Read this Manual and follow all Warnings and
Safety Instructions. Failure to do so can result
in serious injury.
HDF550
REAR TINE TILLER
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION DURING OPERATION
Visit our website:
• Español, p. 18
www.poulan.com
A WARNING:
194793 11.11.04 TR
Printed in U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES
A
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary TillersA
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, par
ticularly 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 ade
quate outer garments. Wear footwear that 'A'ill 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 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 inspect
the tillerfor 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 ex
tended 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
A
A
portant safety precautions. It means
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.
^ WARNING^
The engine exhaust from this product con
tains chemicals known to the State of Cali
fornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity:
Oil (API-SG-SL):
(Capacity: 20 oz./O.OL)
Spark Plug:
(Gap: .03070.76mm)
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller, it
las been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
iou the best possible dependability and performance.
should you experience any problems you cannot easily
emedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
ienter. We have competent, well-trained technicians and
he proper tools to service or repair this unit.
^lease read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly.
\lways observe the “SAFETY RULES”.
3 Quarts (2.8L)
Unleaded Regular
SAE 30 (Above 32°F/0°C)
SAE 5w-30(Below 32°F/0°C)
Champion RC12YC
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 Manual.
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, ITSHOULD 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.
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.
When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (standing
behind tiller handles).
ASSEMBLY
JNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE
'See Fig. 2)
CAUTION; Be careful of exposed
A
IMPORTANT; WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
:ABLE(S).
• Cut cable ties securing handles.
> Slowly lift handle assembly up, route cable(s) as shown
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.
• Remove screws securing depth stake to skid and dis
card the screws.
staples when handling or disposing
of cartoning material.
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE 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.
HANDLE HEIGHT
• 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 OP
ERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS 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. Lsarn and understand their mean
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.
REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine,
direction.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.
OPERATION
SAFETY GUSSa
The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result
in sewere eye damage. Always weat safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller
and while tilling. We recommend a wide ¥ision safety mask for over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.
10WT0 USE YOUR TILLER
(now how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil
)r attempting to start engine.
STOPPING (See Fig. 5)
FINES
» 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.
REVERSE “OFF”(UP) POSITION
CONTROL
FORWARD TINE CONTROL IN
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.
FORWARD TINE CONTROL
IN “ON” (DOWN) POSITION
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.
OPERATION
TO TRANSPORT
CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,
A
AROUNDTHEYARD
• 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.
AROUNDTOWN
• 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.
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.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)
• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.
• Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approx
imate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” 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
essary. Replace 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.
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
A
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at
tract 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.
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow
for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac
cidentally 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.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in
A
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.
• 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 compression 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.
“DISENGAGED” position when start
ing engine.
OPERATION
NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture
may need to be adjusted for best engine performance.
See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting
points.
BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine control before you
actually begin tilling.
• Start engine, tip tines off ground by pressing handles
down and engage tine control to start tine rotation.
Allow tines to rotate for five minutes.
• Check tine operation and adjust if necessary. See‘TINE
OPERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
Soil conditions are important for proper tilling. Tines will
not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute
to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller.
Hard soil should be moistened before tilling; however,
extremely wet soil will “ball-up” or clump during tilling.
Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the
best results. When tilling in the fall, remove vines and
long grass to prevent them from wrapping around the
tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation.
You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row un
tilled between passes. Then go back between tilled
rows. (See Fig. 9) There are two reasons for doing
this. First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate than
about-faces. Second, the tiller won’t be pulling itself,
and you, toward the row next to it.
Set depth stake and wheel height for shallow tilling
when working extremely hard soil or sod. Then work
across the first cuts at normal depth.
TILLING HINTS
CAUTION: Until you are accustomed
A
To help tiller move forward, lift up th_e handles slightly (thus
lifting depth stake out of ground), lo slow down the tiller,
press down on handles.
If you are straining ortiller is shaking, the wheels and depth
stake are not set properly in the soil being tilled.The proper
setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and
error and depends upon the soil condition. (The harder or
wetter the ground, the slower the engine and tine speed
needed. Under these poor conditions, at fast speed the
tiller will run and jump over the ground).
A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little effort from the
operator.
• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up
packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soil helps
root growth. Best tilling depth is 4"-6". A tiller will also
clearthe soil of unwanted vegetation.The decomposition
of this vegetable matter enriches the soil. Depending
on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may be advisable
to till the soil at the end of the growing season to further
condition the soil.
to handling your tiller, start actual field
use with throttle in slow position.
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre
vent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the
plants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of
soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Best digging
rifinth if! 1 "-.f?"
• You will probably not need to use the depth stake. Begin
by tipping the depth stake forward until it is held by the
stake spring.
• Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will
allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in
rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds
and grass (See Fig. 10).
Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge
Clean Engine Cylinder Fins
Replace Spark Plug
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy ioad or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
✓
✓
✓
✓
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have
been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain tiller
as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your tiller.
At least once a season, check to see if you should make
any of the adjustments described in the Service and Ad
justments section of this manual.
• Once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean
or replace air filter, and check tines and belts for wear.
A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper
air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and
last longer.
<2
✓
•/2
•/
✓
LUBRICATION CHART
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level.
• Check tine operation.
• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See “LUBRICATION CHART”).
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance (except carburetor adjustment! to
prevent accidental starting of engine.
Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Remove fuel from tank
before tipping unit for maintenance. Clean muffler area of all grass, dirt, and debris.
Do not touch hot muffler or cylinder fins as contact may cause burns.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F -20030 32 40 6080 100
C -30
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W-30,10W-30, etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, these multi viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption when used above
32°F (0°C). Check your engine oil level more frequently to
avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the tiller is not used for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Add SAE
30 motor oil or equivalent. Tighten oil filler plug securely
each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 11 and 12)
Determine temperature range expected before oil change.
All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.
• Be sure tiller is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
• Remove drain plug.
• Tip tiller forward to drain oil,
• After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug
and tighten securely.
• Remove oil filler plug. Be careful not to allow dirt to
enter the engine.
• Refill engine with oil. See “CHECK ENGINEOILLEVEC
in the Operation section of this manual.
20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
FIG. 11
AIR CLEANER (See Fig. 13)
Service air cleaner cartridge every twenty-five hours, more
often if engine is used in very dusty conditions.
• Loosen air cleaner screws, one on each side of
cover.
• Remove air cleaner cover.
• Carefully remove air cleaner cartridge. Be careful. Do
not allow dirt or debris to fall into carburetor.
• Clean by tapping gently on a flat surface.
• If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge.
• Clean and replace cover. Tighten screws securely.
CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as
kerosene, are not to be used to clean
cartridge. They may cause deterioration
of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge.
Do not use pressurized air to clean or
dry cartridge.
AIR CLEANER CARTRIDGE
COVER
AIR
CLEANER
SCREW -
FIG. 13
COOLING SYSTEM (See Fig. 14)
Your engine is air cooled. For proper engine performance
and long life keep your engine clean.
• Clean air screen frequently using a stiff-bristiedbrush.
• Remove blower housing and clean as necessary.
• Keep cylinder fins free of dirt and chaff.
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