McCulloch MFT55 User Manual

MFT55

Owner's Manual

423832 Rev. 1 02.17.09 CL PRINTED IN U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Ro ta ry Tillers

TRAINING

• Read the Owner’s Manual care ful ly. Be thor ough ly fa mil iar with the controls and the proper use of the equip ment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.

• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to op er ate the equipment without proper instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par tic u lar ly 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 (mo tor).

• Do not operate the equipment with out wearing ad e quate outer gar ments. Wear footwear that will im prove 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 rec om mend ed by manufacturer).

OPERATION

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

• Exercise extreme caution when op er at ing on or cross ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry pas sen gers.

• 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 op er at ing the tiller.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

• If the unit should start to vibrate ab nor mal ly, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vi bra tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position.

• Take all possible precautions when leav ing the ma chine 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 work ing condition.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equip ment 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 im por tant 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 CRIT I CAL IN FOR MA TION IN THIS MANUAL.

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A POS SI BIL I TY OF DAM AG ING THIS EQUIP MENT.

NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to better un der stand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of instructions.

Look for this symbol to point out im por tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BE COME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFE TY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it can not contact spark plug in order to pre vent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, adjusting or making re pairs.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con tains chem i cals known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity: 3 Quarts (2.8L) Unleaded Regular

Oil (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (Above 32°F/0°C) (Capacity: 20 oz./0.6L)

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030"/0.76mm)

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller. It has been designed, en gi neered and manu fac tured to give you the best pos sible de penda bil ity and per form ance.

Should you experience any prob lems you can not easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. We have com pe tent, well-trained tech ni cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The in struc tions will enable you to assemble and main tain your tiller prop erly. Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

SAE 5w-30(Below 32°F/0°C)

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 “Stor age” sections of this Operator's 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 WORK ING 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 L AWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS. SEE YOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 4-5

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

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

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 10-12

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 13-15

STORAGE .................................................................... 16

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

REPAIR PARTS ......................................................18-23

ASSEMBLY

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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

(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).

LEFT

FRONT

overhead_views_8

RIGHT

OPERATOR'S POSITION

FIG. 1

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ASSEMBLY

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UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE

(See Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta ples when handling or disposing of cartoning material.

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND AS SEM BLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK CABLE(S).

• Cut cable ties securing handles.

• Slowly lift handle as sem bly up, route cable(s) as shown and align han dle holes with handle panel hole and slot.

• Loosely assemble hardware as shown. Be sure the shorter (3/4" long) hex bolt is assembled in lower hole of handle. Repeat for opposite side. Tight en all hardware se cure ly.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid and remove tiller from skid.

• Remove screws securing depth stake to skid and discard the screws.

HAN DLE PANEL

NUT

LOCK WASH ER

FLAT WASHER

HEX BOLT 5/16-18X3/4"

1 5

020

TILLER HANDLE

HEX BOLT 5/16-18X1"

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE AS SEM BLY

(See Fig. 3)

• Loosen nut “A”.

• Insert stake support between engine brack et halves with stake spring down.

• Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock washers and nuts. Tight en se curely. Tighten nut “A”.

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

ENGINE BRACK ET HALVES

NUT “A”

DEPTH STAKE SUPPORT

HEX BOLTS, LOCK WASH ERS, AND HEX NUTS

FIG. 3

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See “HANDLE HEIGHT” in the Service and Ad just ments section of this manual).

DEPTH STAKE

SUPPORT BOLT

STAKE SPRING

CABLE(S)

TILLER HANDLES

FIG. 2

HANDLE PANEL BOLTS

TILLING WIDTH

• Tilling width may be adjusted to better handle your tilling con di tions (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).

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.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

DEPTH STAKE

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

REVERSE TINE CONTROL

CHOKE CONTROL

THROTTLE CONTROL

TINE SHIELD

TINES

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.

FIG. 4

REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse

direction.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.

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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 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. 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 CON TROL IN

REVERSE CONTROL

“OFF ” (UP) POSITION

FORWARD TINE CON TROL IN “ON” (DOWN) POSITION

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.

HAIRPIN CLIP AND CLEVIS PIN

handles_94

THROTTLE CONTROL

CHOKE CONTROL

FIG. 5

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.

STAKE SPRING

WHEEL

DEPTH STAKE

FIG. 6

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OPERATION

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or trans port ing, 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 AP PROVED, 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 ap proxi mate ca pac i ty see “PRODUCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” 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 es sary. Re place 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

OIL FILLER PLUG

FIG. 7

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed 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 quan ti ties 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 fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac ci den tal ly 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 GAS O LINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER START ING.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas o hol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion 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 stor age 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 sea son. See Storage In struc tions 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 drive control bar in “DISENGAGED” position when start ing en gine.

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 prop er ly connected.

• Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.

• 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 grasp tiller handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of com pres sion cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter.

• 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.

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