Poulan 163659 User Manual

'■

■%>

0

.vi

A

I

OWNER'S MANUAL

MODEL NO. HDF550F

5 HP 24 Inch
Tiller

Assembly

• Operation
^ Customer Responsibilities

• Serwice and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor; call 1-800-849-1297

For Technical Assistance: call 1 -800-829-5886

0

• Repair Parts

Pouton

163659 11.13.97 TR

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

A

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

A

yWING

• Read the Owner’s 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, particu
larly 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 ad
equate outer garments. 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
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 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 ail 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 (such as wheel weights,
counterweights, cabs, and the like).

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 im
portant safety precautions. It means

A

A

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! 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.

A WARNING A

The engine exhaust from this product con
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER:

DISPLACEMENT:

5.0 HP

12.57 cu. in. (206cc)

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.

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts (2.8L)

Unleaded Regular

Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

MODEL

OIL (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (Above 32°F/0°C)
(CAPACITY: 20 oz./0.6L) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F/0°C)

NUMBER HDF550F
SERIAL

NUMBER

__________

SPARK PLUG: Champion
(GAP: .030''/0.76mm) RJ19LM

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO
THE RIGHT HAND ENGINE BRACKET.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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). 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.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your tiller.

• Follow instructions under “Customer Responsibilities”
and “Storage” sections of this Owner’s Manual.

LIMITED WARRANTY

The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is tree from detects in
materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will

repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we find to be

defective due to materials or workmanship. This Warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions,

1. This warranty does not apply to the engine or components parts thereof. Please refer to the applicable manufacturer's
warranty on these items.

2. Transportation charges for the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment are the responsibility of the
purchaser. Transportation charges for any parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be paid by the
purchaser unless such return is requested by American Yard Products.

3. The Warranty period tor any products used for rental or commercial purposes is limited to 90 days from the date of
original purchase.

4. This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled, adjusted, operated, and maintained in
accordance with the instructions furnished. This Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to
alteration, misuse, abuse, improper assembly or installation, delivery damage, or to normal wear of the product.

5. Exclusions: Excluded from this Warranty are belts, tines, tine adapters, normal wear, normal adjustments, standard
hardware and normal maintenance.

6. In the event you have a claim under this Warranty, you must return the product to an authorized service dealer.

Should you have any unanswered questions concerning this Warranty, please contact:

American Yard Products
Service Department
P.O. Box 1687
Orangeburg, SC 29116 USA

giving the model number, serial number and date of purchase of your product and the name and address of the authorized

dealer from whom it was purchased.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRAN

TIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME PERIODS STATED HEREIN FOR OUR EXPRESSED WARRANTIES. Some areas
do not allow the limitation of consequential damages or limitations of how long an implied Warranty may last, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights
which vary from locale to locale.

This is a limited Warranty within the meaning of that term as defined in the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.

In Canada contact:
American Yard Products
1580 Trinity Drive, Units 5-8
Mississauga, Ontario
L5T 1L6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBfLITiES .....................3, 11-13

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATIONS ..................................... 3

WARRANTY.................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................5-6

OPERATION .............................................................7-10

INDEX

A

Adjustments:

Carburetor
Depth Stake

Handle Height......................

Tines
V-Belt

Wheels..................................... 8

Air Cleaner....................................

................................

.......

.......................

................................. 13-14

.......................................

B

Belt, V-:

Belt Guard .............................. 16

Repair Parts

V-Belt Replacement

........

......................

.................

c

Cooling System
Controls:

Choke...........................................7

Throttle.........................................7

Tines

Cultivating ....................................

Customer Responsibilities:

Air Cleaner................................ 12

Cooling System ......................

Finish

Maintenance Schedule

Muffler..................................... 13

Oil Change

Spark Plug

Transmission............................ 13

Depth Stake:

Adjustment...................................8

Repair Parts

Engine:

Air Cleaner
Cooling System

Fuel Type.................................... 9

Lubrication

Oil Level...................................... 9

.............................

............................................

........................................

...............................

................................

............

D

............................

E

.........

...................

.....................

................................

16

8

13

15

12

20

15

12

10

12

13

11

12
13

21

12

12

12

Engine (cont'd)

Fuel:

Finish:

Handle:

7

Lubrication:

Muffler:

Oil:

Operation:

Oil Type

Spark Plug.............................. 13

Starting

Stopping ....................................

Storage

Winter Operation ..................... 12

Filling Tank

Storage..................................... 17

Type......................................... 9

Maintenance ...........................

Height Adjustment
Repair Parts

Lubrication Chart

Engine

Maintenance............................. 13

Spark Arrester

Level......................................... 9

Type................................. 9,12

Cultivating ...............................

Fill Fuel Tank
Starting Engiiie
Stopping Tines & Engine
Tilling

.........................................

Tilling Hints ...........................

Tine Operation
Transporting Tiller
Winter Operation

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS

STC^RAGE ..... .. ..... ,..,..„„.=......................„.............17

TROOBLESHOOTiNG.............................................. 18

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER........................................ 19-24

...............................

......................................

.....................................

9,12

F

................................

H

....................

.............................

L

......................................

.....................

M

...........................

O

............................ 9

...........................

............................

........ 8

......................

.....................

9

17

9

13

13
19

11

12

3

10

8

10

12

....

.................................... 11

....

..............................

R

Repair Parts

Tiller

..................................... 19-24

Rules for Safe Operation

8

s

Service & Adjustments:

Carburetor.............

Handle Height
Tines

...................................

V-Belt....

Wheels....................................

Service:

Repair Parts......................... 19-24

Service Record

Spark Plug:

Gap

Maintenance

Storage:

Fuel System

Tiller........................................ 17

Tilling
Tines:

Arrangement
Operation
Repair Parts

Transmission:

Maintenance ...........................

Repair Parts

Troubleshooting
Transporting

Warranty.......................................... 3

Wheels:

9

8

9

Adjustments...............................

Repair Parts...'......................... 21

...................................

........................................

.............................................

..................................

.................................. 9

...................

..........................

..............

...........................

..............................

T

........................

.............................

...............................

.............................

W

...13-16

.................

16

13-14

15
8

........... 11

3

13

8, 10

13-14

22
13

18

2

13

17

8

23

8

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) Pair of pliers
(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).

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

LEFT

FRONT

r

M”

RIGHT

OPERATOR'S
POSITION

FIG. 1

!■

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 X 3/4

(1) Cotter Pin

§■■■■■

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

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

o

(1) Clevis Pin

(6) Lock Washers 5/16

(6) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See

Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Oft careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing of

A

iMPORTANT: WHEN UnPACKlNG AND ASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
CABLE(S).

» Cut cable ties securing handles.

• Slowly lift handle assembly up and align handle 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. Tighten all
hardware securely.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid and remove tiller

from skid.

cartoning material

I ALL DEPIH LIAKE 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.

INSTALL REVERSE ROD (See Fig. 2)

• Secure upper reverse rod to lower reverse rod using

clevis pin. Secure with cotter pin.

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator.
(See “HANDLE HEIGHT” in the Service and AdjusT
ments 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).

OPERATION

rntm HI» La

n If '' VM f M. SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

T to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save

this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your Tiiler or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their
meaning.

I

I F N R A (S © l\l B

TiLLiNG FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGirJE

OR WARNING ON OFF

FAST

SLOW CHOKE

O

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

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