Poulan 175680 User Manual

IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away

OWNERS MANUAL

MODEL:

WARNING:

PRRT65A

REAR TINE TILLER

Always Wear Eye Protection During Operation

Read the Owners Manual and
follow all Warnings and Safety
Instructions. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury.

175680 Rev. 2 Rev. 1 8.21.01 TR

Printed in U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND POWERED ROTARY TILLERS

TRAINING

• 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, 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.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con­tains chemicals known to the State of Califor­nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts (2.8L)

Unleaded Regular

OIL(API-SF-SJ) : SAE 30 (Above 32°F/0°C)

(Capacity: 20 oz./0.6L) SAE 5w-30 (Below 32°F/0°C)

SPARK PLUG : Champion

(GAP: .030"/0.76mm) 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 “Customer Responsibilities”
and “Storage” sections of this Owner’s Manual.

IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT
BE USED ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST­COVERED, 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

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

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 4-6

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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................... 11

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ....................... 3,11-13

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS .................................. 13-16

STORAGE ................................................................... 17

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 18

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ......................................... 19-25

WARRANTY ................................................................ 27

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) Tire pressure gauge

(1) Pair of pliers

(1) 9/16" wrench

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

RIGHT

OPERATOR’S
POSITION

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Flat Washer 13/32 x 1 x 11 Gauge

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Carriage Bolt

3/8-16 UNC x 1 Grade 5

(1) Handle Lock Lever

FIG. 1

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Hairpin Clip

(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

Extra Shear Pins & Clips

4

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING CARTON (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
CABLES.

• While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties securing
handle assembly to top frame. Let handle assembly rest
on tiller.

• Remove top frame of carton.

• Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of
carton.

• Cut down right hand front and right hand rear corners of
carton, lay side carton wall down.

• Remove packing material from handle assembly.

HANDLE
ASSEMBLY

SHIFT ROD

FIG. 2

INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)

• Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing outward) in
gearcase notch. (Apply grease on smooth side of
handle lock to aid in keeping lock in place until handle
assembly is lowered into position.)

VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

• Grasp handle assembly. Hold in “up” position. Be sure
handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.

HANDLE ASSEMBLY
"UP" POSITION

TIGHTEN HANDLE
LOCK LEVER TO
HOLD

LOOSEN HANDLE
LOCK LEVER TO
MOVE

FIG. 4

• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage bolt
first, with bolt head on L.H. side of tiller and loosely
assemble locknut (See Fig. 5).

• Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate and tighten.

• Cut down remaining corners of carton and lay panels flat.

• Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut on carriage bolt
so handle moves with some resistance. This will allow
for easier adjustment.

• Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock lever.

• Insert handle lock lever through handle base and gearcase.
Screw in handle lock lever just enough to hold lever in
place.

• Insert second handle lock (with teeth inward) in the slot
of the handle base (just inside of washer).

• With handle assembly in lowest position, securely
tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in lowest position will make it easier
to remove tiller from carton.

GEARCASE

SLOT

HANDLE
LOCK

FLAT
WASHER

HANDLE
LOCK
LEVER

FIG. 3

GEARCASE
NOTCH

HANDLE
LOCK

REAR
CARRIAGE
BOLT

PIVOT
BOLT

HANDLE
BASE

LOCKNUT

FIG. 5

5

ASSEMBLY

ATTACH CLUTCH CABLE (See Fig. 6)

• Hook end of clutch cable through hole in control bar
bracket if necessary.

CONTROL
BAR BRACKET

CONTROL
BAR

CLUTCH
CABLE

CONTROL
BAR BRACKET

END OF CLUTCH
CABLE

FIG. 6

CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 7)

• Insert end of shift rod into hole of shift lever indicator.

• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.

SHIFT
ROD

HAIRPIN
CLIP

SHIFT
LEVER
INDICATOR

FIG. 7

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Make sure shift lever indicator is in “N” position (See Fig.

7)

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle. Separate cardboard
cover from leveling shield.

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of carton.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is
important for best tilling performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI (1.4 kg/cm2).

HANDLE HEIGHT

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

6

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.

DRIVE
CONTROL
BAR

DEPTH STAKE

LEVELING
SHIELD

THROTTLE
CONTROL

SHIFT LEVER

CHOKE CONTROL

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR

OUTER
SIDE
SHIELD

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 depth at which tiller will dig.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tines.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants

from being buried.

RECOIL
STARTER
HANDLE

FIG. 8

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears.
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the trans-

mission is in.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.
.

7

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. 9)

TINES AND DRIVE

• Release drive control bar to stop movement.

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

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to “STOP” position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

DRIVE CONTROL BAR
“ENGAGED” POSI­TION

DRIVE CONTROL BAR
“DISENGAGED” POSITION

THROTTLE
CONTROL

FIG. 9

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before moving shift
lever into another position.

• Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to ( )
till position and engaging drive control bar.

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move shift lever indicator
to “F” (forward) position. Engage drive control bar and
tiller will move forward.

SHIFT
LEVER

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 10)

The depth stake can be raised or lowered to allow you more
versatile tilling and cultivating, or to more easily transport
your tiller.

TRANSPORT

SHALLOWEST
TILLING
(CULTIVATING)

DEEPEST
TILLING

DEPTH
STAKE

POSITION

FIG. 10

TILLING (See Fig. 11)

• Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth stake up for
increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of
depth stake to lock in position.

• Place shift lever indicator in tilling position.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start
tilling movement. Tines and wheels will both turn.

• 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 RELEASE DRIVE CONTROL BAR
BEFORE MOVING SHIFT LEVER INTO ANOTHER
POSITION.

DEPTH STAKE PIN
“RELEASED” POSITION

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER.

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.

• Move shift lever indicator to “R” (reverse) position.

• Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller
movement.

HARD TO SHIFT GEARS

• Briefly engage drive control bar and release or rock tiller
forward and backward until are able to shift gears.

8

NUT “B”

OUTER
SIDE SHIELD

“LOCKED”
POSITION

NUT “A”

FIG. 11

OPERATION

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.

• Place shift lever indicator in “F” (forward) position. Tines
will not turn.

• 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.

• When you have completed your turn-around, release the
drive control bar and lower handle. Place shift lever in
till position and move throttle control to desired speed.
To begin tilling, hold drive control bar against the handle.

OUTER SIDE SHIELDS (See Fig. 11)

The back edges of the outer side shields are slotted so that
the shields can be raised for deep tilling and lowered for
shallow tilling to protect small plants from being buried.
Loosen nut “A” in slot and nut “B”. Move shield to desired
position (both sides). Retighten nuts.

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or transport­ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

• Release the depth stake pin. Move the depth stake
down to the top hole for transporting the tiller. Place
depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock in position.
This prevents tines from scuffing the ground.

• Place shift lever indicator in “F” (forward) position for
transporting.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tiller
movement. Tines will not turn.

• Move throttle control to desired speed.

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.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig.12)

• 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 3 of this manual. All oil
must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SF-SJ.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See oil viscosity chart in the Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities
section in this manual.

OIL
FILL

FIG. 12

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that 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 section of this manual for

additional information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch 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.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso­line near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 13)

CAUTION: Keep drive control bar 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.

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

9