEY
REFPART #QUANDESCRIPTION
7012716861Crankshaft Pulley, 5 hp
7031620351Belt Bracket Assembly ( TP, RMT)
162067Belt Bracket Assembly (RMT55H)
703-A359215Belt Bracket Assembly (MT)
7042722011Belt, V Drive for Units with 9” Pulley
2722131Belt, V Drive for Units with 7” Pulley
7123366711Pulley, 9” for TP and MT
3366651Pulley, 7” for RMT
7144630171Key, 3/16” x 3/4” Woodruff #9
7151307331Guard
1307911Guard, Round MT model
7163593411Bracket, Lower for RMT
3592161Bracket, Lower for MT
7193593831Key, Pulley
7204155622Set Screw 5/16”
8014001762Self Tapping Bolt 1/4” x 1/2”
8024001041Bolt, 1/4” - 20 x 1/2
808Engine
8124002351Screw, 1/2” x 24 x 3/4”
8153593431Bracket, Upper
8234452452Flat Washer
8244461451Lockwasher, 1/2” Heavy
8254447151Locknut, 1/4” - 20
8264431064Nut, 5/16” - 18
8274001944Screw, 5/16” - 18 x 1 1/2” Hex Head Cap
8284461364Lockwasher, 5/16”
DECALS
TYPEPART #QUANTITY
HOLD HANDLE GRIPS WHILE CRANKING3367761
TINE ENGAGE LEVER3367771
HANDLE CROSS BRACE (TP50B)336768-A1
HANDLE CROSS BRACE (MT50B)3369131
HANDLE CROSS BRACE (RMT)3369161
DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT GUARD3367201
TINE WARNING3367842
MADE IN USA3369241
BELT GUARD (TP50B)3368941
BELT GUARD (MT50B)3369141
BELT GUARD (RMT)3369171
FAST SLOW OFF (TP50B)336766-A1
CAUTION (OPERATOR)3367991
15
Belt and Belt Cover
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 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 FOR ARRESTER.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth de-
fects, other reproductive harm.
SET UP INSTRUCTIONS
UNPACKING
To assure proper operation of your Maxim Tiller, read and follow the following instructions carefully.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIFT THE TILLER
FROM THE CARTON.
1. Do not attempt to lift the tiller from the carton. After opening the top, cut all four corners and lay the
sides at on the oor or working space. Take out all unassembled parts, bag of parts, and protective
packing. Be careful not to kink the control cables.
2. Tiller model TP50B comes in two cartons. All other models are delivered in one carton. Carton #1
will have the complete tiller unit and the cultivator mounting bar. Carton #2 will have all the plow attachments and tractor tires. Remove all parts from carton #1. You should have the following items:
1 each box of 4 rotor assemblies 1 each Throttle Control Assembly
1 each Pair of Handle Bars 1 each Clutch Control Cable
1 each Handle Cross Brace 1 Bag of small parts (nuts and bolts)
2 each Handle Bar Braces 1 each Cultivator Mounting Bar (TP50B only)
3. Install rotor assemblies on shaft using 4 tine pins and 4 cotter hair pins. Be sure that all cutting edges
are facing toward the front as they rotate.
4. Install right and left handle bars to hitch using two 5/16” 18 x 3 1/2” hex bolts, nuts and lock washers.
143
Do not tighten any bolts until all are started. Be sure the handle bar which has the clutch lever is on the
SET UP INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED
right as you stand in an operating position. See Figure 1 and 2.
5. Install the two handle bar tie braces between the holes in the transmission and the lower holes in the
handle bars. Fasten the braces to the transmission using one 5/16” - 18 x 1” and one 5/16” x 1 1/4” hex
Figure 2
Figure 1
bolts, nuts and lock washers. The left brace bolts between the belt guard bracket and the transmission.
The braces are mounted to the handle bars using one 1/4” - 20 x 1 1/2 and one 1/4” - 20 x 1 3/4” hex bolts,
nuts, and lock washers. The clutch cable guide mounts on the outside of the right handle bar. Route the
clutch cable through guide with the adjustment at the top. See Figure 1.
6. Install the handle bar cross brace between the handle bars using four 1/4” - 20 x 1 1/2” hex bolts, nuts,
and lock washers. See Figure 1.
7. Route the throttle control cable under the handle passing under the cross brace.
8. Tighten all bolts at this time.
9. Install clutch cable by hooking loop at bottom into notch in clutch arm. Hook spring into clevis and into
hole in clutch lever. The clutch cable should be adjusted so that the belt will slip when released and the
spring will be extended 1/4” when lever is engaged.
10. Install handle bar grips (Some type of lubricant such as liquid soap will be helpful).
FINAL SETUP
1. Check the transmission to that it is full. See Figure 3.
a. Remove check plug.
b. Use 90 wt. gear lube or 50 weight motor oil. Approximately 1 pint.
c. Fill until check plug overows.
d. Replace plug.
2. Remove the engine dipstick and ll crankcase with oil according to engine owner’s manual.
3. Fill fuel tank. Use clean, fresh, lead-free, gasoline. Fill
the tank completely.
DO NOT MIX OIL WITH GASOLINE.
MT and TP ModelsRMT
Ref#Part #Quan.DescriptionPart #QuanDescription
1013366821Main Frame Rail LH
1023366811Main Frame Rail RH
1033593352Frame Spacer
3021306951Handle Bar LH1620811Handle Bar Left Hand
3033366782Handle Bar Brace
3041307301Handle Cross Brace
3053137862Handle Grip4
3081306941Handle Bar Right Hand1620821Handle Bar RH Heavy Duty
4021620771Intek Throttle Control
4034020142#10 - 3/8” Slot Tapping Screw
4043366831Clutch Lever
4053593451Clutch Lever Pin
4073593461Clutch Locking Pin
4083593591Clutch Locking Spring
4093593271Clutch Cable Spring
4101620411Clutch Cable and Adjustment
4133593262Clutch Cable Guide
4143593231Throttle Cable Clip
6011620312Wheel, 10” x 1.751620652Wheel, 10” x 1.75” Heavy Duty
6054614671Wheel Yoke Locking Pin
6063593621Lock Pin Spring
6074614681Cotter Pin
6091620321Wheel Yoke Assembly1620331Wheel Yoke Assembly
6151307012Hitch Casting
6183366861Depth Bar
6213593631Depth Bar Adjust. Spring
6254614691Depth Bar Adjust. Pin
7053593211Idler Pulley3380091Idler Pulley
7061620691Idler Shaft
7083593251Idler Shaft Arm
7094002901Capscrew NC, 3/8” x 1 3/4”
8023593302Wheel Shoulder Bolt
8044001842Cap Screw, NC 5/16” x 3/4”
8054001861Cap Screw, NC 5/16” x 1”400190Cap Screw, NC 5/16” x 1 1/4”
8064001971Cap Screw, NC 5/16” x 2 1/4”
8074002004Cap Screw, NC 5/16” x 2 1/2”
8094002072Cap Screw, NC 5/16” x 3 3/4”
8114002751Cap Screw, NC 3/8” x 3”
8134001155Cap Screw, NC 1/4” x 1 1/2”
8144001091Cap Screw, NC 1/4” x 1 3/4”
8164431016Nut, NC 1/4”
81744310611Nut, 5/16”
8184431102Nut NC, 3/8”
8194447214Locknut NC, 3/8”
8204447201Locknut NF, 3/8”
8214461306Lockwasher, 1/4”
82244613611Lockwasher, 5/16”
8254550501Washer SAE Flat, 1/2”
830162096OptionalLH Tine Shield
831162095OptionalRH Tine Shield
8333598531Engine Guard
4
13
OPERATION
FRAME ASSEMBLY
BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE CHECK THE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING
THE HANDLE AND CONTROLS. MAKE SURE ALL FASTENERS ARE
TIGHT. MAKE SURE THE THROTTLE AND OTHER CONTROLS WORK
CORRECTLY.
BEFORE STARTING THIS TILLER, BE FAMILIAR WITH ALL OPERATING CONTROLS. KNOW HOW TO DISENGAGE TINES, STOP FORWARD
MOVEMENT AND SHUT OFF ENGINE.
OPERATING CONTROLS
Throttle Control Lever
The throttle control lever, located on the left side of the handle controls engine speed. When starting, place
control lever in center position. Then adjust to desired speed. To stop engine move throttle control lever to
rear position. Push stop switch at spark plug.
Clutch Lever
The clutch is disengaged when clutch is away from handle grip. To engage clutch, squeeze clutch lever to
handle.
Operating Instructions
Before operating the machine, become familiar with the operating instructions and safety suggestions in this
manual. Operate the machine in an open area to get the “feel” of the machine and its controls.
12
Starting and Stopping the Engine
Before starting the engine check that all bolts are tight, and that the tiller is assembled properly. Review
Safety suggestions and Operating Instructions for safe and proper use of the tiller.
Pre Start
1. Check the spark plug for proper connection on the spark
plug.
2. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh, regular gasoline from
an approved container.
3. Check the oil for proper level. Refer to engine owner’s
manual for correct grade and quantity and directions.
4. Make certain clutch lever is in disengaged position.
Starting Procedure
1. Move throttle control lever to center position.
2. Manually open choke. Hold the handle with your left
hand while pulling the starter rope with your right. Pull the
rope out slowly until the engine reaches the start of the
compression cycle (the rope will pull slightly harder at this
point). Then allow the rope to retract fully.
3. Pull the rope with a continuous full arm stroke. Keep
a rm grip on the starter handle and let the rope rewind
slowly. Do not let the handle snap back against the starter.
5
Figure 4
DANGER
To avoid possible serious bodily
injury, keep hands and feet
away from tines and v-belt before and after starting engine.
4. Repeat steps Number 2 and 3 above until the engine starts. If the engine fails to start after 3 pulls on the
rope, repeat Step 1 above as necessary. Close choke after engine has responded.
5. As the engine warms up, move the throttle lever to desired position. Alllow engine warm-up period before operating tiller.
NOTE: A warm engine may start without choking. Do not use the choke if engine is hot.
Stopping Engine
1. Move the throttle control to rear position.
2. Push stop switch at spark plug.
3. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting of the machine while it is unattended.
OPERATION OF THE CHAIN DRIVE TILLER
1. When the ground is hard (especially during spring
and fall plowing), place wheels in up position by pulling
spring loading pin and lifting wheels. Release pin. For
weeding or cultivating, wheels may be left down if you
prefer.
2. Adjust the drag stake for comfortable operation.
This is done by depressing pin, and sliding the drag
stake up or down. The drag stake should be set so that
when it is rmly in the ground, and your hands are on
the tiller handle, your arms hand comfortably with the
elbows slightly bent.
3. Move throttle control to center position. Start the
engine and allow it to warm up, then set the throttle at
about half speed. After you have become more familiar
with the tiller, you may want to run the engine a little
faster.
4. Press down rmly on the handles, and then squeeze
the clutch lever. The tines will begin to turn, but the
tiller should not move forward. If it does, don’t pull
backwards - merely press down harder on the handle.
To prevent personal injury, the chain drive
must disengage immediately when clutch lever is released. If it does not, stop the tiller,
adjust belt and cable tension as described
in Adjustments section of this manual.
Never leave the tiller unattended with the
engine running. Children are attracted to a
running tiller and could be injured if struck
by the rotating tines.
Keep hands clear of belt and tines
while engine is running. Never
attempt to adjust or clean tines
while engine is running, at risk of
severe injury.
DANGER
WARNING
TRANSMISSION 130400
REF #PART #QUAN.DESCRIPTION
11306931Left hand Case Assembly
21306921Right Hand Case Assembly
33593121Oil Fill Plug
440020115/16” x 2 3/4” Bolt
545504115/16” Washer
644310615/16” Nut
73593062Dust Shield
83593052Oil Seal
93593042Bearing, Needle
10359313ARWasher
113593031Spacer
121620381Shaft and Sprocket Assembly
133593021Chain
143366751Gasket
153592961Chain
16162023-A1Idler Sprocket Cluster
173592972Input Bearing
183592981Bushing, Idler Cluster
201620371Input Shaft/Sprocket
213593391Washer Rubber Seal
2240888311/4” x 1/2” Screw
233593511Input Shaft Spacer
24455049ARShim Washer 41/64 x 1 x .0625
455062ARShim Washer 41/64 x 1 x .032
253592992Transmission Washer
*AR -- As Required
When you nd the right amount of downward pressure so that the tines are digging and tiller is not moving
forward, release the pressure slightly. As you release it you’ll notice the tiller beginning to move forward.
The whole tilling operation is controlled by the amount of pressure you put on the drag stake. Do
not ght the tiller. Stand between the handles and press down to go slower and dig deeper, and release the downward pressure to move forward faster. In normal soil, the actual up and down movement of the handles will be no more than an inch or two.
TRANSPORT
To transport tiller from garden to storage area, lift the handles until the drag stake is above ground level, set
the engine throttle at slow speed and walk the tiller on the tines.
6
11
TRANSMISSION
OPERATING TIPS
To acquire the knack of letting the tiller do the work without effort on the part of the operator, we offer the
following suggestions:
1. Adjust drag stake so the handles are at such a height that your arms hang straight down to contact
them. Rear wheels should be raised for deep tillage or ease of turning in conned areas.
2. Operate the tiller at about 3/4 throttle.
3. Don’t hurry the job - proceed at a slow walk - give the machine time to do its job.
4. Concentrate on keeping your arms relaxed (There is a natural tendency for any beginner to tense up.).
Operation actually takes very little effort. Let the tiller do the work.
5. When tilling on sloping ground, turn the front of the machine uphill to sufciently counteract the tendency to run down hill.
6. For best results, operate at reduced throttle settings when the ground is extremely hard or rough.
7. When cultivating, raise the drag stake until the handles are the proper height as described in Item 1 or
set rear wheels in position. Proceed at a slow walk, watching the rotors as it tills along the row.
8. TIGHTEN ALL NUTS AND BOLTS PERIODICALLY.
TILLLING PATTERNS
Whenever possible till the soil in the direction in which the planting or rows will run. If the soil
is extremely hard and dry, it may be advisable to till across the plot on the rst digging and then
obtain the depth you want by tilling in the direction the planting will be done.
ADJUSTMENTS
TINE ADJUSTMENT
The standard tilling width is 26” with both
inner and outer tine assemblies mounted.
Tilling width is 14” with outer assemblies
removed.
To remove outer tine assemblies from inner
tine assemblies, remove pin clip from clevis
pin. Slide clevis pin out and remove outer
tine assembly. Extension tines provide a tilling width of up to 38”.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
Proper clutch adjustment is very important. Minor adjustments, if needed, can be
made by using the links on the clutch cable
chain only. However, the friction type clutch
may need further adjustment as the “V” belt
stretches. Adjust as follows:
1. Remove belt guard.
Figure 7
DANGER
To avoid possible serious bodily injury, when
performing any adjustment remove the spark
plug wire and place the wire away from the
plug to prevent accidental starting.
10
2. Loosen 4 engine mount bolts. Slide engine forward or backwards as required.
3. Unhook clutch cable from load spring.
4. Push upward on idler pulley to take all slack from the drive belt. Distance between the inside
of belt at the idler pulley should be between 2 7/8” and 3 1/8”.
7
Adjustments continued
5. Re-tighten engine mounting bolts.
6. Remove all the slack from clutch cable and hook spring in proper chain link.
7. Check your adjustment by starting the tiller and holding the tines off the ground. If the tines turn without
any hand pressure on the clutch lever, the adjustment is too tight.
Unhook the clutch load spring and hook into next chain link to lengthen clutch cable. If the cable spring on
the clutch handle doesn’t stretch when you hold the clutch handle all the way in, the adjustment is too loose.
Unhook spring end from chain and hook next link to shorten clutch cable.
MAINTENANCE
PERIODIC CHECK
1. Regularly check all bolts and nuts for tightness.
2. If the belt begins to bottom out on the engine pulley, then replacement of the pulley is needed. This is
noticeable by the pulley “V” bottom becoming shiny.
BELT REPLACEMENT
The drive belt is located on the left side of the machine. To replace a worn or slipping belt proceed as follows.
1. Remove belt guard.
2. Make sure clutch lever is in disengaged position.
3. Start at the top of 9” or 7” pulley and begin removing belt in clockwise direction (facing tiller from the
left side). If tension on belt is too great the idler pulley may be pulled downward to relieve pressure on
belt.
4. Once belt is off 9” or 7” pulley remove it from smaller pulley.
5. Replace belt by reversing sequence of steps above.
6. Replace belt guard, “C” nuts, and thumb screws.
PARTS BREAKDOWNS
TINES
LUBRICATION
1. Wheels -- Lubricate wheels and wheel support shafts once a month or every 40 operating hours with
#30 oil. Apply oil to axle and hub at back of wheel. Spin wheel to allow oil to move into bearing. In extremely dusty conditions, wheels may become tight because of dust in bearing area. When this occurs,
remove the wheels and clean axle and wheel bearing surfaces with solvent or emery cloth. Oil and reassemble.
2. Throttle Control Cable -- Lubricate control cable as necessary, with #30 oil. Apply with a saturated
rag or an oil can along the outer surface of the conduit. Remove excess oil.
3. Clutch Lever Pivots -- Apply a few drops of SAE 30 oil to the clutch hand lever and idler lever pivots
as required to maintain a free and smooth operation of clutch.
4. Transmission -- Fill transmission with machine in normal upright position. Fill plug is located on the
upper right hand side. Use 90 weight gear lube or 50 weight motor oil. Capacity is approximately 16
ounces. Remove fill plug. Remove check plug. Fill until check plug hole overflows. Replace plugs. If
excessive oil leakage appears around rotor shaft, the seals and shields must be replaced.
5. Idler Arm Pivots -- Lubricate idler arm pivots once a month or every 40 operating hours with #30 oil.
STORAGE --At the end of the season or if the tiller is to be stored for any length of time it should be
washed. To make the job easier use a soft-bristled scrub brush to clean wheels and tires. A stick can be
used to clean dirt from crevices. This simple procedure will keep your tiller looking like new for years.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE -- REFER TO ENGINE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR