Poulan AGF550A User Manual
OWNER'S MANUAL
MODEL NO. AGF550A
5.5 HP 26 Inch
Tiller
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Service and Adjustments
• Storage
• Troubleshooting
• Repair Parts
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886
190344 01.21.04 TR
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 fl ammable.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fi ll fuel
tank indoors.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restarting.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as specifi ed 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 specifi cally
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 traffi c. 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.
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 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”.
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 Owner’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 LAWS 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-TILLER......................................... 18-23
WARRANTY................................................................. 24
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) 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
overhead_views_8
RIGHT
OPERATOR'S POSITION
FIG. 1
(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 3/4 (2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1
(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/4
(6) Lock Washers 5/16
4
(4) Washers 3/8 x 7/8 x 14
(6) Hex Nuts 5/16-18
depth_stake_4
ASSEMBLY
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
CABLE(S)
TILLER
HANDLES
NUT
handles_38
LOCK
WASH ER
FLAT
WASHER
TILLER
HANDLE
HEX BOLT
5/16-18X1"
HEX BOLT
5/16-18X3/4"
02051
HANDLE
PANEL
BOLTS
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).
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).
DEPTH
STAKE
SUPPORT
BOLT
STAKE
SPRING
TINE OPERATION
• Check tine operation before fi rst use. (See “TINE OPERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).
FIG. 2
5
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.
FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward
direction.
REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse
direction.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.
FIG. 4
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.
6
7
depth_stake_4
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
_94
handles
THROTTLE
CONTROL
CHOKE
CONTROL
e
ngine_art_
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
7
OPERATION
TO TRANSPORT
CAUTION: Before lifting or trans port ing,
allow tiller engine and muffl er 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 fi ller plug.
• Fill engine with oil to point of overfl owing. 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, refi ll to point of overfl owing if nec es sary. Re place oil fi ller 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
engine_art_4
FIG. 7
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of fi ller neck. Do not overfi ll.
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.
PLUG
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 fl ame.
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 fi rst 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 fi res 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.
8
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